DWG Celebrates Its Beginnings

A day filled with sunshine and temperatures befitting the Summer season on the finale day of June greeted those who came to Celebrate the existence of the little town of Delaware Water Gap (DWG) located in Monroe County, PA. The town was founded by a French plantation owner named Antoine Dutot in 1793 who fled Santa Domingo during a slave uprising. He purchased some land and began building a town he named, “Dutotsburg.” As time went on, Dutotsburg became known as the borough of Delaware Water Gap, PA to take commercial advantage of its geographical surroundings. However, Antoine Dutot’s French influence is still present throughout the town which is considered by many to be the “New Orleans of the Poconos” as its architecture, prevalence of Jazz, Sycamore trees, and a relaxed atmosphere is found within the fabric of the Delaware Water Gap and its citizens.

The threads of this fabric can be felt by those who ventured out in the 90 plus degree heat to enjoy the festivities to honor Antoine Dutot for building the town almost 220 years ago. Arts in the Gap provided Italian Street Painting and other Art Projects for Children, Artists and Artisans such as Stephanie Marquette of the West Wind Jewelry Company, Don Ransom of Gemstone Jewelry, Roxanne Sagala of Barley Rose Bodycare, Lisa Bauman Wispe who is the author of the Children’s Book titled, “Fritter’s Spring” and the books illustrator Michael Bauman, Illustrator Joy C. Warner, Artist Marie Geisomino, Cub Cord, representatives from The Celebration of the Arts (COTA) who will be holding their 35th Annual Jazz and Arts Festival this September 7th to the 9th, and reenactment historians from The New Jersey Frontier Guard “1756.” In addition to these, several car clubs displaying vintage automobiles as part of the 9th Annual Cars in the Water Gap show were present to enhance the celebrations. They included The Studebaker Owners’ and Drivers’ Clubs along with the DWG Car Club. Awards were given to the individual owners and music was provided by Blues Guitarist Randy Bigness whose amplification system is rigged through the trunk of his muscle car.

There were many specially scheduled activities to enjoy which included The town’s annual Firehouse Pancake Breakfast, the arrival of the Steamtown Excursion Train along with an Open House inviting festival attendees to visit the town’s Rail Road Station, an Illustrated History Talk titled, “Better in the Poconos: The Story of Pennsylvania’s Vacationland” given by Professor Lawrence Squeri, and The Great Cheery Creek Rubber Duck Race all of which I missed. Damn. But, the specially scheduled activities I did manage to enjoy were “The Delaware River - A Big Picture (Riv9)” presentation at The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain which featured music and poetry honoring the Delaware River and an Artist’s Reception at The Gallery at Castle Inn for their exhibition titled, “Composition” featuring the photographic work of the gallery’s curator Jose Santamaria.

The Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in Delaware Water Gap, PA hosted The Delaware River - A Big Picture (Riv9) presentation of “Rhythms of the River” which featured (as mentioned earlier) Musical performances and Poetic Readings honoring the Delaware River. The presentation was part of  the Delaware River Project which began in 2003 by Rod Cameron and others enamored and touched by it environmental beauty. The event began with a video created by Rod Cameron and John Abel about the river and it’s meaningful aspects. As the film concluded, Rod Cameron shared some welcoming remarks before introducing the first participants in the event.

The first of these participants were song writer Celeste Aldridge and blues guitarist Randy Bigness who accompanied her. Ms. Aldridge is well known for her renditions of folk tunes and ballads along with her impressive original compositions. Mr. Bigness is well know throughout the area for his revival of an appreciation of the form of music known as the blues and for the smile he leaves upon the faces of his listeners in spite of the mood the musical form is associated with. The pairing of these wonderfully gifted and talented artists proved to be an appropriate way to begin the show as their love for the music and the river flowed among those who experienced their performance.

Their performance were followed by the Marty Wilson Trio whose Jazz epitomized the musical stylings the area had become so famous for. They were followed by Wayfarers and Company whose performance on Dulcimers echoed the music the settlers of the area might have played for themselves and each other during the bygone era in which the town was built. They were followed by Juanita Kirton who Rod Cameron referred to the Poet Laureate of the Poconos whose words well reflected the reference as they explored the past and present experiences of the human condition along with expressing the future hopes of all human kind.

Ms. Kirton was followed by Poet and Photographer Jordan Lewis whose delivery of his poetic words where as soft and gentle as those who has experienced the river during it’s many calming episodes can recall while listening to Mr. Lewis. His love for the river can also be seen in his photographic work which was recently shown at The Antoine Dutot Gallery and Museum located in Delaware Water Gap, PA. You may read the article about the Artist’s reception for the exhibit at www.facebook.com/notes/paul-adam-smeltz/jordan-at-the-dutot/10150885056216232.

Mr. Lewis was followed by vocalist Gaycia who, through the wonders of modern technology, sang a number of songs accompanied by a full orchestra residing in her cell phone.  She was followed by Poet Peggy Cambell whose brief reading lingered in the minds of those who attended the event long after the final words were uttered. She was followed by poets who are members of Ms. Kirton’s “Women Who Write” gatherings which were formed to encourage and support women who enjoy the literary arts. They were followed by Pianist Diane Lusk whose interpretations of classical pieces revealed the majesty of not only the Delaware River but all bodies of water including those in which our lives travels as it floats from one moment to the next. The event concluded with a performance given by guitarist John Able who gentle and amusing musical and vocal reflections brought the afternoon to a pleasant finale befitting the Founder’s Day Celebrations.

The Riv9 - The Delaware River - A Big Picture presentation of “Rhythms of the River” is part of the Delaware River Project who recently had a Group Exhibition at The Antoine Dutot Gallery and Museum located in Delaware Water Gap, PA. You may read the article about the Artists’ reception for the exhibit at www.facebook.com/notes/paul-adam-smeltz/a-river-flows-dutot/10150925400186232. To learn more information about the Delaware River Project, please Explore their Website at www.iriv.wordpress.com.

As also mentioned earlier in this article, The Castle Inn Gallery in Delaware Water Gap, PA held an Artist’s Reception for their exhibition titled, “Composition” featuring the photographic work of the gallery’s curator Jose Santamaria as part of the Founder’s Day Celebration. The work presented was a stunning compilation of styles and subjects captured by the photographer. The work was presented on a variety of material including canvas which led to some confusion to visitors as they thought these works were paintings and not photographs. However, they were soon reassured from their suspicions by both Mr. Santamaria and his wife Maggie.

The title of the exhibition, “Composition” proved to be an apt one as the flow of each image not only contained a unique symmetry but also composed a story open to a myriad of interpretations of the viewer’s imagination. These interpretations were reflected in the conversations of many attendees of the reception which the wonderful food and wine facilitated. While I enjoyed sharing in such conversations, I discovered and extra treat as I continued to explore the work.

As with most exhibitions involving photography, several photographers attended the reception. Some of those reading this article may have noticed I like taking pictures. It was wonderful to partake in conversations centering around the subject as I gained a great deal of insights through them. It was very cool.

The exhibition titled, “Composition” featuring the photographic work of the gallery’s curator Jose Santamaria continues in The Castle Inn Gallery located in Delaware Water Gap, PA until August 17th. More information about The Gallery, The Castle Inn, and all the establishment has to offer can be gained by exploring their website at www.castleinndwg.com.

As I was leaving the Castle Inn Gallery, I’ve seen the vendors who haven’t finished tearing down their tents happily complete their tasks. Some mentioned to me that, although it was a hot day, they made some sales. This was nice to know as it denotes the success of the celebration on one level. After all, the reason behind the name change from “Dutotburg” to Delaware Water Gap was done for commercial reasons.

However, some said they didn’t do all that well selling their wares but met some people who touched their lives in a meaningful way and hope to establish long lasting friendships with them. To me, that is what the festival is truly about as it reflects my experiences inspiring me to eagerly await next year’s celebration. You’ll find more photographs taken during the Celebration including the “Rhythms of the River” presentation at the Presbyterian Church of the Mountain and the Artist’s Reception at The Castle Inn in The DWG Founder’s Day 2012 Gallery at www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151072121930421.489836.636000420&type=1.

The Delaware Water Gap, PA 2012 Founder’s Day Celebration was organized by The Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce. The town sits in the very heart of the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area with access to The Appalachian Trail and (in addition to their annual Founder’s Day Celebration) is home to the Annual Celebration of the Arts Jazz and Arts Festival. Please Explore The Delaware Water Gap Chamber of Commerce Website at www.delawarewatergap.com to learn more information about the town and all it has to offer those who come visit it.