Pennsbury Manor has adopted Touch of Class, a 22-year-old Standardbred mare, to live at their living history museum. She will meet visitors at the 17th century estate, which was once owned by William Penn. Today, Pennsbury Manor is a recreated colonial estate in Falls Township, Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
The Standardbred, as a breed, did not exist during Penn’s day but the Narragansett Pacer did. The Narragansett Pacer is now extinct but was part of the foundation of the Standardbred breed. During their heyday the Pacer was quite popular, George Washington was a fan and owner. Paul Revere may have rode one during his famous ride. William Penn commented on the Pacer in his various writings. The last known Pacer died around 1880.
The animals at Pennsbury Manor play an important role in the overall interpretation of William Penn and daily life in 17th century Pennsylvania. They provide a tangible link to our historic past, are an integral part of the Manor’s educational programming, and are enormously popular with visitors of all ages. Touch of Class was chosen in part due to her enjoyment of those visitors.
Read the original article in the September 2016 edition of The Standardbred Connection.