By Cathy Miller

Shippen Manor hosted a fine summer’s eve for their 11th show in the annual Free Shippen Manor Sunday Lawn Concerts series this past week. As Dennis Austin, Arts Director, Cultural & Heritage Affairs, said in his weekly introduction, “Welcome to sweet and sunny downtown Oxford!”

On August 28, the natural undulating amphitheater that is Shippen Manor’s front lawn accommodated a sizable and appreciative crowd to listen to a-cappella songs, Appalachian folk hymns, Old-Time, Celtic, and country blues as performed by The Dulcimer Boys (and honorary Girl), a quartet (plus one) from the Lehigh Valley area. Assorted stringed instruments and a concertina, woven with wonderful vocals and traditional harmonies, kept the toes tapping and hands clapping.

It was a four dog night and according to their owners, the furry aficionados all had a tail-wagging good time as well.

Carl Boenig and Kathy Chiarella, from Port Murray, brought Cash, a three year old Lhasa Apso, and Starr, a 20 month old Briard, to the concert. When asked about their summer activities, Kathy said, “We did practicing in obedience with Starr over the summer at Top Dog Obedience School in Flanders. She’s doing ok. She finished her championship last year – she got a four point major at the regionals and five point major at the nationals. We’re getting ready for some obedience shows in late fall or early winter.” What about a vacation? “We haven’t done any real vacationing yet, but we hope to do something in October,” she added. Being such a big, furry pup, is Starr bothered by the heat of this summer? Kathy replied, “Not really. We have air conditioning in the house, and she has a dog door to go in and out.”  Kathy and Carl belong to the Morris Hills Dog Training Club, who train at Top Dog. Kathy has been a part of the Club for eight years, while others have been members for over 20 years.

Barbara and James Bewighouse, from Oxford, brought along little Maxwell, a four year old Havanese who they adopted from Common Sense for Animals (see featured photo – by Cathy Miller – above). Regarding the traditional summer sojourn, Barbara said, “We had a beach vacation with our family. We were in Virginia, on a canal, about two blocks from the ocean. It was really wonderful. We went kayaking and swimming.” James noted, “There were five grandkids, the oldest is 14, and the youngest is eight,” adding, “they’re growing way too quickly.” As for the heat of the summer, Barbara admitted, “We didn’t mind the heat at all.” They consider themselves lucky because Maxwell arrived just before Covid. James added, “He saved us from boredom all during the pandemic.” Barbara commented, “Although we’re coming out of Covid, we’re still really careful, because of our grandkids, and wanting to see my mom, who’s elderly. Coming here, to Shippen Manor, is like being free again.” Although they enjoy live music, James said, “We haven’t gone to any indoor shows yet, it’s a little too soon I think.”

Frank and Claire Grosso, from Washington Township, and Harley Davidson Grosso, a three year old Plott Hound/Labrador mix, sat on a blanket at the top of the hill, taking in the sounds and the view. They all agreed The Dulcimer Boys was a great concert, with Frank commenting, “Look how beautiful it is.” He unabashedly said, “This summer, to tell you the truth, we hardly did anything and the reason was it was just too hot! A number of times I went outside to do something and I just walked right back into the house.” Claire noted, “We managed a little gardening.” Harley was adopted from Two Hearts Rescue in Washington, who brought him north from Virginia. He’s been a blessing for them. How do they keep up with a high energy hound dog? Claire said, “He goes to doggie daycare twice a week and he goes to an obedience class once a week. We put a fence up in the yard so he can run safely there.” Frank brought up one thing all hounds have in common. “When they pick up a scent, they only want to find where it goes.” Claire clarified, “Harley does enjoy the chase!”

Elizabeth Buwen and Gary Biacik, from Washington Borough, enjoyed prime seating on the old porch of the stately stone Shippen Manor. Gary lives in a nursing home, but Elizabeth said she’ll pick him up there and they’ll return home or ride out to Shippen Manor to enjoy the music. She said, “If we see anything else going on, we go to the music. We are into the music, especially bluegrass.” Gary used to own a small 24 foot motor home which he sorely misses. He described it as “just enough for the two of us. It was great. We had our food, a bathroom, a full length mirror!” They enjoyed going to Wind Gap, although Elizabeth doesn’t like to travel much anymore. Gary said, “The furthest we ever went in the camper was upstate NY to Elmira, the Finger Lakes region. That was for a bluegrass festival.” Gary proudly announced, “Elizabeth is learning. She can tell the difference between a banjo and a mandolin!” A quick aside: Gary was sporting a Warren Hills Blue Streaks sweatshirt, given to him by Elizabeth’s daughter, a graduate of WHHS, who currently resides in Colorado.

Only two more shows remain in the Free Shippen Manor Sunday Lawn Concerts season: The Pine Leaf Boys (Cajun/Zydeco from Lafayette, LA) on Friday, September 2 from 5-7 p.m., and Paddy and the Pale Boys (your favorite Irish band) on Sunday, September 4 from 5-7 p.m. Bring your dancing shoes and your good dogs!

Shippen Manor is located at 8 Belvidere Avenue, Oxford, right off Route 31.