In 2020, I tried to start a Jeffersonian Dinner program at Fort Mifflin.  We had one “Jeffersonian Picnic” but the stringencies of the COVID 19 pandemic prevented this program from really taking hold.  This year (2025), I want to try to reboot this program with a slight simplification.  I am working to launch a new series which I am calling Punchbowl Junto.  The Junto, also known as the Leather Apron Club, was a club for mutual improvement established in 1727 by Benjamin Franklin in Philadelphia. Like the Jeffersonian Dinner, Franklin’s Junto met in a tavern to discuss moral, political, and scientific topics of the day.  I am, of course, not Ben Franklin nor do I portray Frankin as one of my personae, but I think an amalgamation of the ideas of the Jeffersonian Dinner and Franklin’s Junto, lead by another great Philadelphian, David Rittenhouse, could be both entertaining and instructive.

The idea of a discussion club has a long history in English Natural Philosophical (i.e. Scientific) communities.  In the 1690’s John Locke formed a group called “Dry Club,” which regularly met at Locke’s residence one evening a week to discuss religion and politics.  Cotton Mather of the Massachusetts Colony regularly assembled a dozen married couples who would meet at one another’s homes for “neighborhood benefit societies.”   Thomas Jefferson, of course, held his famous “meager meals” where he invited people to discuss issues from politics to science to the nature of humor.  In our modern era of divisive politics and ever shrinking circles of inquiry, knowledge, and dialog, I think a revisiting of this community building exercise is warranted.  Through the Junto, Franklin promoted such concepts as volunteer fire-fighting clubs, improved security (night watchmen), and a public hospital.  Perhaps through our association we can create something of worth as well.

I am calling this the “Punchbowl Junto” because, frankly, I am the Regimental Brewmeister and I have lots of beer, cider, mead, and a fair amount of punch.  Unlike Locke, Franklin recognized the “social lubrication” that a good drink can inspire.  After all, to quote Drew Carey, “Oh, you hate your job? Why didn’t you say so? There’s a support group for that. It’s called EVERYBODY, and they meet at the bar.”

So how will this work? 

• First, I need to find some hosts.  This is, first and foremost, about supporting our local historic sites so I want this to be something that draws you out to several of these locales.  Ideally, we will move from site to site each month.
• Second, I am providing FREE BEER.  Yep, you read that right.  Support one of our historic sites with your admission dollars and I will fill your cup.  Other libations, like punch or mead, will be available for a modest price.  The Admiral of the Blue Apron is happy to make you an 18^th Century cocktail or serve you punch but beer will be self-serve so please drink in moderation.
• We will announce a list of discussion topics, but everyone is welcome to propose others at the time.  This is about meeting to have interesting discussions, not to debate or settle any issues.
• I won’t promise food, but I will encourage the sites to have something available (maybe a food truck) or prepare something in their 18^th Century kitchens.

Now you might ask, what’s the catch?  Why am I willing to give you free beer to come to social hour?  Well, its simple.  Randell Spackman and I are planning to open a brick-and-mortar brewery, and we want you to be our first customers.  This is our opportunity to get your feedback on certain brews, your ideas on what you might want in a reproduction Publick House, and whether this venture will be a commercial success.  I am also promoting the business of the Regimental Brewmeister and Admiral of the Blue Apron.

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