It Rained in the 1860's, too!!

Our first real reenactment of the season was a washout...or was it?

The 1836 Walker Tavern

The Walker Tavern Civil War reenacting event is a high point for those of us who follow the Michigan reenactor's calendar, not only because of the historic area in which it takes place, but it's also the first real reenactment of the season. Unfortunately, this year it was a wash out. Well, not totally - Saturday was not too bad, although the ground was mucky. Sunday, however, was a total wash. It began raining Saturday night and didn't stop until mid-afternoon Monday.
What really bummed me out was the idea that since I was only going to go for one day of the two-day event this year, I chose the day the weatherman told me it was going to be the better of the two days.
Silly me, believing someone who gets paid for being wrong!
The ride out there was beautiful, even with the rain. To drive along the same path that so many rode upon by way of a stage coach 125+ years ago really stirred the historian in me. I paid close attention to the old buildings as we drove through the small villages that dotted our way along this old Chicago Road, knowing that travelers from another age saw the very same structure that I was seeing at that moment. That right there was well worth the drive - even with $4.15 a gallon gas prices.
It wasn't long before we made it into the historic park area of the Walker Tavern.
It was still raining...
We visited with friends tent to tent, standing under the flies out of the rain. Then came the announcement that the event was canceled. I've never heard of an event being canceled due to rain. I suppose it was because the land was part of a state park.
Anyhow, before they closed up the tavern, which was built in 1836, I made sure to take the opportunity to have some historical fun with my camera. With no patrons around, I was able to have the young lady who portrays our domestic at most of our reenactments pose as if she was a worker inside the beautifully restored building.

Our domestic prepares the cook stove

She prepares the batter as the stove heats up

And, she pulls some preserves to add flavor

But, she mustn't forget to clean the upstairs bedrooms!

A young soldier home for a visit plays a game with his friend

And a young lady listens as the postmaster/tavern-keep reads a letter to her from her soldier father

As you can see, we had a fine and fun time no matter what the weather. When you have lemons thrown at you, you make lemonade (as the old saying goes). I have been looking forward to our reenacting for too long to let something like a little rain spoil it for me.
Okay, a lot of rain!
Still...I'd rather have rain at an event, especially at an event where I can go inside a period structure and be with my family and friends, than be surrounded by modern garbage.
Because remember, it rained in the 1860's, too.


.