1777 - Alive and Well at The Moland House

During a recent luncheon at the Historic Moland House, French General, Marquis De Lafayette, as portrayed by French actor Loic Barnieu, gave a reenacted account of Lafayette's contributions to our country's independence.

Lafayette is honored in local history for not only his monetary contributions, in an amount equivalent in today's value of more than $80 million, but for his loyalty and friendship to George Washington during Washington's 13 day encampment at the Moland House in 1777.

Only 19 years old, Lafayette heard of the Americans' struggle for independence and from his homeland in France, began his journey with several French officers to accompany Washington to the Battle of Brandywine and to Valley Forge. Many believe without Lafayette's monetary support, we may have lost the war to England.

The Moland House, located at 1649 Old York Road in Hartsville, hosted a fundraising luncheon on Sunday which included a French lunch menu, French music played by Susan Ward, Cassie Mulcahy, Alyssa Tapel Ward and a serving staff dressed in period attire. Ward is a violin instructor at Delaware Valley College and the Doylestown Community Conservatory.

Volunteers Toni Kistner and Nancy Crowther served lunch while helping to maintain the flavor of revolutionary war times. Debbie Dadey, a volunteer for more than one year, decided her involvement in the historic house was inevitable after her daughter did a senior project about the Moland House's history.

Barnieu gave a presentation of historical events at each table, which comprised of more than 40 guests. Barnieu is a chef and owner of La Belle Epoque Wine Bistro and the Picasso Restaurant and Bar.

The Moland House's history is valued by the community as a local gem.

Imagine 11,000 Continental and militia soldiers marching through Warwick Township on their way to New Hope in August of 1777. General George Washington set up his camp and temporary headquarters at the Moland House for a 13 day encampment. On August 21, 1777, a council of war was held at the Moland House which resulted in the soldiers heading north to New York.

Current fund raising efforts for the Moland House include raising $60,000 for a statue of Lafayette to be done by Bucks County sculptor, Gregory Marra.

Ed Price, president of Warwick Township Historical Society said the Moland House is a treasure. He said the Moland House is a great example of what can happen with restoration. Waving outside the Moland House is a French and Polish Flag to represent Count Pulaski, who was the first head of the U.S. Calvary who joined the Calvary at the Moland House.

The House is also said to be the location where Betsy Ross's flag had flown for the first time.

For more information about the Moland House and George Washington's encampment, visit their website at www.moland.org.

To learn more about Marra's Bronze statue of General Lafayette, visit his website.