Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

The Colonel Crowther Foundation is delighted to announce that reservations are now being accepted for a bus trip to Chancellorsville Battlefield in Virginia on Saturday, October 11.
The chartered 55-passenger Fullington bus will leave Tyrone at 8 a.m. from the Park and Ride area. One stop is planned in Bedford to board people from that community.
A documentary film about the Battle of Chancellorsville will be viewed on the bus. A presentation and discussion focusing on the role of the 110th and 84th Pennsylvania Volunteers in the battle will be led by Bob Hileman, Jr., Foundation President, following completion of the film. The bus should arrive in Fredericksburg, VA by noon.
Those on the tour will eat lunch at Shoney’s restaurant before proceeding to the Chancellorsville Visitor’s Center. A lunch buffet will be served that includes soup, salad, fruit, and sides. The buffet features a variety of beef, chicken, pork, and seafood prepared using classic southern recipes.
After lunch the tour will travel to the National Park Service’s Chancellorsville Visitor’s Center. The first hours of the afternoon will be spent touring the battlefield. The tour will focus on the 110th and 84th Pennsylvania Volunteers and their movements on the battlefield. A senior National Park Service Historian, either Greg Mertz or Frank O Rielly, will lead the tour.
When the tour is complete, everyone will return to the Visitor’s Center for a special ceremony honoring Colonel James Crowther. Those on the tour will be present for the dedication of a panel to be placed on the Wall of Honor. The panel includes Colonel Crowther’s portrait and the following text: Colonel James E. Crowther, 110th Pennsylvania Infantry.
Colonel James Crowther is the highest-ranking officer buried in Fredericksburg National Cemetery.  A former Burgess of Tyrone, PA, Crowther died on May 3, 1863, while gallantly attempting to hold back the fierce Confederate onslaught at Chancellorsville. “His death is much regretted,” wrote his commanding officer.  “He was a brave and fearless soldier, esteemed by all.”
After the ceremony the tour will have a buffet dinner at Old Country Buffet. Those planning the tour said they want to return to this restaurant because of the many compliments received from the folks who were with them on the May trip about the restaurant and the food choices available.
The tour will return to Pennsylvania after dinner, stopping at Bedford on the way, arriving in Tyrone around 9:20 p.m.
The cost for the tour including meals, driver’s tip, and a contribution to the National Park Service is $70 per person. Reservations should be made as soon as possible. Seats will be filled in the order that reservation payments are received. To receive a Reservation Form contact the Foundation by telephone at 814-641-0353 or by mail addressed to The Colonel Crowther Foundation, 318 Mifflin Street, Huntingdon, PA 16652.  Internet email can be used addressed to rhileman@pennswoods.net. Full payment in advance with the completed form is requested. Credit card payments are accepted. A 4 percent service charge will be added for credit card payments to offset the Foundation’s cost of processing the payment.

By Rick