Forward Township celebrates Washington’s trek during 18th century
FORWARD TWP — Although America’s 250th birthday isn’t until July 4, Forward Township got an early start on the celebrations by holding its America250 event on Sunday, May 17, at Glen Eden Barn on Dufford Road.
The semiquincentennial celebration commemorated Forward Township’s unique place in American history.
In 1753, more than two decades before the country came into existence, George Washington made his way through the then-colony of Pennsylvania on a diplomatic mission from the governor of Virginia. That December, while traveling through what is now Forward Township, Washington and his traveling companion, Christopher Gist, were fired upon by an indigenous American who offered to guide them.
“History offers many twists and turns, and one of the most eventful twists happened right here in Forward Township,” said local historian Rodney Gasch, who was heavily involved with the planning of the event.
Township Supervisor Susan Oliver-Stough was one of the driving forces behind the 250th anniversary event, which was conceived nearly two years ago.
“The whole committee has worked very hard for quite a while,” Oliver-Stough said. “I was like ‘We’re going to do this because it’s important. It's important to know our history. It’s important to remember our history.’”
Gasch is on the board of Washington’s Trail 1753, a nonprofit which commemorates Washington’s historic trek through Western Pennsylvania that year.
“We’re interested in promoting history and understanding, and especially in Forward Township where Washington was shot at,” Gasch said.
Highlighting the celebration was an appearance by Washington and Gist themselves, coming from the 18th century to describe the events of that fateful day. Of course, they were played by historical reenactors: Washington played by historian and author Jason Cherry and Gist portrayed by Jason’s father, Ken.
“We fell into a large party of natives, and it was then that one such came forward and said to me and to Mr. Gist that he would show us the way back from the French fort,” said the younger Cherry in-character as Washington. “As we got up a slight knoll, and as we looked into the distance ... the native turned and fired upon us. I did not put this in my journal, but I wasn't sure if he fired at Mr. Gist or myself. But his intentions were, in fact, not good, because we see that he fired upon us.”
Other highlights included a musket salute from the historical re-enactment group Trent’s Company, and musical performances from the Circle of Friends Choir and soloist Brady Baczynsky, the latter of whom performed various official U.S. military service songs.
Attendance was free, but due to Glen Eden Barn’s capacity limitation, a cap was set on the number of tickets that could be issued. By the day of the event, tickets were sold out. State Rep. Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, was one of the people to grab a ticket before that happened.
“What a great day for the community and all the people that were brought in,” Bernstine said. “I can’t thank the entire committee enough for setting this up and the community for coming out. A great opportunity to celebrate America, not just about what we were, but what we can be moving forward.”
In addition to a celebration of Forward Township’s history, the America250 event also served as a senior project for Josh Radonovich of the Seneca Valley School District. Radonovich helped with coordinating the event’s ticketing process and securing donations.
“I've always been interested in local government, and I feel like our history should be well known around this area,” Josh said. “I believe that people should know the history of our area and it’s important that it gets put out to the public.”
Throughout the year, the township has been looking to honor Washington’s trek in another way, by installing a new monument near its municipal building on Ash Stop Road to commemorate the near-assassination.
A monument to Washington was created and dedicated in 1925 by the Butler County Historical Society and is currently located along Route 68, but has since fallen into disrepair. The township is looking to create a new granite monument at the municipal building’s flag plaza and relocate the plaque from the current monument to the new site.
