The History of Chesterfield, New Hampshire


 

November 22, 2000
Oak Glen, California

Dear Friends and Family,

Even as we write, the tent stakes are being pounded into the ground for this year's frontier historical encampment and rendezvous, featuring American soldiers, scouts,  and camp life from 1600 to 1870.     Nearly 30 camps are now in place, with more coming in every hour.

If you've ever wanted to buy  a unique Christmas present for one of the history buffs in your family, this is the place.   You can't find an authentic powder horn at Wal-Mart, but you sure can here.    You can't find an 18th century woman's ball gown at Costco, but you can order one here.      You can't find a pine canteen or deer sinew at Albertsons', but you just might here--while the supplies last!

Public Parking Fees: $5/regular sized car, mini vans, station wagons,
$10 for large vans, $15 for motorhomes, $100 for bus coaches.
TIME:  10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

On December 9th and 16th, we will be hosting the 4th Annual Christmas in the Colonies, featuring a seven course colonial Virginia meal, dancing, music, musket fire, carol singing and more.    Don't miss out!    Call us (909) 797-7534 or email us now to hold your spot.

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"

November 24th

Eric Elias appearing for the first time as a Mowhawk.

Alex Tibari cooking up breakfast

Long Time family friend Lena McClure ties the knot with Sean Lynch in an 18th century wedding.

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