Elaine Brenchley, First State Heritage Park, 302-739-9194
Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks, 302-739-9175

State Heritage Park brings 18^th century
market fair to The Dover Green on Nov. 6

DOVER (Oct. 29, 2010) – In the mid-1700s, Dover was the scene of market fairs each autumn. Travelling merchants and local tradesman exchanged goods, while entertainment of all sorts brought excitement to The Green.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 6, the First State Heritage Park recreates some of the sights and sounds of an 18^th century market fair for its monthly First Saturday celebration. The event, which features living history, art and craft demonstrators, children’s activities and the sale of traditional products, will take place inside the Old State House and outdoors on The Green. In case of inclement weather, all activities will be moved inside the Old State House. Admission is free.

History takes a humorous turn in a visit from Monsieur LeFarceur de Villeverte, who portrays a lace merchant forced to flee the 1789 French Revolution. This “arrogant Frenchman” will treat the audience like citizens of the new American nation whom he wants to recruit as lacemakers to help support his extravagant lifestyle.

Visitors will enjoy songs, anecdotes, and Revolutionary tea lore with historical balladeer and tea interpreter Stacy Flora Roth, who portrays a wandering peddler with a sack full of ballads, some contraband or second-hand tea, and other surprises.

Visitors can try knot-tying and scrubbing the deck alongside merchant seamen, or sing along with the sailors’ shanty music, and learn how goods came up the St. Jones River to Dover. Visitors will also learn about 18^th century tanneries and have the opportunity to talk with Revolutionary War hero Allen McLane. Eighteenth-century dancing will be featured in the Old State House and attendees will have the chance to learn a few steps themselves.

The afternoon also features the debut of a new walking tour with a market fair theme. “Spirits and Spices and Silks to Buy!” relates the stories of 18^th and 19^th century Dover merchants and tradesmen like Vincent Loockerman and John Banning and the goods available to Dover residents of the day. This free tour begins at 2 p.m. at the newly restored John Bell House on The Green.

Demonstrations and traditional art and craft for sale:

·         Blacksmith Jay Hoffman demonstrates the forge and anvil and sells his hand-forged products, including cabinet door pulls, hooks, screwdrivers and other metalwork.

·         Traditional painted floor cloths will be demonstrated and sold by Maria Bessette, who will also sell her handmade, all-natural soaps.

·         Woodworker Rick Schuman uses his spring-pole lathe and vintage hand tools to create spoons, spatulas, kitchen utensils, rolling pins, stools and an unusual Scandinavian bowl with handle called a “kuksa.”

·         Silhouette artist Brian Miller portrays an itinerant artist who uses a “camera obscura” to create profiles as they were done during the 18th and early 19th centuries.

·         Landscape artist Richard Bazelow will demonstrate plein air painting.

·         Lady Aimee's Fine Sewing & Sutlery offers period-style clothing for children and adults and demonstrates 18^th century mapmaking.

·         Weaver Gladys Shaw will sell place mats, runners, wall hangings, shawls and skirts as Thistledown Fiber Guild members and John Dickinson Plantation interpreters demonstrate spinning, weaving, knitting, tape making and quilting.

Food demonstrations and sales:

·         Lavender Fields Farm, Delaware’s only lavender farm, will demonstrate early herb-drying techniques and how to use lavender in teas and as bug repellants

·         Deborah Peterson’s Pantry offers sweetmeats and spices, sugars and teas, and chocolate

·         Food historian Clarissa Dillon shows how to put a garden to bed and preserve your harvest for the winter.

Children’s activities:

Children can:

·         Pick a trade and make their own merchant’s trade sign

·         Try their hand at wool carding and drop spindles

·         Be an archaeologist at the John Bell House and look for artifacts

·         Explore a touch-it table of 18^th century merchant goods

·         Be a sailor and scrub the deck or learn to tie knots

·         Play hoop and stick or trap ball like 18^th century children.

More Market Fair information is available at www.destateparks.com/heritagepark or by calling 302-739-9194.

The First State Heritage Park is Delaware’s first urban “park without boundaries” linking historic and cultural sites in the city that has been the seat of state government since 1777. The park is a partnership of state agencies, under the leadership of Delaware State Parks, working in collaboration with local government, nonprofit organizations and the private sector.

Vol. 40, No. 371