During the American Revolution, the Continental Congress had no power to levy and collect taxes, nor was there a tangible basis for securing funds from foreign investors or governments. Left with no real money, the delegates resolved to issue paper money in the form of bills of credit, promising redemption once the war was won. …
Continue reading “US Treasury Department Founded: September 2, 1789”
In New England prior to the 18th century American Revolution, a “chocolate wine” was popular. Its ingredients included sherry, port, chocolate, and sugar. A French distillers manual published in 1780 (Descriptions des arts et métiers[i].) also describes chocolate liqueur. This chocolate liqueur was often consumed straight, as an after-dinner drink, used in mixed drinks, and …
John Chapman was born in Massachusetts in 1774 and was a student of Emanuel Swedenborg, who espoused a secular humanist creed. This is similar to the Jewish concept of tikkun olam (תִּיקּוּן עוֹלָם). Secular humanism teaches that the world is innately good but that there is always room for us to improve it. Ethics are, …
Continue reading “John Chapman Worked to Make the World a Little Better”
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. September 1, 1764 — Currency Act The colonies suffered a constant shortage of currency with which to conduct trade. There were no gold or silver mines and currency could …
Add excitement and authentic color to an event, or create more traffic to your site, with Philadelphia’s best Colonial Brewer and tradesman. Whether it is a reenactment, motion picture, a tavern night for a private event, or other endeavor, I can bring can bring a real sense of authenticity and fun to your event and …
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 31, 1786 – SHAY’S REBELLION: Enraged by high debts and Massachusetts increased efforts to collect taxes, Captain Daniel Shay (Continental Army) led an armed mob to disrupt the …
The Regimental Brewmeister will be a the Historic Odessa Brewfest on September 6. Please come out!If you have ever wanted to learn to brew as it was done in 1770, I am still looking for team members. https://michaelcarver6048518.wordpress.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=61874&action=edit Want to have the Regimental Brewmeister at your site or event? You can hire me. https://colonialbrewer.com/yes-you-can-hire-me-for-your-event-or-site/
Potatoes are native to the Americas and were first brought to Europe by the Spanish Conquistadors during the mid-16th century. The English buccaneer, Sir Walter Raleigh, is known to have gifted them to Queen Elizabeth as an American delicacy. Since then, potatoes have become a staple food source for many people all over the world. We …
I am going to deviate from my normal focus on the 18th Century to discuss some brewing terminology that seems to be confusing people in craft brew pubs. The other day, my wife and I visited a brewery and her questions about the beer menu prompted me to clarify some jargon that are too often …
Continue reading “Basic Colonial Brewing #16 — Making Sense of the Beer Menu”
This year, I am adding a somewhat archaic bit of brewing equipment to the gear brought out by the Regimental Brewmiester. The yeast ring or gjarkrans is a piece of traditional brewing gear from medieval Sweden and Denmark. This tool resembles a complicated wreath of small pieces of whittled wood. Yeast harvested from one batch …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 