Colonel Patrick Henry O’Rorke perished
on July 2nd 1863 while
commanding troops from the 140th New York Infantry during action on
“Little Round Top” at the battle of Gettysburg. He graduated first in
his class from West Point in 1861, and was 26 years old at the time of
his death.
O’RORKES
EATERY AND SPIRITS is so named in tribute to his gallant
service to the cause of the Union and in recognition of the
contributions that he, along with countless other Irish immigrants,
made to this country.
Since 2001 I have made
a point of returning to Gettysburg at least once
a year. It a place that strongly reinforces my personal philosophy,
“That one has no idea of where they are or where they are going, until
they know where they have been.” Gettysburg offers us the chance to
fully understand who we are as a people and as a nation.
To an outsider the
town presents itself as a unique mix of patriotism,
tourism, and spiritualism; that strange dichotomy that often occurs
when commercial interests come to bear on the protection of any sacred
or historical site. There is something humorous about watching the tour
buses ferrying people between outlet stores, miniature golf, all you
can eat buffets and the high watermark of the Confederacy.
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O'RORKES FAMILY EATERY AND SPIRITS
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Gettysburg field
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On a more serious note, there are two distinct groups of people who
come to this place driven by a strong sense of purpose. There are the
historians and reenactors who have dedicated themselves to the
affirmation and preservation of the stories of those who had fought and
died on this battleground. Then there are those who walk these streets
and fields in hopes of connecting with history in a somewhat less
tangible manner. Like a modern day Hamlet they aspire to validate the
past and divine the future by way of apparition.
Confederate
glory
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As for myself, I display characteristics from both camps. While I have
made an occasional attempt to conduct a scholarly study of the events
of the summer of 1863, there is that part of my psyche that yearns for
the appearance of some grey bearded ethereal shape in the lens of my
camera. Like so many others that have scoured this countryside and
combed through the attics and basements of its old buildings, I am
looking for some assurance of immortality on this celebrated and tragic
stage.
Gettysburg in many ways is truly great theater, and where one chooses
to spend intermission may say more about who we are, than who we
perceive ourselves to be in that play. All of my intermissions have
been spent at O’RORKES.
Advertisement
THE GILDED CUPID
Rest Romance and Morning Repast
in the heart of
historic Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania
www.gildedcupid.com
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There is a consistent warmth and kindness to this tavern that
transcends the commercial and sometimes weighty aspects of this
national monument. The staff is superb and the clientele, in or out of
uniform, are always interesting and fun. In any U.S. town O’Rorkes
would be a favorite gathering place; but here it is an oasis that
strikes a perfect balance between all the competing interests that
attempt to define the Gettysburg experience.
The
lovely back bar
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and
fireplace
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So whether you come here with the intent to capture a bit of the past
or to unveil the mysteries of the future, it would serve you well to
heed the counsel of both God and his generals. “Consider the past, hope
in the future; but always live in the present.”
In other words – when in Gettysburg – be sure to raise a glass at
O’Rorkes!
O'RORKE'S FAMILY EATERY AND SPIRITS
44 Steinwehr Avenue
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
(717)334-2333
www.ororkespub.com
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