Setting up Camp/ H. Novak

Yesterday was the 26th Annual Harriton Farmstead Fair. I went with two of my roommates as both a study break and weekend excursion. The fair was on the grounds of the Harriton House, on a small incline about half a mile away from the college. The house was built in 1704 by Rowland Ellis, a Welsh Quaker who called his estate Bryn Mawr or “high hill” in Welsh, and so the town got its name. The estate of Bryn Mawr was later home to Charles Thomson, secretary of the Continental Congresses.

Harriton House/ H. Novak

The local fair was lively, with children giggling and running around the fields in front of the stables. There were homemade plum pies, jars of local honey (the beekeeper had on display a case of live bees!) handmade candles, pottery, pumpkins, and cups of fresh gelato. There was even a small bluegrass group playing throughout the day. I particularly liked the Revolutionary War re-enactors clad in their soldier uniforms. They were busy demonstrating, to a fascinated boy, the correct way to hold a rifle. The fair had such a feeling of community.

Jolly Quartet/ H. Novak

To think, so close to Bryn Mawr College is the house of the man who designed the Great Seal of the United States! You can check it out on the back of a dollar bill (if you actually carry real money.)

Mums and the Beer Garden/ H. Novak

Beekeeping demonstration/ H. Novak

Carpe diem.

Athena’s owl made an appearance/ H.Novak