Cannonballs & Cricket Balls. . . What do they have to do with Ligonier?
To find out, join the fun and excitement at Compass Inn Museum for Ligonier Valley Historical Society’s second Living History Weekend of the summer. From 11 am to 4 pm on July 17th and 18th, interact with the men and women of the Maryland based Ship’s Company, a reenactment unit that portrays the naval contractor system used to supply the US Navy during the War of 1812, highlighting the roles of early American businesswomen, tailors, seamstresses, sailmakers, brewers, and millers. In addition, join us on the “pitch” to play an exhibition game of early American Cricket with author and historian Tom Melville.
Did you know that before the declaration of War in 1812, President James Madison asked Congress to increase the strength of the U.S. seafaring troops, taking an action that he hoped British leaders would notice? Therefore, to increase the small naval forces, Civilian Naval Agents set out to recruit young men into service and garner supplies for Madison’s efforts. Did you also know that between 1799 and 1862, a time when there was no football, basketball, and even baseball was just beginning, Americans regularly enjoyed playing cricket? The venerable old English game, which was introduced by the English immigrants, remained popular until the mid-19th Century.
“This two-day event will take you back to when cannonballs were being forged at many of our local iron furnaces and Cricket was the favored pastime of many western Pennsylvania locals. The Ship’s Company might just try to recruit you or buy goods from you for the War of 1812 and Tom Melville will have you playing a short, informal cricket game, 19th Century style,” said Executive Director Theresa Gay Rohall.
Other activities taking place during the July 17 and 18 Living History weekend include guided tours of the historic Compass Inn and outbuildings as well as cooking and blacksmithing demonstrations.
Compass Inn Museum is located 3 miles east of Ligonier on US Route 30. General admission is $12 for adults, $11 for adults 62+, and $8 for children. Tickets can be purchased on-site, day of the event. For more information, please check out our website at compassinn.org/eventcalendar. For any questions, please contact us at info@compassinn.org or 724-238-6818.
