Sons of the American Revolution participate in presentations for Colonial Kids Day

On July 10, 2021, the Colonel James Wood II Chapter of the Virginia Society Sons of the American Revolution participated in two historical presentations. They were present for Clarke County Colonial Kids Day. This was held at the Burwell-Morgan Mill in Millwood, Virginia. This is a historic mill build around 1785 by General Daniel Morgan and Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel Burwell. It is a working mill with annual events sponsored by the Clarke County Historical Association.

A group photo of participants. Front row from left to right: Jim Simmons, Bella Vaughn, Sophie Vaughn and Anne Simmons. Second row from left to right: Will Reynolds, Mike St. Jacques, Thomas “Chip” Daniel and Paul Christensen. Third row from left to right: Marlyn Keesecker and Marty Keesecker. Photos courtesy of Thomas “Chip” Daniel.

This year, the CJWII Chapter provided demonstrations by Thomas “Chip” Daniel” in flag folding and by Paul Christensen, Chip Daniel, Will Reynolds and Mike St. Jacques in musket firing. Barry Schwoerer and his grandson Jacob Schwoerer showed how to make cartridges for colonial era muskets. Chip Daniel, Will Reynolds and Mike St. Jacques provided information on flags from the colonial era and displayed posters made by Clarke County 4th graders who participated in the Sons of the American Revolution annual poster contest. Marty Keesecker, President of the General Adam Stephens Chapter, West Virginia along with his wife Marlyn and assistance from their granddaughters Bella and Sophie Vaughn demonstrated children’s games from the colonial era.

Jacob and Barry Schwoerer demonstrating the making of cartridges.

The French and Indian War Foundation and Mercer’s Company were present to provide drill demonstrations, a campsite and musket drills. Participating for the chapter were Thomas “Chip” Daniel, Paul Christensen, Will Reynolds, Barry Schwoerer, Jacob Schwoerer and Jim Simmons with dual member Marty Keesecker. Marlyn Keesecker and Anne Simmons from the DAR assisted with the program.

A display of the posters from the poster contest.