By Geoffrey Wertime, Staff Writer
BORDENTOWN CITY — Residents and visitors will be enjoying Colonial food, fun and songs this weekend in celebration of the 271st anniversary of the birth of Thomas Paine, the famous Bordentown resident whose writings helped inspire the American Revolution.
The fourth annual celebration of Thomas Paine’s birthday, “Bordentown Goes Colonial,” will be held on Saturday and Sunday. The event is sponsored by The Thomas Paine Society of Bordentown. Born on Jan. 29, 1737, The Revolutionary War era pamphleteer and writer lived in Bordentown in the late 18th century.
Lectures and activities will be held throughout the day Saturday. For those who want to taste the flavors of the past, there are several options. At 11:30 a.m., there will be a presentation titled “Wot Got on the Table” at Jester’s Restaurant, which Paine Society President Doug Palmieri described as “probably the most popular event last year.” A presenter will demonstrate antique cooking techniques at the restaurant, located at 233 Farnsworth Ave., and then serve the food, he said. Reservations are required, and the cost is $25 per person. To reserve a seat, call 609-298-9963.
Under the Moon, at 316 Farnsworth Ave., will host Colonial tea on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. The cost is $15 per person, and reservations are suggested. Park Street Café, at 15 Park St., will have historical sandwiches and breakfast items on the menu on both Saturday and Sunday, including a “Thomas Paine” roast beef sandwich.
HOB Tavern will also be open both days at 146 Second St., and will be serving its “Heart of Bordentown Favorites.” History-themed sandwiches include a Reuben named for Thomas Paine and a pulled pork sandwich, the “Thomas Borden.”
At 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, local author Mae K. Silver will give a lecture on her book, “In the Footsteps of Thomas Paine,” at the Friends Meeting House at the intersection of Farnsworth Avenue and Crosswicks Street. She will also sign copies, which will be available for sale for $12. Ms. Silver, the founder and former president of the Thomas Paine Society of Bordentown, moved to Bordentown five years ago in order to write about Paine, and developed a series of walking tours about him.
Stacy Roth will present “The Distaff Muse,” a lecture on women in Colonial America, on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Meeting House. Ms. Roth has performed “a number of Colonial presentations, and she’s been hired in places like Williamsburg, Virginia,” Mr. Palmieri said. She will share the thoughts of 18th century women through letters, songs, poetry, and more, and will at points accompany herself on guitar, penny whistle and concertina.
For those seeking music of a different sort, there will be “Bawdy Barroom Drinking Songs & Sea Shanties” at The Record Collector, 358 Farnsworth Ave., from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Stop in to hear Bob Schremzer play saucy favorites like “Aboard the Good Ship Venus.”
”He’s a perfect guy for this,” said owner John Chrambanis. “He’s going to basically be doing old American music and old English music.” Mr. Chrambanis described the songs as “very tongue-in-cheek and very sexual.”
For the kids, Riverline Express Ice Cream Parlor, 222 Farnsworth Ave., will host Colonial children’s crafts on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. Younger children will be able to do simple projects, such as creating a Colonial star. The parlor will also show a video on Thomas Paine, which will play on a loop.
Kids will be able to take their picture with a life-size drawing of Thomas Paine, tentatively planned for placement in the ice cream parlor. They might also enjoy the Colonial candy and chocolate up the street at Colonial Delights, 212 Farnsworth Ave.
Several stores in the downtown area will have special displays for the weekend. Among them is Periwinkle Boutique, 225 Farnsworth Ave., which will feature a demonstration of wool-spinning, Colonial soaps, and more.
”I have a line of Colonial fragrances, including one that George Washington wore,” said owner Gini Scatoloni.
”She’s actually done the research and gone to companies that researched these historical scents,” said Mr. Palmieri. Visitors may stop in to see the demonstration or displays at any time during the store’s hours on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Old Book Shop, 200 Farnsworth Ave., will present an exhibit on Colonial printing and book-selling, featuring an original copy of “Common Sense,” the famous 1776 political pamphlet authored by Thomas Paine that challenged the authority of the British government and communicated the ideals of the Revolution to farmers and other common citizens.
On Sunday at 1 p.m., for a final event the Thomas Paine Society will lay a wreath at the statue of Thomas Paine on Prince Street. This will be accompanied by a brief presentation.
