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, led 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, each site will charge you a modest fundraising admission fee – target $20/person.  This goes to the site, not the Regimental Brewmeister. 
  • 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.  You are also welcome to bring your own.  If your drinks are provided by the Regimental Brewmeister, a small donation to offset our costs will be appreciated but not required.
  • The Admiral of the Blue Apron is happy to make you an 18th Century cocktail or serve you punch (if the site agrees) but beer will be self-serve so please drink in moderation.  Beer may only be consumed during this event.  Do not bring growlers.
  • I will encourage the sites to provide non-alcoholic drinks (like iced tea and soda) and the Admiral of the Blue Apron will have a small amount of 18th Century non-alcoholic drinks like switchel, lemonade, tea, and coffee.  You are also welcome to bring your own.
  • 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 18th Century kitchens.
  • Finally, it is the policy of the Regimental Brewmeister to welcome, protect, and defend guests of all social, economic, and religious persuasions.  We accept people of all genders and gender identities. We welcome people from all ethnicities and national origins.  Veterans are particularly welcome.  Basically, we have a big tent and are willing to accept almost anyone.  Some groups, however, are strongly advised to stay away – bigots, political operatives, bullies, and traitors (esp MAGA or other fascist).  Do not engage in any activity that belittles or degrades any of our guests.  I actively support both the 1st and 2nd Amendments.  Don’t test me.

Now you might ask, what’s the catch?  Why am I willing to give you free beer to come to social hour?  Well, it’s 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.