The History of Chesterfield, New Hampshire


 

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March 7, 2001
Oak Glen, California

Dear Friends & Family,

The Royal Welsh Fusiliers, otherwise known as the 23rd Regiment of Foot, held their St. David's Day feast here Saturday night.   That's Corporal Jack Pritchard on the right holding the evening's regimental mascot.   In the 18th century, wherever the 23rd Regiment marched, along with them marched their goat.    Since our local company of the 23rd, captained by George Mack, lives mostly in the suburbs of Southern California, we let them rent one of my nephew Devon's goats to serve in the role.

The evening started with a lively history of regimental anecdotes, related by Captain Ferguson (George Mack), followed by toasts, and dinner.  The evening concluded with a ceremony requiring new recruits to eat a leek.    The new recruit must place his right foot on a chair, chomp down a leaf or two of this pungent vegetable native to Wales, and then make a toast--in that order.  If he fails in his execution, he must eat another leek.  (Eeek!)

The musicians of Colonial Chesterfield, Kathy von Arx and Freeman House, provided lively baroque accompaniment on violin and cello.

Interested in a period event?   Call us at 909-797-7534.  

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