The History of Chesterfield, New Hampshire


 

UPDATE December 6, 2000:  We're sorry to announce that we've had to cancel "Christmas in the Colonies" this year.   After placing newspaper advertising, sending 1st class and e-mail to our guest list, we just didn't succeed in meeting our minimum attendance standards for the event.

Without sinking to plastic forks and paper plates, we're going to sharpen our pencil and work out a more affordable, but still authentic, tavern theater program next year.    Stay tuned and Merry Christmas!

November 27, 2000
Oak Glen, California

Dear Friends and Family,

It's hard to believe but another year is coming to a close and the Christmas Season is now hard upon us.     Colonial Virginians celebrated the advent of the Christ Child's birth for an entire month--from St. Nicholas Eve (December 5th) to Twelfth Night (January 6th).     Muskets roared, country dances were held, feasts were prepared, marriages celebrated, and, according to one contemporary journal, guests were "sought after with greediness."    As the Virginia Almanac of 1766 put it, "When Christmas comes, tis fit that we, should feast, and sing, and merry be!"

Indeed!

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 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"

A Picture of the Riley Family

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

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

(909) 797-7534

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