Day 2 - adventures
We had a leisurely morning at the Bond House, enjoying the 18th century dining room and parlor.

We drove to Valley Forge (because it was on the way and a significant site of the Revolution).  George "Stophel" Horold and his son John, both fought in the Revolutionary War.  Stophel rode with George Washington in the French and Indian war when they were in their 20's.  George & his son John trained for the Revolution at Elders Ford. (more about that in Thursday).  Valley Forge gave us a good understanding of the life, conditions and war strategies (Bill's favorite part) of the time.

We left Valley Forge and traveled West to Landis Farm Museum to learn about farming in the 18th & 19th centuries.  We saw an early settlement, how cloth was made and stood on a teamster tavern (a truck stop of the early days)!!  Ale, cider and wine were the most common drinks of the early Germans. Beer was more American.  The farmhouse reminded Bill of the Nelsonville farmhouse he visited as a kid.  At the general store we found a stereoscope just like our grandpa William had.  Grandpa sold them as a young college student. (Lorrie & I each have one).

Tired, hot and full of knowledge we made our way to the Landis Farm cottage (different family from the museum).  We met up with Deb and learned that she has farmed her whole life. Their biggest commodity is chickens. (They produce 30,000 eggs a day).  So you can imagine what we were going to have for breakfast.
The cottage was so cute, but a little small for tall people. Can't imagine a large family living in that small house, but the 1700's it would have been common.