Applejack is a uniquely American type of apple brandy which was widely produced during the 1700’s in North America. It was made by placing hard cider in wooden barrels and exposing them to freezing temperatures during winter. The water in the hard cider froze in the top of the barrel and could easily be removed. …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
Come Help Us Create a Unique Portable Bar at Fort Mifflin
On September 17, 2022, Fort Mifflin took possession of an Amish surrey style wagon approximately 5 ft wide and 7 feet long in serviceable condition. This buggy was donated by Warehouse on Watts and transported to the fort by Fort Mifflin staff. The buggy is in “good” condition but not roadworthy and does need minor …
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I’m Planning my 2023 Season
I am beginning to set my schedule for next year and wanted to take the time to remind you that if you want to book the Regimental Brewmeister for an event, now is the time to reach out! I offer many programs, though the most popular are brewing, tavern keeping, and surveying. Calendars always fills …
Historical Tidbits
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. December 8, 1776 Washington crosses Delaware (retreat) On 8 December 1776, after a long retreat through New Jersey under pressure from the British Army, American General George Washington …
Historical Tidbits
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. December 7, 1787 – Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution. The Constitution was not ratified by all states until May 29, 1790, when Rhode Island …
Monuments to the Stupidity of Mankind
Okay this is off topic for me and political. On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, as announced in this proclamation from President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The 21st Amendment repealed the 18th Amendment of January 16, 1919, ending the increasingly unpopular nationwide prohibition of alcohol. In 1826 the American Temperance Society was founded …
How to Survey Land with 18th Century Tools – Measuring Lines
Land surveys consist of six basic tasks: Determinizing your position on Earth using celestial navigation methodsMeasuring distances with a Gunter’s Chain.Measuring changes in elevation with a Range PoleMeasurement of directions and angles using a Compass.Drawing the map on a Plane Table, andComputing areas with basic plane geometry In this series we will discuss the fundamentals …
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And Now for Something Completely Different.
Finnish Wife Carrying Competitions Rosov Ronkainen, a notorious Finnish man from the 1800s, is known for stealing both women and food from nearby villages. He required his accomplices to go through an obstacle course while carrying something heavy on their backs to be sure they could handle the stolen bounties. Now, Finland has both a …
Continue reading “And Now for Something Completely Different.”
Historical Tidbits
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. December 1, 1779 2nd Encampment at Morristown While much in made of the harsh conditions at Valley Forge, the winter of 1779 was the harshest in the war. “A …
The Birth of Urban Planning in America
Despite what you may think today, Philadelphia was America’s first planned city. William Penn had a broad vision for the new settlement and started a revolution in city planning: the open grid plan that became Philadelphia. Having witnessed plague in London in 1665 and the famously calamitous fire of 1666, Penn wanted his Philadelphia to …
