Well, I did not make it to the Jackson Civil War Muster event this year. My old van - 23 years old! - was giving me hints that it was having issues and I didn't want to take the chance on a two hour drive only to have a possible break down of some sort. However, a couple of events came up afterward that filled the gap for me. After I got my van taken care of, of course.
,.,.,.,.,.,
On a mid-September Friday, my friend Jackie and I participated with the Ste. Claire Voyageurs at the Sanilac County Historic Village up in Port Sanilac. It's been since June that I've done anything with my Voyageur friends, so it was good to see them.
As we were there on a Friday, it wasn't a crazy busy day, and so it was a good day to speak with the few visitors that did come around.
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| Jackie and Micki - - Micki mentioned she has been with the Voyageurs since 1997 |
Believe it or not, I have never started a fire by way of flint & steel...so Marko sat me down and gave me hints:
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| Following Marko's direction, I soon had sparks...and then smoke...and then... |
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| *poof!* A flame! (bottom center of the photo) I jumped back quickly, very proud of myself and thankful for the guidence. |
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| Micki & Dale chatting... |
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| Dale had an excellent representation of items a Voyageur may have had. |
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| Marko starting his cooking fire - not with matches or a lighter, but with flint & steel. |
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| Look closely and you can see the smoke. |
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| And there's the fire - soon corn will be cooked. |
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| These "Lumbermen representatives" did a fine presentation on life and tools in an 1880s Michigan lumber camp. This was of particular interest to me for my great great grandfather worked in such a camp right around this same time, and so did his wife, who sewed shirts and replaced buttons as needed. |
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| It just so happened that the historic Village was having a farmer's market that day. |
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| And Jackie bought many-a-good vegetable while there! |
In August, I received an unusual request: I was asked to attend the September 14th Salute to Freedom Picnic for the 11th Congressional District Republican Committee out in Commerce, Michigan as Paul Revere. They received my information through someone who is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.
'Twas an honor.
Now, before anyone jumps all over me for thinking I'm getting political, I do not claim a political party, for I mostly vote Independent, and have voted as such for at least half of my adult life. And if the Democrats ever invite me to one of their picnics or gatherings, I would say yes to that as well, depending on its location.
When I was first asked to take part, I let them know that as Paul Revere I was not a Republican nor a Democrat, and I would not speak on current events - not at the mic and not privately, for it would not be fair for me to speak on behalf of Mr. Revere in such a manner. Paul Revere, to my knowledge, supported the Federalists, so he was neither a Democrat or Republican. As for which two parties the Federalists would align---as I read elsewhere: "Many members of both parties would be at a complete loss." I agree.
Anyhow, it was an honor to be asked to recite the Pledge of Allegiance to a crowd of around a hundred people. Then Norm gave a prayer of Grace before the meal. Local representatives gave speeches and there was a special prayer for the recently assassinated Charlie Kirk.
After we ate a fine picnic lunch, Norm and I wandered through the crowd, speaking with the folks there in a 1st person manner.
So---let's check out a few photos that were taken on that beaufiful September 14th day:
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| I don't care if you are a Republican or a Democrat - this was an honor in which we took part. |
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| And, if asked, we would gladly participate in the local opposite party picnic. |
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| I've not been to Commerce before - the setting was beautiful. |
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| Perhaps next year, if they want us back, we can get a few more of us "founding generation"-types, with this being America's 250th birthday and all. |
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| Yep - just about says it all~ |
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| No "buts" about it~ |
I do not discuss politics while I am wearing period clothing. I also do not discuss such things over the computer. Not on Passion For The Past. I mean, this is not a political blog, if you haven't noticed. And some folks get very angry at me for that.
But I must ask, will me telling you my political opinions make your life - or my life, for that matter - any better? Or might it separate us? Divide us?
So, that's my politics.
Still friends?
Until next time, see you in time.
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