The Monroe Crossing

Capt. Robert V. Gerenser
New Hope
    This is a heartfelt thanks from all of us at the Coryell’s Ferry Militia to all those of the modern town of New Hope who have made this important event possible.
   Thanks start with the New Hope Borough Council. All members of the council have supported this event from the beginning, but in particular the current members of council have supported this event not only with their vote but their participation. With Borough Council’s support comes the support and participation of Mayor Larry Keller and the New Hope Police Department and Chief Cummings.
   Special thanks to Mayor Keller, who started the festivities at the Ferry Landing Park by firing the first round from our authentic 18th century 6-pound cannon.
   Much gratitude to the New Hope Eagle Fire Department fire police for additional traffic control..
   Thanks to Tom Carrol and the New Hope Street Department for erecting the traffic barriers and preparing the park.
   Thanks to state Constables Joe Knox (yes, a descendent of Henry Knox) and Rick Sweeney, who stood by in case additional control was needed.
   Thanks to Beth Hasher of the New Hope Parks and Recreation board for allowing us the use of the Ferry Landing Park both for the Monroe Crossing and for Saturday, Dec. 22, when The Artillery Crew of the Coryell’s Ferry Militia will do a rare night firing demonstration. That demonstration will take place at 5.p.m.
   Continuing thanks to Borough Manager John Burke and Secretary of Council Joanne Connell for their constant help in getting the paperwork correct for this event..
   We are most grateful to the New Hope Chamber of Commerce’s Connie Gering and Renee Schwartz for adopting the event and sponsoring the event with insurance and press assistance.
   This is a town wide event. All are welcome to participate as long as your doctor says it is OK and you have put together the proper clothing for the event.
   In the coming year look for additional historic activities by the Coryell’s Ferry Militia, including a Colonial Day in July and the building of a New Replica flat bottom riverboat in August. Artillery drill continues throughout the year. If you would like to have information on clothing and accouterments, please consult our website Coryell’s Ferry Militia on Face Book. Please like us on Face Book.
   Thanks also go to the historic re-enactors, who make this event possible. These include: Dominic Diorio and the 5th Pennsylvania Regiment, Patrick Jordan of the 9th Pennsylvania.Regiment and the members of the Coryell ‘s Ferry Militia, who keep the memory of those early heroes alive, but who also give the direction and framework to the reenactors and visitors of New Hope. They are: Quartermaster and Artillerist, Justine Walters; Baker, Marissa Wallace; Armored, Steven Rote; Artillerists, Murp Coffey, Don Becker, Mitch Davis, Elaine McNeeley and James Howard; Scout Ron Gering; Color Guard Ben Finch, Mathew Von Knorring and Connor.Burns; and new members, Greg Christiano, Aaron Eshbach, John Gyllenhammer and Sophia Burns.