There is a myth that the turkey almost came to represent the United States. The story goes that after the Declaration of Independence was signed, Congress asked Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams to design a seal for our new nation. Since many of the Germanic nations, incorporate eagles into their pageantry, the eagle …
Continue reading “Despite Today’s Politics, the Turkey was Never Considered as Our National Symbol”
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. November 22, 1718 – William Teach (AKA Blackbeard) was captured and executed by the Royal Navy off the coast of North Carolina. His mythical buried treasure has not been …
I have a new revision of my bartender’s guide entitled Admiral of the Blue Apron’s Bartender’s Guide Book which will replace the Thee Fort Mifflin Bartenders’ Guide Book: A View into Colonial Era Spirits and Cocktails from Amazon. It contains several significant updates so if you don’t have a copy yet, consider buying one for …
Continue reading “Support your Regimental Brewmeister — Buy a Book”
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. On October 22, 1797, French balloonist André Garnerin, made the first safe descent with a silk parachute from a balloon André-Jacques Garnerin was ballooning pioneer of great regard and …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — First Parachute Descent”
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – A PROCLAMATION Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor – and Whereas both Houses of Congress have by their …
If you read this blog enough, you are familiar with 18th Century taverns being the social and business hubs of many communities. Early taverns weren’t just bars, they were used for business meetings, post offices, news agents, militia headquarters, judicial meetings, polls, and as places for lively political debates. To overcome social anxiety and help …
George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales, was born on August 12, 1762 at St James’ Palace, the eldest son of George III and Queen Charlotte. When his father became incapacitated due to mental instability and ill health, he ruled for nine years as Regent (1811 – 1820) before becoming King upon his father’s death in …
I truly love Indian food and I am not alone. I once asked an Englishman what the national dish of Great Britian was and his unreserved rely was “Curry.” While it’s not quite as ubiquitous in the USA, Indian food is common throughout the former British empire and the lasting reminder of the absolute power …
There were 87 edits to Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence. Most were trivial, shortened phrases here or word substitutions there, but there is one glaring omission. One entire paragraph highlighting perhaps the greatest CRIME committed by King George, Parliament, the various “companies” (like the East India Company) and other agents of British …
Gin comes to us from the Netherlands and took its current form in the sixteenth century. The predecessor to gin is Dutch ‘genever.’ There are two basic categories of genever, traditional ‘Oude Genever,’ (old style genever) with a high malt content for its base (15%-50%) and ‘Jonge Genever’, the newer style with only 15% malt …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 