Colonial Day Celebrates 350 Years of Rye's History

If you walked through Rye Town Park Saturday, you may have witnessed a cavalry dragoon, a saber fight or been cajoled into joining a colonial militia.

And if you didn't know it was Rye Colonial Day—part of the town's 350th anniversary initiative—you may have been confused.

For Colonial Day, the Rye Historical Society and town government collaborated to transform Rye Town Park into a veritable sixteenth-century city on the Sound. Previous anniversary events have included historical events at Crawford Park Mansion and the Rye Free Reading Room. 

The beach and park were packed with families taking in various spectacles; colonial-style boats sailed the Sound and professional actors rode horses and taught eager onlookers how to do battle, sixteenth-century style.     

"It was a great day, especially for the kids," said Caroline Caulfield, who came in from the Bronx to celebrate the anniversary with her two young children. "We come here often, and we definitely weren't going to miss today."

One of the event coordinators and participants was longtime Rye resident Douglas Carey. Carey broke his colonial character—Peter Disbrow, a Massachusetts transplant who helped settle Rye in 1660—to talk with Patch.

"Today is a grand celebration of Rye's founding," Carey said. "The day so far has been incredibly successful, and everyone so supportive."

The day began with Carey, Councilman Joe Sack and Rye Town Supervisor Joseph Carvin coming  into Rye Town Park on a 17th century replica Bateau, rowing from Manursing Island to Poningo, in full colonial raiment. They played Rye founders Disbrow, John Loe and Thomas Studwell, respectively, and remained in character for most of the day.  

"We were seen by a crowd of enthusiasts who gave us a warm welcome," Carey said, briefly stepping back  into character. "We talked about the great opportunities the new settlement of Rye has ahead of it."

The day continued with reenactments by the Second Continental Light Dragoons, a professional historical organization from Connecticut. There was also live music, played by costumed musicians using replicas of colonial-era instruments.

"My favorite was the colonial spy master," Carey said. "He taught us how to make invisible ink with beet juice and onion."

The day concluded with an old-fashioned clambake; see Patch's photo gallery for an in-depth look.

For a full listing of Rye's 350th anniversary events, visit the Town of Rye's Web site.