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George Washington Day held Sunday, July 24

| 27 Jul 2016 | 02:08
    Photos by Roger Gavan "Hear ye, Hear ye," shouted the "Town Crier" Raymond Aponte, as he rang his hand held bell and read a proclamation stating the news of the day about an important visitor to Warwick.
    Photos by Roger Gavan "Hear ye, Hear ye," shouted the "Town Crier" Raymond Aponte, as he rang his hand held bell and read a proclamation stating the news of the day about an important visitor to Warwick.
    There was also a surprise visit by George and Martha Washington, as played by Tom Brennan and Linda Blake. After arriving at Lewis Park, they took their seats on a fine rug, as was the custom of that day, and fielded questions from the youngsters present.
    There was also a surprise visit by George and Martha Washington, as played by Tom Brennan and Linda Blake. After arriving at Lewis Park, they took their seats on a fine rug, as was the custom of that day, and fielded questions from the youngsters present.
    Susan Logothetis was on hand to demonstrate a common Colonial period skill.
    Susan Logothetis was on hand to demonstrate a common Colonial period skill.
    Carmine Garritano demonstrated the manual of arms taught to soldiers then and now.
    Carmine Garritano demonstrated the manual of arms taught to soldiers then and now.
    Revolutionary War enactors Robin Chandler (left) and her daughter Cora demonstrate a Colonial period game. Robin Chandler's fourth great grandfather was born in Warwick's historic Hathorn House.
    Revolutionary War enactors Robin Chandler (left) and her daughter Cora demonstrate a Colonial period game. Robin Chandler's fourth great grandfather was born in Warwick's historic Hathorn House.

WARWICK — "Hear ye, Hear ye," shouted "Town Crier" Raymond Aponte as he rang his hand held bell and read a proclamation stating the news of the day about an important visitor to Warwick.
On a July day in 1783, General George Washington and his entourage visited Warwick's Baird's Tavern.
And on Sunday, July 24, 2016, the Warwick Historical Society was commemorating the 99th annual George Washington Day in Lewis Park, just across the street from the site of that historic Baird's Tavern complex.
Washington, the commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, had been traveling along Kings Highway at that time on his way back from an important visit with a French military ally in Philadelphia.
A meticulous record keeper, Washington recorded this visit in his journal along with an itemized purchase of grog.
Visitors to the community celebration, a free annual event open to the public, had an opportunity to enjoy colonial games, storytelling, military drills, craft exhibits, patriotic music, refreshments and guided tours of Baird's Tavern and the Old School Baptist MeetingHouse.
There was also a surprise visit by George and Martha Washington, as played by Tom Brennan and Linda Blake.
The distinguished visitors first toured the Village of Warwick in a convertible provided by Leo Kaytes Ford and powered by more horses than the general and his wife could have ever imagined.
After arriving at Lewis Park, they took their seats on a fine rug, as was the custom of that day, and fielded questions from the youngsters present.
The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick believes that an understanding and appreciation of our historic heritage is essential to maintaining a unique and meaningful identity as a community. It's stated mission is to preserve and celebrate the history of the Town of Warwick and its people through a variety of programs aimed at developing an understanding and appreciation of our unique historic heritage.

- Roger Gavan