Bruce Mowday, Author at Bruce E. Mowday

January 30, 2024

A marketing workshop and a Main Line Writers address

are part of the February events for author Bruce E. Mowday

Book signings in West Gove, Coatesville and Ephrata are on his appearance list

 

WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday will begin his monthly events with a talk on Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs: The 1972 Sniper Slayings of Policemen William Davis and Richard Posey at the Avon Grove Library on February 1.

“The murders of the two policemen were such an unnecessary tragedy,” Mowday said. “The senseless killings signaled to the Chester County community that the area was not immune to the growing violence in the nation.”

Mowday’s talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Avon Grove Library, 117 Rosehill Avenue, West Grove. The event is free and open to the public. The book, published by Schiffer Publishing, is one of three true crime books Mowday authored on the infamous Johnston gang.

“I’m working on my next book for Schiffer Publishing,” Mowday said. “The book is on the escape of murderer Danilo Souza Cavalcante from Chester County Prison on August 31, 2023.”

On Saturday, February 3, Mowday will sign books at Looker Books, 228 East Lincoln Highway, Coatesville, from noon until 2:00 p.m. He will talk about his books and writing at 1:00 p.m.

Mowday will join Mechanicsburg author Mary Walsh for a book marketing workshop on Sunday, February 4 in Lancaster from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The event is being held at Reology Studio, 315 W. James Street, Lancaster, unit #105. The cost is $49 and some spaces are available. Contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com for reservations.

“Mary and I have been marketing books for more than 25 years we have a combined 40 books published,” Mowday said. “We’ve been asked to put on such a seminar. This is a unique opportunity for new and established writers looking to increase book sales.”

On February 6 at 7:00 p.m., Mowday will be at Screwballs Sports Bar & Grille, 216 Beidler Road, King of Prussia, to talk to the Main Line Writers group.

Lafayette and the battle of Brandywine will be Mowday’s topic when he gives a presentation at the Ephrata Cloisters, 632 West Main Street, Ephrata, on February 8 at 10:45 a.m.

“In August, the bicentennial celebration of Lafayette being America’s guest begins,” Mowday said. “Lafayette deserved the 13 months of adulation he received in 1824 and 1825. The American Friends of Lafayette is scheduling many events to mark the American Hero’s return to America. I’ll be giving talks on my three books, Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero; Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest and September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia.”

Mowday is chair of the Chester and Delaware counties Lafayette bicentennial committee. For more information on the celebration, see www.lafayette200.org. To schedule a presentation by Mowday, contact the author at mowday@mowday.com. Information on his books can be found at www.mowday.com.

Mowday is an award-winning author and newspaper reporter. He has authored more than 20 books on history, sports, business and true crime. Mowday has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including Counter Culture, a PBS Emmy-winning show, the Discovery ID channel, ReelZ network, C-SPAN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network, Hollywood and Beyond, Our American Heritage, Whatcha Got, Journey into the Civil War, Chronicles of the American Civil War and local television and radio stations.

He was a guest on the Massachusetts Historical Society’s Revolution 250. He was twice featured in the Authors of the American Revolution Congress hosted by Nathan’s Papers. Bruce is a frequent speaker at various civic and historical groups. The Congress of Civil War Round Tables has named Bruce a “5-Star” speaker.  Mowday has hosted his own radio shows, has been editor of magazines and was chairman of the Chester County Historical Society and president of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates. He is a former board member of the Valley Forge Park Alliance and the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau. For more information on Mowday, his books and his schedule of events, see www.mowday.com.

A member of the American Friends of Lafayette, Bruce is the Chester County Coordinator for the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration in 2024 and 2025. He is also a member of the county’s 250th committee planning for a celebration of our nation’s founding.

Recent comment from a reader: “This man reigns from Chester County and always seemed to present a balanced view in his early career covering the Courts. I have watched him blossoming into a highly respected author and has not written a boring one yet. We now have another budding celebrity hailing from the region. If you are a book enthusiast, order his books. They are polished and interesting. I’m not usually a big history reader but I’ve enjoyed his work. They are interesting as well as informative His name is Bruce Mowday. I like Bruce because he is talented and a gentleman. I would not push his product if I did not believe it was good work.”

January 3, 2024

Experienced authors Mary Walsh and Bruce E. Mowday

conduct a Book Marketing Workshop in Lancaster

Event takes place Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m. at Reology Studio

             LANCASTER _ Successful authors Mary Walsh of Mechanicsburg and Bruce E. Mowday of West Chester are offering a two-hour seminar on book marketing.

You Wrote a Book… Now What? 

With more than 25 years of combined experience, Walsh and Mowday will share their priceless knowledge of marketing books in the independent and traditional marketing worlds. Their marketing is non-traditional and successful! Two publishers asked Bruce to write books on marketing tips for authors.

The workshop takes place on Sunday, February 4 from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Reology Studio, 315 W. James Street, #105, Lancaster. The cost is $49. To pre-register, go to bit.ly/BookMarketingWorkshop. Seating is limited.

Light refreshments will be served.

“We are limiting the audience because we want to have enough time to talk individually with each participant,” Mowday said. “While some marketing techniques are common sense and universal, finding out what works best for the individual author is usually the key to success.”

Some of the subjects to be covered:

  • Are you ready to publish?
  • How do I identify my best salesperson?
  • What is the good, bad and ugly of personal appearances?
  • How do I make the most of my marketing budget?
  • What are the steps to building a following?
  • What are successful marketing strategies?
  • How do I identify my audience?
  • Is self-publishing a money-making venture?
  • What is involved in self-publishing?
  • What are the realities of being an author?

A majority of Walsh’s books are fiction and the majority of Mowday’s books are non-fiction.  Their approaches are somewhat different. Mowday, who has published more than 25 books and in December had 13 books ranked in the top 2 percent of all books listed on Amazon, has a non-traditional outlook on marketing.

For more information on Mowday’s books, see www.mowday.com. For Walsh’s books, see www.marywalshwrites.com.

Parking at the event is free. Look for Reology’s main entrance off of Mulberry Street. If you plug Reology’s address into a GPS, it will take you to James Street, Reology’s back entrance. Enter their parking lot off of Mulberry Street. If coming from Harrisburg Pike, turn onto Mulberry Street at the light by The Lancaster Arts Hotel. Turn into Reology’s parking lot on the right after passing The Fridge. You will see signs for Mulberry Apartments, Gall Laminating, and Reology. They are all located in the same building. Park in any available space. Do not park in the few spaces labeled only for tenants.

 

December 31, 2023

Amazon’s December reporting lists

13 books by author Bruce E. Mowday

in top 2 percent of all books offered

Mowday is scheduling events for 2024. He did 92 in 2023  

        West Chester, PA. _ Amazon’s Author Central lists 13 books by Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday in the top 2 percent of books offered by Amazon during December. Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murders to Justice was ranked in the top 0.02 percent on December 29.

“I’m grateful for all of the readers of history and true crime interested in my books,” Mowday said. “The best part of my book journeys is meeting people interested in history and my writing. I thank them for a successful 2023.”

For the year, Mowday made 92 appearances, either giving talks, book signings, being interviewed or being featured on television shows. So far for 2024, Mowday has 21 events booked. To schedule a talk or signing, contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com. All of Mowday’s books can be viewed at www.mowday.com.

“With the Lafayette’s celebration of his bicentennial tour as America’s guest beginning in August, I expect many more opportunities to talk about my two books on the American hero,” Mowday said. Mowday has written Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero and Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest. Both books were completed with the aid of the American Friends of Lafayette. The later book was completed for students and young adults.

The Amazon listings give an indication of the overall sales of Mowday’s books. Amazon has more than 33 million books offered for sale.

For December, the date, Mowday’s book, ranking and publisher:

Dec. 29: Jailing the Johnston Gang, 98,132 (Barricade Publishing)

Dec. 17: Stealing Wyeth, 158,786 (Barricade Publishing)

Dec. 21: Lafayette at Brandywine, 197,313 (Barricade Publishing)

Dec. 8: Richie Ashburn, 236,113 (Barricade Books)

Dec. 17: Pickett’s Charge, 265,393 (Barricade Publishing)

Dec. 19: Coatesville, 267,501 (Arcadia)

Dec. 23: Small Town Cops, 281,007 (Schiffer Publishing)

Dec. 23: Life With Flavor, 309,045 (Barricade Publishing)

Dec. 20: Emotional Brandywine, 324,947 (Regent Publishing)

Dec. 7: Along the Brandywine River, 400,808 (Arcadia)

Dec. 28: September 11, 1777, 433,005 (White Mane Publishing)

Dec. 27: Unlikely Allies, 441,469 (Stackpole Books)

Dec. 11: Parkesburg, 467,272 (Arcadia)

 

 

 

 

November 28, 2023

Schiffer Publishing Ltd. contracts

with author Bruce E. Mowday

for book on Cavalcante prison escape 

     ATGLEN _ Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., an independent publisher with more than 5,000 titles, contracted with Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday to write a book on the escape of convicted murderer Danilo Souza Cavalcante from Chester County Prison in August 2023.

“My book will encompass more than just a prison escape of a murderer,” Mowday said. “The book will capture the terror felt by those living in the community around the prison. The capture of Cavalcante didn’t end the nightmare for many residents. Some are still traumatized.”

Schiffer wrote in the November 16 contract offer, “I am pleased to be sending the contracts for Escaped Murderers in the Neighborhood. We’re pleased to be working with you on this new project.”

For more information on Schiffer, see www.schifferbooks.com.

Mowday’s previous true-crime book is Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs: The 1972 Sniper Slayings of Policemen William Davis and Richard Posey, published by Schiffer Publishing. Schiffer published two other Mowday books, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Six Walking Tours of West Chester.

“Schiffer is an exceptional publisher,” Mowday said. “I’m looking forward to another excellent experience with Schiffer.”

The book has many fascinating aspects, according to Mowday. Cavalcante viscously murdered Deborah Brandao by stabbing her 38 times in front of her children at her Schuylkill Township home. Cavalcante is also wanted in his native Brazil.

“Cavalcante is an international criminal,” Mowday said.

A number of local and federal law enforcement agencies took part in the search for Cavalcante and utilized advanced search techniques. “Cavalcante hid in some of the same country that murderer Norman Johnston roamed when he escaped from a state prison in 1999,” Mowday said. “My book will examine the similarities and the differences in the two escapes.”

The use of search dogs will be documented, including K-9 Yoda’s apprehension of Cavalcante.

An essential part of the book will be the condition of the county prison at the time of the escape. Cavalcante’s escape took place on the first day on the job for Acting Warden Howard Holland.  The facility was understaffed and was using outdated procedures, as one county official voiced at a public meeting,

Chester County officials held multiple public meetings after Cavalcante’s capture to answer public questions and outrage.

Escaped Murderers in the Neighborhood is an exciting project,” Mowday said. “I’ve conducted interviews with principals and their experiences are fascinating.”

Mowday authored three other true crime books based on his time as a newspaper reporter for the Daily Local News of West Chester. Besides Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs published by Schiffer. Mowday wrote Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice and Stealing Wyeth for Barricade Books of New York.

Mowday’s other books number more than 20 and include history, sports and business titles. For all of Mowday’s books see www.mowday.com. He is an award-winning author and newspaper reporter.

November 27, 2023

Author Bruce E. Mowday gives presentation

before Military Officers Association of America

on Lafayette as part of busy month of December

Chadds Ford Historical Society, Barnes & Noble, Chester County Hospital Holiday Market and Longwood and Media Rotaries on Mowday’s schedule 

            WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday will give a presentation on Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, before the Military Officers Association of America.

“Lafayette did so much to win our freedom,” Mowday said. “The Military Officers Association of America is the perfect organization to give my talk. Lafayette joined with the officers of General George Washington’s staff to defeat England during the American Revolution.”

Mowday’s talk will take place on December 9 at the Desmond Hotel, 1 Liberty Boulevard, Malvern.

Mowday’s itinerary begins on Friday, December 1 at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, Creek Road, Chadds Ford. He’ll sign his books from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. during the “Critter Sale” associated with the Brandywine River Museum of Art.

A holiday market to benefit the Chester County Hospital takes place at the Hershey’s Mill Community Center, 25 Hershey’s Drive, West Chester, on December 5 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.             The public is invited and should enter the main gate off Greenhill Road. Mowday will sign his books.

Two Rotary presentations will be given. On December 7 at 12:15 p.m. Mowday will appear before the Media Rotary, at noon at Cedar Creek Catering & Events, 350 West State Street, Media, Mowday will be talking about his writing life. On December 14 at 7:00 a.m., Mowday will give a presentation on his true crimes books at the Longwood Rotary, Longwood Gardens.

On Christmas Eve, from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., Mowday will sign books at Barnes & Noble, 301 Main Street, Exton.

October 3, 2023

 

Yorktown, Virginia, is one of the October venues

for West Chester author Bruce E. Mowday

 

        WEST CHESTER _ Yorktown, Virginia, is one of the October venues for talks and book signings on Lafayette by West Chester author Bruce E. Mowday.

Mowday is signing on October 19 at the Gallery at York Hall during the anniversary marking the surrender of the British army at Yorktown. The signing takes place from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

“Lafayette is an American hero,” Mowday said. “The young Frenchman was wounded at Brandywine on September 11, 1777. In September 1781, Lafayette was battling British General Cornwallis in Virginia. The campaign led to the surrender of the British army at Yorktown on October 19, 1781.”

Mowday wrote four books on the battle of Brandywine and Lafayette. His work September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia was the first detailed look at the battle. His book Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of American Hero details the importance of Brandywine and Lafayette and Lafayette’s contributions to American freedom. His third book is Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest. The book is for students and young adults.

Mowday’s latest book Emotional Brandywine, a collection of essays to go with paintings by noted Chadds Ford artist Karl J. Kuerner, was released October 1 by Regent Publishing of California.

On Saturday, October 7 in Wilmington at 8:30 a.m. Mowday gives a presentation on Lafayette before the American Association of University Women. Downingtown artist Adrian Martinez painted the cover art for his Lafayette book. On October 10 at 1:45 p.m. Mowday joins Martinez for a presentation at the Church of the Saviour, Wayne.

Mowday will give an update on the upcoming Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration on October 16 Kendal at Longwood at 7:00 p.m. Mowday is chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. Also, on October 26 Mowday will be signing books during the Brandywine Battlefield Task Force celebration at Thornbury Farms 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

On October 13, Mowday leads a Hershey’s Mill bus tour on early Pennsylvania history. Prelude to Freedom is the first of four such bus tours.

Besides his American Revolution books, Mowday wrote on Gettysburg, true crime, business and sports. For all of his books, see www.mowday.com. To schedule a talk or purchase signed copies of his books, contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

Mowday’s non-American Revolution events in October include a talk on the Johnston Gang at Harrison House, Coatesville, on October 11 at 1:15 p.m. On October 13 at 4:00 p.m. Mowday is signing books at a special History and Mystery event at Kathy’s Corner Shop in North East, Maryland.

William Penn is the subject of Mowday’s presentation at the 300th anniversary London Grove Township on October 21 at Goddard Park. He will sign books.

On October 25 at 7:00 a.m., Mowday gives a presentation on Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story before the West Chester Sunrise Rotary at Arbour Square.

September 5, 2023

Lafayette and battle of Brandywine

dominate talks in September

by author Bruce E. Mowday 

        WEST CHESTER _ Lafayette and the battle of Brandywine dominate the talks by author Bruce E. Mowday during September.

“Lafayette is an American hero,” Mowday said. “The young Frenchman was wounded at Brandywine on September 11, 1777. In September 1781, Lafayette was battling British General Cornwallis in Virginia. The campaign led to the surrender of the British army at Yorktown on October 19, 1781.”

Mowday began the month in Annapolis on Sunday. Lafayette visited Annapolis four times including during his travels to Yorktown.

Mowday wrote three books on the battle of Brandywine and Lafayette. His work September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia was the first detailed look at the battle. His book Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of American Hero details the importance of Brandywine and Lafayette and Lafayette’s contributions to the American freedom. His third book is Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest. The book is for students and young adults.

Lafayette was a Mason and Mowday gives a talk on September 6 to the Mason’s High Twelve Club in Frasier.

On September 10, Mowday will speak at The Mill at Anselma, 1730 Conestoga Road, Chester Sprints, at 3:00 p.m. He will give an update on the upcoming Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration on September 11 at Kendal at Longwood at 7:00 p.m. Mowday is chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee.

Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton on September 13 at 6:00 p.m. hosts a talk on the battle of Brandywine and Lafayette. Reservations are suggested, see https://ccls.libcal.com/event/9877053. This is the third and final presentation this year by Mowday at the library. His first two presentations were on the Johnston gang and Gettysburg. Mowday wrote three books on each subject.

On September 14, Mowday will be leading a Hershey’s Mill bus tour on early Pennsylvania history. Prelude to Freedom is the first of four such bus tours. The tour is filled and a second tour will take place in October.

Two events by the American Friends of Lafayette and Artillery Brewery of West Chester and Drexel Hill will take place on September 16 to introduce a new beer named for Lafayette. The first one is at noon at 4221 Ferne Blvd., Drexel Hill at Artillery Brewery. The beer is featured by Artillery during the Union professional soccer match at Subaru Park, Chester, in the evening.

Chadds Ford Days take place on the Brandywine battlefield at Chadds Ford Historical Society. On September 17, Mowday will be signing books beginning at 10:00 a.m. and at 3:00 p.m. he’ll be giving a talk on Lafayette and an update of the Bicentennial tour.

Mowday will also be signing his books during Paoli Heritage Days, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Paoli Battlefield, Malvern.

Besides his American Revolution books, Mowday has written on Gettysburg, true crime, business and sports. For all of his books, see www.mowday.com. To schedule a talk or purchase signed copies of his books, contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

On September 7 at 7:00 p.m. Mowday will be talking about Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story before the Brandywine Valley Civil War Round table. At the Tel Hai Retirement Community, Honey Brook, on September 18 at 2:15 p.m., Mowday will give a talk on the Johnston gang.

 

August 21, 2023

Emotional Brandywine released by California’s Regent Press

 Paintings by Karl J. Kuerner and essays by Bruce E. Mowday

bring to life the American Revolution battle of Brandywine

Book is companion to Emotional Gettysburg by Kuerner and Mowday

 

          CHADDS FORD _ On a warm, late summer day – September 11, 1777 – American troops under the command of General George Washington bravely fought the British army across the fields of Chadds Ford.

Artist Karl J. Kuerner created 22 paintings depicting the essence of the largest land battle of the American Revolution. Author Bruce E. Mowday captured the history of the historic engagement and the emotion fashioned by Kuerner’s paintings.

“The area covered by the battle, from the village of Kennett Square, across the fields of Chadds Ford and on to the town of Chester, is special today and in history,” Mowday said. “Karl creates special, thoughtful paintings. Karl’s paintings are impressive in Emotional Brandywine.”

Regent Press of Berkley, California, announced the book’s release is scheduled for October 1. The cost of the book is $40.00. To reserve signed copies by Kuerner and Mowday of first edition and first printing copies, contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com. A $4.00 postage and mailing fee will be charged.

Kuerner and Mowday combined to create the highly successful Emotional Gettysburg on the Civil War engagement, also published by Regent Publishing. “Readers told us after reading Emotional Gettysburg, they never will view Gettysburg the same,” Kuerner said.

Kuerner was raised on land where skirmishes took place during the battle of Brandywine. His neighbors were the Wyeth family of artists. Kuerner’s artistic talent was recognized and nurtured at a very young age by Carolyn Wyeth – sister of Andrew Wyeth and a renowned artist in her own right.

​            Kuerner grew up surrounded by artists and the task of painting. From the age of seven he watched Andrew Wyeth paint some of his greatest works at the Kuerner Farm – Karl’s family homestead for three generations – and a major source of inspiration for more than 1,000 of Wyeth’s works of art – and eventually over 300 of Kuerner’s own works.

​            As Kuerner matured artistically, Andrew Wyeth took a keen interest in the young artist and took him under his wing – mentoring and teaching him for more than three decades. “Wyeth looked at Karl Kuerner and said, ‘It’s up to you to carry this on. And it won’t be easy’. . . . Wyeth added, ‘Karl understands what I’m about: pure, deep, emotion.  I have always emphasized to Karl that an artist must paint what he loves . . . and Karl has been painting that which he loves for nearly forty years now. His work is inspiring and deeply introspective . . . it exhibits a strong honest quality that comes from deep within and touches the ordinary in a profound way.”

​            Although Kuerner was initially influenced by the Wyeths, he is certainly not one of them – nor does he want to be. He is described by many as a fine painter of great merit – possessing his own intimate and straightforward style. He paints realistically using strong abstract shapes. He paints portraits of great variety. For more information on Kuerner and his paintings, see www.karljkuerner.com.

Mowday is an award-winning author and newspaper reporter. He has authored more than 20 books on history, sports, business and true crime. Mowday has appeared on numerous television and radio shows, including Counter Culture, a PBS Emmy-winning show, the Discovery ID channel, ReelZ network, C-SPAN, the Pennsylvania Cable Network, Hollywood and Beyond, Our American Heritage, Whatcha Got, Journey into the Civil War, Chronicles of the American Civil War and local television and radio stations.

He was a guest on the Massachusetts Historical Society’s Revolution 250. He was twice featured in the Authors of the American Revolution Congress hosted by Nathan’s Papers. Mowday is a frequent speaker at various civic and historical groups. The Congress of Civil War Round Tables has named Bruce a “5-Star” speaker. A member of the American Friends of Lafayette, Bruce is the Chester County Coordinator for the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration in 2024 and 2025. He is also a member of the county’s 250th committee planning for a celebration of our nation’s founding.

A reader commented, “This man reigns from Chester County and always seemed to present a balanced view in his early career covering the Courts. I have watched him blossoming into a highly respected author and has not written a boring one yet. We now have another budding celebrity hailing from the region. If you are a book enthusiast, order his books. They are polished and interesting. I’m not usually a big history reader but I’ve enjoyed his work. They are interesting as well as informative His name is Bruce Mowday. I like Bruce because he is talented and a gentleman. I would not push his product if I did not believe it was good work.”

For more information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com. Signed copies, including Emotional Brandywine and Emotional Gettysburg can be ordered by emailing Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

 

August 7, 2023

Gettysburg, Lititz and Celebrate America events

on August schedule for author Bruce E. Mowday

September appearances center on battle of Brandywine and Lafayette

 

          WEST CHESTER _ Historical events are on West Chester author Bruce E. Mowday’s scheduled of events in August and September.

“The subject of many of my books is history,” Mowday said. “We’re approaching the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s grand tour as America’s guest and the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Now is the time to remember those vital events in America’s history.”

Mowday will be in Gettysburg on Friday, August 11 from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Jennie Wade House, 548 Baltimore Avenue. Mowday has written three books on Gettysburg, Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Emotional Gettysburg.

On Saturday, August 26, Mowday will be signing his Gettysburg and books on the American Revolution at the 2nd annual Celebrate America event at the Oregon Diary, 2900 Oregon Pike, Lititz, from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The event benefits Fort Mifflin on the Delaware.

Mowday’s books on the battle of Brandywine include September 11, 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia; Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero; and Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest.

A fourth book, Emotional Brandywine, is scheduled for release in September. Mowday wrote essays to go with artist Karl J. Kuerner paintings. The pair teamed up for Emotional Gettysburg and used the same format.

On Saturday, August 12, Mowday will be signing his books, including his true crime, business and sports books, at the Lititz Craft Show from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. He will be signing books with Mechanicsburg author Mary Walsh. The two authors will be together on Sunday, September 3 at the First Sunday Art Market in Annapolis, Maryland, from 11:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Mowday will give Lafayette presentations on September 6 before the Mason’s High Twelve Club, the Mill at Anselma on September 10 at 3:00 p.m.; September 11 at Kendal at Longwood at 7:00 p.m.; and at the Chester County Library at 6:00 p.m. at the Chester County Library, Exton.

Mowday will take part in American Friends of Lafayette events on September 16 at Artillery Brewing, 4221 Ferne Boulevard, Drexel Hill, and the Union soccer match at 5:30 p.m. at Subaru Park, 2501 Seaport Drive, Chester. The events will celebrate the release of a new beer to honor Lafayette.

On September 17, Mowday will sign books from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Chadds Ford Days, 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford, and give a talk on Lafayette at 3:00 p.m.

As part of Chester County’s 250th anniversary Mowday will lead a bus tour from Hershey’s Mill, East Goshen, to the Mansion at Radley Run. Mowday will discuss early county history. The tour is sold out as is a second tour in October.

On September 18 at 2:15 p.m. Mowday will give a talk on his true crime book, Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice, at the Tel Hai Retirement Community, Honey Brook. Mowday’s other books on the Johnston Gang include Stealing Wyeth and Small Town Cops in the Crosshairs.

July 14, 2023

Lafayette Day features fun and enlightening activities

to begin Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration

of America’s champion and hero

Adrienne Lafayette will appear as a special guest on July 29 at Thornbury Farm

 

          THORNBURY _ Historical interpreters, including Adrienne Lafayette, the Sons of American Revolution Color Guard and the Daughters of the American Revolution are featured during Lafayette Day at Thornbury Farm on July 29.

“The grand national bicentennial celebration of Lafayette’s grand tour of the country as the “Nation’s Guest,’ is just a year away. Lafayette received lavish receptions in Chester and Delaware counties during his visit in 1824 and 1825. Lafayette Day is a perfect way for today’s citizens to brush up on Lafayette’s amazing life and his premier place in American history. We wouldn’t have defeated the British during the American Revolution without France and without Lafayette, we wouldn’t have received substantial support from France,” said Bruce E. Mowday, chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Lafayette Committee.

Lafayette Day, free to the public, is a family friendly fun day with music and food and activities for children. The event takes place from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 29 at Thornbury Farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester. Farm owner Randell Spackman is host.

A special announcement, a Lafayette Bicentennial Lafayette Committee essay contest for all students of Chester and Delaware counties, will be made. Educators are encouraged to attend the event to receive information.

“With the 250th anniversary of the United States in the offing, visitors to Lafayette Day have a golden opportunity to meet representatives of many local historical organizations,” Mowday said. Among those officials is Chuck Schwam, COO of the American Friends of Lafayette and Chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Commission attend.”

Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline and Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther will give remarks, along with William Baker, president of the Philadelphia Continental Chapter Sons of the American Revolution. Brandywine River Museum of Art and Conservancy Chair Cuyler Walker will make an appearance. The Conservancy owns the location where Lafayette was wounded at the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777.

A Lafayette Heritage Walk will take place at 1:15 p.m. from Thornbury Farm, location of fierce fighting during the battle to the location of Lafayette’s wounding. The distance is less than a half mile.

Adrienne Lafayette, portrayed by Alisa Dupuy, will be interviewed about her relationship with Lafayette.

A special Lafayette in Art and History display is featured. Artists Adrian Martinez, Karl J. Kuerner and Shay Allen will discuss their recent Lafayette creations. Allen and Mowday, author and illustrator of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero and Guest will be signing books. Mowday will also have copies of his Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero.

Participating organization include American Friends of Lafayette, Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, Chester County 250th , Delaware County 250th , Friends of 1724 Chester Courthouse, Brandywine Battlefield Task Force, Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chadds Ford Historical Society, Chris Sanderson Museum, Chester Historical Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard, the Masons and the Painter Mansion at Radley Run.

For more information and to follow the celebration by the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, see the Facebook page at Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. For the American Friends of Lafayette, see www.lafayette200.org.

Lafayette Day Schedule

Saturday, July 29, 2023

Thornbury Farm

1256 Thornbury Road

West Chester, PA 19380

11:00 a.m. – Lafayette Day opens to the public.

11:30 a.m. – Welcome Ceremonies with Sons of American Revolution Color Guard.

  1. Host Randell Spackman welcomes everyone and introduces Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Chair Bruce E. Mowday, Master of Ceremonies for the event.
  2. Mowday gives brief remarks on Lafayette Day and participants.
  3. American Friends of Lafayette COO and Bicentennial Chair Chuck Schwam talks about AFL and Lafayette Bicentennial.
  4. Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline gives a presentation.
  5. Delaware County Council Member Christine Reuther gives a presentation.
  6. Thornbury Township Representative will speak.
  7. Philadelphia Continental Chapter Sons of the American Revolution President William Baker makes remarks
  8. Brandywine River Museum of Art and Conservancy Chair Cuyler Walker is recognized.
  9. Mowday’s closing remarks and announcement of Lafayette Essay Contest.

Noon – Public can mingle with participants, visit displays and eat!

1:00 p.m. – Adrienne Lafayette is interviewed about her husband and their relationship.

1:15 p.m. – Lafayette Heritage Walk and Discussion is led by Mowday to Birmingham Hill where Lafayette was wounded.

3:00 p.m. – Event concludes

 

 

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