News Archives - Page 7 of 12 - Bruce E. Mowday

October 26, 2021

        Larchmont, NY, _ Barricade Publishing’s new release, Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, details Lafayette’s many personal sacrifices as he fought for America’s freedom.

            The book’s release date is October 30, 2021. The 275-page book is richly illustrated with the cover containing an original painting by nationally-known artist Adrian Martinez of Downingtown, PA. The book sells for $24.95 and can be purchased from book stores, on the internet, and Barricade Books. Signed copies can be obtained by contacting author Bruce E. Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

            “You made me fall in love with Lafayette,” one reader wrote to Mowday. Chuck Schwan of the American Friends of Lafayette wrote, “I have been a “Lafayette-sit” for more than a dozen years, this book spoke to me in a way no other book has. It is not simply a biography of a description of events, but a detailed explanation of the genesis of Lafayette’s ascent to hero status.”

            Author Mowday said, “I wrote about Lafayette’s courageous exploits in the United States and his sacrifices for our freedom. His experiences were so many and varied that biographies of his life, without being thousands of pages, can’t offer the necessary details about his adventures in the United States. Lafayette was our nation’s first international hero. He was the nation’s guest during a celebratory tour in 1824 and 1825 and he received many accolades during his stops across this country. He deserved his grand tour. Lafayette’s tour will never be equaled.”

            Mowday, who resides in West Chester, Pennsylvania, and has authored more than 20 books on history, true crime, business and sports, wrote the first detailed history of the battle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777, Washington’s Defeat at Brandywine Dooms Philadelphia. For more information, see www.mowday.com.

           “Washington almost lost his whole army that day,” Mowday said. “Some writers have attempted to put a positive spin on the military action, but Brandywine was a major defeat. In my Lafayette book, I looked beyond the military maneuvers. Brandywine deserves to have an honored place in American history. While many brave Americans died that day, what made that day so important in this country’s history was the fact that a 20-year-old French nobleman, who left his country and young wife against the wishes of his King, shed his blood for American freedom that day. Brandywine marked the beginning of Lafayette’s ascent to hero status.”

            The United States won its freedom from England because of the aid supplied by France. France became an American ally, in a large part due to Lafayette.

            Julian P. Icher, Founder and President of The Lafayette Trail, Inc., commented, “The Battle of Brandywine produced an American affection for Lafayette in 1777. The Frenchman sailed home to France on the ‘USS Brandywine’ for the last time in September 1825. Brandywine permanently attaches Lafayette’s name to the national narrative. So does Bruce Mowday’s book.”

            Kim Burdick, Resident Manage of the Hale-Byrnes House, Delaware, noted, “This book is more comprehensive and more interesting than a simple look at Lafayette’s role in the Battle of Brandywine. It is neither an academic tome full of obscure references nor a historiographical interpretation presenting him as a romantic young man. Mowday’s book is a very readable and carefully footnoted reconstruction of the role Lafayette played throughout the war in diplomatic and economic issues of importance to the fledgling American nation.”

            Reviewer Gen Pisasale, CFA, Historian/Author/Lecturer at Historic Insights, noted, “Bruce Mowday’s new book on Lafayette is a joy to read. It makes the young Frenchman ‘come alive’ for a new generation to understand and appreciate.”

 

October 25, 2021

One brief, vivid and unforgettable comment, at least one that should not be forgotten, was boldly stated.

A French military officer told a gathering in Yorktown that in today’s dangerous and unstable world, we must retain our staunch and long-lasting friendships. Without strong alliances, both France and the United States are in peril. His words were heard and privately repeated immediately after his presentation at the French Memorial on October 19.

Alerting those in attendance about today’s dangers, there are many ongoing threats in Asia, the Balkans and the Middle East, was a fitting place to do so among the historical speeches and commemorative events.

The main focus of the two days of ceremonies at the 240^th anniversary of Yorktown was the British surrender and America’s independence. The United States desperately needed France as an ally in our fight for freedom. Without the French aid, independence would not have been won at that time. France supplied much needed supplies and soldiers and the French navy neutralized the vaunted British navy, paving the way to the Yorktown victory.

Members of the American Friends of Lafayette and other groups gathered in the morning of October 19 at Surrender Field to remember the 50 unidentified French soldiers who died at Yorktown and were buried there. A procession of vehicles then made its way to the French Memorial where the French officer reminded all that our freedoms are not guaranteed and are constantly at risk.

The main event then took place at the 95-foot tall Yorktown Victory monument. The inscriptions on the four sides of the base of the monument are: One dedicates the monument as a memorial of victory, a second presents a succinct narrative of the siege, a third commemorates the treaty of alliance with France, and the fourth tells of the resulting treaty of peace with England.

On Monday of last week, a statute of French General Marshal Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau was unveiled at the Yorktown Riverwalk Landing. The statue joined three others depicting heroes of Yorktown and the American Revolution, the Marquis Lafayette, Washington and French Admiral François Joseph Paul, Comte de Grasse. 

We should all remember the lessons of our independence, if we are to retain our freedom. 

(Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday is a member of the American Friends of Lafayette and took part in the 240^th anniversary celebration in Yorktown. This week Barricade Publishing is releasing his book Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero.)

This article was submitted to Chester County media outlets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Bruce Mowday

The Sept. 11, 1777, Battle of Brandywine is a historic event of enormous importance to the United States that has been ignored or at least overlooked, for many years.

For sure, from a military standpoint, the battle was a total disaster for the rebel army of George Washington. There is little wonder that Washington failed to dwell on the loss at Brandywine as he later recounted his masterly exploits in the American Revolution. He almost lost his whole army that warm September day. Several of the opposing British officers wrote that with another hour of daylight, they would have ensnared Washington in their carefully planned trap.

Washington picked the banks of the Brandywine River in Chadds Ford to defend the Colonial seat of government of Philadelphia. Outside pressures and European expectations caused Washington to defend Philadelphia in a major battle. He couldn’t allow the British army under General William Howe to march into the city unmolested. If he did so, the American army would have been destined to defeat as potential foreign allies would have deemed the Americans too weak to defeat the vaunted British army.

While the Brandywine River appeared to offer a fine defensive line, Washington didn’t have time to properly explore the Chadds Ford area. He relied on local residents and a map of little detail to set his important right flank under the command of General John Sullivan. General Howe arrived in Kennett Square, the base for the British army, the day before the battle. Howe had less time to prepare for the major engagement but accurate and vital information from local supporters of King George III.

Howe’s troops executed his plan almost to perfection. His flanking movement caught Washington off guard and the American army had to retreat to Chester city that night. Washington’s forces suffered more than twice as many casualties as Howe’s army. Since the British lost the war, even major victories such as Brandywine received little attention.

If Brandywine was just one of a string of American defeats early in the war, Brandywine deserved to be relegated to history’s forgotten annals. American boosters of Brandywine over the years looked for reasons to celebrate the battle. American troops did fight valiantly on Birmingham Hill and Sandy Hallow. Those boosters claim that memory of a few hours of valor was carried over to Valley Forge and made them better soldiers, soldiers that eventually defeated the British.

The reasoning is overly hyped. Why would the American soldiers remember a defeat at Brandywine rather than a major American victory at Saratoga that took place weeks after Brandywine? Wouldn’t the so-called massacre at Paoli be more inspirational than Brandywine? And, didn’t Baron von Steuben have more to do to make the Americans professional soldiers than the defeat at Brandywine?

What has been overlooked at Brandywine is the Marquis Lafayette. The battle spurred the 20-year-old Frenchman who spoke little English and had no military experience, on the path to becoming an American hero. A few weeks before members of the Continental Congress told Lafayette to go home. At the beginning of the day, Lafayette was just another European officer, distrusted by fellow American officers and of unknown and suspect abilities.

Lafayette left the fields of Brandywine an American hero. At the day’s darkest hour, he left Washington’s side to fight with the troops of General Thomas Conway. He put his life at risk and suffered a wound to his left leg. Lafayette recovered and became a trusted confidant of Washington and a reliable military leader.

Make no mistake about the fact that during the American Revolution freedom would not have been won without the assistance of France, especially the French Navy that neutralized the advantage of the British fleet. And, it is extremely doubtful that without Lafayette’s support, France would have been America’s ally.

As an official of the American Friends of Lafayette recently told me, Lafayette is the story of Brandywine.

August 23, 2021

WEST CHESTER _ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, due to be released in October by Barricade Books, has generated speaking appearance requests for author Bruce E. Mowday from a number of historical and civic organizations.

“I’m so pleased with comments of historians and Lafayette scholars who have read my manuscript,” Mowday said. “The book should change the way the views Lafayette and establish the importance of the September 11, 1777, battle of Brandywine.”

Mowday has accepted a dozen speaking requests related directly to the Lafayette book. One of the bookings is at the historic Hale Byrne House in Delaware on September 11, 2022. On September 11, 2021, he will be signing books at the Chadds Ford Historical society. And on the day before, Mowday will be talking about Lafayette at events in West Chester and Kennett Square.

On October 19, 2021, Mowday will be a featured speaker during the festivities at Yorktown, Virginia, to mark the anniversary of the capture of the town by Lafayette, George Washington and French forces during the American Revolution.

Mowday has written more than 20 books on history, true crime, business and sports. All of his work can be seen on www.mowday.com. To order a signed copy of his books, contact him at mowday@mowday.com.

“My true crime books, Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice and Stealing Wyeth continue to be popular,” Mowday said, “along with my books on Gettysburg and local history. I’ve been asked to conduct tours at both Brandywine and Gettysburg.”

Mowday’s schedule:

September 4    Book signing at Solanco Historical Society Living History event, Quarryville, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.

September 10  Talk at Artillery Brewing Company, West Chester, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

September 10  Talk at Kennett Brewing Company from 6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

September 11  Book signing at Chadds Ford Historical Society from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

September 18  Books, Books Books event in Mechanicsburg from noon to 4:00 p.m.

September 23  Wyeth talk at Hershey Lodge for Pennsylvania Association of

Licensed Investigators at 2:30 p.m.

September 26  Book signing at Downingtown FallFest from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

October 2        Private Gettysburg tour.

October 4        Zoom presentation on Lafayette for Fort Plain Museum, NY, at 7:00 p.m.

October 14      Lafayette talk to Mt. Joy book group.

October 19      American Friends of Lafayette talk at Hornsby House Inn, Yorktown, VA at 5:30 p.m.

October 22      Lafayette talk at Hershey’s Mill at 1:00 p.m.

October 23      Lafayette book signing Kathy’s Corner Store, North East, MD., from 1:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

October 26      Stealing Wyeth talk at Avon Grove Library at 6:30 p.m.

October 28      Lafayette talk at Maris Grove, Delaware County, at 2:00 p.m.

October 30      Lafayette talk at Kennett Library at 1:00 p.m.

October 31      Parkesburg book signing at George P. Schneider Parish Center 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Harvest Ball

 

July 2, 2021

            WEST CHESTER, Pa _ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero, to be released in October by Barricade Books of Fort Lee, N.J., was ranked in the top four percent of books on Amazon on June 20, according to Amazon.

“I’m delighted with the pre-sales of the Lafayette book, but not surprised,” said author Bruce E. Mowday. “This book will redefine the battle of Brandywine and introduce Lafayette, a true American hero, to Americans. I’ve had so many positive reviews and comments on the books from Lafayette historians.”

From the book’s foreword by Chuck Schwam of The American Friends of Lafayette, “It is probably true that every author has at least one ideal reader in mind as he or she writes.  For Bruce Mowday, that reader was me.  As I have been a “Lafayette-ist” for more than a dozen years now, this book spoke to me in a way no other book has.  It is not simply a biography or a description of events, but a detailed explanation of the genesis of Lafayette’s ascent to hero status.”

Mowday is taking orders for signed, first edition, first printings of the book. The book lists for $24.95. Contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com. Mowday’s books, he has authored more than 20, can be seen at mowday@mowday.com.

“The battle of Brandywine was a major setback for General George Washington, his troops, Congress and the fight for American freedom. For more than 240 years, Brandywine has been wrongfully viewed as a total disaster. What has been missed has been the importance of Lafayette at Brandywine and his shedding of his blood for American freedom,” Mowday said.

On June 20, 2021, Lafayette ranked in the top 4 percent of Amazon listed books. Seven other books by Mowday were also highly ranked: In the top 1 percent was Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice on June 2; in the top 2 percent were Stealing Wyeth on June 19, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg, Coatesville on June 9, and Downingtown on June 13; and in the top four percent, Life with Flavor on June 28, Emotional Gettysburg on June 13 and Lafayette on June 20.

“I’m beginning to receive many invitations to talk on the new Lafayette book and my other books. Any organizations wishing to schedule a talk should contact me at mowday@mowday.com.

For July, Mowday is signing books at White Chimney’s 300^th anniversary celebration on Route 30, Gap, beginning at noon. He is talking about Lafayette at 1:30 p.m. He is doing a private signing in Chadds Ford on July 11 and will appear at the West Whiteland Summer Craft Fair at Miller Park on July 17 from 8:00 a.m. until noon. Mowday is scheduled to give a talk on the Johnston gang on July 30 to the Chester County Probation and Parole department.

Midwest Book Review of BEYOND THE MARRIAGE BED

James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief

The Biography Shelf

Beyond The Marriage Bed

Hellen Murray Sipala, author

Bruce E. Mowday and Simsun Greco, editors

Regent Press

2747 Regent St., Berkeley, CA 94705

www.regentpress.net

9781587905599, $29.95, HC, 208pp

https://www.amazon.com/BEYOND-MARRIAGE-Friend-Confidante-Andrew/dp/1587905590

Synopsis: For two decades famed artist Andrew Wyeth forged a special relationship with neighbors Helen and George Sipala. The couple was a special part of Andrew’s world and their home, Painter’s Folly, became a home-away-from-home refuge for Andrew and also a studio.

Andrew included the couple in many of his special events, from art openings in New York City to a movie preview with Charlton Heston. Helen and George hosted Christmas parties for Andrew and Andrew invited the couple to spend time with him in Maine during summers.

Besides being a friend, hostess and model for Andrew, Helen was a confident of the painter. Helen and Andrew spent many hours discussing painting, family, religion and other sensitive subjects.

Andrew suggested that Helen keep a diary of their meetings and talks. He hoped Helen “was writing all this down.” If Helen was to share their relationship, Andrew wanted her to not make his stories “sweet” but to “put an edge to it.”

Critique: Deftly edited by Bruce Mowday and Simsun Greco, and an absolute ‘must read’ for the legions of Andrew Wyeth fans, “Beyond the Marriage Bed: My Years as Friend, Model and Confidante of Andrew Wyeth” by Helen Murray Sipala is inherently fascinating chronicle of the relationship among Andrew Wyeth and Helen and George Sipala. Enhanced with the inclusion of a section dedicated to black-and-white photographs, “Beyond the Marriage Bed” is especially and unreservedly recommended for personal, community, college and university library American Biography collections in general, and Andrew Wyeth supplemental studies curriculum reading lists in particular.

Editorial Note: An author and newspaper reporter, Bruce E. Mowday has read a number of books on Andrew Wyeth, N. C. Wyeth, Jamie Wyeth and the rest of the Wyeth clan. He spent many hours at the Brandywine River Museum of Art looking at the wonderful collection of Wyeth art in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. The Wyeth paintings became like old and treasured friends. Having covered the case as a newspaper reporter, Mowday authored the book “Stealing Wyeth”, about the theft of 15 paintings from the Andrew and Betsy Wyeth estate. He also maintains an informative website at www.mowday.com

 

May 24, 2021 

Gettysburg Walks With Author Bruce E. Mowday

        Author Bruce E. Mowday is offering walks in Gettysburg during the summer of 2021. Bruce has authored three books on the 1863 Civil War battle that saved the Union.

“After posting on social media that I led one group at Gettysburg, I found many others are interested in taking a personal tour of the historic land,” Mowday said. “I have open days this summer and I’d like to schedule some walks.

Mowday’s three books are: Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story; J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Emotional Gettysburg.

“Each book is unique,” Mowday said. “I had not at first thought about writing a book on Gettysburg. The Pickett’s Charge book came about when I realized no book looked at the Union defenders of the Confederate charge. The Wert family has the largest collection of Gettysburg artifacts, including the podium used by Lincoln during his famous address. I teamed with wonderful artist Karl J. Kuerner to do Emotional Gettysburg. Karl created 20 original works of art and I did essays to go with the paintings. Readers have said we have redefined Gettysburg.”

Mowday will tailor walks to the wishes of those participating. Mowday will meet participants outside the National Park’s Visitors’ Center. A $20 per person fee will be charged for a four-hour walk with a minimum of $100. Fees for longer events will be charged. Also, artist Karl J. Kuerner will be available for some of the days.

Those taking part in the walks will also receive a 15 percent discount on any of Mowday’s books purchased. All of the books are listed on Mowday’s website, www.mowday.com. To schedule a walk, contact Mowday at mowday@mowday.com.

“This is a wonderful way to spend a day at a historic site,” Mowday said.

 

May 17, 2021

Memorial Day book signing scheduled

for Chester County author Bruce E. Mowday

at Kathy’s Corner Shop in North East, Maryland

Live talks and appearances are replacing zoom presentations

          WEST CHESTER _ A Memorial Day book signing has been scheduled for Chester County author Bruce E Mowday in North East, Maryland.

“With the COVID restrictions eased, I’m receiving many requests for talks and signings. My new book on Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero is scheduled for release in October. Last week more than 60 people turned out at Radley Run Country Club for a presentation on my true crime book Stealing Wyeth. People want to resume their lives. Once couple said the dinner and talk at the country club was their first outing in more than a year.”

Kathy’s Corner Shop is located at 100 South Main Street, North East, MD. Mowday will be signing books and talking with visitors from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Mowday, who has authored more than 20 books on true crime, history, sports and business will also have copies of his book Emotional Gettysburg, released just before COVID began. Mowday’s essays accompany original paintings by Chadds Ford artist Karl J. Kuerner. Mowday has authored three books on Gettysburg.

“I’m excited about taking part in the 300^th anniversary event at White Chimneys. White Chimneys was one of the locations Lafayette stopped during his grand tour of the United States in 1825. I’ll be giving a presentation,” Mowday said.

On June 11 at 7:00 p.m. Mowday will give a zoom presentation for the Capital District Civil War Round Table of Albany, N.Y., on Three Views of Gettysburg based on his three books Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story, J. Howard Wert’s Gettysburg and Emotional Gettysburg.

“I’m receiving requests for signings and talks for events beginning in September,” Mowday said. “So far, I have 15 scheduled and several pending. I also just added a talk on my Lafayette for early 2022.”

 

May 10, 2021

Radley Run Country Club hosts

Author Bruce E. Mowday

On Friday evening, May 14

Mowday will present on his true crime book, Stealing Wyeth

          WEST CHESTER _ Author Bruce E. Mowday will give a presentation on his latest true crime book, Stealing Wyeth, on Friday evening at Radley Run Country Club.

The book details the theft of 15 paintings from the estate of Andrew Wyeth. The almost priceless works of art were buried, stored in junked cars and placed in an attic wall before being recovered.

“Radley Run is the perfect venue for the talk,” Mowday said. “The theft of the paintings took place close to the country club. Seven of the paintings were by Andrew Wyeth and six were by his son Jamie.”

The live presentation, with safety precautions, begins at 5:00 p.m. with a dinner buffet costing $25.00. For reservations, call 610-793-1660. Mowday’s talk begins at 6:00 p.m. Radley Run is located at 1100 Country Club Road, West Chester, PA 19382.

Signed books will be available for purchase. The cost of the book is $25.00.

January 14, 1983: Master cat burglar William Porter, responsible for stealing 15 paintings from the estate of famed American artist Andrew Wyeth, is arrested. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Stealing Wyeth by author Bruce E. Mowday.

January 16, 2009: Famed American artist Andrew Wyeth dies. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Stealing Wyeth by author Bruce E. Mowday.

February 12, 1911: Congressional Medal of Honor winner Alexander S. Webb dies. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story by author Bruce E. Mowday.

February 15, 1835: General Alexander Stewart Webb, who was awarded a Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions during Pickett’s Charge, was born. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story by author Bruce E. Mowday.

March 7, 1995: Major League Baseball announces Richie Ashburn will become a member of the Hall of Fame. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown by author Bruce E. Mowday.

March 18, 1980: David and Norman Johnston are convicted of four counts of first-degree murder. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

March 19, 1927: Hall of Fame member Richie Ashburn is born. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown by author Bruce E. Mowday.

March 27, 1982: Thieves steal 15 paintings from the estate of famed American artist Andrew Wyeth. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Stealing Wyeth by author Bruce E. Mowday.

April 20, 1948: Future Hall of Fame player Richie Ashburn participates in his first major league game. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown by author Bruce E. Mowday.

May 20, 1834: Lafayette dies in Paris. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

June 13, 1777: Lafayette first arrives in the United States. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

July 2, 1863: The Philadelphia Regiment under the command of General Alexander Webb arrives at Gettysburg. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story by author E. Bruce Mowday.

July 3, 1863: Pickett’s Charge takes place at the Battle of Gettysburg. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Pickett’s Charge: The Untold Story by author Bruce E. Mowday.

July 12, 1917: Famed American artist Andrew Wyeth is born. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Stealing Wyeth by author Bruce E. Mowday.

July 17, 1977: Police informant Gary Wayne Crouch is murdered by Bruce A. Johnston Sr. and Leslie Dale. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

July 30, 1995: Richie Ashburn is inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown by author Bruce E. Mowday.

July 31, 1777: Congress commissions Lafayette as a Major General in George Washington’s army.  For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

August 1, 1999: Murderer Norman Johnston escapes from prison. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

August 6, 2002: Lafayette becomes the sixth honorary citizen of the United States. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

August 7, 2002: Serial killer Bruce A. Johnston, Sr., dies in prison. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

August 15, 1824: Lafayette’s begins a 13-month tour of the United States as the “nation’s guest.”  For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

August 16, 1978: Three young members of the Johnston Gang are murdered by brothers Bruce, David and Norman Johnston and buried in a hand-dug grave. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

August 20, 1999: Escaped murderer Norman Johnston is captured after 19 days. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

August 30, 1978: Robin Miller, 15, is murdered and her boyfriend, Bruce A. Johnston, Jr., is shot in an ambush. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

September 6, 1757: Lafayette is born. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

September 9, 1825: Lafayette departs for France on the ship The Brandywine after his 13-month tour of the United States as the “nation’s guest.” For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

September 9, 1997: Hall of Fame player Richie Ashburn dies. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown by author Bruce E. Mowday.

September 11, 1777: Lafayette is wounded at the Battle of Brandywine. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

October 1, 1950: Richie Ashburn helps the Philadelphia Phillies win the National League for the first time since 1915. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown by author Bruce E. Mowday.

October 10, 1961: Richie Ashburn is drafted to become a member of the original New York Mets baseball team. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Richie Ashburn … Why the Hall Not? The Amazing Journey to Cooperstown by author Bruce E. Mowday.

October 19, 1781: After Lafayette corners British General Cornwallis, British army surrenders at Yorktown. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

November 15, 1972: Kennett Square policemen William Davis and Richard Posey are murdered in front of their police station by members of the Johnston gang. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

November 15, 1980: Bruce A. Johnston, Sr., is convicted of six counts of first-degree murder. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

November 30, 1978: Confessed murderer Leslie Dale leads police to a victim of serial murderer Bruce A. Johnston Sr. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

December 7, 1982: FBI agent David Richter recovers one of the 15 paintings stolen from the estate of famed artist Andrew Wyeth. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Stealing Wyeth by author Bruce E. Mowday.

December 13, 1978: Brothers Bruce A. Johnston Sr., and Norman Johnston – serial murderers – and their wives are arrested at a Boscov’s store for stealing 8-track stereo tapes. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.

December 19, 1777: Valley Forge camp begins as George Washington, Lafayette and American army arrive.  For more information, see Barricade Books’ Lafayette at Brandywine: The Making of an American Hero by author Bruce E. Mowday.

December 20, 1982: Stolen paintings from the estate of famed American artist Andrew Wyeth are obtained by the FBI. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Stealing Wyeth by author Bruce E. Mowday.

December 30, 1978: Confessed murderer Ricky Mitchell leads investigators to the gravesite of three young men, killed by members of the notorious Johnston gang. For more information, see Barricade Books’ Jailing the Johnston Gang: Bringing Serial Murderers to Justice by author Bruce E. Mowday.