Ravencrest Historical Writing

08/12/2025

A book returned after centuries tells more than its pages. In the winter of 1764, Harvard’s library burned, erasing most of its 5,000-volume collection. Only 144 books were saved—because they’d been checked out. One of those lost to the catalog but spared from the fire resurfaced in 1997, returned after an astonishing 233 years.

The book, Complete History of England, was written by Bishop White Kennett and printed in 1706. Donated to Harvard in 1709, it traveled through time, evading destruction. Its survival was entirely accidental: it wasn’t on the shelf when disaster struck. That randomness—being borrowed—turned it into an unwitting historical artifact.

Its return wasn’t celebrated for its contents, but for its journey. Rare book curator Roger Stoddard saw in it a testament to the endurance of academic legacy. Fire may consume buildings and pages, but memory sometimes survives in unexpected forms—in this case, through ink on bound parchment.

The book’s return was more than an archival correction—it was a reminder that history often hides in plain sight, waiting to be reopened.

08/10/2025

🇺🇸 American Fort LeBoeuf 🇺🇸... in Allegheny County??
Did you Know?

After the American Revolution , most of Northwest Pennsylvania actually resided in Allegheny County. It wasn't until March of 1800 that Erie County would be created!

The men that were tasked with building Fort LeBoeuf & Fort Presque Isle in 1794-95 were recruited from Allegheny, Westmoreland, & Washington Counties. These areas were not densely populated as they are now and turnout was much less than desired for volunteers. A militia "draft" was instituted to raise the men needed to build the forts and protect the land surveyors that would lay out Waterford and then Erie. Circumstances would change when Captain Ebenezer Denny arrived at the site of Fort LeBoeuf as he would be ordered to go no further until the "Erie Triangle" discussions with the Six Nations (Haudenosaunee) were concluded.

08/09/2025

in 1974, The Washington Post featured a front-page story on the excavation of Meadowcroft Rockshelter, “Ice Age Man Trod Pa. Area,” bumping arguably the most talked about story in the world at the time, the Watergate scandal, to a sidebar!

The article covered what would be the groundbreaking discovery of the Rockshelter as the oldest site of human habitation in North America.

The piece also includes interviews with Meadowcroft’s founder Albert Miller and Dr. Jim Adovasio, who led the excavation of the Rockshelter from 1973 to 1974 and continues to work with Meadowcroft today as the director of archaeology.

08/09/2025

On this date in history, July 31, 1777, one of the most remarkable allies of the American Revolution was officially welcomed into the fight.

The Marquis de Lafayette, a wealthy French aristocrat barely 19 years old, was commissioned as a major general in the Continental Army.

He had defied the King of France and risked his fortune and his life to cross the Atlantic, arriving in South Carolina in June 1777. His passion for the American cause of liberty was immense.

He journeyed overland to Philadelphia and presented himself to the Continental Congress, making a simple but profound offer: he would serve at his own expense and without any official command.

This demonstration of sincerity and commitment deeply impressed the members of Congress. They saw not just a zealous young man, but a powerful symbol of potential French support.

Though his commission as major general was initially honorary, Lafayette quickly proved his worth and bravery on the battlefield, most notably at the Battle of Brandywine where he was wounded.

He would go on to form a deep, father-son-like bond with General George Washington, who took the young Frenchman under his wing. 🇺🇸🇫🇷

Lafayette's dedication never wavered. He became a brilliant commander and a crucial link to securing vital French aid, which ultimately helped win the war, especially during the decisive Siege of Yorktown.

He is remembered as a hero in two nations, a man who staked everything on the American experiment in freedom.

08/09/2025

We lose ourselves in books.
We also find ourselves there.

08/08/2025

One of my favorite historical sites!

Update on the Eagle Hotel preservation project! 🦅

We are excited to be finished with the 1st floor updates to the restaurant space and grateful to have The Eagle of Waterford opened up for business! The Eagle Hotel is once again providing hospitality to the community as it has for almost 200 years!

In the next few months, we will be moving on to the next stages to get the building ready for 2026 and its 200th anniversary!

08/08/2025

08/07/2025

A small tree in 1931 planted hope during dark times. Today, Rockefeller Center’s Christmas tree stands as a beacon of holiday spirit, with Norway spruce giants up to 100 feet tall drawing millions to celebrate tradition, resilience, and joy in the heart of New York City.

08/07/2025

04/21/2025

03/21/2025

INITIALS FROM THE PAST
“MP” or “JW”? Tell us what you think?
While looking around the Eagle Hotel the other day we found these initials carved into the stone of an old doorway. This is in one of the older sections of the structure. A neat find as we explore the preservation projects of our beloved building. Perhaps from a worker during its construction?