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Molly Pitcher's 271st Birthday Bash!
Thursday, August 28, 2025 by Phil George

Categories: Community / News / Shopping

Come down to East South Street and celebrate Carlisle Legend, Mary Ludwig Hays aka Molly Pitcher’s 271^st Birthday on Saturday, October 11^th from 2-5pm sponsored by:

Briggson Building Company / The Army Heritage Center Foundation / Fraternal Order of Eagles #1299

Here is a little more background on the history of Molly Pitcher: Mary Ludwig Hays fought in the American War of Independence at the Battle of Monmouth. As her husband was carried off the battlefield, Mary took his place at the cannon and continued to "swab and load" the cannon using her husband's ramrod. At one point, a British musket ball or cannonball flew between her legs and tore off the bottom of her skirt. She supposedly said something to the effect of, "Well, that could have been worse," and went back to loading the cannon.

Years later, On February 21, 1822, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania awarded Mary Ludwig Hays McCauley an annual pension of $40 (equivalent to $945 in 2024) for her service.

We are so excited to have music from Cumberland Honey at this year’s Molly Pitcher Birthday Bash!

Learn more about Cumberland Honey at: cumberlandhoney.com.

Music sponsored by: The Army Hertiage Center Foundation

A big part of the Molly Pitcher Birthday Bash is our Vendor Fair! This Vendor Fair is open to any and all businesses including Food & Drink Vendors, Artisans, Retail Businesses and Non-Profits.

If you are interested in being a vendor, email Stacey or Phil from Love Carlisle at: [email protected] and/or [email protected] and use subject line: Molly Pitcher Birthday Bash.

The Barfoot Historican & Co along with Historic Carlisle will be offering Cemetery Tours at 3pm, 4pm, 5pm & 6pm.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Burnt Skirt Beer Label Art Contest

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE 2PM HOUR DURING THE MOLLY PITCHER BIRTHDAY BASH!

The Downtown Carlisle Association is teaming up with Molly Pitcher Brewing Company to find an original design to be showcased on the label of Molly Pitcher's newest beer which is set for an October release called: Burnt Skirt Beer.

Design a label for Molly Pitcher Brewing Company’s upcoming release: Burnt Skirt Beer. This beer is a Golden Ale characterized by its golden hue, light to medium body, and crisp, smooth, and refreshing profile with a balanced malt sweetness and subtle hop bitterness.

The name Burnt Skirt is a reference from the Battle of Monmouth where Molly Pitcher manned the cannon after her husband was injured. At one point during the battle, a British musket ball or cannonball flew between her legs and tore off the bottom of her skirt. Molly supposedly said something to the effect of, “Well,that could have been worse,” and went back to loading the cannon. The beer is slated for release in mid-October in time for the Molly Pitcher Birthday Bash - celebrating the 271st birthday of Mary Ludwig Hays but known to many as Molly Pitcher.

The beer label art contest is hosted by the Downtown Carlisle Association/LoveCarlisle and Molly Pitcher Brewing Company as part of a community celebration of Carlisle legend, Mary Ludwig Hays/Molly Pitcher.

There is a $10 submission fee for two entries. All proceeds from the entry fees support Love Carlisle’s arts initiatives in downtown Carlisle. Submit your entry by emailing Stacey at: [email protected] and put ‘Burnt Skirt Beer Label Submission’ in the subject line.

This is a fun, community-based opportunity to have your work featured on a locally crafted beer while supporting the mission of Love Carlisle. We can’t wait to see your creative interpretations of Burnt Skirt Beer!

Deadline to enter is September 28, 2025.

CLICK HERE FOR COMPLETE RULES AND PRIZES!