Just as I did last year, on my first visit to the Pennypacker Mills event, I dropped off my son at a school program located in the same county. The weather forecast that day was accurate: rain in the morning and clearing in the afternoon. This American Colonial Revival mansion is surrounded by 170 acres of farmland and is situated along the Perkiomen Creek, about 35 miles northwest of Philadelphia. It felt great to visit again.

This image was one I planned and didn't plan for.  At this event, the dragoons (cavalry) were often nearby. My goal for the day was to zoom in as tightly as possible on my shots. It rained steadily for a few days, and the ground was muddy, and the riders' boots caked with mud. So, I zoomed in on just that. The images in color looked great, but I also wanted to experiment in black and white. I made the changes in the ON1 software. Wow, what a difference. This photo will likely be one of my favorite photos of the year.

The horse's coat (hair) stood on end, and the pattern changed in various directions. My eyes kept moving around the image. Plus, the contrast with the dark boots. Sometimes, you can get better results than you expect when experimenting and trying new techniques. That's the fun of photography!

Besides the wonderful folks I've met, one of the joys of photographing American Revolution reenactments is learning more about the founding of our nation. My highlight here was attending the Meet with General George Washington, featuring Curt Radabaugh and Martha Washington featuring Alisa Dupuy presentation. It was an hour-long history lesson on their lives together, a love story. Fun fact mentioned: George's younger brother, Samuel Washington, was married five times and had a total of 20 children. I didn't know that. Did you?

Here is their web site-Meet George and Martha Washington: A Love Story | America's 250th birthday | East Coast of the United States, USA

To me, the meticulously restored Pennypack Mills House is part antique store and museum. There are artifacts, books, and paintings everywhere. The home described on the Borough's site-

Originally constructed about 1720, the mansion was redesigned and enlarged by architect Arthur Brockie in 1901 to enhance a country gentleman's lifestyle. Pennypacker Mills is an unusually well documented historic site with an original collection, fully furnished with antiques collected and documented by former Pennsylvania Governor Samuel W. Pennypacker reflecting his interests in early Pennsylvania history, German and Dutch settlers, native Americans, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. 

I spent about an hour wandering in the two-story house, searching for photo opportunities. First, I spotted the lamp, then books, and finally, the framed photo on the wall. With some filters in On1 software, I created this antique look. To me, it feels like an old photo from the 19th century.

As I've mentioned before, being in the right place at the right time can yield some interesting photos. Expect the unexpected! I was sitting in a rocking chair on the front porch of the house when I noticed Martha Washington speaking with this young girl. I swiveled around, retrieved my camera from my lap, and snapped a few shots. This photo was the best of the bunch. You can tell that this little girl was captivated by Martha Washington by her frozen, expressionless gaze.

To take this image, it was a tactical demonstration; I was on a downward slope, shooting upwards. When cropping in close post-processing, at waist level, I notice how the mountains in the background make the reenactors appear as if they're in a mountain forest. We weren't, it's a park grounds. Angles like this can significantly distort a photo. 

It was a fun day, including meeting an unusual dog. Picture this: a Corgi and German Shepherd mix! It was an interesting-looking and docile dog, with a head resembling that of a German Shepherd and the short legs of a Corgi. 

Click here for Patriots Along the Perkiomen, Pennypacker Mills 2025 Photo Gallery.

Thank you for reading! Blog #90 will be posted on July 1, 2025. Be safe & well!

Huzzah,

Ken Bohrer