I had a great time at the "Real Housewives of Kennett Square" walking tour on Sept. 5. The tour was originally set for earlier this summer but was cancelled because of heavy rain. In contrast, Thursday night was perfect, and groups of maybe ten people apiece set out every half-hour or so from the starting point on the Genesis Walkway. Our guide, Grace P, did an excellent job -- as we strolled through town she added lots of interesting information about growing up here.
Along the tour route we encountered the "Real Housewives," notable women from the town's past: schoolteacher Mary D. Lang, photographer Annabelle Swayne, military nurse Marguerite Starr, physician Rebecca Moore, world traveler Emma Lamborn, Esther Hayes, Anna Hicks and Fannie Sinclair. The costumed actresses (in the latter case a lavishly costumed actor, the irrepressible Kirk Fetters) did a splendid job telling us about their lives and accomplishments. Quakerism, such a formative influence in the area, took center stage in many of their lives as they fought slavery and battled for women's rights.
(One anachronistic note: As we were listening to Annabelle Swayne telling us about her photography business, trucks from Majestic Midway were rumbling down Broad Street to set up for the Mushroom Fest carnival.)
I have to say that Kennett looked great, and the friend who went with me said that if she didn't live on a farm with all her critters, she would love to live in town.
Thank you and congratulations to the event's producers, the Kennett Square Historical Commission and the Kennett Amateur Theatrical Society. Great job!
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