The Romance of History: Ben and Betsy Get it On
Photo by J. Smith for Greater Philadelphia Tourism and Marketing Corporation
In Philly, everything Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin reigns supreme. Take the Betsy Ross or the or the Ben Franklin bridges to get here. Visit the Betsy Ross house (we actually did visit Betsy's residence and learned that she was pretty darn kickass!) or the Franklin Institute (who have recently renamed themselves The Franklin and have just opened an exhibition on pirates--kickass!). You can see, hear, learn and read about these two just about everywhere you turn in Philadelphia.
And this week, you can attend their wedding.
In Philly, everything Betsy Ross and Ben Franklin reigns supreme. Take the Betsy Ross or the or the Ben Franklin bridges to get here. Visit the Betsy Ross house (we actually did visit Betsy's residence and learned that she was pretty darn kickass!) or the Franklin Institute (who have recently renamed themselves The Franklin and have just opened an exhibition on pirates--kickass!). You can see, hear, learn and read about these two just about everywhere you turn in Philadelphia.
And this week, you can attend their wedding.
No joke.
This isn't even some re-enactment. Oh yeah, these two peeps are re-enactors. They are Ralph Archbold and Linda Wilde, the most famous Ben and Betsy re-enactors in town. But their love is no act.
These two met, fell in love, and decided to get married and will do so on July 3 at 8PM. As part of Welcome America, Philadelphia, a week-long festival that ensures there's tons of American crap going on leading up to the all out patriot fest that is July 4 in Philly (Stu and I will be participating in America's favorite past time by attending a July 4 Phillies game.), Ralph and Linda will tie the knot at Indepedence Hall as follows (from the Welcome America, Philadelphia site):
The Real Wedding of Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross
In a public ceremony with Independence Hall as a backdrop, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will officiate over the nuptials with the Grammy-winner Peter Nero and the Philly POPS providing the wedding march. The couple, attendants and several of their family and friends will don Colonial attire. Afterwards, while the couple enjoys a private wedding reception for their guests at historic City Tavern, the public can stay for the traditional POPS on Independence concert. Independence Mall, 5th & Chestnut Streets.
Even our beloved Mayor is getting in on the act! Or should I say non-act.
Only in Philadelphia my Northwestern friends, only in Philadelphia.
As a fun aside, a friend of mine who is a genius pastry artist is providing the wedding cake for the historic nuptials.
Check this out:
And then check out her flickr page for more amazing baked goods Whipped Bakeshop.
If Ben and Betsy's marriage is half as good as Zoe's baked goods, their historic romance will last well into the future!
This isn't even some re-enactment. Oh yeah, these two peeps are re-enactors. They are Ralph Archbold and Linda Wilde, the most famous Ben and Betsy re-enactors in town. But their love is no act.
These two met, fell in love, and decided to get married and will do so on July 3 at 8PM. As part of Welcome America, Philadelphia, a week-long festival that ensures there's tons of American crap going on leading up to the all out patriot fest that is July 4 in Philly (Stu and I will be participating in America's favorite past time by attending a July 4 Phillies game.), Ralph and Linda will tie the knot at Indepedence Hall as follows (from the Welcome America, Philadelphia site):
The Real Wedding of Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross
In a public ceremony with Independence Hall as a backdrop, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will officiate over the nuptials with the Grammy-winner Peter Nero and the Philly POPS providing the wedding march. The couple, attendants and several of their family and friends will don Colonial attire. Afterwards, while the couple enjoys a private wedding reception for their guests at historic City Tavern, the public can stay for the traditional POPS on Independence concert. Independence Mall, 5th & Chestnut Streets.
Even our beloved Mayor is getting in on the act! Or should I say non-act.
Only in Philadelphia my Northwestern friends, only in Philadelphia.
As a fun aside, a friend of mine who is a genius pastry artist is providing the wedding cake for the historic nuptials.
Check this out:
And then check out her flickr page for more amazing baked goods Whipped Bakeshop.If Ben and Betsy's marriage is half as good as Zoe's baked goods, their historic romance will last well into the future!
Hello There!!!
Welcome to Philly! You're blog is really fun. I myself am a relatively recent transplant from Brooklyn.
My website features row house and how awesome they are and the very cool people who live in them. If you live in a row house, and would like to chat, I would love to feature you in an article on my site.
Thanks much!
-Suzanne