Private ownership of land in the British colonies of North America, provided self-sufficiency for many and extravagant wealth for a few. The idea of land as property came from England and accurate descriptions of property and its boundaries are essential. For this reason, surveyors were essential not just in the newly acquired lands of North …
Continue reading “The Problem of True North vs Compass North”
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. Last week, we celebrated Ceasar Rodney’s infamous ride to Philadelphia so that he could vote for independence in July 2. We take it for granted that Delaware was a …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — DELAWARE WANTED FREEDOM FROM BOTH ENGLAND AND PENNSYLVANIA”
When the U.S. Mint opened in Philadelphia, coins were made of copper, silver, and gold, in accordance with the Coinage Act of 1792. Because these coins were made of precious metal, their value was directly related to the amount of metal they contained. Unfortunately, these coins were also vulnerable to a practice known as “clipping.” Clipping …
Continue reading “Ruffles have Ridges … and so do US Coins!”
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 8, 1776 — The citizens of Philadelphia were summoned to the State House Yard by the bells of the city. At noon, Colonel John Nixon publicly read the …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — John Nixon publicly read the Declaration of Independence.”
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 8, 1780 American and French forces join at Dobbs Ferry Expédition Particulière was the code name given by the French government for the plan to sail French land …
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Medical Ketchup During the 1800’s ketchup was used for medicinal purposes. Ketchup was “brewed” as a cure for diarrhea, jaundice, indigestion, and rheumatism. Originally, ketchup was prepared with mushrooms as a primary ingredient, instead of tomato. So, the next time you’re at the dinner table in one of the 97% of American households that have …
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 6, 1768– The Vice Admiralty Court Act — gave Royal naval courts, rather than colonial courts, jurisdiction over all matters concerning customs violations and smuggling. The Vice-Admiralty Court …
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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 6, 1779 Fairfield and Norwalk burnt In July 1779 during the American Revolutionary War, British Major General William Tryon and 2600 men raided the Connecticut ports of New …
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In 1876, Philadelphia city officials discussed what role the Liberty Bell should play in the nation’s Centennial festivities. Some wanted to repair it so it could sound at the Centennial Exposition being held in Philadelphia, but the idea was not adopted; the bell’s custodians concluded that it was unlikely that the metal could be made …
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 4, 1798 Aliens and Sedition Acts The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of four laws passed by the U.S. Congress in 1798 amid widespread fear that …
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Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 