Waterloo's Blacksmith, Soldiers, and Log Cabin Weekend - 1860s Frontier Michigan

Michigan is a state filled with historical surprises.  For instance,  we are the number one state in the union for lighthouses.  Yes,  it's true---no other US state has near as many lighthouses as Michigan.  I mentioned this to a person while in Massachusetts and he didn't believe me.  I told him to look it up,  which he did on his phone,  then shook his head:  "I'll be damned!"

Here's something else:  we are only five out of the fifty states in log cabins:

Colorado

New York

North Carolina

Wisconsin

~~Michigan~~

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Texas

Minnesota

New Hampshire

In fact,  Michigan Log Cabin Day is celebrated annually on the last Sunday in June to honor the state's pioneer heritage.  Here in 2025,  Log Cabin Day fell on June 29th.  It's a day when many historic log cabins across Michigan opened their doors to the public,  offering a glimpse into the pioneer past through tours,  activities,  and demonstrations.   It's a unique Michigan tradition.   The day aims to educate and celebrate the history and importance of log cabins and the pioneer spirit in our wonderful state. 

So it only makes sense to celebrate our cabin heritage at Waterloo's Log Cabin Day Weekend!

Waterloo turned it into a historical family affair!

But first things first:

though Michigan would have eventually become a state,  I do not believe statehood would have come as early as January 1837 if it weren't for the Erie Canal,  for before the Erie Canal,  transportation to Michigan by water was  "dangerous,  unreliable,  and fraught with discomfort."   To reach Detroit from the south by land it was necessary to cross the Black Swamp in northwestern Ohio.  "The Great Black Swamp,  also known simply as the Black Swamp,  was a glacially fed wetland in northwest Ohio and northeast Indiana.  In rainy periods the swamp was virtually impassable.  The horrors of the swamp were widely publicized.  At a time when plenty of good land was still available in Ohio,  Indiana,  and Illinois,  there was little incentive for the pioneer to brave the hazards involved in getting to Michigan."

Until the opening of the Erie Canal.  

Completion of the Erie Canal in 1825,  connecting Lake Erie with the Hudson River,  was an event of major importance in Michigan history because it greatly eased the transportation of passengers and freight between the eastern seaboard and Michigan ports.  Although originally intended to mainly haul goods and freight,  immigrants from the east coast soon discovered that traveling west was faster and cheaper on the canal than by carriage.  For the first time,  New York and New England families,  anxious to leave rocky and infertile fields for richer lands in the West,  or of want of an adventure,  finally had a route for reaching the  "promised land."  And to travel further inwards into the state,  one would take a stage line through the thick forests.

So,  Michigan has a high concentration of log cabins due to its history as a frontier state and the abundance of timber resources,  for these early settlers found vast forests and used readily available logs to quickly construct affordable and practical homes.  These log cabins served as a starting point for settling the land,  often followed by more permanent structures.

That's what we were celebrating!

And the weather that day was perfect~
After a couple weeks of steamy temperatures  (high 90s),  days of downpouring rain showers,  and horrible humidity,  we had what you might call the perfect day.  The sun was out and the temps along with the humidity were much lower.  It made it bearable for us to wear our 1860s clothing.

Yes,  1860s clothing!

This is pretty much the only Waterloo Day out of the year that we are asked to reenact the 1860s rather than the colonial era,  for our main objective was to speak about the log cabin settlers and pioneers of 19th century Michigan.

For us,  any day at the cabin is an agricultural day,  for that was what the past was all about:  farming and having a kitchen garden.  

Whether in colonial clothing or 1860s clothing,  the first thing when we arrived was to head out to our kitchen garden.

Charlotte and Patty out pulling weeds.

I do love the fact how we have taken to our agricultural past,  whether 1770s or 1860s,  when so many have a fear of getting their period clothing dirty. 

Patty was all decked out in her sheer dress and Patriotic apron,  not at all
appropriate for garden or farm work --- but it was all she had on hand to wear this day.
There I am checking out our pumpkins.

It's only the end of June and we have a good-size turnip!

Here comes Charlotte from the kitchen garden with early summer yield.

Patty helped to prepare our afternoon meal---fresh from the garden!

Friend Miranda captured us watching the cannon demonstration.

It did warm up in the afternoon,  and by having both doors open, 
we got a nice cross breeze,  which Patty enjoyed greatly.

Me and my wife and Charlotte - we all had a wonderful day together!

This is also soldier weekend at Waterloo,  and the artillery were there,  garnering applause from the many spectators who loved hearing the cannons:

Glad I was paying attention,  for the booming of the cannon scared the crap out of those who weren't.

Being that on this day we were less than a week from Indepence Day:

BOOM!  The cannons leaped backward,  the air was full of flying grass and weeds.  Everybody was exclaiming about what a loud noise they had made.

"That's the noise that made the Redcoats run!"  Mr.  Paddock said to Father.

"Maybe,"  Father said,  tugging his beard.  "But it was muskets that won the Revolution.  And don't forget it was axes and plows that made this country."

"That's so,  come to think of it,"  Mr. Paddock said.

That night when they were going to the house with milk,  Almanzo asked Father:  "Father,  how was it axes and plows that made this country?  Didn't we fight England for it?"

"We fought for Independence,  son,"  Father said.  "It was farmers that took that country and made it America."

"How?"  Almanzo asked.

"Spaniards were soldiers that only wanted gold.  The French were fur traders,  wanting to make quick money.  And England was busy fighting wars.  But we were farmers, son;  we wanted the land.  It was farmers that went over the mountains,  and cleared the land,  and settled it,  and farmed it,  and hung on to their farms.  It's the biggest country in the world,  and it was farmers who took all that country and made it America.  Don't you ever forget that."

(from  "Farmer Boy"  by Laura Ingalls Wilder)

Oh!  If only I weren't having back problems.
I very much enjoyed watching him chopping at the large log...and demonstrating
his  "up n down"  pit saw that he actually made:

In this photo we can see his up n down pit saw - - hope to see him again at more events.

Colonial Tom the Toyseller was there.

Jim showed a variety of historic fire arms.

Soldiers?
You wanted soldiers?

Could you wear your brogans all day without socks?

There was music...sweet music...there was music everywhere~~~

Even in the soldier camps.

Some of the blacksmiths set up shop in their camps

In the Waterloo Blacksmith Shop

There was also a tinsmith as well.

And these are a few of his wares.

A carpenter demonstration

Non-gmo soaps. 
Homemade soap is the only kind we purchase

Proof of authenticity  (lol).
Yes,  here are a couple of goats that I believe supplied the main ingredient

Doug and Sally
Sally's sewing shirts for soldiers
while Doug re-cane's chairs~

I was so glad to see someone there that was promoting America's 250th!

Events such as this show celebrating America in all its glory---

When we walked into the cabin that morning upon our arrival,  all three of us felt the same:  we're home!  There's an air of easiness about being at this cabin.  It simply feels almost like ours.  Like we belong.  And our stress and tensions just seem to drift away...though I must admit---I think we all admit---we felt a little odd wearing our 1860s clothing there.

Until next time,  see you in time.

I have many,  many blog entries here in Passion for the Past about pioneer days in Michigan and the US.  Just by typing into the box available in the upper left corner words such as  "medical",  "taverns",  " historic food",  historic farming",  "historic clothing",  "historic music",  "Michigan history",  and many other subjects of your interests,  it should take you to my other posts that you may be interested in.  

Also,  be sure to look for links at the bottom of most of my posts,  such as what you see below here:

~If you are interested in learning more about Michigan's cabins,  please click HERE

~If you are interested to learn more about Michigan pre-Statehood structures that are still standing,  please click HERE 

If you are interested in our colonial cabin experiences,  I think you might enjoy any of the links below:

~To read about our 2020 excursion - our first autumn at the cabin - click HERE

~To read about our 2021 wintertime excursion at the cabin - click HERE

~To read about our 2021 springtime excursion at the cabin - click HERE

~To read about our 2021 summertime excursion at the cabin - click HERE

~To read about our 2021 summer harvesting of the flax at the cabin - click HERE

~To read about our 2021 autumn excursion - click HERE

~To read about our 2022 winter excursion at the cabin - please click HERE

~To read about our 2022 spring excursion at the cabin - please click HERE

~To read about our 2022 summer excursion at the cabin - please click HERE

~To read about our 2022 autumn excursion at the cabin  (Pioneer Day) - please click HERE

~To read about our 2023 winter excursion at the cabin - please click HERE

~To read about our 2023 spring excursion at the cabin - please click HERE

~To read about our 2023 late spring at the cabin - click HERE

~To read about the 2023 early summer - please click HERE

~To read about the 2023 mid-summer - please click HERE

~To read about the 2023 autumn Pioneer Day - please click HERE

~To read about our 2023 Thanksgiving harvest celebration - please click HERE

~To read about our 2024 Winter experience at the cabin - please click HERE

~To read about our 2024 spring excursion at the cabin - please click HERE

~To read about our 2024 late spring with just Patty & I - click HERE 

~To read about our 2024 summer - please click HERE

~To read about our 2024 mid-and-late-summer - please click HERE

~To read about our 2024 mid-September - click HERE

~To read about our 2024 autumn Pioneer Day Celebration - please click HERE

~To read about our 2024 Thanksgiving Harvest - please click HERE

~To read about our 2024 Christmas at the Farm Cabin presentation - please click HERE

~To read about our 2025 winter & Candlemas day - please click HERE

~To read about our 2025 spring/early May excursion - please click HERE

You may notice I did not include previous 1860s cabin days in the links here.  Our colonial experiences tell a different story.

Until next time,  see you in time.

- - -

Chesterfield and River Raisin Timeline: Sinking Deep Into the Well of Time

 I don't think timeline events get the credit that they should.  I remember in school I would stare and study timelines in my history books,  for at a quick glance one could see how we got from one end -  *there*  to the other end -  *here*.  

At one glance we could see the history of any particular subject.  

At one glance we could see the history of America!  

History at a glance.

Now,  imagine seeing that timeline come alive right before your eyes...actual people from those in-between notations seemingly popping out off the line and standing right before you!

That's what timeline events are all about.

I've participated in timelines for years and enjoy the heck out of them.  In fact,  one of my favorites was one called Michigan History Told Through Fashion: 17th Century Through the 20th Century.  

For 2025,  we'll begin with the Chesterfield History Alive timeline in Macomb County,  for they were about a week before the River Raisin Timeline in Monroe County event:

Wow!
I'm on the flyer,  along with my friend Richard!
Such an honor~~~~
And note the  "America 250"  on the bottom right---I love that!

"The Chesterfield Township Historical Village,  located on the municipal grounds,  is a collection of historic buildings and artifacts preserving the area's heritage.  Initially,  a museum wing of the Trinity Neighborhood Library opened in 1964,  displaying local antiques,  Native American artifacts,  and toys.   This was on the property of Bernard and Ceola Trinity,  who were prominent local historians.  It was a popular attraction, drawing about 12,000 visitors annually. 

The Chesterfield Historical Society,  founded in 1993,  began developing the historical village by acquiring and restoring two buildings from the property.  It was in 2006 that the Chesterfield Historical Society moved those two buildings - a cobbler shop and a blacksmith shop - to the grounds after restoring them,  and also acquired the forge.  The Kolping Chapel,  a small roadside chapel built in 1932,  was relocated to the site in 2016 from its former location in Kolping Park."

The historical village now hosts various events,  including historical reenactments,  heritage festivals,  car shows,  and school group tours. 

And this awesome timeline event!

The man in white gave a wonderful church service Sunday morning.
Tom,  Christy,  and myself on the left,  while Norm is on the right.

Mark,  Barb,  and Deb

Mark is descended from the Osage native tribe

The good doctor is in.
Tom will be portraying Dr.  Benjamin Rush on the 4th of July 2026 at Mill Race Village.

Norm and myself

Christy and Dale

Norm & Micki
Both are long-time reenactors

Christy,  Norm,  and I preparing to enter the recently added 1932 church
known as The Kolping Chapel.

I realize that we are colonials entering a church of the 20th century,  but it has a very unique and older look and feel to it that seems to work well for our photographic purposes.

Christy & I receiving blessings.
The feel of the church's interior is much older than it actually is.

In the pre-19th century,  men wearing hats inside church was viewed as acceptable or even normal,  depending on the denomination and location.  Some clergy even preached with hats on,  suggesting the practice wasn't always seen as disrespectful.   However,  this practice was not universally accepted and there were differing viewpoints among some churchgoers.
Hat removal for men began in ernest in the Victorian period.  

Lynn & Marko
Lynn has native blood and is therefore representing her heritage,  while Marko is a longtime Voyageur reenactor.  He's also good at helping to find people--just yell out  "Marko!"  and see if he responds with  "Polo!"  (lol)

Richard is wearing the uniform from the Second Seminole War  (1835-1842), 
which was a conflict between the United States government and the Seminole
people of Florida,  primarily over land and forced relocation.  It was the longest
and most costly of the Seminole Wars.

Civil War had one representative on Saturday - Curtis Parr.

And from the 1860s we jump to the earlier part of the 20th century:

Kathy Kirchner was representing the Red Ctoss during The Great War - World War I

World War II
My father was stationed in Okinawa during this 2nd world war.  
He died when I was not yet 21.  How I wish we'd've had the chance to talk more
about his time there.

WWII
I also wonder what my dad would say about reenactments.

Well,  now,  let's move to the 2nd timeline within that week:

The Rally on the Raisin Living History Timeline had a few more participants. 
Really,  the only two groups missing were those who reenact WWI and the Korean War.

"River Raisin National Battlefield Park was officially created in 2009,  following efforts to preserve the historic battlefield site.  The park commemorates the January 1813 battles of the War of 1812,  known as the Battle of Frenchtown,  and their aftermath.  The establishment of the park involved the collaboration of various local and state organizations and the passage of the River Raisin National Battlefield Act.   

It was in the 1980s when the Monroe Historical Society,  the city of Monroe,  and other local entities began working to preserve the battlefield site.   The park preserves the battlefield site,  commemorates the battles,  and educates visitors about the War of 1812.   It includes a visitor center with exhibits,  a theater,  and ranger talks."

Another awesome timeline!

It was a steamy hot day with highs reaching into the 90s.

Norm and myself - welcome to the 1770s.

There were many visitors who came by and,  just as I did for the Chesterfield event,  I enjoyed telling them  "my"  story as Paul Revere.  I also enjoyed speaking on how we are at the beginning of America's 250th anniversary for the start of the Revolutionary War.

Late 18th century / early 19th century:  Rev War and early French - French & Indian War period.
There's something about hearing the bang of a musket~~~I've been
reenacting for over 20 years and I never tire of it.

Looks like this cannon is from around the later 18th century or early 19th century.
Loving the boomers!

As you may know,  I very much enjoy trying out the many different jobs and chores of the past:

I've plowed behind a team of horses

Grew and processed flax

Worked a shaving horse

Rode a horse as Paul Revere

Made candles

Made cider

Helped to chop down a tree with an axe

Helped  (a little)  to make beer

Even did a small final portion of raising a well-sweep

and finally,  on this day I was able to experience working a loom.  

Wow!

There is so much to remember in weaving!  My hat is off to those who can do this craft,  including my colonial great grandfather!

When I was asked if I would like to try out the loom,  I jumped at the chance!  You see,  my 5th great grandfather,  William Raby,  was a weaver back in the 1700s in England.  So,  in honor of this ancestor of mine,  I was only too happy to experience such a thing.    I like to think there might be some similarities between he and I---clothing,  for one  (lol).

Okay---wait---which peddle...er...treadle comes next?
Thank God she had them labeled!

Each loom had at least two harnesses,  through which the warp threads were passed.  By stepping upon the treadles connected to the harnesses,  the weaver lifted them up and down,  creating a passage in the warp for the shuttle.  The shuttle was thrown side to side by hand.  
The women there were very kind and,  thankfully,  patient.

That's the shuttle there that I passed back and forth. 

After each passage of the shuttle,  the weft  (yarn)  was driven into the cloth by means of the beater,  which is what I'm doing in this photo.

I cannot express enough the joy I get from trying and experiencing these ancient crafts!

Here are a few folks representing the Revolutionary War & the War of 1812

Here are a few War of 1812 soldiers on the march.

Moving up in time on our timeline adventure - - - 

Richard - Mexican American War - 1840s

Now let's move up to the 1860s:

The American Civil War was well represented.

Mark Hornblower!

The Civil War reenactors really did a fine job with their encampment

We then take another leap forward,  bypassing the American Indian Wars,  the Spanish-America War,  and World War One,  and head to the 1940s and World War Two:

World War II

Then another skip - the Korean War.

Something I've noticed of late is the amount of Vietnam War reenactors.  So I searched to find out how the original Vietnam vets felt about it.  The opinions of Vietnam veterans on reenactors portraying them are varied,  ranging from apprehension and discomfort to finding it therapeutic or even appreciative.  The key is to be respectful of veterans'  individual experiences and feelings when engaging with topics related to the War. 

That would only make sense from veterans of any war when you think about it.  

I stopped by the Vietnam War reenactors.
I must admit,  my knowledge of 20th century war is very slim.
In fact,  in school,  most of our history tended to center on wars and battles,  and that's probably why my grades were on the lower side.  My interest was just not in war back then,  though it is moreso now.  But I have my own  "homefront"  tales of that War.

Then they had a timeline military fashion show - - - - - -  afterward,  I asked the guys if they might be willing to do a line up for a photo,  and everyone jumped at the chance.

This is what a timeline is all about!
A history of military uniforms and accoutrements all in a glance.
(from left):  1770s,  1790s,  three from 1812,  then we have 1840s,  1860s,  1940s,  and two from Modern Day. 

You'll notice I wrote  "Sinking deep into the well of time"  as part of the title of this posting.  I snatched that line from an old psychedelic song from late 1966 by The Yardbirds called  "Happenings Ten Years Time Ago."  It's said that the song is about reincarnation and deja vu,  but I look at it in a different manner.  The song's themes of deja vu and the nature of time is fairly plain in its lyrics,  which were written mainly by Keith Relf  and Jim McCarty.  Though I don't believe in reincarnation - I believe in the passing of genes and DNA - visiting or participating in something as cool as a historical time line does make the past seemingly come to life...sinking deep into the well of time...

Until next time,  see you in time.

HERE is another timeline posting I participated in and wrote about which took place earlier this year

Besides my own photographs,  Lynn Anderon,  Barb Baldinger,  Christy Haradean,  and Richard Reaume also contributed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~