Juan Williams - Swing Dance Honors

Incendiary journalist Juan Williams is being Honored with the Spirit of Thomas Paine Award on Friday  December 7th with the “In the Spirit of Thomas Paine Award” in New Rochelle. Juan is a recognized political commentator and journalist, formerly of National Public Radio and is now with FOX News. Previous award winners were TV commentator Dick Morris and photojournalist Ben Fernadez.

The award will be presented during a 1940’s Swing Dance, designed to relive New Rochelle’s Big Band past.  The New Rochelle Jazz Revue will provide the music to get you jumping and jiving. Attendees are encouraged to dress in 1940’s costume or party dress. Not to worry if you have two left feet, instructors  will be there to assist  you with swing dance moves. There will also be a Silent Auction, a 50/50 Raffle, a Dessert Buffet and an award for the best 1940’s costume.

December 7th 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM  Trinity St Paul's Episcopal Church 311 Huguenot St New Rochelle
$40 per person, $75 per couple. H&NRHA members will receive a $5.00 discount. For information and reservations, call: 914-632-7745.

Thomas Paine Cottage - History In-Deed

Sitting on the remaining two acres of the original 320 given to Paine by New York State in 1784, you will find the Thomas Paine cottage.  Located at 20 Sicard Avenue, a visit to this assiduously preserved home is like going back in time. Several rooms reflect what life was like during the 18th century. Other exhibits include the original 1689 deed to purchase 6,100 acres which became the city of New Rochelle. 

Known mostly for his work, Common Sense, a forty-eight page pamphlet published in 1776 just before the American Revolution. At first published anonymously , its genesis was to present the argument for freedom from British rule, which he structured in biblical prose. In one of his now famous quotes he said "It was absurd for an Island to rule a continent." Pain was a polarizing figure and was know to have written "African Slavery in America", the first article proposing the emancipation of slaves and the abolition of slavery. 

Original stove given to Paine by Benjamin Franklin

www.thomaspainecottage.org

Born in 1737, this English-American, author, inventor, revolutionary and listed as one of the founding fathers of the United States, was never at a loss for words. He died at the age of 72. His works continue to promote the dialogue he was once ostracized for, but now viewed as nothing more than common sense.  

Notable Works:

Common Sense

The Age of Reason

The Rights of Man 

The Crisis