Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-09-26
MAYOR HARVEY WAS
SPLENDID HOST
Entsrtains 1000 School Boys
at His Home at Osborne
Hill.

Osborne I'm. near Chadd's Ford. the
present site of Mayor Leroy Har-
v,y's summer home, was lively enough
last saturday, when approximately
1000 boys. ranging in age from to IL
yers. all guests of Mayor Harvey.
were guided over the historic hills
OF the Brandywine. From an educa-
tional standpoint. the trip was highly
successful. recalling to the Whining
ton men of tomorrow. the great bait
tie of the Rrandywine.
The outing was directed with skill
and much credit is due TO Frank F..
ballantyne. head of the boys depart
ment of the Y. NJ. c. A., for the per-
fsction of his organization and the
n'embers of the Rotary Club for the
cooperation in supplying the neces-
sary trucks and drivers.
Fred Blatz. chairman OF the boys
committee OF the Rotary Club was
tr active charge of the transportation
facilities. which were more than ade-
suate. there being fifty trucks in ser
vice and two in reserve. These two
were later used when two loaded
trucks developed Transmission trouble.
With the exception of a few minor
injuries. the youngsters We're all jubi-
liant throughout the day, many ex-
pressing n wish that the trip be re-
yeayed again next year
M interesting incident is told con-
serning the assembling of the trucks
chat illustrates the skill for quick, de-
csive assembling of forces possessed
b. some of Wilmington's captains of
itndustry When the trip was first
81
Harvey telephoned TO Frederick Blatz,
Who is plant superintendent of the
Amalgamated Leather Company.
Fred, I want you TO take charge of
transportation" said the mayor.
IAN right" replied Mr.. Blatz in his
ueusl iaconic. but good-natured way.
Several days elapsed and The mayor
'phoned Mr.. Blatz again.
"Did you get the trucks for my
boys party" Mayor Harvey asked.
mo I haven't" Mr.. Blatz replied,
nut l have a reminder on my desk
and will certainly have them ready"
How many boys will you have on
she party" was asked.
"oh. about s00," said Mayor Harvey.
THAT will be easy" was the reply
from Mr.. Blatz. thinking that only
two or three trucks would be needed
for the trip.
Several days ago Mayor Harvey
arain communicated with Mr.. Blatz
which resulted in the following con-
versstion.
Il have nearly 1900 registered to-
day" the mayor said.
long, low whistle from Mr.. Blatz
and then
You can count on me, I'll have as
many trucks as will be needed for
your boys and they will be ready when
ycu are ready"
And they were.
so successful was the outing that
81 was intimated, the mayor will have
as his guests frequently during the
winter, other groups of Wilmington's
boys. 1t is also suggested that the
orhool girls of the city be given an
opportunity 10 view the beautiful and
historic country.
Mayor Harvey's summer home on
Osborne Hill will be remembered as
the lookout" post for Sir William
Howe, commander of the British fore
es. The hardest fighting occurred be-
tween the Birmingham meeting-hous Sc
and the residence then occupied by
Mrs. James Davis and Mrs. Jones.
Many were killed near the meeting
house. which was situated about half
way between the Brandywine river
ard the Wilmington road. General
Howe used ii as a hospital and several
officers who died there were buried
ir the adjacent graveyard. Lafayette
WAS shot through the leg after he had
lesped from his horse, and, sword in
hand, was endeavoring to rally the
flying Americans. His aide, Gimat
helped him back to his saddle, and he
rode to the rear where his wound was
dressed. On the morning of the battle
Washington took his breakfast at the
mansion Of James Brindley, on the
Wilmington side of the river, walking
the floor in deep thought or standing
with his cup of coffee in his hand
e. ting little and soon Fastening on K
Chadd's Ford.
Washington's headquarters were a
tho house of Benjamin Ring, wher.
Lafayette lodged with him the nigh
before the battle, although the French
mans headquarters had previously
been fixed at the residence of Benja,
min Gilpin.
Howe advanced to Elkton, Maryland
whence he began TO move on Septem
Der 3, while Washington was still il
Wilmington. Howe had 1900 pickle,
men and Washington II 900. In tn
battle of the Brandywine the numbe
Gf killed and wounded is not known.
To many of the youngsters who Wis
ated the backgrounds, the cultivatet
land with its many contours afforde'
but little knowledge. In each instanc
they were enlightened relative to tn
great battle fought on the hills oppo
cite Mayor Harvey's home.
The weather was ideal, and with tn
exception of the few minor accident
the occasion was enjoyed by all.