PAST MASTERS Members' Websites

		Heart to Hearth Cookery (Susan McLellan Plaisted) Hearth cooking history, classes, demonstrations, lectures and slide presentations. Susan is a registered dietitian and consummate researching historian with an impressive collection of period cookbooks. Her ability to put students and public at ease with early American food preparation methods and equipment is only part of the attraction of her classes and demonstrations.

		Hoofprints in Time (Barb Corson) “Hoofprints” is a free-lance interpretation service that explores the many and important roles of domestic animals in history. They take animals and history seriously, and have a good time doing it. Hosted by Barbara Corson, a veterinary pathologist and lifelong amateur historian. She lives on a small farm in York County, Pennsylvania, which she shares with a large variety of friends – mostly, but not all, four legged.

		Colonial School Programs (Deb Peterson) Bring fresh air into your students' or organization's study of our American colonial history. Deborah Peterson is pleased to offer the benefit of more than 20 years of experience and research into Southeastern Pennsylvania's English colonial domestic history. Using primary sources to document her research, she brings her years of real life experience and intense personal research into your classroom to dispel the popular myths that have become so firmly embedded in our interpretation of American colonial history. Programs are available to private and public schools, organizations, groups, individuals and historic sites in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, though not limited to those areas.

		Clarissa Dillon, Ph.D. (Clarissa Dillon) Clarissa Dillon, Ph.D. promotes the study and understanding of the 18th century domestic sphere in Southeastern Pennsylvania. An historian, professional teacher and researcher, Clarissa brings her unique insights to life in her presentations, and deep research and practical experience into her publications pertaining to cooking, medicine, daily life, economics, culture, morals, gardening and the women of the 18th century.

		Liberty Linens (Ruth Konrad) "The Linen Lady" offers fine fabric and notions for the discriminating sewer through online sales and from her sutlery at living history events. Linens and wools in many colors, weaves and patterns, threads and Ruth's own hand-woven tapes can be used with confidence in recreating 18th century clothing. Swatches are made available at a very affordable price, and shipping costs are minimal.
Ronnie Pedersen		Veronica Cavella Pedersen, "Ronnie" to many, was a member of Past Masters with her daughter Carla for 15 years. She founded Colonial Girls at Hope Lodge in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania to give school age young women the opportunity to learn what their lives might have been like in the 18th century. It has been her pleasure (and ours) to illustrate the Past Masters newsletter, cookbook, and various publications written by members. She also works in watercolor to produce original paintings from photographs. She may be commissioned to transform your special picture into a work of art. Some of the activities she enjoys presenting: Botanical Prints - Based on the works of Joseph Breitnall, 18th century botanist and friend of John Bartram and Benjamin Franklin. This hands-on activity appeals to both children and adults and can be expanded as a school program. Patricipants create their own nature print from a large selection of fresh leaves. Children are encouraged to use the finished product as note paper to send a greeting to a grandparent or friend. Food Preservation Camp Cooking Dye Pots using Natural Dyes Needlework including Hand Sewing, Embrodery, Crewel, Lucet, and Knitting Veronica is also a Licensed Acupuncturist in private practice in Berks County, in a rural area between Reading and Allentown. Hers is a general practice treating a variety of problems including pain, infertility, and depression among others. Her interest in Oriental Medicine began in the early 1980's when she trained as a Shiatsu Practitioner and worked in that field here and overseas. Later she studied Chinese Herbology and Acupuncture, interned in China, and received her Masters from the Eastern School of Acupuncture. She also speaks on these topics at health fairs, for women's groups and philanthropic organization meetings, and writes the "Ask the Acupuncturist" column for a local newspaper. She may be reached at 610-987-0489 or by email.

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