Bruce Mowday, Author at Bruce E. Mowday - Page 2 of 10

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 200^th anniversary of Lafayette’s grand tour as America’s guest and the 250^th 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 2^nd 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 250^th 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 250^th 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 250^th , Delaware County 250^th , 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

 

 

July 10, 2023

Chester County Library hosts presentation

on 160^th anniversary of battle of Gettysburg

by West Chester author Bruce E. Mowday

Mowday’s Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story is in 10^th printing

             WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday presents a talk on Three Views of Gettysburg as part of a 160^th anniversary remembrance of the pivotal battle of the Civil War.

The talk at the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, takes place on Thursday, July 20 at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested, see https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10468569.

Mowday’s three books on Gettysburg are: Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Emotional Gettysburg. Barricade Publishing recently released the 10^th printing of the Pickett’s Charge book.

“The Civil War is an important of our nation’s history and Gettysburg is the pivotal battle of the conflict,” Mowday said. “My book on Pickett’s Charge, the first book extensively reviewing the Union defense of the famous Confederate charge, remains popular. My other two books on Gettysburg have strong connections to Chester County.” Howard Wert’s Gettysburg, about the largest private collection of Gettysburg artifacts, has items from Chester County residents, including Kennett Square’s author Bayard Taylor and his brother. Charles Taylor was killed on July 2, 1863, in the fighting at the Wheatfield. The collection contains more than a thousand articles, including the podium used by President Lincoln during his Gettysburg Address.

Emotional Gettysburg showcases the paintings of Chadds Ford artist Karl J. Kuerner. Kuerner’s artwork is accompanied by essays by Mowday. “The book is unique because it combines history and a look at the meaning of the battle,” Mowday said. “Readers have told us they will never look at Gettysburg the same way.”

Mowday will be taking part in Civil War Days on July 22 at White Chimneys, 5117 Lincoln Highway, Gap. The event begins at 10:00 a.m. He will be signing his books and talking with visitors.

For all of Mowday’s history, true crime, business and sports books, see www.mowday.com. For information and signed copies of all of Mowday’s books, contact the author at mowday@mowday.com.

Mowday’s books on Lafayette and the American Revolution battle of Brandywine will be part of the Lafayette Day celebration at Thornbury Farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester, on Saturday, July 29 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Mowday wrote the first book on the battle, 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.”

“The Lafayette Bicentennial celebration in Chester County begins with Lafayette Day,” Mowday said. “Lafayette did so much for our freedom. We should remember him.” Mowday is chair of the American Friends of Lafayette celebration of Lafayette being a guest of the United States in 1824 and 1825.

Kuerner will join the Lafayette Day event as he is working with Mowday on Emotional Brandywine, due to be released in September. Artists Adrian Martinez, who painted Lafayette for Mowday’s Lafayette at Brandywine book, and Shay Allen, who contributed illustrations to the Lafayette young hero book, will also be at the celebration.

 

 

 

June 28, 2023

  Lafayette Day festivities begin bicentennial celebration

 of America’s hero in Chester, Delaware counties on July 29

Thornbury Farm hosts event for whole family with music, food, children activities

          THORNBURY _ Lafayette, the young Frenchman who risked his life, his fortune and the wrath of his king to fight for American independence and freedom, is being celebrated on July 29 at Thornbury Farm.

“Lafayette Day is the kickoff of our local celebration of Lafayette’s grand tour of the United States in 1824 and 1825,” said Bruce E. Mowday, chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. “Lafayette sacrificed so much for our freedom during the American Revolution. He began his journey to becoming an American hero at the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, when he was wounded on Birmingham Hill.”

Randell Spackman of Thornbury Farms is hosting the free-family event at his farm, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester, from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. In addition to Lafayette displays, the day will include food, music, a Heritage Walk and activities for children. The Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard will mark the beginning of the celebration.

“The American Friends of Lafayette, a great national association, is organizing a grand 13-month celebration across the 24 states Lafayette visited during his trip,” Mowday said. “A goal of the national celebration is to bring Lafayette and his deeds alive to today’s citizens.”

During Lafayette Day, a Heritage Walk will take place from Thornbury Farms, location of some of the fiercest fighting during the battle of Brandywine, to Birmingham Hill, where Lafayette was wounded.

Visitors will be able to gain knowledge from representatives of the American Friends of Lafayette, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Sons of the American Revolution, the Masons, the Chris Sanderson Museum, Brandywine Battlefield Park, Chester and Delaware counties 250^th committees and other organizations.

“I was so pleased with the enthusiasm for this event,” Mowday said. “Elected officials from both Chester and Delaware counties, including Chester County Commissioner Michelle Kichline and Elaine Paul Schaefer of Delaware County Council, will be on hand. Also, Cuyler Walker, chair of the Brandywine Conservancy will take part. The conservancy preserved the location of the battlefield where Lafayette was wounded.”

Lafayette in Art and Literature will be featured. Chadds Ford artist Shay Aubrey Allen will be signing copies of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest. Allen created original drawings for the book. Mowday, who authored the book with American Friends of Lafayette President Alan R. Hoffman, will also be signing the books. Also, Mowday will talk about his Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero. Downingtown artist Adrian Martinez will make an appearance. Martinez’s painting of Lafayette was featured on the cover of Mowday’s book. Chadds Ford artist Karl J. Kuerner will take part. Kuerner’s new painting Lafayette’s Sword, will be discussed. Kuerner and Mowday combined for their second book, Emotional Brandywine. The book is to be released on the anniversary of the battle of Brandywine. Kuerner and Mowday’s first book was Emotional Gettysburg.

An announcement of an essay contest on Lafayette will be made. The contest, sponsored by the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, will be open to all students in Chester and Delaware counties. Winners will receive Lafayette Challenge Coins authorized by the American Friends of Lafayette.

“During Lafayette Day, we are seeking volunteers and support for our celebration,” Mowday said. “The Lafayette celebration will take many volunteers and some financial assistance. A portion of the profits of Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest is being donated to the American Friends of Lafayette for the bicentennial celebration. During Lafayette Day, American Friends of Lafayette clothing and other items will be offered for sale.”

On August 16, 2024, The American Friends of Lafayette begin the national celebration in New York City. Hundreds of events are planned during the next 13 months, tracing the footsteps of Lafayette on his tour of America as the “Guest of the Nation” in the exact order he traveled. For additional information, see www.lafayette200.org.

Lafayette visited Chester for a grand dinner on October 5, 1824. Delaware County is planning an event to mark the occasion on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Lafayette visited Chadds Ford and the location of the battle of Brandywine on July 26, 1825, and had dinner in West Chester that evening. Events are being planned for July 26, 2025. Lafayette departed Chester County for Lancaster County on July 27, 1825. For information on upcoming events, see the Facebook page Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee page.

The Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee invites the community to attend, have fun and receive information on Lafayette, an American hero.

 

June 19, 2023

160^th anniversary of Battle of Gettysburg events include

book talks and signings by author Bruce E. Mowday

Venues include Chester County Library, Gettysburg, Maryland, Gap 

            WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday is scheduled to take part in events across Pennsylvania and Maryland marking the 160^th anniversary of the Civil War battle of Gettysburg.

“Gettysburg is an important part of American history,” Mowday said. “A Union loss would have placed our county in jeopardy. We should all remember the sacrifices made at the little town of Gettysburg on July 1, 2 and 3, 1863.”

Mowday authored three books on Gettysburg; Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Emotional Gettysburg. For all of Mowday’s history, true crime, business and sports books, see www.mowday.com. For information and signed copies of all of Mowday’s books, contact the author at mowday@mowday.com.

Mowday will take part in the Civil War reenactment hosted by the Patriots of the Civil War Association, a non-profit organization that raises money and awareness to protect Civil War-related sites. The event takes place at 1289 Blackhorse Tavern Road, Gettysburg. Mowday will sign books from noon until 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 23 and from 9:00 a.m. until noon on Saturday, June 24. Mowday will also give a talk at 5:00 p.m.

As a part of three presentations this year at Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton, Mowday will talk about his three Gettysburg books on Thursday, July 20 at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are suggested, see https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10468569.

Mowday will talk about Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story on Tuesday, June 27 at 6:30 p.m. at the Chesapeake City Library, 2527 Augustine Herman Highway, Chesapeake City, MD.  And, Civil War Days at White Chimneys, 5117 Lincoln Highway, Gap, is hosting a book signing by Mowday on Saturday, July 22 beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Two book signing events will include his Civil War books. He’ll sign at the Town Tours and Village Walks event on Thursday, June 22 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Thornbury Farms, 1256 Thornbury Road, West Chester.  On July 15, Mowday will take part in the Hanover, PA., street fair from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

On July 4 at 1:30 p.m. at the Emmanuel Church of Jesus Christ Apostolic, 4076 New Castle Avenue, Delaware, Mowday will give the keynote talk during the Let Freedom Ring event. Mowday will be speaking about Lafayette. He wrote Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero.

June 1, 2023

Author Bruce E. Mowday’s new Lafayette book featured

at American Friends of Lafayette’s annual meeting in Georgia

Mowday will be in Gettysburg for 160^th celebration

 

WEST CHESTER _ A book designed for students and adults will be featured during the upcoming American Friends of Lafayette’s annual meeting in Georgia.

Author Bruce E. Mowday worked with Alan R. Hoffman, president of the American Friends of Lafayette, on the book, Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest. Chadds Ford artist Shay Aubrey Allen contributed original artwork for the book. The annual meeting takes place in LaGrange, Georgia, from June 8 through June 11.

“The book is a great educational tool to introduce students and adults to Lafayette,” Mowday said. “Portions of proceeds of the book will be donated to the national organization for the upcoming Lafayette Bicentennial celebration.”

Mowday, who also wrote Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, said, “Many people know the name Lafayette but not what he did to secure America’s freedom. For 13 months in 1824 and 1825, America honored Lafayette with parades and events for his actions in the American Revolution. American Friends of Lafayette is recreating that grand tour in 2024 and 2025.” Mowday is the Chester and Delaware counties chair of the Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration. For more information, see www.lafayette200.org.

Mowday will be talking about Lafayette and signing his books at Brandywine Battlefield Park, 1491 Baltimore Pike, Chadds Ford, on Saturday, June 17 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. On the same day, Barnes & Noble, 301 Main Street, Exton, is hosting a book signing from 1:00 p.m. until 3 p.m. “The day before Father’s Day event at Barnes & Noble is an excellent location to purchase books for the holiday.”

Lafayette will be the topic of The Let Freedom Ring keynote address by Mowday at the July 4 event at Emmanuel Church of Jesus Crist Apostolic, Inc., 4076 New Castle Avenue, New Castle, Delaware.  “This is such an honor,” Mowday said. The event takes place at 1:30 p.m.

The first two events for Mowday in June take place Friday, June 2, in Maryland with a private book signing and then Saturday, June 3 at the Foundry Day festival in Boiling Springs. Mowday will join author Mary Walsh in Boiling Springs from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Mowday will be in Gettysburg for the 160^th anniversary of the pivotal battle of the Civil War. He will sign books on Friday, June 23 from noon until 2:00 p.m. and then Saturday, June 24 from 9:00 a.m. until noon at the Patriots of the Civil War Association’s event at 1301 Black Horse Tavern Road. At 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Mowday will give a talk on Gettysburg.

The Chesapeake City Library, 2527 Augustine Herman Highway, Chesapeake City, MD, is hosting a talk at 6:30 p.m. by Mowday on his book Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story. Mowday has written three books on Gettysburg, including J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Emotional Gettysburg. All of Mowday’s books can be seen at www.mowday.com.

 

May 8, 2023

New book: Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest

released to inform students and parents

of Lafayette’s contributions to America’s independence

Proceeds benefit Lafayette Bicentennial Celebration

 

          WEST CHESTER _ Members of the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee recognized the need for information on Lafayette for today’s students. Committee members collaborated with the American Friends of Lafayette to produce a book Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest.

The book is released today by Squire Cheyney Books.

In 1777, 19-year-old Lafayette deified his king and left his family behind in France to come to America to fight for independence and freedom. He shed his blood during the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777. Brandywine marked the beginning of Lafayette’s becoming an American hero.

Lafayette became a trusted member of General George Washington’s staff. Indeed, Lafayette was treated as a son and Lafayette named his son George Washington Lafayette. America wouldn’t have defeated the British without the assistance of France and France would not have provided crucial supplies and troops without Lafayette’s insistence.

For Lafayette’s contributions to America’s liberty, President James Monroe invited Lafayette to be the nation’s guest in 1824 and 1825. For 13 months, Lafayette was honored with parades, dinners and special events.

The American Friends of Lafayette, a national organization, is recreating Lafayette’s tour of America. The organization established a Bicentennial Committee to commemorate the Farewell Tour of Lafayette. The committee consists of 300 individuals, representing the 24 states Lafayette visited during 1824 and 1825. “Our mission is to educate all people on the life and legacy of Lafayette, to celebrate the Franco-American alliance, and to enrich the public through meaningful programming and remembrances.”

The Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee is organizing celebrations in Chadds Ford, West Chester and Delaware County. Lafayette had a grand dinner in Chester on October 5, 1824. His visits to Chadds Ford and West Chester took place on July 26, 1825. The modern celebrations will take place exactly 200 years after Lafayette’s visits.

“Our committee has many dedicated people organizing our tribute to Lafayette,” said Chair Bruce E. Mowday. “Ours will be a grand celebration. Lafayette deserves to be remembered and honored for so many reasons.”

The new book, Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest, was written by Mowday and American Friends of Lafayette President Alan R. Hoffman. Original illustrations were contributed by Chadds Ford artist Shay Aubrey Allen. Mowday is the author of Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, released by New York’s Barricade Publishing. Hoffman translated Auguste Levasseur’s Lafayette in America in 1824 and 1825, the first-hand account of Lafayette’s Farewell Tour of America written by his private secretary. Allen is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Portions of the proceeds of the book will be donated to the American Friends of Lafayette’s Bicentennial Committee. The 74-page book costs $14.99. For copies, contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

For more information on the American Friends of Lafayette Bicentennial celebration, see www.lafayette200.org. For information on the Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee, see the Facebook page of Lafayette Bicentennial Brandywine Committee. 

            “We are looking for people to join our committee and take part in our celebration,” Mowday said. “We have wonderful opportunities to lean about Lafayette, our nation’s history and to have some fun.” For more information, contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com or send a message through the Facebook page.

 

 

May 7, 2023

Talk at Chester County Library on Johnston gang

begins busy month of May for author Bruce E. Mowday

Presentations on Gettysburg and Lafayette also scheduled in area 

            WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday begins a busy month of May with a presentation on the Johnston gang Monday at the Chester County Library, Exton, at 6:00 p.m. 

            “I’m pleased that the Chester County Library is partnering with me for three events this year,” Monday said. “The first talk is on the Johnston gang and will include information from my latest book, Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs. The book details the murders of Kennett Square policemen William Davis and Richard Posey. The talk will include my books Jailing the Johnston Gang and Stealing Wyeth. 

            The library is located at 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton. Mowday’s other talks at the library are on July 20 on Gettysburg and September 13 on Lafayette and the battle of Brandywine. 

            Mowday will have books for sale during his talks. For more information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com. 

            On Wednesday, May 10, Mowday will join artist Karl J. Kuerner for a signing and talk on their book Emotional Gettysburg at Sunset Hill Jewelry at 23 North High Street, West Chester. The event takes place from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.

            On Thursday, May 11 Mowday will appear at the Countrymen’s Club in Elverson at noon to talk about Lafayette and then sign books at the Fashion for the Cure fundraising event at Penn Oaks Country Club at 6:00 p.m. 

            To complete the week, Mowday joins author Mary Walsh for a book signing at the Hershey ArtFest from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

            The Mount Joy Area Historical Society invited Mowday to speak on Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero on Monday, May 15 at 7:00 p.m.  Mowday will also talk about his new book Lafayette: America’s Young Hero & Guest.  

            Lafayette will again be the subject on May 17 at 7:00 p.m. as Mowday gives a presentation at the Chadds Ford Historical Society, 1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford. 

            Mowday will be in Quarryville on May 19 and 20 at the Robert Fulton birthplace museum, 1932 Robert Fulton Highway, as part of its Civil War living history event. “I’m especially pleased to be part of the Friday program for home school students,” Mowday said. “I was at a similar event in Virginia several years ago and I thought the re-enactors provide valuable material no longer taught in schools.” 

            On Friday, Mowday will appear from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. On Saturday, Mowday will be signing books from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. 

            To conclude the month, Mowday will give two talks on the Johnston gang. On May 24 at 2:00 p.m., Mowday will talk at Ware Presbyterian Village, 7 East Locust Street, Oxford, at 2 p.m. to talk on Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs. On May 25, Mowday will be speaking on Stealing Wyeth at 7:00 p.m. at Garden Spot Village, 433 S Kinzer Ave, New Holland.

 

April 26, 2023

Chester County Library hosts May 8 talk

by author Bruce E. Mowday

on three Chester County true crime books

The notorious Johnston gang is the topic

          EXTON _ The notorious Johnston gang saga, subject of a movie, television shows and books, will be examined during a talk at the Chester County Library by author Bruce E. Mowday on May 8.

As a newspaper reporter for the Daily Local News, Mowday covered the murder cases of the three Johnston brothers. The brothers were convicted of multiple counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison.

The talk begins at 6:00 p.m. in the Struble Room of the Chester County Library, 450 Exton Square Parkway, Exton. Reservations are requested. For reservations, go to https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10423803.

Mowday wrote three books on the Johnston gang detailing the assassination of Kennett Square policemen William Davis and Richard Posey; the murders committed by gang members and the theft of 15 paintings from the estate of artist Andrew Wyeth. The books are Small-Town Cops in the Crosshairs, Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice and Stealing Wyeth.

Mowday has appeared in television shows on Discovery ID and Reel Z television networks on the Johnstons. He has also been interviewed on radio shows and for podcasts on the subject. A movie, At Close Range with Sean Penn and Christopher Walken, was made from the Johnston story.

“Besides telling the story of the Johnston gang, I’ll give background on the cases and information on the writing of the books,” Mowday said. “Those attending will have an opportunity to ask questions about the case. Even though the murders took place decades ago, the crimes committed by the Johnston gang continue to leave scars on the county’s community.”

While relating the crimes, Mowday’s books focus on the law enforcement officers involved in the prosecutions. “As I once told former FBI agent Dave Richter and Pennsylvania policeman Tom Cloud, their stories are more important and fascinating than those of the criminals.”

Signed copies of Mowday’s books will be offered for sale at his talk. Mowday, an award-winning journalist, has authored more than 20 books on history, true crime, business and sports. He was previously named a “Literacy Hero” by the West Chester library. For more information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com.

The May 8 talk is the first of three talks by Mowday at the Chester County library this year.

“I’m so pleased that the county library is providing a venue for my talks on Chester County history,” Mowday said. “I feel especially honored each time I walk into the Exton library and see my name listed on the wall with so many legendary authors from our rich literary heritage. I’m so glad Pam Marquette, the library Adult Program Coordinator, worked with me to schedule these talks.”

The second talk, Three Views of Gettysburg, by Mowday will take place on Thursday, July 20 at 6:00 p.m. The talk will highlight some of the Chester County connections to the pivotal battle of the Civil War. To register, go to https://ccls.libcal.com/event/10468569.

“I never thought I would write a book on Gettysburg, one of the most written about events in our nation’s history. Now I have three books on Gettysburg,” Mowday said. “An ancestor was wounded during the second day of the battle, July 2, 1863. I visited Gettysburg many times over the years. One day I was at the angle, where Union troops, defended the famous Pickett’s Charge. I realized all of the books about Pickett’s Charge were written from the Southern viewpoint. My publisher agreed that a book on the Northern troops was needed. The result was my Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story.”

As Mowday was completing the manuscript for Barricade Publishing of New York, he talked with a Coatesville High School classmate, Greg DePedro, owner of the Coatesville Flower Shop. DePedro mentioned that a relative was the curator of the J. Howard Wert Gettysburg collection, the largest private collection of Gettysburg artifacts. The curator, Craig Caba, allowed some of the artifacts from the collection to be used as illustrations in the book.

Caba then approached Mowday about doing a book on the whole collection and the Wertz family. Mowday agreed and Schiffer Publishing published J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg. The book contains many of the thousands of items from the collection, including a letter from noted Kennett Square author Bayard Taylor and Taylor’s brother’s pipe. Charles Frederick Taylor was killed at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.

Emotional Gettysburg is the third book by Mowday, published by Regent Publishing of California. Mowday wrote essays to go with original paintings by noted Chadds Ford artist, Karl J. Kuerner. Kuerner is the only artist to be personally taught by Andrew Wyeth and his sister. “Emotional Gettysburg is a wonderful book that goes beyond the Civil War battle,” Mowday said. “Readers have commented they never will look at Gettysburg the same way after reading the book.”

The third Mowday talk will be on the battle of Brandywine and Lafayette on Wednesday, September 13, at 6:00     p.m. To register, go to:  https://ccls.libcal.com/event/9877053.

“For too many, the battle of Brandywine on September 11, 1777, and the importance of Lafayette at Brandywine has been lost,” Mowday said. “Brandywine was the largest land battle of the American Revolution and the main defense of Philadelphia against the British. The most significant fact was the participation of a 20-year-old Frenchman, Lafayette.”

Mowday, a former President of the Brandywine Battlefield Park Associates, wrote the first book on the battle, September 11: 1777: Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia. He also authored Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero. Lafayette did so much to help America to win its freedom.

“I’m so glad the date September 13 was open at the library. The anniversary of the battle is September 11 and Lafayette’s birthday is September 6,” Mowday remarked. “Lafayette came to America as a volunteer to be in George Washington’s army when he was just 19 years old and turned 20 just five days before the epic battle of Brandywine.”

Downingtown artist Adrian Martinez allowed his wonderful painting of Lafayette at Brandywine to be used on the cover of Mowday’s book.

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 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.

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 250^th committee planning for a celebration of our nation’s founding.

 

 

 

 

April 25, 2023

Author Bruce E. Mowday takes part

 in 160^th anniversary celebration

of battle of Gettysburg

Mowday will sign books and give talk at PCWA event in June

 

          GETTYSBURG _ Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday is scheduled to give a talk on his three books on Gettysburg during the upcoming 160^th anniversary of the historic Civil War battle.

“I’m honored to be taking part in the upcoming anniversary remembrance,” Mowday said. “Gettysburg was such an important event in our nation’s history.”

Mowday will be part of the non-profit PCWA group’s event from June 23 to June 25, 2023. The event will take place at 1301 Black Horse Tavern Road, Gettysburg. For more information on the event and tickets, see www.thepcwa.org.

On Friday June 23, Mowday will sign books from noon until 2:00 p.m. On Saturday, June 24, Mowday will sign books from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. He will give a talk on 3 Views of Gettysburg on Saturday at 5:00 p.m.

Mowday’s talk will be based on his three Gettysburg books, Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Emotional Gettysburg. For more information on Mowday and his books, see www.mowday.com.

“I remember being part of the 150^th anniversary celebration,” Mowday said. “I was live on the Pennsylvania Cable Network as Pickett’s Charge was being re-enacted. That was quite a site.”

The PCWA, The Patriots of the Civil War Association, is a nonprofit organization formed out of a passion for the American Civil War and its rich history. The organization’s goal is to raise money to save endangered battlefield lands. “We believe these hallowed grounds tell the American Story in a way that can only be done by standing in the places where these struggles actually took place,” the PCWA website stated.