During the American War of Independence, the inhabitants of New York City, formerly New Amsterdam), celebrated the tradition of Sinterklaas as symbol of the city’s non-English past. In the 1770s the New York Gazetteer noted that the feast day of “St. a Claus” was celebrated “by the descendants of the ancient Dutch families, with their usual festivities.” Sinterklaas is …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
Apple Jack
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. …
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 19, 1732 – Benjamin Franklin first published Poor Richard’s Almanac.
How Cartridge Paper almost killed King George
In order to facilitate rapid loading during battle, 18th Century musket cartridges were made from rolled brownish-white paper. This paper tube held both the powder and the ball was its own self contained wadding. For training, reviews and firing a “feu de joie” or celebratory musket salute, however, blank rounds were needed. Numerous accidents were reported …
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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 18, 1801 XYZ Affair The XYZ Affair was a diplomatic incident between French and United States diplomats that resulted in a limited, undeclared war known as the Quasi-War. …
Washington’s Crossing Annual Crossing Reenactment Friday, December 25, 2020
CANCELLED due to COVID-19 For over 60 years, Washington Crossing Historic Park has recreated the daring Christmas night river crossing of 1776, leading to the victories of the 10 Crucial Days. Several hundred reenactors in Continental military dress listen to an inspiring speech by General Washington and cross the river in replica Durham boats. Sadly, …
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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 17, 1777 — ENCAMPMENT AT VALLEY FORGE: The third of eight military encampments for the Continental Army. Following defeats at Brandywine and Germantown and with the British Occupation …
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 15, 1799 – The Bill of Rights, ten amendments to the US Constitution were formally ratified. These amendments are: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of …
Proper Salutes in the British Army
In 1740, the “French salute”, or greeting another by kissing them on the cheek, started to become fashionable in London. With the Seven Years War (AKA French and Indian War), the “French salute” quickly became controversial, being called unEnglish. Encouraged instead was the “old English” way of “pulling off a Hat. For the British, removing your …
Every Wonder Why We Call it a “Duffle” Bag?
If you make your tent out of ordinary “canvas” you are going to get wet in the rain. Canvas is a stout cloth, probably named after cannabis (Latin: “hemp”), made by tightly weaving material, mostly cotton, wool, and linen. This definition has not been that precise forever since the word canvas has come to signify …
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Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 