Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Clara Barton - Angel of the Battlefield


The 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg was commemorated this year, 2013.  There have been reenactments and encampments from here to Gettysburg this summer.  Our town,  Mechanicsburg is noted to be the furthest North the Confederates advanced until the troops were called back to Gettysburg.  Our town had no soldiers here to battle, so the Mayor quickly conceded.  Last month Mechanicsburg held some commemorative programs and events to honor all who battled in the Civil War.


At The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances, we scheduled a special event where we learned the fascinating tale of Clara Barton, affectionately known as the Angel of the Battlefield. 

Nancy made a Salad of Fresh Fruits and Flowers of the Field dressed with Mary Todd Lincoln's Raspberry Vinaigrette.  A tall glass of Iced Sassafras Tea accompanied the salad course.

Sandwiches included General Grant's Cucumber and Chive Tea Sandwich. It has been observed that General Grant often made an entire meal of sliced cucumbers and coffee! 1896 Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwich, Plantation Corn Muffins with Calendula Blossoms & Pepperelli, Southern Chedder Cheese & Pecan Sandwich, Company 'H' Hard Tack, and Tangy Orange Spread with pecan Date Bread.





Traditional English Cream Scones with Sweet Cream and Lemon Curd were served along side Northern Rose Geranium Muffins, Fresh Orange slices and Strawberry with Mascarpone Cheese.









Dessert featured a Red Cross Shortbread Cookie, Elderberry jelly Thumbprint Cookie and Abe Lincoln's Frosted Gingerbread Cookie.






Clara Barton told us her life story. While she wasn't at the Battle of Gettysburg, she was of course instrumental in starting the American Red Cross and for making it an organization of aid during peacetime disaster as well as during wartime.  Clarissa Harlowe Barton is the most famous American nurse who was not really a nurse, although she was the first American woman to serve directly on the battlefields as a nurse.

3 comments:

GardenOfDaisies said...

She was an amazing woman. I read more than one biography about her and Florence Nightingale when I was a kid. General Grant would like it around here right now, my friend just unloaded several cukes from her garden on me and I've been trying to come up with ways to use them ALL. YIKES! Your tea sounds so wonderful and I wish I was there.

Marilyn Miller said...

The tea looks just lovely. I love that you tied into the celebration and Clara Barton's story.

Angela McRae said...

Sounds like quite a fun commemorative event, and the tea menu looks so tasty!