March has been a busier month in the living history world than one would expect - at least it has been for me. The first weekend of the month found me spending a day as one of my Revolutionary heroes, Paul Revere, presenting for the Paint Creek Folklore Society in Rochester on a Saturday afternoon, then interpreting as the same man for elementary kids for a special historical birthday party at the Plymouth Historical Museum that same evening (click HERE).
Less than a week later found me as Revere presenting to high school kids...and then a week after that I was at the Kalamazoo Living History Show, searching for cool items, collectibles, and artifacts to enhance my presentation and/or home.
And it's these last two of which today's posting is about.
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Let's go back in time. Not too far back, mind you - - only around roughly 50 years or so.
It's the time of the Bicentennial - the mid-1970s - and the teenage me is at a school assembly. The person on the gymnasium stage dressed in a suit and tie is speaking in a drab mono-toned voice. And he's droning on about ...*yawn*... history ...and ...well... that gym floor certainly looks ... comfortable ...mmm...
Yeah - - that's generally the way most presentations and assemblies were like for me when I was in school. Even those about history.
Well, now I do historical presentations for schools, and I do my best to make it anything but drab and boring! As you may know, I, along with Larissa (my partner in this venture) dress in 18th century clothing, bring replica period-accessories, and try (to some level of success, I might add) to convey the excitement that history has to offer in our little expositions. The two of us have been presenting 18th and 19th century farm life for over a decade now, and more recently, with the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War and Independence) at hand, we've been finding ourselves getting busier in our Patriot presentations.
And do the kids respond favorably?
You betcha!
Oh, there are those who will be perpetually bored. But it's usually because they don't want to be in school anyhow.
And there are always those who think what we as living historians do is silly or stupid.
Ahhh...that's okay, too. They have a right to their opinion.
The majority, however, really seem to enjoy it.
And, as a bonus, they learn something!
It just so happened that the school that I retired from asked if we would be interested in doing our Patriots Presentation for the students, and have Sybil Ludington, Paul Revere, and Ben Franklin come and speak on their most well-known Revolutionary activity.
But, of course!
It was unfortunate that our Benjamin Franklin could not make it, for his modern job kept his nose to the grindstone and he could not break away in time to take part.
But Larissa & I certainly gave the kids (and even staff) their money's worth.
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| Paul Revere and Sybil Ludington Larissa & I have been "working" together in this capacity for over a decade now. And I am wearing my farm hat here because since Ben Franklin could not make it, Larissa & I reverted back to include our daily life farming presentation and also spoke for a short bit on our period clothing. |
Larissa knows what she's doing - she tells the story and then will explain afterward the questions historians have about the legitimacy of what may or may not have occurred. There's no lying or made up tales.
So she begins with - -
One stormy night in the spring of 1777, two years into the Revolutionary War, a 16-year-old girl mounted her horse (it may or may not have been named Star) and rode hell-for-leather (bareback? sidesaddle? accounts vary) through 40 miles of Hudson Valley countryside, rallying her father’s troops to battle.
Some modern scholars, though, suspect that Ludington, the “female Paul Revere,” uttered nothing of the sort, and that she even may have stayed snug in bed on that historic night like any sensible farm girl. There are no official records or contemporary accounts to support the story; basic facts have proven elusive
Since there are some question on whether or not the young Ms. Ludington actually made the journey of which she is so well known, Larissa asks her audience to do their own research and figure out for themselves whether or not the story is true. I personally believe it to be true. In fact, in an 1854 letter from Sybil Ludington’s nephew, Charles H. Ludington, he asked that she be recognized at an upcoming ceremony for Revolutionary heroes. “My Aunt Sybil,” her nephew wrote, rode “on horseback in the dead of night...through a Country infested with Cowboys and Skinners to inform Gen’l Putnam.” It’s the earliest known account of the episode (and I got the information from THIS Smithsonian site). That tells me the story was known and passed down through family lore.
After our presentation, we gave the students a chance to ask questions, to take photos, and even to pose for photos themselves wearing some of the extra garb we had with us.
If you can entice teens to enjoy and to perhaps research history through a variety of means - and then look at the past through the environment of the time - then it is all good. We try to help them to understand that contrary to what seems to be pushed in too many of today's narratives, history is not all bad. In fact, there is so much more good. Unfortunately, too many have their discussion on Facebook with all of the back-and-forth arguing and name-calling and attacks, which accomplishes nothing. I'd rather have an actual and honest-to-goodness old-fashioned share-our-knowledge sit down face-to-face friendly discussion. That's where accomplishments can happen.
We are supposedly in an age of inclusiveness, so let's show that rather than just stating the opposing views and pit one group against another.
I am very pleased with my new vintage press, even if it is not exactly 18th century, for the process will still be in the same manner.
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| Larissa, as Sybil, tells her story. One of the students, out of camera range in this photo, did a report on Ludington. |
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| Here am I as Paul Revere. I differentiated myself on this day by my hats: cocked/tricorn was for Paul Revere, and the wide-brimmed hat is for farming. I even brought along a replica of one of the two lanterns hung in the Old North Church steeple. It was made for the Bicentennial by the Concord Historical Society (in 1975). |
After our presentation, we gave the students a chance to ask questions, to take photos, and even to pose for photos themselves wearing some of the extra garb we had with us.
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| These teens certainly enjoyed their time dressed in the past! |
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| Another set of teenagers enjoyed wearing period clothing~ |
That's where Larissa and I are at - inclusiveness rather than exclusiveness.
And the response from all the kids and teaching staff has been nothing but positive.
We can do it~
I do enjoy those who work their crafts here on the spot. I would love to see more of this done at actual reenactments.
If I were to photograph each vendor, I would probably have nearly 300 photos. So I just took pictures of what jumped out at me.
There were numerous blacksmiths there. Next year I need to make a list of items I am looking for, for when I would come upon one, I would forget what I wanted!
I am so glad that it did morph in the way it did and became what it has - - and I am also very glad that they do keep it pre-1900. That makes all the difference.
"Though often no more than a collection of dilapidated cabins, frontier trading posts served as the commercial centers of the frontier, built on or near waterways to expedite both the shipment of furs and pelts downriver, and the return of supplies and trade items upriver."
Charlotte, Larissa, Norm, Jackie, and myself, who you've seen here, all belong to Citizens of the American Colonies, a group always striving to "up our game." We host Patriot's Day (The Battle of Lexington & Concord) and the wonderful 4th of July event, both at historic Mill Race Village in Northville, Michigan. We have other members, but, sadly, no photos of them from Kalamazoo.
Now for photos of me in my new frock coat that I purchased from Samson Historical while at the Kalamazoo Living History Show:
Now I've searched and I searched but I couldn't find a cider press from the 18th century. I figured an original would be impossible, but a replication might be nice. The trouble is, I simply cannot find any photos or etchings of an 18th century apple press, aside from those built into a large building. And as for anything smaller, well, they're still a bit large and would probably be pretty expensive.
"+"+"+"
A week after our school presentation found us, along with other friends, at the Kalamazoo Living History Show, "The largest, nationally recognized, juried show in the Midwest devoted to pre-1890 original or reproduction living history supplies, accouterments, and related crafts." This is the place for any living historian who portrays the pre-1900s to get pretty much what they will need to build up their kit and add to it.
You see, now and again I'll hear many reenactors are leaving the French & Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War to head forward in time to the 1940s and World War II. I have been told that people aren't interested in bringing the distant past to life, that it takes too much time, work, and research to do so. Plus, the guns of WWII are "cooler."
Well, judging by the upwards of 10,000 living historians / reenactors who made the trek to the Kalamazoo Living History Expo, I would say the reports of the death of reenacting pre-20th century America are greatly exaggerated. We can all survive together - - - -
Just ask Maggie Delaney, the Irish indentured servant:
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| Here we have Carol Jarboe portraying Maggie Delaney, the Irish indentured servant. |
I own the DVD which depicts Ms. Jarboe portraying fictional character, Maggie Delaney, an Irish indentured servant who gains passage to the new world, only to lose her family in the process.
(Click HERE)
From where I live just north of Detroit, it's almost a three hour drive to the city of Kalamazoo where the living history show is held. Nearly 300 of the finest artisans and vendors of pre-1890s clothing, supplies, and related accessories & crafts from throughout the United States and Canada come together to sell their wares to those who practice the art of living history. It's a sort of 'gathering of the tribes' (so to speak); living historians representing numerous non-electric eras can be seen intermingling with each other, talking history, finding the perfect item that is needed for the upcoming season, and, especially, for newbies to the hobby trying to build their first kit - all of this taking place inside three very large halls/rooms.
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| Here's 1774 Ken with good friend from the future, 1860s Angie. |
I spent time wandering and shopping and taking photos, many of which I have here.
By the way, the night before is like Christmas Eve - so hard to get to sleep!
Woke up bright...er...dark and early and was soon on the road, where five of us drove together in my van, filling the air with wonderful conversation. Lucky for us, this year the weather on the drive out there was pleasant enough, though coming home was a different story - rain!
But no snow! Our drive was fairly easy.
But no snow! Our drive was fairly easy.
The ol' time-traveling van got us there safely - - -
Upon entering, I scurried over to Samson Historical, the owners of whom I consider friends. I have been dealing with Samson's since I first became acquainted with them when I began my journey into America's colonial past a decade ago.
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| Abbie Samson and I. The coat I am wearing was purchased from them a few years ago. This year I bought another. Abbie Samson and her husband, who is in the picture below with their daughter, Payton, are the owners of Samson Historical  |
"OUR PASSION IS HISTORY
UNVEILING THE PAST WITH PASSION, SAMSON HISTORICAL IS A TRUSTED SOURCE FOR AUTHENTIC 18TH-CENTURY EXPERTISE. FROM METICULOUSLY RESEARCHED AND CRAFTED PERIOD CLOTHING TO ARTISAN-MADE PRODUCTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD, WE DELIVER TO YOU THE RICH HISTORY OF THE 18TH CENTURY AND REGENCY ERA. OUR DEDICATION TO HISTORICAL ACCURACY ENSURES AN UNPARALLELED EXPERIENCE FOR REENACTORS, LIVING HISTORIANS, MUSEUMS, AND HISTORICAL ORGANIZATIONS. DISCOVER THE LEGACY OF THE 18TH CENTURY WITH SAMSON HISTORICAL."
As I moved about their product, something caught my eye: a new woolen frock coat. "The pattern used for this coat was derived from four examples in Henry Cook's personal collection, as well as one other in a private collection. If he had lived in the eighteenth century, Henry Cooke would have been called a Master Tailor. Today we call him a Historical Costumer, but his tailoring is no less masterful. If you’ve been to a museum, a site with historical interpretation, or a reenactment, you may have seen his work or at least seen his influence.
So...with the money I have been saving since my Simply Dickens performances last Christmas, I purchased it. I swear my colonial wardrobe is larger than my modern clothing. Except my t-shirts----I have dozens and dozens of t-shirts - more than any other piece of attire.
I received quite a lot of compliments while in my new frock coat, too, especially from these guys:
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| Queen's Rangers reenacting group. Even though we are on opposite ends of the Revolutionary War, they are a great group of people who actively portray Simcoe's Queen's Rangers.
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The Queen's Rangers host the wonderful Vermillion Creek event which takes place the first weekend in October. It's a great event in which Native Americans also take part.
By the way, Scott Mann founded this unit back in 2014.
The variety of people and reenactors here in Kalamazoo is amazing, versatile, and outstanding.
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| Here we have Jeff Dewey with a western cowboy era impression, though he portrays no one famous. |
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| Tanning hides... |
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| ...and spinning wool into yarn. |
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| Lanterns, lanterns, and more lanterns. All the lanterns from many eras. |
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| Wm. Booth, Draper, at the Sign of the Unicorn |
"A large and excellent assortment of linen checks and stripes, linen Hollands, cords, diaper, and jeans, Scotch, Irish and flaxen ozenbrigs; Russia sheetings, Hessen, Russia and ravens duck, canvas; plains, serge, broadcloths, woolens, worsteds, white flannels, scarlet, drab, light and dark blue, brown, claret, garnet, sage, purple and pea green, coarse cloths; coloured threads, Scotch threads; wool doubled, and ready for knitting; mould, thread and wire shirt buttons; fashionable plated and brass buttons; Indian binding, white, and red, white twist, white tapes, colour’d silk ribbon, worsted braid, gold lace; scissors, bodkins, stilleto; brass, Pinchbeck, shoe and knee buckles, plain sleeve. links; With a general assortment of other goods as usual.
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| Pewter and silver and all kinds of cool items - - - |
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| Cedar Creek Forge~ |
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| I was told that the Kalamazoo Living History Show began many years ago as a gun show, and overtime morphed into the largest juried living history show in the Midwest! |
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| Oliver Pluff & Co were there~ |
"American-Made Teas, Toddies, & Coffees are hand-packaged by Oliver Pluff & Company in Charleston, South Carolina. Find us at historic sites, museum stores, gourmet stores, and our online store. Oliver Pluff & Company asked the question, 'What teas were thrown in the harbor during the Boston Tea Party?' We sought what tea gardens supplied the British East India Company in the markets at Canton, China in the 17th and 18th centuries. We recreated those blends and hope to share a cup of history with you!"
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| A cap is an absolute necessity for any woman in the 18th century. While caps range from simple to extravagant, the basic round-eared style is commonly found. |
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| This has the look and feel of a frontier trading post. |
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| Don't know this person's name but he had a very cool sort of "knapsack" on his back. |
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| Woven belts. |
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| I enjoy when we can see the variety of clothing worn from the same period in time. |
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| The 49th Regiment of Foote, run by Doug Lee (here with his wife Sheila). It's this reenacting group who come out as Redcoats during the Patriot's Day event where we reenact the battle of Lexington and Concord, as well as join us during the awesome 4th of July event - both held at Mill Race Village. For the 4th of July they dress Continental. I appreciate all they've done in helping to keep our Patriot's Day up and running, and for their participation for Independence Day, especially with the 250th Semiquincentennial at hand. A great group! |
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| Two long-time friends (and somewhat legends) in the Civil War-era clothing world, Sandra Root & Pam Yockey. They are the go-to ladies and have earned the trust & respect of so many who do 1860s. |
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Thank this man on the left - Maurice Imhoff - if you enjoy that the Jackson Civil War Muster is still going on! At one point it seemed dead in the water, but Maurice put a lot of time and a lot of effort and brought it back. Slowly at first, and now definitely picking up steam.
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| Jon Townsend was at Kalamazoo as well, representing not only his excellent Townsend store, but his You Tube Channel as well. Yes, Jon is a sort of celebrity in his own right, and his channel is one that I watch pretty much weekly with every new "show," which is a great learning experience. Super nice guy! |
"Jas. Townsend & Son Inc. is a manufacturer and retailer of quality reproduction 18th and early 19th Century clothing and personal accessories. We service the living history community, historic sites, museums, and theatrical, motion picture, and television production companies.
Skillfully made, reasonably priced, satisfaction guaranteed."
And their accessories (and straight-last shoes) they sell are 2nd to none!
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| Norm and Tony Gerring - father & son. Tony was promoting his 1st Pennsylvania reenacting group as well as selling a few extra accessories he had on hand. The 1st Pennsylvania is a top-notch high quality Continental reenacting unit - spot on for nearly every year of service during the Revolutionary War. My son, Robbie, belongs to this group. By the way, the 1st Penn also plays a major part in our Patriot's Day event at the end of April, for they portray, rather accurately, I might add, the Militia who fought against the Redcoats. |
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| Will Eichler was there promoting his History Fix streaming channel, one that I myself subscribe to. |
Historyfix is great history streaming channel -
it is what The History Channel should be...though isn't!
But History Fix is!
Yes, I really do subscribe to the channel and have watched it often, for it covers a wide range of history going back to the 1st century, along with a wide range of topics.
Well done! Check them out!
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| 21st Michigan President, Ian Kushnir, and his family. Ian also still belongs to the 5th Texas. Perhaps next year the 21st Michigan can have a recruiting table. |
The 21st Michigan has a large and active civilian contingent and an ever-growing military. With the events also growing, I suspect the 21st is heading in the right direction. Yes, I have been a member since 2004 - I would call that long-term membership!
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| Jackie Vohlken and her husband John, both of the wonderful 3rd Michigan Civil War reenacting group. |
The 3rd is perhaps the largest Civil War reenacting group on the Lake Michigan side of our state. And when the 21st Michigan celebrated its 150th back in 2012, the 3rd was there and really helped to make it quite an awesome event (click HERE).
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| Of course, you all know Bob Stark, long-time Ben Franklin interpreter. Well, he and his daughter also run The Salty Lantern - makers of quality rope beds, tomahawk tosses, and, soon to be available, the shaving horse. His daughter, Abby, is also a seller of tea and does public speeches on historic teas, including what was dumped into Boston Harbor back in December of 1773.
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| Long-time friend and 21st Michigan member, J.R. Schroeder and his two youngest daughters. The Schroeder family have been reenacting since, I believe, the 1970s. |
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| On our way home we decided to stop at a restaurant called Ray Ray's Italian Beef & Sausage. This is a good old-fashioned diner in every respect - as you can see Charlotte enjoying her food. "BBQ, dogs, and burgers Chicago style." Very nice people who work there, too! |
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| I am lovin' my new frock~ |
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| My "go to meetin' " coat. |
"This frock coat features defining details from the second half of the 18th century, making it appropriate for everyday wear by men of all classes. This coat has a more rounded front and narrow back which was prominent in the 1770s. While simplistic in style, it is accented by buttonless cuffs and scalloped pocket flaps, which were popular during the period.
The pattern used for these coats, including the self-covered wooden buttons and flapped pockets, was designed from two surviving pieces: one from a 1780 garment of which is in a private collection in Bristol, Rhode Island, and the other, from about 1770, is in the collections of the Connecticut Historical Society in Hartford, Connecticut."
Mine, as you can see, is of green wool.
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| Back at home, my wife got behind the camera and we set up a few poses. This ended up being my newest Facebook profile picture. |
Aside from all of the shopping, I think what I enjoy most about the Kalamazoo Living History Show is visiting with everyone...so many friends in this time-travel world! Larissa said it best when she wrote: "Walk 5 feet…stop and give hugs to someone….walk 5 feet and see someone else….walk 5 feet and look there’s someone else! So fun running into everyone."
And the conversations on the drive there and back with friends was wonderful as well.
So, in a current world of grumbly, unhappy people, it was great seeing all of the smiling faces...everyone preparing for the coming season. Oh, Happy Day----
I suppose I just like it all, actually.
O0O
Now I'd like to show you something that I am very excited about---something I've been wanting for a while but had to wait for the right one to come along, and it finally did---the week before Kalamazoo (gotta love Ebay!):
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| My vintage cider press. |
And difficult to lug from place to place.
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| Middle Ages, going by the clothing, but this is about as close to the type of cider press as I would need, more than likely, for 18th century as well. |
I do not have something to mash up the apples beforehand - - so what will I do without an apple masher - something to "pulverize" the apples to make pressing easier and getting every bit of juice pressed out of it?
Why, mash them myself with a cudgel!
I've read about and seen a video on this.
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| Looks like I'm going to need a type of cudgel to mash the apples before pressing. |
Now to wait till Fall.
So---onward and upward, right?
Looking forward to the past.
Looking forward to the past.
I'm pumped up!
Until next time, see you in time.
And just in time for America's 250th birthday!
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| Click HERE |
Sources:
Smithsonian Magazine
Smithsonian Magazine
Henry Cooke information from HERE
More reading you might enjoy:
Collecting History: The Lantern from the Old North Church
Collecting History: The Lantern from the Old North Church
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