GENERAL WASHINGTON IN THE NEWS
Feature Articles
"Reinventing George" a feature article by Jan Feighner in the Winter 2003/04
issue of Chester County Town & Country Living. This article is reproduced
here thanks to the courtesy of Chester County Town and Country Living magazine
(a Journal Register Company), 510 B Durham Rd., Newtown, PA 18940. Tel:
215-968-0321. View "Reinventing George" article.
News Articles
"Brandywine Battlefield recreates the Revolution" an article by Marcella Peyre-Ferry in the Daily Local News 9/25/00 issue. View article.
"Tracing Washington's steps" article by Joseph in the Asbury Park Press 6/28/03 issue covers The General's appearance at the 225th Anniversary of the Battle of Monmouth. View article.
In trying to understand the values that forged our nation, professional re-enactor Carl Closs has become a leading authority on their founder, George Washington
by Jan Feighner
They filed noisily into the spacious auditorium, some waiting anxiously, others disinterested and most rejoicing to be free of their scheduled classes. Hundreds of school children of varying ages never suspected that the man behind the closed stage curtain just lost a few pounds sporting his heavy wool uniform. He wiped his brow clean of sweat as the General would have done and practiced the great commander's controlled, even stare that he had reproduced countless times for similar audiences. The lights dimmed, spitballs ceased and the open drapes revealed the performance space's sole occupant dressed in full 18th-century military regalia. George Washington was about to take them on a journey through history.
Washington's history, the story that professional re-enactor Carl Closs of Kennett Square tells with such enthusiasm and conviction that he sometimes forgets his thoughts are his own. He chuckled relating a tale of how when watching a talk news program once, he commented ala Washington, and his 18-year-old son remarked, "Dad, you're not him."
Closs vehemently believes that to convincingly portray any historic character, one must know the time period enough to think and interpret events like that person. To that end he reads voraciously and frequently communicates with Washingtonian scholars at universities throughout the country. The former teacher attends conferences at Mount Vernon and studies the General's contemporaries, which ironicalIy led him to discover his love for America's first president.
As a war re-enactor for 20 years, having "fought" at places like Brandywine Valley, Fort Mifflin, Germantown and Williamsburg, Closs mainly remained in the Continental Line and occasionally British ranks. His thirst for knowledge increased as he researched the country's founding fathers individually. What became evident was that each reported being enamored of one wealthy farmer/military statesman who seemed to rise to fame within their well-educated circle. Closs wondered why, and detoured his quest to the man who could answer his queries: George Washington.
"What the 18th-century person admired," explained Closs, "the 21st- century person can't comprehend. It was his value system. For instance, we see Washington as aloof, standoffish, cold. He practiced that for many years, to never let his face reveal what he was thinking no matter what was going on. They wanted a leader who never showed what he was thinking and who always did what he said he would. His value system didn't change. His concept of liberty permeated everything. He was a staunch advocate of being free from control by anyone or anything."
That value system, Closs maintains, was "what made this country great," and pervades his presentations along with the first president's strong idea of nationhood and how he created his own image to gain the most respect for himself and the nation. Closs identifies with this rationale more than anything else about Washington--that, and his love of country.
Having served as a volunteer teacher for an orphans' school run by Vietnamese Catholic nuns during the Vietnam War, Closs understands the importance of society's obligation to pass on a unified sense of nationhood. He admitted that as his studies increase, so does the General's influence on his thinking as a clarification of his present mindset rather than change. When he speaks to crowds, he draws on past experiences like his army stint to make the character more believable.
Many decades in the classroom also serve Closs's unusuaI profession well. Prior to being drafted in 1965 he worked full time during the day and attended night school for three years at Philadelphia's St. Joseph's University. Upon returning home to his native Marcus Hook in Delaware County, he chose the bachelor's program at West Chester University for teaching. There, he met his future wife, also an educator. Following graduation, they married, and two days later flew to Australia on five-year "Settlers Visas" to help with a gross shortage of teachers "Down Under." Conditions were so primitive that schools continuously remained without supplies and electricity. The couple stayed a year, then came back to start a family. (They have a daughter and a son.)
Closs left teaching to join the corporate world, but continued participating in reenactments. EventualIy, his wife and children joined him in the family affair. Suddenly, he reaIized that he yearned to leave his 9-to-5-security and try a career on the lecture circuit discussing American history in a way that listeners could comprehend and remember. After six years, numerous schools, private organizations (he instructs management techniques to adults) and even three-day festivals, he claims to have one of the greatest jobs in the world. It is especially satisfying, he said, because he created it and can use his hobbies like horseback riding to bring his "message of the greatest American who lived" to life.
"When I see a person grasp what I'm talking about," Closs said, "it's like a revelation to them. Or when people are very pleased that they met (me) because they came away with something, and that’s the real reason why I'm there. I enjoy helping people appreciate and understand things more."
What does Mrs. Washington…er, Closs think? She recently left her employer, contacted a sutler, the 18th- century term for workers that made Army supplies, such as clothes and weapons, and ordered a dress and shoes befitting the first First Lady to tour with her husband, George…er, Carl. Martha often accompanied the General on campaigns, so it is fitting that Closs's wife join the speaking tour fun.
Incidentally, all of Closs's clothes are custom-made and completely "authentic, including 100 percent leather boots recreated from a pair of Washington's, as well as a pair of English riding boot, since America's Father was a well-known horseman.
The re-enactor wears a buff and blue uniform comprised of thigh-high cotton stockings, breeches and weskit (vest) made of cotton or linen for summer and wool for winter. The typical 18th-century tri-cornered hat and officer's coat are both all wool. It's easy to guess how Closs could shed a few pounds when temperatures in a room rise.
"Everything that I wear is an authentic reproduction in the color and material of what Washington wore. He wouldn't know them from his own clothes if they were laid out on a bed and his ghost appeared," he laughed.
Look for more information about George Washington and how to contact or book Closs on his Website (www.gwashington.net).
Jan Feighner is a freelance writer currently living in Chester County.
Brandywine Battlefield recreates the Revolution By MARCELLA PEYRE-FERRY , Special to the Local News 09/25/2000
CHADDS FORD -- The mist rolling across the hills of the Brandywine Battlefield was made from musket fire and cannon blasts as the park briefly returned to its past for a recreation of a Revolutionary War battle.
Revolutionary Times at Brandywine Battlefield is the biggest event held at the park each year, and clearly one of the most popular, judging from the number of visitors who turn out to watch and the enthusiasm of the volunteers in colonial character who make the day possible.
On Sept. 11, 1777, it was the British who were victorious at the battle of the Brandywine, but for the purposes of the re-enactment on Sunday afternoon, the Revolutionary troops got the upper hand in the skirmish that was presented for the day’s visitors.
The battle re-enactments, staged twice during the day, were the biggest individual draw for the event, where families got a chance to see what the soldiers would have looked like and how the battle would have progressed.
Many visitors were attending the re-enactment for the first time. Dave Wimble of Coatesville, out with his young son, Brandon, said, "It was interesting. I thought it was an excellent event, a really nice shootout."
The yearly production draws visitors from all over, such as Larry Salese from Prospect Park, Delaware County, who came at the urging of his 10-year-old son, Ross. Ross has a keen interest in military history, with eventual hopes of being a historian at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
"I like the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. I’m going to learn some in school but I learn more here," Ross said.
Actually seeing a piece of history brought to life is what the event is all about. In addition to the battle recreations, there were activities for children, artillery and musketry demonstrations, and a Quaker Meeting to visit. One of the most interesting features of an event such as this, however, is the opportunity to talk to the re-enactors and learn more about the historical period they have studied so well.
For this particular day, Gen. George Washington was on hand in the form of re-enactor Carl Closs.
"I’m a big supporter of Brandywine Battlefield Park. It’s a national treasure most people aren’t aware of," Closs said
Closs feels that today, people are becoming interested in the nation’s past in reaction to a changing society.
"There’s a thirst today for tradition and a knowledge of what made our country great. I see a resurgence of a quest to get back to traditional values."
©Daily Local News 2004
Published in the Asbury Park Press 6/28/03
6-mile walk recalls Battle of Monmouth
By Joseph Sapia
Staff Writer
It was hot and humid and Uncomfortable--almost perfect, perhaps even too cool for the Battle of Monmouth.
"It was (about) 100 degrees the day of the battle," said Sally Dalik of the Battleground Historical Society, recalling the Revolutionary War event that took place 225 years ago today. "So I guess we're a little authentic here."
Dressed in colonial garb and sweat showing on her face, Dalik, 65, of Freehold greeted visitors at the circa 1726 Village Inn, the society's Englishtown headquarters. There began the commemoration of General George Washington, commander of the Continental Army, riding horseback into Freehold to meet the British in warfare.
"It's kind of warm," said Ted Narozanick, a Monmouth County Board of Freeholders member and participant in the opening ceremony, "but that's to be expected."
Yet of the crowd that began the walk in Englishtown -- estimated at 300 by Jayne Carr, executive director of the Freehold Center Partnership -- only about 35 finished the approximately 6-mile route, basically along Route 522, in Freehold. The route also passed through Manalapan and Freehold Township.
Joseph McCormick, 17, of Plainfield, participating in the walk with fellow members of the New Jersey Youth Corps, said he had fun and learned new things.
"We'll manage," said McCormick, as he approached the end of the walk. "It's all right. I've had no problems. (I) keep a bottle of water on me, a nice cold one."
"I really think it's fun because I'm getting tan, exercising and learning things all at the same time," said Jennie Crea, 21, a Jamesburg resident who went the distance. "It would be hard if we didn't stop. But, because everybody was so accommodating, it was a cinch."
At the Village Inn, the Manalapan Municipal Building, Old Tennent Church in Manalapan and at Monmouth Battlefield State Park on the boundary of Manalapan and Freehold Township, volunteers from various sponsoring groups distributed free water to walkers, two horseback riders -- Carl Closs, 60, of Kennett Square, Pa., playing George Washington, and "Capt." Terri Somers, 42, of Jackson, owner of the two horses -- and those riding in motor vehicles, horse-drawn wagons or on bicycles. There was also free food at the Manalapan Municipal Building.
T.J. Magg, 12, a member of Manalapan Boy Scout Troop 157, of which all six Scouts completed the walk, used a break at Old Tennent Church to overcome some midwalk wheeziness he attributed to asthma.
"They (those participating in the battle) had 100 degrees," said Magg. "This is only in the 90s. They didn't have paved roads."
The Englishtown-Manalapan First Aid Squad treated eight people on-site for minor heat-related problems, said Captain Michael Alongi.
Perhaps it was the weather that kept viewers sparse along the route.
Crea's friend, Anthony Sciascia, 19, of Mondovi, Wis., who also walked the distance, speculated about Easterners' attitudes -- "I get the sense people are wimps when it comes to the weather."
But people such as Laura Siminerio, 38, of Manalapan and her two children, Steven, 12, and Samantha, 10, toughed it out, watching George Washington ride toward Freehold.
"Usually, when these things happen in your backyard, you don't make the attempt to try to see it," said Siminerio, adding she thought coming out would be a good historical event for her children to see.
Stacy Roth of Burlington City portrayed the legend of Molly Pitcher, the water-toting woman of the battlefield.
"What I liked was the way they kept in character," said Sciascia, speaking of the historical interpreters.
Closs, joking with Crea, played Washington with a contemporary perspective.
"He saw me with the camera and asked me if I wanted a picture," Crea said. "I went up to him and put my arm around him to take the picture. He said, 'Excuse me, that was very risque, nobody gets that close to the president. You must have me confused with another president.' "
Various local, county, state and foreign dignitaries attended yesterday's preliminary to today and tomorrow's re-enactment of the June 28, 1778, battle at the state park. They included New Jersey Secretary of State Regina Thomas and Ray Raymond of the British consulate.
As George Washington rode the horse into Freehold Borough, he was greeted with a salute from Walter Kowalski, 78, and Bill Egerton, 63, members of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post.
At Freehold, Closs, as Washington, attended the rededication of the Liberty Triumphant statue, originally dedicated more than 100 years ago to honor the Continental Army's success at the Battle of Monmouth. The dedication was next to the county Hall of Records Annex on Main Street.
In 1884, the statue was erected atop a column, but 10 years later, a lightning strike disfigured the statue. A portion of the nose remains missing.
Joe Sapia: (732) 557-5737 or (800) 822-9770, Ext. 5737, or e-mail JSapia@app.com.
Bob Jordan contributed to this story.