Colonial America on the Frontier 1775 - 1783: Reenacting in Fort Wayne, Indiana

No...this is not my new grandson. This portrait showing 

an infant is a rare style of an 18th century painting – 

most paintings of babies included their siblings 

or other family members.

Many regular readers of Passion for the Past have seen my postings about reenactments taking place at Historic Fort Wayne, which is an actual fort built in Detroit back in the 1840s.
Well, for my first time, I got to reenact at a different Fort Wayne...in Fort Wayne, Indiana!
But it almost didn't happen. You see, it's a little over three hours to get there from where I live just north of Detroit, and we - my son Rob and good friend Mike and myself - were about halfway there when I received a call from my wife letting me know that my daughter-in-law had our third grandchild----that fast!
My little grandson was born while we were on the road - - - - hmmm...well, as the old song goes, "Indiana wants me, but I can't go back now..."
Needless to say we turned around. I mean, family always comes first! Besides...I couldn't wait to hold the little guy!
So, jump ahead a day: Sunday morning found Mike and I back out on the road once again, for Indiana was still calling (Robbie had already made other plans so he didn't come this time).

The outer walls of Old Fort Wayne, located in Indiana~
This is a reproduction of the fort originally built in 1816. They did an excellent 
job in their replication.

I, unfortunately, did not get any single picture that could give a good 
representation of how the inside of the enclosed fort looks as a whole, though I believe I did get each building in at least one photo.
The structure you see here is of the Commander's Quarters.

Inside the kitchen area of the Commander's Quarters I met the two men you see 
in the center in the above picture. Bob, on the right, is the Chairman of the Events Committee, and he did a wonderful job in ensuring everything ran smoothly...and it certainly did!
Chuck, in the center, is a reenactor, but I am not certain which group he belongs to.
Both are really great guys.
The woman in the background? Well, I don't know who she is
but she was a right friendly worker as well!

In another building, one that was once used as a hospital, we see chocolate being made in the same way it was in the 18th century. I have seen this done at the 1750s Giddings House but never at a reenactment, so this was a very pleasant surprise.

Chocolate was initially a treat for the wealthy, but soon was available to the every man. Benjamin Franklin sold locally produced chocolate in his Philadelphia print shop. In 1739, he was selling bibles and other books, pencils, ink, writing paper, and "very good chocolate."

By 1773, the demand for chocolate in the colonies resulted in the importation of over 320 tons of cocoa beans. Drinking chocolate was affordable to all classes of people and was available in most coffee houses, where colonists would gather to talk about politics and the news of the day.

John and Abigail Adams were very fond of chocolate. In 1779, John Adams, while in Spain, wrote, "Ladies drink chocolate in the Spanish fashion. Each lady took a cup of hot chocolate and drank it, and then cakes and bread and butter were served; then each lady took another cup of cold water, and here ended the repast."

Abigail Adams, writing to John Quincy Adams in 1785, described drinking chocolate for breakfast while in London:  
“London Sepbr 6. 1785 Grosvenor Square

This Morning went below to Breakfast, the Urn was brought up Boiling, the Chocolate ready upon the table…”

The gentleman here was preparing to make another
chocolate recipe...but I am sorry to say I have forgotten
what it was.

As we are in the midst of the Revolutionary War, seeing military about was not uncommon. For instance, outside the South Blockhouse we see members of the Queen's Rangers-Highland Company 1st American Regiment, a British provincial unit that fought on the loyalist side.

The Queen's Rangers were known as Roger's Rangers during the French & Indian War and in the early part of the Revolutionary War, then John Graves Simcoe took over until the surrender at Yorktown. 

The way the fort is set up, it really does give the impression of the way the frontier looked - the frontier being what is now Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and western Pennsylvania.

The pictures here, to me, exemplify what it must have been like for the 
average citizen of the American colonies to live among the British soldiers.

"Gen'l Gage order'd that no soldier in future should appear in the streets with his side arms. Is this not encouraging the inhabitants in their licentious and riotous disposition?"

"Also orders are issued for the guards to seize all military men found engaged in 

any disturbance, whether aggressors or not..."

~From the notations of Lieutenant John Barker Boston 1775~

The words may have been written about Boston, but they certainly fit the scene here as well, don't you think?

There were a few tradesmen there at the fort, working their craft for the public, including...

...a blacksmith.
This picture is a very quick rendering of two photos put together...rather sloppy 
but it does give one an idea of what the blacksmith shop looked like.

The red-hot glow of metal and clanging hammer in a blacksmith shop~
On a personal note, my 3rd great grandfather was a blacksmith in Detroit in the 1870s and 80s - - years after this depiction, but the basic routine was the same.

Next I have a few pictures of the gunsmith - - -

The man you see here has been involved in the reenacting hobby for literally decades, and the guns he makes by hand in the old way are pieces of working art.

I watched him for a bit as he skillfully used his period tools to make a musket...

It was very interesting to watch as he used the tools of the day to make the historic replica muskets. It adds such a high note of authenticity.

Here are a few of his finished pieces on display - all made authentically as if it were the 18th century

There was a fashion show, though since there were many non-reenactors a-watching, it was much harder to take photographs, though I did sneak this one:

Miss Jenni spoke about the details of women's clothing. This young lady really knew her 18th century clothing and it was a pleasure to hear her share her knowledge.

Yes, there were also men in the fashion show, including yours truly, but, alas, there were no pictures taken during this portion.

It is always a pleasure to meet folks with the same passion and authenticity as I try to have, and Jenni and Maria are two such people.

One anecdotal fact I enjoy speaking of, and included in my portion of the fashion show, is how Paul Revere continued to wear the 1770s fashion up until his death in 1818. A Mr. Ellis, who personally knew Revere in those later days and whose church pew was directly behind him, recalled seeing him regularly on the Sabbath "always (wearing) small clothes."

Small boys would sit and grin at the old patriot because Revere still wore "the old three-cornered hat and the breeches and all that are so queer..."
Another description from one who knew Paul Revere, Johnny Tileston, gives this account on the silversmith's late-life fashion: "(Paul Revere was) embellished with a great powdered wig and a cocked hat. His coat was broad-skirted, his (vest) very long and cut away at the bottom. He clung to knee-breeches and large shoe buckles to the very end."

In other words, I told the audience that because Paul Revere 
continued to wear the same fashion to a ripe old age, 
that I can portray the man pretty much for as long 
as I want, no matter how old I get!

In all honesty, it is in my humble opinion that of all the men's fashions throughout history, the clothing you see me wearing here - my 1770s style - is really the coolest clothing of any era in time.
The height of men's fashion~ 

Surveyors are so under-represented in the reenacting world. And that's unfortunate because they played a prominent role in the expansion of our country.
The role of the county surveyor in the mid 1700’s was to transfer land from the crown to private ownership.  Because of this, men were appointed to the position of county surveyor.
(Photo taken by B & H Photography)

There were also traders/sutlers 
(photo taken by B & K Photography)

A few of the members of the 13th Pennsylvania, who were camped 
right outside the fort.

The various groups making up a portion of the King's Army, including the Royal Marines, the 49th Regiment of Foot, and the Queen's Rangers.

The Continentals and Regulars did not show one particular battle at this reenactment. Rather, they portrayed the tactics used in military combat at the time.
And judging from the comments I heard as I stood amongst the modern visitors, it was very well received.

The replicated old fort certainly provided a spectacular backdrop.

The battle provided the opportunity for these young reenactors, still in their teen, 
to form their own Royal Marine unit.
I absolutely love seeing young folk take such a serious interest in history, as these young men do.

Small details are what I look for and, in my opinion, can really make a difference to a presentation, such as the cloth historical 13 star flag you see here rather than a more modern nylon flag of the same.

Note the flame coming out of the gun.
You do not want to be directly in front of this. Yes, it can partially blow a 
person's hand off, with painful burns to boot.
Check out the shooting flame:
And the picture below, taken by the excellent photographers from B & K Photography, shows the reason for the term 'flash in the pan' - - -

Contrary to popular belief, the term ‘flash in the pan’ is not derived from the 

flashing of gold nuggets in the pan of the old California forty-niner. Instead, 
it came from the old muskets. Flintlock muskets used to have small pans to hold charges of gunpowder. An attempt to fire the musket in which the gunpowder 
flared up without a bullet being fired was a 'flash in the pan,' as you can 
very well see in this great picture taken by B & K Photography.

The term has been known since the late 17th century.

The 13th Pennsylvania held off the King's Army valiantly.

Pastor Gillett, known in the Queen's Rangers as Chaplain Agnew, gives comfort, or possibly last rites, to a downed Ranger.

One of the King's artillery men.
In all honesty, he would make a great George Washington, don't you think?

A currier brought in an interesting notice from Philadelphia...one that could 
possibly change the course of the War and history - -

A letter was received, along with a broadside, asking that we read aloud to the citizens of the area the words printed upon the broadside.
It was from the 2nd Continental Congress, who were made up of delegates from all thirteen colonies, and they were declaring independence from Britain and King George!  

Four of us took turns to read this Declaration of Independence. 
It was a very stirring moment for me.

I began the reading:

IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America

When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness…

...and each of us had a different section of this sacred document to read to the visitors and reenactors present.
(Yes, you see a Queen's Ranger helping out - - we're all Americans now, aren't we?)

I have to tell you, this was an amazing moment for me. To be upon a balcony in full period clothing while reading the Declaration of Independence to the people below - - - - wow! It was definitely a highlight for me to represent - nay...honor! - the Patriots of the past in this manner.

And that is how my mind thinks while I reenact, whether I am doing 1770s colonial/RevWar or 1860s Civil War: to do honor to those from our nation's past.
 Corny?
Perhaps. 
But as a patriotic American, I do take my fun seriously.

Speaking of fun:
A couple weeks before this event, Abbie from Samson's Historical ran a contest where contestants had to guess how many bone dice were in a Ball jar. The person with the first or closest answer would win a handmade leather cup with six bone dice.
So...guess who won?
Me! I won! Woo hoo! I won my first on line contest!!
Initially my answer was going to be 1776 (yeah, I'm a nerd!), but I figured that was too high so I cut off the thousandth and answered with 776---and I came the closest (784 was the actual amount)!
Abbie doesn't live too far from Old Fort Wayne and she and her family (husband and child) showed up to give me my prize in person

Here is Abbie Samson giving me my winnings. 
Thank you Samson Historical!!

Abbie, by the way, made my brown cocked hat you see me wearing in the picture. Her family's company, Samson Historical, has been making quality historical items and clothing for nearly 40 years. And it seems that they are taking a more aggressive position in bringing their company out to the forefront in the colonial reenacting world.
Yeah...go on and click the link - - - I think you'll like what you see.

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And that, my friends, was how I spent the last weekend of July: a new grandbaby and a new time-travel experience.
I have to thank Scott Mann for his persistence in getting me to come to this event, and Bob Jones for the wonderful treatment we received as out-of-town guests. Colonial America on the Frontier was all Scott said it would be, and more. And I was only there for one day! I believe we can work out some very cool scenarios for next year, like maybe include some Sons of Liberty shenanigans - they do have a pole that can work as a "liberty pole," so I am sure we can get something a-goin'.

The closing of the event...until next year - -

Many new adventures awaits us...and for me personally, I have a new grandson to enjoy.
I am truly bless'd.

But, the adventures did not stop there.

The following is a true story - - -
So...shortly after leaving the Rev War/Colonial reenactment in Fort Wayne, Indiana today, I stopped to get gas for the long ride home.
I walked into the gas station while still dressed in my full 1770s clothing and told the guy behind the counter that I needed feed for my horse. He looked at me and asked, "Pea for your horse?"
I said, "No, FEED for my horse. We have a long way to travel and he needs to fill up."
The attendant said (without missing a beat), "I have beef jerky. Will that work?"
I replied, "No, he needs more than that - here, let me see how much feed this will buy," as I handed him some cash.
And I went out to fill up the car - - 

Next stop, the Arby's near the Indiana-Michigan border on I-69.
Still in our period clothing, the young girl behind the counter would glance up at us, then lower her eyes, only to glance up again. A guy behind the counter asked me why I was "dressed like that?"
I returned the question, asking him why he was dressed the way he was. He said it was his Arby's work uniform. I told him I was a silversmith.
A few minutes later our order was up. I asked the two workers if they knew what decade I represented, and if they couldn't guess then I get my food for free. The girl responded with, "you're the the guy with the kite!" At that point, a customer in the dining area spoke up, "You mean Ben Franklin! ---'The guy with the kite'---sheesh!"
You can't make this stuff up!

~~~Until next time, see you in time.

To learn more about Old Fort Wayne, please click HERE

My Paul Revere information came from THIS book

Oh, by the way, here is a picture of me holding my brand new little grandson, just hours old, on his actual birthday of Saturday July 29, 2017:

Definitely worth turning around for, wouldn't you say?
Dang! I shoulda stayed in my period clothing for the picture!
Oh well, next time!

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Frankenmuth 2017: Cass River Colonial Encampment

Sometimes I feel that I live in the past and reenact the 21st century. I mean, it's only midsummer as I write this, and so far I have worn my period clothing 10 out of the last 14 weekends. And four of the next five weekends promises more of the same...and that's not even including the last four months of the year! There are also times I do two different periods on the same weekend. Well, three if you count returning to the 21st century - - - In fact, this happened very recently when I did the 1860s on Saturday in Charlton Park (click HERE to read about that), and the 1770s on Sunday in Frankenmuth, which is what today's posting is about.
To begin, one must understand that Frankenmuth, Michigan, also known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," is a tourist town in every sense of the word. It was founded back in the 1840s by German Lutheran immigrants and has since highly accented these German and religious roots as part of its charm. And it's these deep roots that have become the draw for millions of visitors to this little town nestled in the middle of nowhere, making it a top state attraction. Frankenmuth also has what is, I believe, the largest Christmas store in the country - possibly the world: Bronners.
Then there are the chicken dinners...yeah...they are well-known for their fine chicken dinners at the world-famous Zehnder's Restaurant.
On the west end of the town is an outdoor shopping plaza whose structures tend to have an old-world European flavor to them.
Little Bavaria indeed!
It's also here where, for the past half dozen years or so, there has been the Cass River Colonial Encampment:

It's a fine location for a reenactment, for there is a large open field behind the plaza - large enough to situate a good-sized reenacting community:

Looking at the picture, you would never guess that directly behind me is a 
shopping center.

This was my first year attending the Cass River reenactment, and I found it to be a well-run event. My very good friend, Mike Gillett, a long-time Civil War reenactor, had joined up with the Queen's Rangers earlier this year and this was his first real colonial/Rev War reenactment.
Well, okay, he actually attended Uncle John's Mill last year sort of as a guest reenactor - he was the officiant for a wedding held there - but Cass River was his first as a bona-fide member of a Rev War unit.

Many reenactors enjoy doing multiple time periods; I've found that quite 
a few in the world of Civil War reenacting have crossed 
the bridge into the future, to the 1940s WWII era, which is cool.
However, I'm always glad when I can get a few who will cross time back to the 
era of our Nation's founders ...even if they sometimes do join the other side (lol). 
Standing with me here you see Mike Gillett, now a Queen's Ranger.
And there I am, Paul Revere, representing Citizens of the American Colonies.
(Picture by Kerry Dennis)

Let's meet a few from the military - - - -

The Massachusetts Provincial Battalion

The 42nd Regiment of the Royal Highlanders

The 13th Pennsylvania, portraying a late war period from 1779 to 1781. The gentleman in the back with the frock in the top picture is not actually part of this group - he fell in with them for this event.

And, tho' not reenactors, how about a special salute to the...

...Sons of the American Revolution. How wonderful to be a descendant of one who fought for our nation's independence!
#SARHistory

For the visitors and the soldiers, the two battles presented here are probably the highlight of the day. Neither is based on an actual historical battle, but, rather, more on the tactics of the war. This gives the public a little taste - just a taste, mind you - of what it was like to fight in 18th century America. Children especially can have a more understanding of our nation's early years.
When I was a kid, reenactments were *almost* unheard of. It wasn't until the later 1970s that this hobby began to get a little bit of notice in my neck of the woods. I don't believe I actually attended my first one until sometime in the 1980s when I was already married with kids. I was enthralled.
And if I, as an adult, got so excited, I can just imagine what it was like for a young 10 year old kid attending something like this - - wow!
Of course, at the Frankenmuth event, I had my 'stealth camera' with me and took some photos of the excitement. I am also using pictures taken by a modern visitor friend (with his blessings - you'll see his name under the photos he took).
To accent some of the photographs herein, I have included original snippets from documents (letters and journal entries) and even songs of the time, which I've put in quotations.

The Massachusetts Provincial Battalion are preparing to commence fighting - the rolling hills and the covered bridge provide a nice back drop for the battle.

Also on the Patriot side are is a mixture of 1st Pennsylvania and 2nd Dragoons to help fight the King's army.

"General Washington...ordered some of the men to be placed near the bridge over Stoney Brook on the main road to hinder the (Royal Highlanders) passing over...which was scarcely done when (they) appeared, which caused a 
second firing...
In a little time, our men retreated and the (Royal Highlanders) were obliged to 
cross the brook.."

"The battle was in plain view from our door. The (Highlanders) fell in great plenty, but to do them justice, they keep a front and stood their ground nobly."

"Our main body (had) time to form and take an advantageous ground."

"It was now the fate of our army was to be decided---the firing was supported with equal vigor---and neither party seemed inclined to give way...all was dubious..."

"The horrors and devastations of war now begin to appear with us in earnest.
As these two regiments were to sustain the assault of the whole British line, 
it is not to be supposed they could make a long opposition. 
They were obliged to give way and retreated..."

"...when we mounted the summit, where the engagement was - good God, how the balls flew - I freely acknowledge I never had such a tremor come over me before."
Photo by Kerry Dennis

"We descended the hill into the field of battle and began our fire very briskly."

"Tis God that girds our armor on and all our just designs fulfills;
Through Him our feet can swiftly run and nimbly climb the hills."

"Every time they shoot it off it takes a horn of powder,
and makes a noise like father's gun, only a nation louder!"

"...our men in the fort were ordered to fire and make a swift retreat - we covered their retreat till they came up with us by a brisk fire from our small arms - 
the dead and wounded lay on every side of me, their groans were piercing indeed."

 "The cannons roar from shore to shore the small arms make a rattle
since wars began I am sure no man ere saw so strange a battle.
The kegs, 'tis said, though strongly made of rebel staves and hoops, sir
helped oppose the rebel foes and we conquered the troops, sir."
(slight changing of words to fit the picture)
Photo by Kerry Dennis

"The particulars of the skirmish surprised me very much, as I had no conception the loss of the troops could have been so great when everybody agrees that the men behaved with proper spirit."
Photo by Kerry Dennis

"...they now had possession of our fort and four field pieces, and by much the advantage of the ground..."
Photo by Kerry Dennis

"Our orders then came to make the best retreat we could...and ran very fast up the hill, leaving some of our dead and wounded in the field."
Photo by Kerry Dennis

"...this battle, tho' we lost it, cannot do but honour to us, for we fought with less numbers...
...alas, some brave fellows (fell), among the unhappy number was our worthy friend Dr. Warren, alas he is no more, he fell in his Country's cause, and fought with the bravery of an Ancient Roman..." 
Photo by Kerry Dennis

Let's look at the homefront - - - - - -

The loneliness and anxiety felt by women whose husbands, sons, 
and lovers had enlisted was captured in a popular song:

Here I sit on Buttermilk Hill
Who can blame me, cry my fill?
And every tear would turn a mill,
Since Johnny has gone for a soldier.

Israel Hatch most respectfully informs the publick that his line of Stages will run every day in the week, excepting Sundays.  His Coach leaves Boston at 5 o'clock, and arrives at Providence by 2 P.M.   The Stages from Providence start at the same early hour, and arrive at Boston by 2 o'clock.  
One dollar, which is one half the customary price, and 3s cheaper than any other stage---

Well, I certainly cannot pass up such a deal as this! 
I will be home to Boston before you know it!

Wait---no one hitched up the horses yet.

The resident blacksmith of Michigan's reenacting world, Richard Heinicke.

Today Richard seems to be working on some sort of a copper bowl.

Fife & drum - the sounds of the 70s...the 1770s!

This young lady became an apprentice to the local pewterer. He showed her how to use a file correctly, and she was very attentive. In fact, she remained at his side for quite a while.

And here is her mother and father. 
Meet the Diggs - newest members
of Citizens of the American Colonies

The Continental doctor drew quite a crowd as he explained the procedures of 18th century medicine.

A pose with Mr. Gerring.

A line up of soldiers
Photo by Kerry Dennis

You know, any chance I can get to reenact, I do, no matter how large or small the reenactment may be, and I was happily surprised at the amount of participants at this Cass River event, for I thought it would be much smaller.
Good show to those who made it happen! And you can bet I plan to attend next year, and hopefully bring even more from my Citizens of the American Colonies group along.

Until next time, see you in time...

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I would like to thank Kerry Dennis for allowing me to use a few of his wonderful photos (I noted which ones were his).

Some of the original quotes came from THIS book ("Spirit of 76")

and THIS book ("The American Revolution: Writings from the War of Independence”)

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