George Washington speaks at the 250th Boston Tea Party event

Shirley Stirling

George Washington recently spoke at South Union Grange. Who better to lead a celebration of the 250^th anniversary (1773-2023) of the Boston Tea Party than the “father” of his country? And what better city as a venue than Olympia, the capital of the only state named for a U.S. president?

On Friday, April 21, 2023, Beverly York and friends celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Boston Tea Party with a public event. It was held in Tumwater's South Union Grange #860 and attracted 145 people, primarily families with children. They enjoyed berry/fruit tea; froggers, a colonial ginger/molasses cookie; sugar biscuits with nutmeg; and several activities. 

George Washington speaks

General George Washington (Vernon Frykholm) spoke about the Boston Tea Party and also about the general's garden (he had four). The Grange is an association that advocates for agriculture and rural America and so the gardens were an apt topic for the venue. 

About the tea party

The Boston Tea Party was a protest against high taxation by the British government. Following are three facts about the Boston Tea Party:

1. Disguises: The participants in the Boston Tea Party were American colonists of the British Empire who disguised themselves by painting their faces and donning Mohawk headdresses. This was done to avoid being recognized by officials of the British government.
2. Targeting the Tea: They targeted tea as a symbol of British oppression, dumping 342 chests of tea, which amounted to 90,000 pounds, into the Boston Harbor. The value of the tea was equivalent to about $1 million in today's currency.
3. No Casualties: Despite the destruction of property during the Boston Tea Party, there were no deaths or even injuries reported. The participants were careful not to harm anyone and even swept the decks of the ships they raided to ensure that no one would slip and fall. They also paid for the damage resulting from the raid.

George as a farmer

As a farmer, General Washington worked constantly to develop better agricultural practices. George was one of our nation’s first "Master Gardeners." Apart from his military and political career, George Washington was considered one of the most innovative farmers of his time.

Here are some of his most important agricultural achievements:

1.  Crop Rotation: Washington pioneered crop rotation, a method of planting different crops in different fields each year to preserve the soil. He used a four-year rotation system, which included wheat, corn, clover, and potatoes.
2. Use of Fertilizers: Washington tried different fertilizers, including manure, fish heads and other fish parts, and lime, to improve soil fertility and productivity. He also advocated composting to recycle organic waste and improve soil structure.
3.  Irrigation: Washington recognized the importance of irrigation in dry areas and built a series of canals and ditches to irrigate his fields. He also experimented with different irrigation techniques, such as flooding and furrow irrigation, to conserve water and improve crop yields.
4. Livestock Breeding: Washington pioneered livestock breeding and imported animal breeds from Europe, including horses, cattle, and sheep. He also experimented with crossbreeding to create new breeds, including mules. The new breeds were better adapted to the local climate and terrain.

Washington's agricultural achievements helped to establish the U.S. as a major agricultural power. His innovative farming techniques and commitment to sustainable agriculture continue to influence farmers and researchers today.

Activities for children and families

Before, after and between the two lectures, children and adults participated in various activities: weaving small baskets, sewing 4-patch quilts, playing games, cursive, and coloring.

Connie Barclay taught basket weaving for industrious visitors to weave a small basket to take home.

Quilter and Grange member Diane Williams helped attendees sew their own four-patch quilt with batting and backing.

The handwriting rebellion

Alice Swidecki led a “Spencer Cursive” mini-workshop, with parchment of the Declaration of Independence as a backdrop. Spencerian penmanship, based on Copperplate script, was developed in New York in 1840 by Platt Rogers Spencer. It was, in part, a rebellion against the cramped British script, uniquely American, and became the standard for handwriting in the U.S. It remained popular until the early 1900s when the more basic Palmer method gained favor.

Sherry Stacy read, "If You Lived in Colonial Times," a children's book. Sherry is a published author and retired teacher. She has been a leader in the homeschool community for decades.

Northwest reenactor

Well-known as a Northwest reenactor, Vern has portrayed George Washington since 2012, giving over 500 portrayals to more than 25,000 people. 

He has talked to students at schools, clubs, libraries, business groups, churches, and regional/national conferences. He appeared at the George Washington Inn, between Sequim and Port Angeles for the annual Lavender Festival in for 10 years and the annual Northwest Colonial Festival for 7 years. During the Covid-19 crisis, he responded by Zooming into classrooms and meetings. He also developed educational videos online. His website,  http://georgewashingtonspeaks.com, YouTube channel, and Facebook page offer more than 80 educational videos.

Photo Opp

York invited each person and family at the event to pose for a photo with the "real" George Washington and it proved to be a popular activity!

Beverly York holds the office of Lecturer at the South Union Grange. This event was a joint venture of the South Union Grange #860, Daughters of the American Colonists, and Daughters of the American Revolution.

Shirley Stirling, of Lacey, writes about good things people in Thurston County are doing. If you’d like to nominate someone to be profiled, contact her at shirley@theJOLTnews.com or comment below.