Out & About: Bushy Run Battlefield tea offers bonus history lessons

May 21—Finger sandwiches, scones, strawberry soup, salad and orange fluff were on the menu for the annual Spring Tea, held May 12 at Bushy Run Battlefield in Penn Township.

A sell-out crowd of 69 gathered in the stone room at the visitor center around tables set with white linens, china and fresh flowers.

The event was more than just an elegant midday repast — it also provided guests with a taste of the educational opportunities available at the historical park, site of a 1763 skirmish during Pontiac's Rebellion.

Dressed in full colonial garb, Henry Bowden of Turtle Creek gave a talk titled, "In Defense of Aaron Burr."

On the subject of the 1804 duel between Burr, the country's third vice president, and founding father Alexander Hamilton that resulted in the latter's death, Bowden said, "I believe Aaron Burr got a bad rap and Alexander Hamilton doesn't deserve to be called a hero. They were both victims of circumstance."

Bowden claimed the right to his opinion as a descendant of both historical figures.

Members of the 60th Royal American Regiment of Foot also presented a training drill, responding to the commands of drummer John Harris of Harrison City, a seniorat the South Carolina military college, The Citadel.

State Rep. George Dunbar also presented a citation to Bushy Run volunteer Jim Comunale of Trafford in recognition of his being named Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission 2022 Volunteer of the Year. Comunale put in 950 hours that year at Bushy Run, working almost every day in a variety of capacities.

Tea co-chairs Katrina Lichtenfels and Diane Moore headed a committee of about 30 volunteers. Proceeds benefited the Bushy Run Battlefield Heritage Society.

Seen in the stone room: Bonnie Ramus, Dan Doran, Joni Harris, Jackie Naser, Nila Welton, Valerie Good, LaVerne Mochnick, Kim Moore, Brenda Koreen, Nancy Isabella, Carolyn Miller, Glenda Gebert, Pat Haught and Maria Christopher.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .