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Who Done It: A Historic Murder Mystery at Dover, Delaware's Old State House on October 29, 2016

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Old State House at night compressed

“Who Done It: A Historic Murder Mystery” at Dover, Del.’s Old State House on Oct. 29, 2016

¨ Fictionalized historical play presented in celebration of Halloween

(DOVER, Del.—Oct. 18, 2016)—Visitors of all ages are invited to celebrate Halloween early by attending the fictionalized historical-play “Who Done It: A Historic Murder Mystery” that will be presented at 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, 2016 at The Old State House, located at 25 The Green in Dover, Del. Admission is free and open to the public, but, due to space restrictions, reservations are required by calling302-744-5054.

Created by historic-site interpreters at The Old State House, “Who Done It: A Historic Murder Mystery” will transport attendees back to the 18th century to help Delaware physician James Sykes solve the mysterious case of Samuel Bedford III’s murder. Armed only with a checklist and some helpful hints from Dr. Sykes himself, visitors will have a chance to tour one of the oldest capitol buildings in the United States as they question those closest to Mr. Bedford, and draw their own conclusions as to “who done it.” Attendees will also learn the true medical mystery that inspired this program.

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Just in from Lancaster History.org: Free Colloquium with Historian Milt Diggins

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Image of LancasterHistory.org's logo.

Philadelphia Area Slave Catcher on Trial in Upcoming Free Colloquium
Historian Milt Diggins uncovers the life of Thomas McCreary.

Lancaster, PA (October 11, 2016) – LancasterHistory.org will host public historian and researcher Milt Diggins on October 27, 2016 for a free colloquium on his new book Stealing Freedom Along the Mason-Dixon Line: Thomas McCreary, the Notorious Slave Catcher from Maryland. This colloquium will shed light on the fascinating historical figure who earned a living hunting down escaped slaves around the Philadelphia area in the decades preceding the Civil War. McCreary’s story collides with Lancaster’s at the Christiana Riot, later known as the Christiana Resistance, and its aftermath.

From Diggins’ book description: “Thomas McCreary was a slave catcher and kidnapper unconcerned for the difference between the two activities. He lived in Cecil County, Maryland, the mid-point between Philadelphia, a refuge for freedom seekers, and Baltimore, a major slave market. McCreary and his community provide a close up view of the toxic effects the debate over slavery had on the country in the years leading up to the Civil War.”

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Denison Ledger: October 6, 1869 John W. Miner Receipt

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Denison Scrapbook John W. Miner rent payment to Anson Brownw

If you have been following along with the Denison Scrapbook/ Ledger/ Stamp Collection blogs on Passed Time, you know there is some question over ownership of the Connecticut artifact. Obviously, the ledger changed hands many times during these intervening years, but the letters and receipts tucked within its pages, suggest a member of the Denison or Miner family was the original owner.

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The Drawing Books of Verena Fehr

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Fehr Verena drawing bookw

Ah, today, September 30, 2016....National Hot Mulled Cider Day! Normally, I sit and look out my window while gazing upon a beautiful fall day-- all the while sipping my mulled cider, of course. Alas, the weather here is prohibitive. As such, I have chosen to look at a page from Verena Fehr's drawing book. Her adorable musings serve to uplift the spirit on dreary days. Enjoy, Pat (see below for links to more of Fehr's art)

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Reverend James G. Penlington's English Textbook

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James G. Penlington Belmar New Jersey Book

In an exciting new development, we will be devoting a section of Passed Time to books owned by our ancestors (yours and mine). Photos of books, bookplates, and ownership inscriptions can be added to this group.¹The concept will allow not only genealogists, but future generations to see what might have interested and inspired their ancestors. Hopefully, it will also illustrate shared experiences between generations. Take for instance, the need for textbooks and teaching aids--one construct that has changed little through the years.

This textbook was once owned by James G. Penlington (1913-1998) as evidenced by the ownership inscription found on the inner cover (seen below). In his penned note, Penlington stated he was a student at The King's College in Belmar, New Jersey.

The King's College is a liberal arts Christian College founded in 1938 by Percy Crawford (1902-1960). Originally located in Belmar, New Jersey, it subsequently moved to New Castle, Delaware in 1941. In 1955, long after Penlington attended, the college relocated again, this time to New York.

Although Penlington does not provide a date of attendance, we know from his notation that he attended while the college was at Belmar. Furthermore, the August 16, 1941 edition of the Pottstown Mercury indicates "Mr. James Penlington, a student at King's college [sic], Bristol, Term" was to conduct Sunday school. The class was part of a weekend event held by the Christian Endeavor Society of Chester County.² Penlington might have attended The King's College after its move to Delaware. Although the book recently surfaced in Delaware, no documentation is known which suggests Penlington followed the school.

^{Penlington did leave another breadcrumb by stating that he resided in room B9. Although I could not find a photograph of that room, I did find a fun site containing old photos of the school at Belmar (see the link below). Many photos are shown on the Camp Evans (campevans.org) website and perhaps Penlington's visage is one of the unidentified faces smiling at the camera.}

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Fun with Dick and Jane....and Hilda and Joe

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Fun with Joe and Janew

Do you know what clickbait is? For those who do not know, clickbait is the term for "articles" with sensationalistic headlines or tantalizing photographs which lure readers to click on them. This act leads readers to another website where they become mired in an endless labyrinth of webjunk (did I just coin a word?). Most of the times the webjunk is completely unrelated to the headline or photo that caused one to click on it in the first place. The process leaves the reader hanging their head and weeping in frustration because they fell for it again--or that is what I have heard. I've personally never fallen for it. I swear. I SWEAR!

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