Bucks
George Vinter – American Revolution Reenactor & Toy Maker
Dear Friends,
Good morning. “I used to be an introvert, but now I’m an extrovert,” George Vinter began. “You can’t shut me up.” Vinter is an American Revolution reenactor and toy maker who recently delighted members of the Milford Township [Bucks County] Historical Society.
Vinter lives alone in Red Hill, surrounded by American history memorabilia…books, scrap books, homemade toys, and of course, his uniform…a replica worn by citizens or soldiers of the First New Jersey Regiment during the American Revolution. You can visit their website www.1nj.org and see where they fought. Vinter has been a reenactor for 15 years, thanks to his son, George Jr., who introduced the hobby to his father.
After the senior Vinter’s wife, Joyce, died three years ago, reenactments have kept him very busy. Last year, he participated in 50 demonstrations. “Reenactments brought me out of my depression,” he told me.
At the reenactment of the Battle of Yorktown last month, nearly 4,000 participated. Vinter’s son was there, leading the First New Jersey Regiment, now 100 soldiers strong. Vinter, Jr., is a switch hitter. Because he has the uniforms of both the American and British armies, he can play the role of friend or foe.
Vinter Senior often plays the part of 18th century town folk. “I was born in 1737,” he joked, “so I’m 269 years old!”
There’s an investment of course. Vinter told me that it can cost about $2,000 to equip a continental or British reenactor…$1,000 for the uniform; $700 musket; $125 shoes; and $70 felt hat.
His love of American history began at age 10 when his parents took him to the Gettysburg battlefield. Every year, the family visited American Revolutionary and Civil War historic sites. George Senior continued that tradition when he had four young children of his own.
And speaking of children, George Senior and his wife devoted their lives to 35 foster children. His love of children continues to this day. He’s made toys that were typical of the 18th century including a button on a string, a ball in the cup, and a fox and geese game.
He entertains children at the demonstrations. When he began 15 years ago, his toys filled one folding table. Today he needs several to accommodate his carvings, numbering more than 140 pieces. “And the garage is full,” Vinter quipped. He has a handmade game of jacks plus old locks and keys.
I was particularly intrigued with the hornbook, which all children carried to school in the 18th century. The hornbook was a small wooden paddle with a razor-thin, shaved piece of cow horn affixed to it…rather like plastic or Mylar. Between the piece of cow horn and the paddle were printed the alphabet and the Lord’s Prayer. When children weren’t studying their letters and the prayer (can you imagine this teaching device being used in a politically correct world today?), they used the paddle for recreational sport.
But I stray.
A heart attack changed George Sr.’s life dramatically in 1990. After bypass surgery, he was down in the dumps. But, his son’s reenactment activity reinvigorated his spirits. Vinter Senior’s first reenactment was the Battle of Germantown in 1991 and he’s been busy ever since.
“The Battle of Germantown was special for me,” he said, “because it was at the corner of Germantown Avenue and Johnson Street, right where I worked for years.”
Last year, Vinter Sr. marched at the head of the parade for Quakertown’s 150th celebration. He was the town crier and welcomed Governor Rendell…he’s proud of the picture of him with the governor.
In his dining room, Vinter has a display of colonial Williamsburg. During the Christmas season, he assembles model trains on a 4 foot by 8-foot platform. He has three types…“O” gauge, Lionel trains; or “H.O.” gauge or “N” gauge.
Between the reenactment activity and the building of period toys, George Vinter, Sr. doesn’t let grass grow under his feet. “I’ll even tell you a short story about George Washington and that famous cherry tree,” his brochure reads.
If you want an interesting program,
Vinter has a website www.toydemonstrater.zoomshare.com
or you can call him at
Sincerely,
Charles Meredith