Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1926-06-24


banks of fieecy clouds. A
breeze scented with dogwood
stirs the tops Of naples that break the
long stretch Of farnIands, carpeted In
green and dotted with daisies. Sun
shine and the song OF birds and far
in the distance the sound Of the on
coming bus bringing another expect
ant group Of prosperous visitors to
that shrine OF American patriotism,
the headquarters OF Washington in
Revolutionary days.
Valley Forge In January, IT'S.
White fields stretch unbroken back
from the frozen Schuylklll. Smoke ls
curling on the frosty air from the log
huts Of the American army. Blood
stained tracks lead from these huts
to the commIssary's shack, weii-nigh
destitute of the provisions which are
seeded for hungry men. From the
two-story stone farmhouse Of Isaac
Potts. General Washington energies,
talks a minute with two of his officers,
and then mounts his horse for his
usual morning ride. His face is calm
and serene, for In spite OF the serious
condition OF his little army, he Is con-
ident that the summer win bring them
success.
How familiar II ali seems-thIs
story OF Washington at Valley Forge.
Historians and novelists and painters
have caused this part Of our historical
inheritance to stand out In bold re-
lief 1t was a happy idea to have this
scene vIsualixed on canvas for pos
terity by Edwin Austin Abbey and
hung in the hall Of representatives Of
the state capitol at Harrisburg. where
hosts Of Americans making pilgrim
age TO Washington could stay their
Journey an hour or TIVE and view II.
Where Patriots Suffered.
Few Of us without rereading our his
tory could tell that Philadelphia fell
into the hands Of the British after the
battle Of Germantown that congress
had fed from Philadelphia to York
that the campaign in New York state
had been successful, Schuyler and |
Gates with less than 5000 men de- |
feating Burgoyne's army of 10000. /
But most OF us could tell OF the hard |
ships of the winter Of 1777-76. when |
}. 300 barefooted and half-clothed men
cold and hunger at Valley |
Forge.
II was not a winter Of idleness, al
hough but little time was spent on /
in the art Of war until Baron
YOn Steuben arrived from France late
n February and set 70 drill the troops
n the manual OF arms and the sim
Hest evoiutlons. On their immediate
lrrivm at Valley Forge, the men had
ived In tents, but the increasing cold
made the building Of warmer quarters
Each hut accommodated
2 men. 70 in gangs Of - they worked
ogether laying the logs and pointing
hem with clay Washington offered
reward for the one finished first
nd in the best manner. Other re-
Yards were given for a cheaper and
nore quickly made roof than boards
nd for the best substitute for shoes
1ade Of rawhlde. Not until all the
zen were Installed IN their log huts,
youId General Washington move from
IA marquee into the small stone farm
ouse. where he maintained HIS head
uarters until they broke camp on
une IS, the day the British evacu-
ted Philadelphia
shows Old Way Of Living.
Since 1879. when this farmhouse I
las purchased by the Continental
Iemorial Association Of Valley Forge, I
has been the center Of attraction
Iere the public may get a glimpse
T the old way Of living feature
I the log kitchen, hung with ladies'
ElIIets. and griddles. was the Chin
ey placed az the outside angle OF
le eli. On the large platform bult
cross the chimney corner all the boil
Il and baking Of the household was
one laundry. culinary. and autumn
Hing.
Another raiIying point In this his