Syllabub was a very common dessert in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Originally milk was sweetened and mixed with cider, sweet fortified beer, or sherry then left to curdle. It could be served hot or cold and was more or less stable for about a week after it was made so it was a …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
Historical Tidbits — 1st Continental Congress
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 4, 1774 1st Continental Congress The First Continental Congress, which was comprised of delegates from the colonies, met at Carpenters Hall in Philadelphia in 1774 to devise an …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — 1st Continental Congress”
Historical Tidbits — Treaty of Versailles
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 3, 1783 Peace proclaimed – Treaty of Versailles Following the disastrous defeat at Yorktown and subsequent sequestering of British Forces in New York City, the British peace commissioner …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Treaty of Versailles”
David Rittenhouse at Rittenhouse Square
Join us Sunday on the SquareSunday, September 28th11am-2pmRittenhouse Square Join Historic RittenhouseTown, The Friends of Rittenhouse Square and the Common Press as we kick-off the 250th celebration early! Step into history on the last Sunday in September with Sunday Open Streets at Rittenhouse Square for hands on traditional paper-making, and an opportunity to meet and …
Historical Tidbits — Switching to the Gregorian Calendar
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 2, 1752 (sort of) – The British Empire ended their use of the Julian Calendar, switching to the Gregorian resulting in a 12-day shift. The next day on …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Switching to the Gregorian Calendar”
US Treasury Department Founded: September 2, 1789
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”
Rafatia d’ Chocolat
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 Worked to Make the World a Little Better
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”
Historical Tidbits — Currency 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. 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 …
Hire the Regimental Brewmeister in 2026
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 …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 