Samuel Davis, the recently installed president of the Morrisville Historical Society and impersonator of George Washington, is steeped in the rich history of the American Revolution. Specifically, the part played by Summerseat.
According to Davis, it was the “House of Decision.” While other historians like Ann Hawkes Hutton may disagree, he claims that Summerseat, which was General Washington’s headquarters from December 8th to the 14th, was where the decision was made to attack the Hessians in Trenton on December 26th.
This was a turning point in the war and that decision was made here in Morrisville. Davis quoted the British historian George Otto Trevelyan – “It may be doubted; whether so small a number of men ever employed so short a space of time with greater and more lasting results upon the history of the world as those who fought at Trenton.”
Davis is an unashamed patriot and supporter of Summerseat. “My purpose is to create a great society for America, and I call Summerseat ‘America’s Home’ because it belongs to everyone. It was owned by two signers of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution; it was Washington’s headquarters. You can’t get any more American than this house!”
His first order of business as president of the Morrisville Historical Society is to get the building in order. With a generous loan from a local developer, Davis is having a new heater installed.
All the rooms have a fresh coat of paint from donated funds raised by Davis. And a $35,000 grant has been approved by the PA State Legislature for new windows.
The Historical Society, under Davis’ direction, is working hard to make Summerseat a more open and vibrant part of the community. They are open every first and third Saturday from 9:00am to 1:00pm.
Upcoming public gatherings include a Ghost Tour on October 14th and 21st. The building is also available for private weddings and small gatherings, particularly those interested in creating their personal history in a historical building.
Davis is also planning a Fall Cleanup. Of course, Summerseat has a website (www.historicsummerseat.com), and a Facebook page, but they also have their own vodka, crafted and sold by Ashlynn Distillery (32 West Bridge Street, Morrisville).
PHOTO CAP: Samuel Davis as General George Washington