The Constitution of the United States, drafted in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 and ratified by the states the following year, gave the President responsibility for the conduct of the nation’s foreign relations. It soon became clear, however, that additional resources and formal structures were necessary to support President Washington in the conduct of …
Continue reading “Congress establishes the State Department, July 27, 1789”
On July 26, 1775, the Second Continental Congress declared “…that a Postmaster General be appointed for the United States, who shall hold his office at Philadelphia, and shall be allowed a salary of 1,000 dollars per annum…” Benjamin Franklin was not, however, the first Postmaster in America nor was this the first time he would …
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. Jacques Cartier Establishes Canada as a French Colony July 24, 1534 Okay, if you have attended one of my spruce beer brewing demos, you undoubtedly have heard the name …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Jacques Cartier Establishes Canada as a French Colony”
Offering fringe benefits during the hiring process to entice workers has been a common practice for centuries. For the Royal Navy, one important benefit every sailor came to expect was the “Rum Ration” or “Daily Tot”. but as you know, some commanders will try to “stretch” benefits further than others. Some commanders offer great …
Continue reading ““Up Spirits!” – The Regimental Brewmeister has copper flasks for sale!”
Offering fringe benefits during the hiring process to entice workers has been a common practice for centuries. The English Navy is no exception. One of the more popular “fringe benefits” of joining the Royal Navy became known as the “Rum Ration” or “Daily Tot”. Although we commonly associate this “daily tot” with rum, the …
Continue reading ““Up Spirits!” – The Regimental Brewmeister has copper flasks for sale!”
I know Reinheitsgebot permits only water, hops, and malt as ingredients in beer but if you want to make beer, mead, cider or any other alcoholic brew, you need to add yeast. In the 21st Century, many homebrewers just rip open an envelope of dried yeast from the local homebrew shop and add it to …
Continue reading “Basic Colonial Brewing #14 — Period Correct ways to get Yeast”
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. The Rosetta Stone was Found July 19, 1799by Napoleon’s Army During Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign, a French soldier discovered and unusual stone while tearing down an old wall. This …
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Colonial Surveyor at the Richard Wall HouseWhen: Sunday, August 25, 2024; 1:00-4:00 PMWhere: Richard Wall House, 1 Wall Park Drive, Elkins Park, PA 19027Who: Michael Carver as David Rittenhouse, Colonial SurveyorThe Richard Wall House, Cheltenham Parks and Rec, and the Elkins Park Library are hosting Michael Carver in his impression of the noted surveyor David Rittenhouse, to …
Continue reading “Colonial Surveyor at the Richard Wall House August 25, 2024”
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 15, 1779 Stony Point taken by General Wayne In a well planned and executed nighttime attack, a highly trained select group of Continental Army troops under the command …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Stony Point taken by General Wayne”
When reenacting or acting as a historical interpreter, its good to have a few historical dates and stories to share. This series will publish a few. July 15, 1715 – The Riot Act took effect in Britain. Assemblies of more than a dozen people could be forcibly dispersed in order to maintain the peace. The …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 