Heavy rain delays annual Braddock’s Crossing
Holly Tonini
Eagle Scout Michael Parlak, Jr. (left), 17, and Life Scout, Jonathan Soisson, 16, both of Connellsville, raise the American Flag during the opening ceremonies of the 10th Annual Braddock’s Crossing of the Yough on Saturday, June 29. Both boys are members of Boy Scout Troop 101.
Holly Tonini
Mia Christie, 12, of South Connellsville, hammers a heart shape in to a piece of tin in a reenactment tent in Yough River Park as her grandmother Lynn Corvin watches at the 10th Annual Braddock’s Crossing of the Yough on Saturday, June 29.
Holly Tonini
Andrew Williams, 10, of Connellsville, fires a British Brown Bess musket while wearing a bear helmet under the tutelage of Todd “Ghost in the Head” Johnson.
Holly Tonini
John Cunning (left), portraying a sergeant in the 1st Virginia Regiment, shows a group of children a basic firearm drill that would have occurred during the French and Indian War while performing at the 10th Annual Braddock’s Crossing of the Yough on Saturday.
CONNELLSVILLE — Due to recent heavy rains, Maj. Gen. Edward Braddock and his contingency of soldiers were advised not to cross the Youghiogheny River in Connellsville Saturday.
The group, however, depending on weather conditions, may give the crossing another try at 1 p.m. today as part of the annual Braddock’s Crossing observance sponsored by the Connellsville Area Historical Society.
Karen Hechler, society president, said she got a call from New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Company Chief Bob Topper early Saturday morning saying that the annual crossing reenactment was not safe because the “current was too swift and the water was too high and muddy.”
“But, we might be able to do it Sunday,” said Hechler, who for the past 10 years has coordinated the event that draws hundreds of people to Yough River Park. Attendees are treated to a variety of re-enactors dressed in period clothing of the time of the French and Indian War.
In 1755, the British and colonial troops were on their way to Fort Duquesne — now Pittsburgh — to force the French from areas along the Ohio River. The mission included traveling 110 miles of undeveloped land by the soldiers, wagons, cannons and other supplies.
The re-enactment is traditionally held near the actual spot of Braddock’s crossing. The site was then known, and named on maps, as Stewart’s Crossing.
Visitors can also tour the replica of Col. William Crawford’s log cabin home and spring house that was built near its original spot along the river in 1976 during the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration.
The event was started by Hechler in honor of historical society found, the late William Balsley, who had always had a dream of recreating Braddock’s crossing, she said.
According to Hechler, this year’s event is a bit smaller due to weather conditions, as rain and the threat of more rain scared off some of the participants, but she said there’s still plenty to thrill attendees.
One such person was 10-year-old Andrew Williams of Connellsville who volunteered to have a bear cub hide placed on his head and draped over his shoulders by historical re-creationist Todd Johnson of McKeesport.
Johnson also allowed the boy to fire a powder musket. “I was scared,” was all that Williams said about his experience.
Johnson, along with his companion Aaron Bosnick of Fairmont, W.Va., display bags, animal skins and tools that were used by the natives. Both men wear period garb, including leather loincloth and body jewelry. Johnson wore a silver metal pendant from his nose.
During the crossing, Johnson portrays the Huron Indian, “Ghost in the Head,” who attempts to return fire on Braddock and his men.
The event continues from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. today.