Early Meteorology — Predicting the Weather 18th Century Style: old wives tales and superstitions

In the 18th century, families relied on almanacs to help them make many weather and seasonal decisions, such as when they should plant their crops or travel. However, almanacs only gave a long-term idea of what the weather might be based on weather in the past. Furthermore, in an age where all travel, especially by …

Apples and Honey Mead

Shlomo Latis wrote “The Collection of Hoshaanot, Songs and Prayers, Annulments of Vows, Tashlichs and Other Things” in Italy around 1790. The name describes the book well; a collection of various prayers and descriptions of Jewish ceremonies that were compiled into one manuscript.  A careful look at the one existent copy, however, reveals to interesting …

Benjamin Rush’s Educational Campaign for Temperance Actually ENCOURAGED the Drinking of Beer, Cider, and Wine!

On September 16, 1808, Benjamin Rush, generally considered THE MOST IMPORTANT PHYSICIAN in North America, wrote a long letter to former President John Adams describing a dream in which he had been elected president of the United States. At the beginning of this dream, Rush is reluctant to accept the office; but he then realizes …

Historical Tidbits — Siege of Savannah

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. September 16, 1779        Failed Siege of Savannah The Siege of Savannah was also known as the Second Battle of Savannah. The year before, the city had been captured by …

The Regimental Brewmeister does “Talks” as well as brewing demonstrations.

The Regimental Brewmeister is happy to give talks and lectures at your site to audiences of any size. I ask that you provide appropriate auto visual projection equipment and event promotion. I typically come in 18th Century attire and conduct interactive discussions. While I am happy to consider talks on other subjects, I have delivered …

Blowing Smoke Up Someone’s Arse‡

Maybe I’m just having a bad day but after several government meetings, the term “Blowing smoke up someone’s ass” has been used way too much.  Just to set the record straight, this was not always a simple figure of speech indicating someone was being an insincere flatterer. Tobacco smoke enemas became a mainstream medical practice …