Each September we recognize Constitution Day on September 17th, to celebrate the U.S. Constitution. Over four months in 1787, 12 of the 13 states elected 74 delegates, of which 55 attended the convention, and 39 signed the final document on September 17, 1787. But there was still a long way to go until it became effective, with no assurance that would happen. George Washington, remarked upon signing it, “Should the States reject this excellent Constitution, the probability is, an opportunity will never again offer to cancel another in peace—the next will be drawn in blood.”
The document was submitted to the U.S. Congress of the Confederation, which on September 28th recommended submitting it to the states for approval. If nine states voted to ratify the document, then it would become effective. Neighboring Delaware was the first to do so, voting unanimously to approve it on December 7th, giving them permanent bragging rights as the “First State.”
Pennsylvania’s 69 delegates went into session in November at the Pennsylvania State House, the same location where the Constitution was created and debated by the national delegates. There was far more opposition to the document as written. The Anti-Federalists feared a powerful centralized government, and the lack of a Bill of Rights. Three of the Pennsylvania delegates had also sat at the Constitutional Convention, and one of them, James Wilson, gave the most forceful arguments in its favor. On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania voted 46-23 to approve the document. Newtown was then part of Chester County, and its delegate, General Anthony Wayne, voted in favor. Voting nay: Abraham Lincoln of Berks County, the great-great uncle of our 16th president.
How should we celebrate the day? Like our delegates did! They, the state government officers, the faculty of the university and the militia marched to the courthouse and read the ratification document to the assembled citizens; the uniformed militia fired off a “federal salute” and the bells of Christ Church were rung. At three o’clock they repaired to Mr. Epple’s Tavern. At least 13 toasts were made, including “May the flame kindled on the Altar of Liberty in America, lead the nations of the world to a knowledge of their rights and to the means of recovering them.” The remainder of the day “was spent in mutual congratulations upon the happy prospect of enjoying, once more, order, justice and good government in the United States.”
For more history on Newtown Square, Delaware County, and membership information, please visit our website at www.nshistory.org