‘Four' free at Grey Towers

Ice cream and more — and the community is invited, By Marilyn Rosenthal MILFORD — That’s right people, ice cream, an open house, music, and a film, all four - for free. The Grey Towers Heritage Association is sponsoring this end of summer-beginning of fall celebration. The second annual Community Ice Cream Social is Sept. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Grey Towers. Barbara J. Buchanan, GTHA president said, “The association is very proud to continue the tradition begun by Gifford and Cornelia Pinchot of opening up their home to the community.” Last year more than 400 people appeared at 19th century French chateauesque mansion to sample the free ice cream, musical accompaniment, and the sense of belonging to the community inspired by the ice cream social. Buchanan said, “Strengthening the community connection is key to our mission at Grey Towers and it’s so appropriate to offer this on National Public Lands Day, since the Pinchots donated their home to the Forest Service for public use.” Lori McKean, Assistant Director of Programs, (USDA Forest Service) at Grey Towers said, “National Public Lands Day celebrates the fact that Grey Towers is a public place. We want the community to embrace it as such. That is why we are having a free open house with free tours of the mansion.” Tours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year, the home-made ice cream is being provided by Darryl Wood, owner of the Milford Dairy Bar, Inc. on West Harford Street in Milford. Darryl, like his father before him, is an ice cream purist and is proud to be part of this historical re-creation of the Pinchot’s Ice Cream Social. He will be serving chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry ice cream, all on cones. This year the music will be provided by the renowned local pianist, Ray Weeks. Ray will play tunes of the 1920s and ‘30s, reminiscent of the Pinchot era. In addition to ice cream, an open house, and musical entertainment, there will be a fascinating free video, titled “In the Shadow of a Man.” This video documents President John F. Kennedy’s Sept. 24, 1963 dedication of Grey Towers as a conservation center to carry forward Gifford Pinchot’s legacy. The video will be shown continuously throughout the day. In addition to his two terms as a popular Pennsylvania Governor, Gifford Pinchot was an eminent conservationist who founded and served as the first Head of the US Forest Service. So come, bring the family and friends and enjoy the day as Grey Towers and the Grey Towers Heritage Association continue the legacy.

The Ice Cream Social at Grey Towers
Free Ice Cream
Free Musical Entertainment
Free Open House
Free JFK Film
Saturday, Sept. 26, 2 to 4 p.m.
Mansion open 10am-5pm
To Celebrate the Legacy of Governor Gifford and Cornelia Pinchot’s Community Outreach. Everyone is invited! For more information, call: 570-296-9630, www.greytowers.org .