I was recently taken aback by one of the reenactors at an event (who did not participate in the skirmish) told people in the crowd that portrayal was not realistic “because reenactors refuse to die in the mud….” Okay yeah, nobody wants to fall in the mud and then have to clean up afterwards. We …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
Beer Recipe: Flippen Pompkin Ale
When the British imposed the Stamp Act of 1765, John Hancock helped lead the opposition in urging a boycott of British-made goods. Far from an act of patriotism, Hancock, a smuggler of tea, rum, and wine, used these boycotts earn obscene profits. But the boycotts did impact the Crown and eventually lead to the repeal …
Historical Tidbits — The Louvre becomes a public museum
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 Louvre opens August 10, 1793 as a public art museum for all Frenchmen In 1546 Francis I, who was a great art collector, had a 12th Century castle …
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Beer Recipe: Nightingale on a Stone Wall
The British army punished its soldiers mercilessly. The purpose was to inspire terror by setting an example. Soldiers were frequently whipped leading to the derisive moniker “bloody backs” by which Redcoat soldiers were frequently known. The most common offence was drunkenness, which could merit 100 lashes. The sentence was carried out in front of the …
In 1996, the City of Philadelphia did what the Whole British Navy could not do, they demolished the “Cannonball House” in a failed attempt to save it.
In the 1680’s Peter Cook build a small farmhouse on a plot of land nobody wanted. Laying claim to a small swampy parcel on Mud Island several miles form William Penn’s utopian “green country town” this Swedish settler thought he and his family would never be challenged for their little farm. The site proved good …
Historical Tidbits — Battle of Oriskany and St. Leger
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. August 6, 1777 Battle of Oriskany and St. Leger The Battle of Oriskany occurred on August 6, 1777, when the local Tryon County Militia attempted to come to the …
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Joseph Priestly and Carbon Dioxide
In Leeds Joseph Priestley’s home was situated near a brewery. Whenever he walked by the brewery, Priestley observed an unusual phenomenon. He noticed that “fixed air” (carbon dioxide) was released in the process of fermentation and that this new “air” would extinguish burning pieces of wood and then drift to the ground. At home Priestley …
The German Society of Pennsylvania was Founded in 1764 in Philadelphia
Last night I spent the evening brewing with the president of the German Society of Pennsylvania, Mark McGuigan, at Congregation Rodeph Shalom in Philadelphia. The synagogue and the German Society of Pennsylvania are working together to promote German Jewish (i.e. Ashkenazi) heritage in Philadelphia. One of the cool projects is traditional brewing. The German Society …
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Historical Tidbits — Tariff Act
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 August 4, 1790, President Washington signed the “Tariff Act,” a bill that had been written and sponsored by Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton. The bill authorized the …
Historical Tidbits — Signing of 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. August 2, 1776 – Fifty-five members of the second Continental Congress met in Philadelphia to formally sign the Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin is oft quoted as having said …
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Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 