POTTSTOWN PA – Area residents have two more opportunities, Jan. 4 and 11 (2006, both Sundays) from 1-4 p.m., to see historic Pottsgrove Manor transformed for the Yuletide season.
The manor’s annual holiday presentation, “Twelfth Night,” is described as a “feast for the senses.” It offers visitors a chance to discover how modern festivities differ from what were 18th-century celebrations. The mansion is located at 100 W. King St.; a suggested admission donation of $2 per person is requested.
With each of its rooms decorated for the holidays, guests can compare which customs changed and which things remain. They can “investigate the busy-ness of the season from libations to labor,” the manor reports, and learn about individuals who worked to bring the holiday to life.
Twelfth Night presentations began on Nov. 30. For more information, call 610-326-4014, or send an e-mail to PottsgroveManor@montgomerycountypa.gov.
Built in 1752 for the Potts family, the home showcases the elegance of early Georgian architecture. It also tells the history of John Potts, a successful ironmaster and the founder of Pottstown, and his wife Ruth, their 13 children, and the paid, indentured, and enslaved people who lived and labored there.
Programs Ahead on Its Schedule
The manor is part of Montgomery County’s Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites. Its programs are free to attend. Programs on its events schedule currently include:
“Revolutionary Ironmasters,” Jan. 24 (Saturday) at 1 p.m.
“Start America’s 250th birthday year strong by attending a lecture with researcher and author Dan Graham on the Pennsylvania Ironmasters during the Revolutionary War,” the manor says. “This presentation will explore their contributions to the Continental Army and Navy. Nation-making begins with those supplying the revolutionary cause. Join the talk, and stick around for a tour and book-signing!” In case of inclement weather, the lecture will be re-scheduled for Jan. 31, it adds.
“Colonial Bookbinding: A Presentation by Ramon Townsend,” Feb. 6 (Friday) at 6 p.m.
“February at Pottsgrove Manor is one for the books,” it says. “Paper made the world go round for John Potts’s iron empire. It’s a story that goes beyond currency or paper money: daybooks, journals, and ledgers proved invaluable for record-keeping. Join colonial bookbinder Ramon Townsend at Pottsgrove Manor for a ‘tell and show’ all about the history of 18th-century book-making.” This event depends on acceptable weather.
“Transcribeathon,” Feb. 8 (Sunday) from 1-3 p.m.
Uncovering the secrets of John Potts’s iron empire. “Decode the past with staff and volunteers, and try your hand at transcribing primary sources from Potts-owned forges and furnaces,” according to the manor. This event depends on acceptable weather.
Photo provided by Pottsgrove Manor from its Facebook page
Our “Entertainment” reporting covers the arts and culture, shows, exhibits, performances, festivals, and history-related activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. Find more entertainment articles here. Also, see and join the Pottstown Arts and Cultural Alliance group on Facebook.
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