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. October 18, 1775              Falmouth Burnt. After the march on Lexington, the British in Boston were cut off from the land and their only means of supplies was by sea. …

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. October 17, 1770John Adams DEFENDS the soldiers accused of murder as a result of the Boston Massacre Although a devout patriot, John Adams agreed to risk his family’s livelihood …

Benedict Arnold American Wild Ale

Do you consider Benedict Arnold a brilliant general or an evil traitor?  Despite what you may have learned in school, the answer to this question is far from simple and highly political.   Blessed with almost superhuman energy and endurance, handsome and charismatic, he was a successful apothecary and a seagoing merchant before the war.  Unfortunately, …

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. October 13, 1775 — The acquisition of a fleet of ships that would become the United States Navy was authorized by an act of the Second Continental Congress. The …

Yankel’s Tavern

Forgive me if today I take a little departure from American History.  Let’s talk taverns, Jewish Taverns, and the quintessential Jewish Tavern would have been in 18th Century Poland. It was Sunday, and from church after morning Mass,They came to Yankel’s to drink and relaxIn everyone’s cup grey vodka swished‘Round with a bottle the barmaid …

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. October 11, 1776 – General Benedict Arnold engaged the British in a naval engagement off of Valcour Island on Lake Champlain.  Although defeated, the American forces inflicted significant damage …

Man Does Not Live on Beer Alone – 18th Century Cocktails

We all know the Sugar Trade and Rum fueled the Boston and Philadelphia economies in the 1760’s.  There is no denying that our founding fathers frequently enjoyed a stiff drink.  George Washington owned a distillery that produced rye. Thomas Jefferson treasured his French wines. Even the staid and ultraconservative John Adams had a gill of …

A New England Beer Run!

On August 15, 1620; the Mayflower and the Speedwell set sail for VIRGINIA.  Unfortunately, after only about 200 miles in the rough waters of the north Atlantic, the Speedwell sprang began taking on water and had to turn back.  The decision to abandon the Speedwell and transfer many of its passengers onto the Mayflower set …