The History of Chesterfield, New Hampshire


 

August 22, 2000
Oak Glen, California

UPDATE:  PICTURES FROM THE MUSTER

Dear Friends and Family,

This coming Labor Day Weekend, we will be hosting Colonial era re-enactors in a Revolutionary War Encampment we're calling the "End of the Summer Muster."

As many of you know, the defense of the realm was a decidedly less procedural affair in 18th century America, with far fewer professionals and far more citizen soldiers.   In most townships, every man between 16 and 60 was required to own and maintain a weapon, train with the rest of the militia eight times a year, and answer the call when required.    The recruitment scenes in this summer's blockbuster, The Patriot, were not at all uncommon.   

In August of 1777, some of my own ancestors were living in what was then a frontier township--Chesterfield, New Hampshire.   British General John Burgoyne was promising the wrath of an angry sovereign against those who would not fly to the royal standard, and a band of some twenty-two men had marched off in July, to rendezvous with General Stark, who would later defeat part of the British and Hessian force at Bennington.

What was life like in an American farming village of the 18th century?    Come on up and find out!     The farm will be open for the public on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:30, and from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Monday.   (We will be open on Monday  until 4:30 as well, but we can't guarantee the reenactors will be on hand after 1:00 PM.)

This year, we're asking you to judge the best historical interpreter on the hill.    Click here for more information on this event.

Your Humble Servant,

James Riley

Don't Forget...

This year, over 10,000 school children  will take part in our Living History Field Trips.    Click here to make it 10,001!       The price is $12.00 per participant, with one free adult for every 15 students.      This includes lunch and four hours of participatory living history, covering either the American Revolution, Civil War, or Early California.

After an early March visit this year, a  fifth grade teacher from San Diego wrote us to say, "Thank you for the most wonderful field trip I have ever hosted for children.   Your knowledge of history, the authenticity of your facilities, the beauty of the surroundings, and the love of history that you shared with the students are very much appreciated." 

Thanks!  

Mark your calendars!   We look forward to visiting with you soon.

 Your Humble Servant,

James Riley

P.S. For the sake of those "web portals" constantly browsing the internet to update their search engines, we include the following boiler-plate. (Feel free to read this, if you're new to our site.)

Riley's Farm is a working apple orchard and living history farm in the Oak Glen area of Southern California. In addition to farming, we love history and we have provided a venue for re-enactment units comprising many different eras. The farm regularly hosts banquets, birthday parties, weddings, and office parties. Every year, literally thousands of students participate in one of our school tours, where they experience everything from weaving, candle-dipping, and cider pressing to the drill and muster of a Revolutionary War or Civil War battle. Our farm has appeared on the History Channel and in the recently released feature film, Amistad, as well as many other film and television productions. (We even try to get the producers to include us as on screen talent, but that's another story.) On selected weekends throughout the year, we offer "farm-stay" weekends, where families can experience--clothing, wood stoves, muskets, and all--the life of an 18th or 19th century American farmer. We grow sweet corn, apples, raspberries, pears, and sunflowers, just to mention a few of our crops. Our nephew, Devon, keeps some beautiful Belgian draft horses for country hay-rides. We love America--its traditions, its people, its history, and its cherished heritage of liberty in Christ. Have we said enough? Well, one more thing: In the fall, thousands of families make an annual pilgrimage to the farms of Oak Glen to experience the closest thing to a New England fall California has to offer. Why don't you stop by and say hello?

P.S.  Stay Clear of this "Cider House"

Ignore the Critics, Enjoy The Patriot!

A few pictures from previous Colonial Re-enactments at Riley's Farm:

A Picture of the Riley Family

Contacting us via e-mail at: info@rileysfarm.com.

Sign our Guest Book.

Riley's Farm
12261 S. Oak Glen Road
Oak Glen, California 92399

(909) 797-7534

Riley's Farm, Copyright 1997-2000, All Rights Reserved