What is a Quartermaster?

A Quartermaster's Luncheon will be served this weekend from 11:00-3:00pm during the festivities marking the 150th Commemoration Celebration of the Civil War for this area on Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th, 2012.  While 2013 is the official year observing this anniversary, 2012 will be very memorable as well, with several events to mark the occasion. 

Some of you may not be familiar with the term Quartermaster.  Here is a very informative link courtesy of the American Civil War Website which you can read up on here: http://americancivilwar.com/tcwn/civil_war/QuarterMaster_History.html

The Historic Fairfield Inn's Quartermaster Luncheon will promise not to disappoint as Mrs. Lee will join guests while they sample authentically prepared Civil War menu items that brought both comfort and sustenance to soldiers.

This weekend's Luncheon Menu is pre-fixe and will offer a choice of one appetizer, one entree and choice of home baked pies.  The selections are as follows:

Fresh Fruit Cobbler
Mansion House Salad
Ham & Bean Soup

Chef's Choice Quiche
Soldier's Waffle
Catch of the Day
Chicken & Biscuits
Roasted Loin of Pork

Assortment of Home Baked Pies

All entrees served with Johnny Cakes, Hardtack, and Idiot's Delight (biscuits, honey and raisins)

Cost is eighteen greenbacks ($18.00)  per person, reservations recommended, however walk ins are welcome!

We look forward to having you join us for this special weekend !

We Are Proud Members of the Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail

"The Gettysburg Wine & Fruit Trail, a unique consortium of local family businesses, is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, including the South Mountain Fruit Belt and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains."

Visit vineyards nestled in the mountainside, sip wine and take in the spectacular settings. Drive through sprawling orchards and visit farms offering the best local produce and nurseries boasting beautiful plants,trees and shrubs.  Wrap it all up with a delicious meal at our Inn, followed by a  luxurious stay in one of our deluxe rooms or suites.

Commemoration Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fairfield Schedule of Events-Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6

"Medal of Honor",

Don Stiver, Artist

Saturday, May 5th

9:30am-5pm: Living History Village open to the Public (Steelman Street)
9am: Meet the Union Generals as they plan the battle (108 West Main Street)
10am-11:30am Special Presentation by Tim Smith (Adams County author and historian) (108 West Main Street)
11am, 12pm,1pm-Civil War Era House Tours$
11am-3:00pm- "Lunch with Mrs. Lee" Quartermaster's Luncheon (Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street)$
12Noon- A Taste of History, Wine and Dine-(Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street) $
12 Noon: Insight into the Civil War Spy Organizations (108 West Main Street)
1pm: A Moment with General Longstreet (108 West Main Street)
3pm: Meet the Southern Generals and their staff (108 West Main Street)
4pm: Insightful conversations with General and Mrs. Lee (108 West Main Street)

2:00pm REENACTMENT BATTLE:"Conferderates Attempt a Rear Guard Movement" (Landis Farm, N. Miller Street)
7:00pm-9:00pm Bonfire with Music and Songs at the Fairfield Inn with Ken Courtney (Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street.)

Sunday, May 6th

8:30am Living History Village-Free and Open to the Public -(Civil War Encampment, Steelman Street)
9:00am-4:00pm Living History Village (108 West Main Street)
9:00am Period Church Service in the Town Hall (108 West Main Street)
10am-Ladies Relief Society Speaks of the Courageous Efforts During the War-(108 West Main Street)

2:00pm REENACTMENT  BATTLE: “The Union Cavalry Protects the Gap” (Landis Farm, N. Miller Street)

3:00pm Meet the Union and Confederate Generals for a Q & A (108 West Main Street)
4:00pm Closing Ceremony, Roll of Honor and Taps at (The Historic Fairfield Inn)
$-Cost

Sponsored by the Town of Fairfield http://www.battleoffairfield.com//

A Photo Essay of the Inn

So, you're planning your trip to visit us and wondering just what is all the buzz about our Inn? Well, here is a little summary in pictures of what you will see ....

This is our parlour, and the newer part of the house. This addition came into existence in 1801. This room also served as a hospital during the Civil War.

Going through the parlour you will enter the "Eisenhower Room" where, you guessed it! Mamie and Ike would often escape here, to one of their favorite spots in the area, to have a delicious meal.

From the Eisenhower Room you step down into the Main Dining Room which seats about 80 comfortably... 

A prototype of a plaque made to be displayed on the Battlefield and one of the many artifacts you will enjoy seeing here.

This room is the oldest part of the house, built by Squire Miller in 1757.  Boasting a gorgeous working fireplace , this room is still enjoyed for special occasions when guests want a more private and intimate setting.  (It can seat up to 12.) 

In this room, you will see the door which boasts an original lock from the days of Squire Miller.  This is said to be the best lock in the entire house!

Our Tavern has a full bar and also the oldest liquor license in Gettysburg. This room is a wonderful setting to enjoy a nice meal with yet another huge working fireplace which is used through out the year. 

Going upstairs, we have several well appointed rooms, each one very unique.  This is the J.E.B. Stuart Room which the General occupied on the Confederate Retreat. This view is coming through the door

This is a view of the queen size bed:

And the spacious modern bathroom....

This is the Patrick Henry room, where Mr. Henry actually stayed.  (He was the nephew of the lady of the house.)

A beautiful view of the popular clawfoot tub in the bathroom....There is a separate neo-angle shower unit, too.

This is the Grumble Jones Room, named after a Confederate General who fought in the Battle of Fairfield, behind our Inn.  This battle occurred at the same time as the Battle of Gettysburg. This is a view from the door entering the room.  There is a lovely, modern bath in this room with a jetted tub.

If you love history, this is the room to stay in.  It is the 1757 suite, above the 1757 room shown previously.  This is where the family spent their nights.  It is also where Ghost Lab stayed and supposedly captured lots of activity via their cameras and microphones....

This is the mirror where they saw a "shadow person". Notice the spectacular stone chimney which rises up from the room beneath.

Moving to the third floor, this is the Three Colonels Room, named after three men who thought they were mortally wounded during the Battle of Fairfield.  They retired to this room in 1863, thinking this is where they would see their final days. 

The good news is they all survived their injuries.  This is how the suite looks today... 

Here is the lovely soaking tub, perfect for relaxing after a tour of the battlefield, perhaps?

(Our 6th and last room on our journey is The Major Starr guest room which was being occupied at the time this was written.  Stay tuned for a picture just as soon as it is free.  (But the Inn is constantly busy, so we're not sure when that will be!)

We hope you've enjoyed the photo tour and we invite you all to come for a visit just as soon as you can.  You've heard the phrase "Things are so much better in person."  Well,they are!  The pictures just can't do this beautiful landmark the justice that it deserves.  Not to mention our wonderful staff who will bend over backwards to ensure you have the best stay possible.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day! 

Valentine's Day At The Inn....

Perhaps Squire Miller presented his wife with an embellished adornment of Cupid or a bouquet of flowers, some hearts, a few love birds; closely resembling the forthcoming Valentines of the upcoming 19th Century. (Germans who were settling in the United States at this time introduced this particular form of greeting with its Baroque ornamental style ultimately spreading to other parts of the country, thus paving the way for our modern Valentines).

On this amorous day of note, bring your significant other to Our Mansion House Restaurant for a special prix fixe menu for two which includes Traditional Surf & Turf, Juicy Fried Oysters, Beef Crostini, Sweetheart Salad, Chef's Seafood Chowder and a Gooey Hot Fudge Sundae. Call for Reservations (717) 642-5410

The Superbowl and The Civil War

How did those poor boys ever survive without one of America's favorite pastimes, the Super Bowl? Look out, Eli and Tom; a little digging uncovered that during the civil war, soldiers would often pass the time (especially during the winter months) reading, partaking in musical "jam" sessions, enjoying a game of cards,dominos,chess or the occasional game of baseball.

One might take a moment and ponder if there had been a Super Bowl back then, Robert E. Lee or George Meade asking for a pause in the battle while they checked the score on the game. Oh, how things have changed so drastically over the years.....While it is a great way for Americans today to kick back and relax and enjoy an event like this , let's take a minute to remember those who came before us and sacrificed so much so we can enjoy everything that is so great about this wonderful country we live in. Those men and women of yesteryear had much simpler pleasures and lifestyles.

Soldiers enjoying a game of chess

Coincidence?

January seems to symbolize the start of new things, fresh approaches and change.  Each year we choose a project to complete; last year the Main Dining Room got a "makeover".

This year the Parlour was on the top of  list for a new coat of paint, and preparations were made; the holiday decorations were packed away, the furniture was moved and the staff set to work on the transformation.  The undertaking was completed in about a week, and finally, we were able to step back and appreciate all the hard work that had been done. 

Someone made a comment about the red paint and how fantastic it looked. Together with the white and blue trim, it looked patriotic. "What color red is that?" someone asked.

The owner, Joan, replied "To Die For Red." She admits she hadn't even paid attention to the name until later on, when she had to order more when she was running low.

Everyone agreed that this seemed very fitting for the Parlour, as it had once served a role as a Civil War Hospital.