Phlogiston and Fire — The Isolation of Oxygen

In the mid-18th century, the most pressing issue in chemistry and physics was to determine what exactly happens when something burns. The prevailing theory was that flammable materials contained a substance called “phlogiston” (from the Greek word for burn) that was released during combustion.  The theory held that when a candle burned, for example, phlogiston …

You Talk Funny

So, I was in Center City the other day as a pre-revolutionary “loyal subject of the crown” when a group of school kids, who being teenagers know everything…, when one of them starts snarking in a cockney accent that I don’t talk like a Britton.  Let’s set the record straight.  People from Philadelphia, DON’T speak …

Historical Tidbits — Robbing the First Bank of the United States

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. Robbing the First Bank of the United States In 1789, Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton hammered out a great compromise that would create our nations first federal bank.  Under …

Historical Tidbits — Francis Salvador

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 31, 1776 – Francis Salvador became the first Jew to die in combat during the American Revolution in the Ninety-Six district of North Carolina.  “Here, Mr. Salvador received …

Basic Colonial Brewing #14 — Period Correct ways to get Yeast

I know Reinheitsgebot permits only water, hops, and malt as ingredients in beer but if you want to make beer, mead, cider or any other alcoholic brew, you need to add yeast.  In the 21st Century, many homebrewers just rip open an envelope of dried yeast from the local homebrew shop and add it to …

The Danger of Populist Leaders who Seek Office Only for Personal Gain – Bacon’s Rebellion

On July 30, 1676, Nathaniel Bacon issued a “Declaration of the People of Virginia”, a list of complaints against the colonial governor, William Berkeley.  Berkeley was accused of being corrupt and unjust in his taxation of the people of Virginia, and also chastised for failing to provide colonists protection of the people from certain tribes …

Historical Tidbits — Faneuil Hall erected

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 30, 1742       Faneuil Hall erected Built as a gift to the city by Peter Faneuil, Boston’s wealthiest merchant,  Faneuil Hall is a meeting hall and marketplace. Boston was in …