The last shots were fired at Yorktown when the British finally surrendered – October 19, 1781 – to end the War for American Independence. Yet the British remained in New York (and America) for over two more years!

General and Brother George Washington in 1783 had a very busy year. He put down a revolt of officers in Newburgh in the spring, took a tour of upstate New York visiting the battlefields of both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution during the summer and then in the early Fall, and protected the young Congress at Princeton. In November he was scheduled for a trip to West Point to check out the area to store supplies for the Army and to secure a place to educate young men for leadership in the future military. On his way he encountered a fierce snowstorm and stopped at the DeWint House in Tappan for the fourth and final time (November 11-14) and then when the snow stopped went on to West Point.

On November 25, 1783 he led the victorious Americans into New York City as the British “evacuated” the city. Freedom in America – and New York – had finally become reality.

Now New York Masons will be able to make this same historic trip only just a little backward.

Our Annual Grand Master’s Day at the Historic DeWint House in Tappan, New York will be held on Sunday, October 2, 2011. We will begin the day with a luncheon at the famous “Old 76 House”. Serving will begin at 11:30 A.M., at the modest cost of $25.00 per person, which includes tax and gratuity. Reservations may be made with RW Ronald Steiner. All reservations are to be paid prior to the day of the event. Send your check to Ron at the following address: 18 Buena Vista Road, Suffern, New York 10901-1730. This luncheon is sponsored by the National Sojourners.

At 2:00 P.M. our program will be held on the grounds of the DeWint House. This year we will have with us an Honor Guard from West Point accompanied by the National Sojourners and the Heroes of “76” who will present “Old Glory”. Last year the music was so well received that this year we will have a Barber Shop choral group singing Patriotic songs during the program. All introductions of dignitaries will occur and we will hear speeches from our honored guests. Following the program, we will go to the tree dedication honoring our Grand Master MW Vincent Libone. Our Grand Master has chosen a White Oak to be named in his honor.

Again, we the committee invite everyone to this affair. Masons, bring your families and friends. We always try to promote this beautiful site. Anyone interested in the history of this country should remember that this site had a part in that formation. If you have never been there, now is the time to do it. See the beautiful grounds and walk in the footsteps of George Washington and his troops. Honor our Grand Master with your presence as Masons. The committee will be happy to show you the interior of the DeWint House and the Carriage House, filled with artifacts from the Colonial Era. As Masons, this site will make you feel proud to be a member of this Fraternity.

For the De Wint House: Bill Maurer
3 Tulip Court, Park Ridge, NY 07656; e-mail bill@maurer.org
Look forward to seeing and being with you this weekend!