Yesterday’s Class was Small but Engaged

Randell Spackman and I ran our Colonial Brewing class at Thornbury Farms which is on the actual Brandywine Battlefield yesterday. We had on 8 students so everyone got to enjoy some good Spruce Beer and try their hands at brewing in the Colonial Manner. It was a real hands on experience. https://videopress.com/v/llWH72av?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata If you missed …

Antifederalist No. 37 — Factions and the Constitution

The “Federal Farmer” plows once more into the row of problems he perceives in the proposed constitution. …. To have a just idea of the government before us, and to show that a consolidated one is the object in view, it is necessary not only to examine the plan, but also its history, and the …

Ben Franklin DID NOT Invent Daylight Savings Time!

Well, today we say goodbye to Daylight Savings time for 2021.  I hope you all enjoyed your extra hour of sleep.  Before the middle of the 19th Century, keeping time was more of an art than a science.  Time pieces and clocks were available, even common in certain circles but they were notoriously inaccurate.  However, …

FEDERALIST No. 37: Concerning the Difficulties of the Convention in Devising a Proper Form of Government.

We are on the eve of a very important election.  Much has been said about the Constitution and what is Constitutional so let’s take a few weeks and look at the foundational letters written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay arguing for the creation of the US Constitution.  The comment tab is open.  Please share your …

Man Does Not Live on Beer Alone — Coffee

Coffee was most certainly a popular drink in the Americas in the 17th and 18th Centuries.  There are records of John Smith bringing coffee to the Jamestown Colony and even trading it with the Indians, but remember, the British were not the only colonial powers.  Coffee would not take on importance in the British Empire …

Antifederalist No. 36 — Representation and Internal Taxation

Richard Henry Lee was arguably the best known Antifederalist writer. His pamphlets were widely distributed and reprinted in newspapers. Antifederalist Papers # 36/37 are excerpts from his first pamphlet. Antifederalist Nos. 41, 42, 43, 55, 56, 57, 58, 61, 63, 69, 76-77 are taken from his second pamphlet. A power to lay and collect taxes …

FEDERALIST No. 36: Concerning the General Power of Taxation

We are on the eve of a very important election.  Much has been said about the Constitution and what is Constitutional so let’s take a few weeks and look at the foundational letters written by Madison, Hamilton, and Jay arguing for the creation of the US Constitution.  The comment tab is open.  Please share your …

Antifederalist No. 35 — Federal Taxing Power must Be Restrained

George Mason of Virginia opposed the Constitution because it lacked a Bill of Rights, and centralized powers further than he felt it necessary. Mason delivered the following speech before the Virginia ratifying convention, June 4, 1788. Mr. Chairman, whether the Constitution be good or bad, the present clause [Article 1, Section 2] clearly discovers that …

We’re running a Colonial Brewing Class at Thornbury Farms on November 7, 2021

LAST CALL This will be our last class in 2021! Colonial Brewing: An Immersive History Experience Join the Regimental Brewmeister for a unique opportunity to experience the art and craft of 18th century brewing. This class will malt the grain, brew the mash over the fire in true 18th century fashion and each participant will …