City fetes Paine’s birthday Jan. 29

By: centraljersey.com
BORDENTOWN CITY – The Thomas Paine Society of Bordentown will host its annual Thomas Paine Birthday Celebration on Saturday, Jan. 29.
This is a daylong series of presentations. January 29th, represents the 274th anniversary of the birth of American Revolutionary author and patriot Thomas Paine.
Paine, who is most famous and his important work is "Common Sense" published in January, 1776. Paine, often spent time in Bordentown, New Jersey and the town is the only place in America that Paine actually owned property.
At 12 noon, His Excellency General George Washington will read excerpts from "Common Sense" and the "Crisis" speech in front of the 1740 Friends Meeting House (302 Farnsworth Avenue). Appearing as General Washington, at this event and throughout the day, is Mr. Sam West.
The Birthday Celebration is made possible by the cooperation of an anonymous donor, Henry G. Tutek, Donor Advisor and the Downtown Bordentown Association
Scheduled events are:
George Vinter will have a presentation on Colonial toys and games. Mr. Vinter hand-crafts all the pieces in the exhibit. Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Old City Hall, 11 Crosswicks St.. Cost: Free.
Debbie Cramer – will present "Thomas Paine and His Friends in Bordentown," a lecture that links Paine and Bordentown genealogy. Original Colonial-era documents including deeds signed by Joseph Borden will be on display. Time: 12:30 – 1:15p.m. Old Friends Meeting House 302 Farnsworth Ave. Cost: Free.
James Burkhalter and "The Practitioners of Musik" an ensemble presenting the music of the Colonial period. Time: 2 p.m. Venue to be determined. Visit web-site: www.downtownbordentown.com for updates. Cost: Free.
"Tea w/General Washington," enjoy high tea with Gen. Washington and ask him questions. There will also be a presentation on Thomas Paine and Colonial printing and bookselling by Society President Doug Palmieri. An original copy of "Common Sense" will be on display. Time: 3:30 p.m. Old Friends Meeting House – upper chamber, 302 Farnsworth Ave. Cost: $8 – limited seating & reservations a must. Tickets & information call The Old Book Shop 609-324-9909.