History, Community, and a Revolutionary Spirit

WTGC Celebrates America 250

By Lynn Grillo | Photos by Jeff Tryon, Rick Lazarick, and George McElrath

Sometimes the best stories begin with an unexpected twist. 

As temperatures soared past 100 degrees on July 3, it quickly became clear that Birmingham Park was not the place to spend an afternoon outdoors. Thanks to the quick cooperation of the West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company, the celebration was swiftly relocated to the Fire House ballroom, where history came alive in cool comfort instead of sweltering heat.

The West Trenton Garden Club's "Remember George Washington's March to Trenton" celebration became part of Ewing Township's America 250 festivities, commemorating the 250th Anniversary of the United States while shining a spotlight on one of our community's own historic treasures—Birmingham Park.

Few people realize that on the night of December 26, 1776, General George Washington made a decision in what is now Birmingham Park that helped shape the outcome of the Revolutionary War. After crossing the Delaware River, Washington divided his army here before launching the successful Trenton campaign. Today, that historic site is preserved and maintained by the West Trenton Garden Club, making it both a beautiful neighborhood park and an important piece of our nation's story.

Throughout the afternoon, visitors of all ages had opportunities to experience that history in engaging ways. Historian and Revolutionary War reenactor Roger Williams transported audiences back to the winter of 1776, explaining Washington's crossing of the Delaware and the critical military decisions made at Birmingham Park.

For younger visitors, history became something to touch, create, and discover. Children crafted paper tricorn hats complete with jaunty cockades, searched the room for clues during a history-themed scavenger hunt, colored patriotic illustrations of General George Washington on horseback, proudly wore patriotic temporary tattoos, and gathered for story time to hear a reading of local author Christine Carroll's The Winter Night that Changed the World.

Visitors of all ages were also invited to sign a modern-day "Declaration of Kindness," pledging to help others, care for their community, and make the world a better place through their own contributions. Displayed alongside a reproduction of the Declaration of Independence, the activity connected the ideals of 1776 with acts of kindness that continue to strengthen our communities today.

Guests also enjoyed a delicious taste of the past. Freshly baked cookies, prepared using only ingredients available in 1776, offered a memorable connection to Revolutionary-era life. A colorful display explained the history behind the recipes and highlighted the ingredients that would have been familiar to colonial bakers, making the refreshment table another opportunity to learn about everyday life in America's earliest years.

One of the afternoon's highlights celebrated the next generation of local historians. Fifth-grade students from Lore School participated in an essay contest titled "Why I Like Learning About Local History." Four outstanding students received proclamations presented by Ewing Mayor Bert Steinmann in recognition of their thoughtful essays.

The Garden Club extends special thanks to Brock Mislan, District Supervisor of Curriculum and Instruction for Humanities, for coordinating the fifth-grade history lessons that made the contest possible. We also appreciate Mayor Bert Steinmann and Mercer County Executive Dan Benson for recognizing these talented students during the awards ceremony.

The celebration reached well beyond the walls of the firehouse thanks to the enthusiastic participation of many local businesses. Several businesses offered special Patriot Perks, family activities, treats, and discounts for attendees. We especially thank Old School Outdoors, Red Star Pizza, Vintage Vibes Emporium, and West Trenton Hardware for providing coupons, along with the many businesses that helped make the community celebration a success, including Jika Ramen, Big Easy of Ewing, Cattani Catering, Dollar General, Dunkin' Donuts, Ewing Eats, Ewing Library, Guided Stages Child Care, INNOVATE Salon Academy, La Perfection Nails, Marrazzo's Market, Miller's Place Barber, Rita's Water Ice, Suburban Square Dry Cleaners, Villa Rosa Ristorante & Pizzeria, and West Trenton Barber Shop. A special thank you goes to Dunkin' Donuts for donating festive red, white, and blue donuts.

The West Trenton Garden Club extends its sincere appreciation to the West Trenton Volunteer Fire Company for working with us to ensure the celebration could proceed safely despite the extreme heat. We are especially grateful to Fire Chief Michael Anderson for his assistance in facilitating the move to the Fire House ballroom and for the Fire Company's continued partnership with Birmingham Park. Their support extends far beyond this event. The water supplied by the Fire Company helps keep Birmingham Park healthy, beautiful, and welcoming throughout the growing season.

Events like this come together through the work of many dedicated volunteers. We especially recognize Co-Chairs Linda Reasoner, whose vision inspired the celebration, and Rick Lazarick, whose tireless coordination with township officials, community partners, Lore School, local businesses, and fellow volunteers helped to bring that vision to life.

Our sincere thanks also go to the event committee: Linda Reasoner (Decorating); Lynn Grillo and Zofia Jablonski Feulner (Entertainment); George McElrath (Logistics); Iliana Okum and Anne Skalka (Planning); Ida Cahill (Press); Monique Bonnier (Refreshments); and Jeff Tryon (Signage and Photography).

Event Committee, L-R: Rick Lazarick, Jeff Tryon, Linda Reasoner, Ginny Sari, Ida Cahill, Anne Skalka, Iliana Okum, Zofia Jablonski Feulner, George McElrath, Lynn Grillo. Not pictured, Monique Bonnier.

Special recognition also goes to our wonderful Funshine Brigade, who kept our youngest visitors happily engaged throughout the afternoon: Jacqueline Anderson-Kraus, Mary Corrigan, Zofia Jablonski Feulner, Lynn Grillo, Karen Lewandowski, Iliana Okum, and Virginia "Ginny" Sari.

Many other club members quietly helped make the day a success. Special thanks to Lynn Aspinwall and Susan Chrystal for baking the delicious colonial-inspired cookies, Ingrid Fair for creating the historical map, Helga Fontus for assisting with setup and cleanup, and June Rosso and Janis Stia for welcoming visitors at the information table. We also thank Linda Reasoner for creating a retrospective of the West Trenton Garden Club, Lynn Grillo for compiling a presentation showcasing Birmingham Park, and Monique Bonnier for creating the informative and beautifully presented refreshments display. Finally, we thank Rick Lazarick and George McElrath for their tireless work preparing Birmingham Park and decorating it with dozens of American flags. The patriotic display will remain in place through the end of July, creating a beautiful tribute to America's 250th anniversary and a wonderful reason to visit Birmingham Park.

Birmingham Park's Blue Star Memorial

As America begins celebrating its 250th birthday, this event reminded us that history is more than words in textbooks. It lives in the places we preserve, the stories we tell, the children we inspire, and the community that comes together to celebrate its shared heritage.

We thank everyone who attended, volunteered, supported, and shared in this special day. We hope you'll visit Birmingham Park soon to discover the remarkable history that happened right here in Ewing, and enjoy one of the community's most beautiful little parks while you're there.

Birmingham Park is located at the  Corner of Bear Tavern Road & W. Upper Ferry Road in Ewing Township, NJ.