Weissport stages living history celebration
There’s a lot of history in the town of Weissport, just across the Lehigh River from Lehighton.
That history is what led Dr. Keith “Jake” Boyer and others to hold what is hopefully the first of many Living History Days in the borough park, hosted by the Weissport Historical Society.
“I’m from Weissport,” Boyer said. “I was born in Weissport; I was raised in Weissport; I still live here and will probably die in Weissport.
“I just love this town; there is so much that we can do to help promote the area,” he added.
Captain Lynn Otto, of Tremont in Schuylkill County, is the commander of the Augusta Regiment and the Weiser Battalion, reenacting groups of the French and Indian War period.
While he does re-enactments in many areas, this location was unique because of Fort Allen, built in 1756 by the Army and Benjamin Franklin. The fort is long gone, but a well still stands behind the apartment building across from the borough park.
“I have always loved history,” Otto shared, “and my Dad did everything to encourage me. Although, I have to say that 75% of the credit goes to Fess Parker, who portrayed Davy Crockett in the movies. That stirred up the interest in me. I knew I wanted to do re-enactments. I thought about the Civil War era; but decided to go with the mid-18th Century Pennsylvania.”
Kim Otto of Tremont had a demonstration of weaving and the making of clothes. Mary Malecki, of Forks had a display of some of the games that were popular during the time. There were more tents and displays of artifacts from that era.
The Living History Day featured guided tours by Chad Serfass, a performance by the Lehighton High School Band, refreshments by the Jacobs UCC Church, and a bake sale by the Boys Scouts Troop 145 of Lehighton.
Dr. Boyer also expressed thanks to Ruth Bush for initiating the idea by contacting Lynn Otto. And he thanked Sandy Perkowski, Nick Smith, Todd Serfass; Chad Smith, Jacobs UCC, Tom Zimmerman, Boy Scout Troop 145, the Franklin Township Fire Company, Monroe Berger for PA system, and the Weissport Borough Council.