The word stein is a shortened form of Steinzeugkrug, which literally means a stoneware jug or tankard. By common usage, however, stein has come to mean any beer container regardless of its material or size. The English will call these tankards. Both vessels come with and without lids, handles, or ornamentation. The tankard or beer …
Monthly Archives: October 2024
Hayim Solomon’s personal reward for his services to the Continental Army
On the rear of the One Dollar bill, you will see two circles. Together, they comprise the Great Seal of the United States. In 1775, the First Continental Congress requested that Benjamin Franklin and a group of men come up with a Seal. It took them four years to accomplish this task and another two …
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Let’s Talk about Punch Bowls
Most of us grew up associating Punch Bowls with a huge, overly ornate bowl, often bucket sized, that our parents or grandparents kept on a sideboard and only used for fancy parties. In the 18th Century, that punchbowl would have seen much more use. According to legend, punch was introduced to England in the early-to mid-17th century …
Supplying the Army with Muskets – The birth of Mass Production in America
“A good musket is a complicated engine and difficult to make — difficult of execution because the conformation of most of its parts correspond with no regular geometrical figure.” – Eli Whitney We all know Eli Whitney for his invention of the Cotton Gin but it was his contribution to industrial engineering and the manufacture …
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The Toddy Lifter
The Toddy Lifter “If you intend to drink much after dinner, never drink much at dinner.” Thus begin the collection of witty musings on drink, philosophy, and life that Edinburgh’s Blackwood Magazine published in the 1820’s, The maxims of Sir Morgan O’Dohherty Baronet. There is no doubt that William Maginn is the author as he …
John Jay Appointed 1st US Chief Justice
After the Constitution was ratified, President Washington needed to make several political appointments. In September 1789, he offered John Jay the position of Secretary of State. Though a new title, it would’ve been the same duties he was already performing as Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Jay turned down the offer. Still eager to put Jay …
Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site
Add excitement and authentic color to your special event, or create one for your site, with Philadelphia’s best Colonial Brewer and tradesman. Whether it is a reenactment, motion picture, a tavern night for a private event, or other endeavor, I can bring can bring a real sense of authenticity and fun to your event and …
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Historical Tidbits — Falmouth Burnt
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. October 18, 1775 Falmouth Burnt. After the march on Lexington, the British in Boston were cut off from the land and their only means of supplies was by sea. …
The Scourge of Slavery (#3c) — Penal Transportation
Banishment or forced exile has been used as a punishment since at least the 5th century BCE but the British Empire turned it into an industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. Penal transportation was the relocation of convicted criminals and other undesirable people (chiefly the poor) to a distant colony for incarceration. Transportation was …
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The Scourge of Slavery (#3b) — Indentured Servants
The acquisition of indentured servants and slaves began with the earliest days of the settling of America. Before 1680, the most common form of bound labor was the white indentured servant. Up to two-thirds of the English migrants who came to Virginia between 1630 and 1680 arrived in servile status. In return for the cost …
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Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 