Sunday, June 9 – Somerset County
Save the Date for a visit with an
18th-Century Surgeon-Dentist
Let us be clear: George Washington did not have wooden teeth. However, he did have dental problems through most of his adult life, as did many 18th-century folk of both high and low social class. There were no regular visits to dentists, with tooth brushing and flossing in between at that time. There weren't even dentists as we know them today. Dentistry was only just evolving as a separate profession through the eighteenth century. Barber-surgeons or surgeon-dentists provided many more services than our modern dentists. Toothbrushes were somewhat new, but rare for most people to use or even own. Germs were an unknown entity.
On Sunday, June 9 at Rockingham, Marjory Wienkop will be in residence in the Dutch barn with a display of colonial-era surgeon-dentist instruments, related objects and much information on the real story of who took care of teeth, what knowledge they had or didn't have and what other services they provided in the time of George Washington. This program will be offered from 12 noon to 5:00 pm and you can come at any time within that period. Unfortunately (or, rather, fortunately), there will be no actual tooth extractions or other surgeries performed that day, but much fun and enlightenment in the toothsome ways of the dental "professional" of the 18th-century! Come and visit with the surgeon-dentist!
In addition, members of the 3rd PA Rev War group from Historical Military Impressions will have a mini-encampment on site with military displays and periodic musket drills and firings. The event will be held rain or shine.
Rockingham Historic Site | 609-683-7132 |rockingham1783@yahoo.com | www.rockingham.net
