Early American settlers enjoyed fortifying their drinks. Stone fences mix hard cider and rum, shrubs mix wine with switchel, rattleskulls mix rum with beer, and the coo woo even fortifies brandy with rum. Rum, whiskey, and other spirits were staple goods produced to help farmers ship bulky products like corn and sugar to distant markets. …
Author Archives: Michael Carver
Dueling in the 18th Century
Duels have a deep history in American History. Alexander Hamilton was the most celebrated casualty of the dueling ethic, having lost his life in an 1804 feud with Aaron Burr on the fields of Weehawken, New Jersey, but there were many more who paid the ultimate price— congressmen, newspaper editors, a signer of the Declaration …
American Historical Mythology
If you hang around Fort Mifflin very long you will, no doubt, be regaled with stories of the supernatural and the pseudoscience that supports its existence. These are all good fun but let’s be clear, SOME people actually believe these things and even though the scientifically minded dismiss THESE beliefs, they are quick to then …
The New Guy Fawkes — the real legacy of Donald Trump
On January 6, 2021, following the defeat of U.S. President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, a mob of his supporters attacked the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The mob sought to keep Trump in power by preventing a joint session of Congress from counting the electoral college votes. While still President …
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That Insignificant Dutch Colony of New Amsterdam becomes New York City
Wall Street was not always just the New York Stock Exchange, in the 1600’s, it got its name because it WAS THE CITY WALL protecting the Dutch West India Company’s colony of New Amsterdam. In the 1600s, the English and the Dutch were major commercial rivals (Dutch West India Company vs English East India Company). …
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The Scourge of Slavery (#5) — John Casor is Declared Slave for Life in America
John Casor was originally an indentured servant. When he became a slave, it was through a contract of indenture, which obligated him to work for its holder for the period it set after which he was to set free. Many of the early colonist in British North America came as indentured servants. This was how …
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Historical Tidbits — Tattoo and Taps
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. “Tattoo” is played in the evening signaling that all light in squad rooms should be extinguished and that all loud talking and other disturbances be discontinued within 15 minutes, …
The New Guy Fawkes — the real legacy of Donald Trump
On January 6, 2021, following the defeat of U.S. President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, a mob of his supporters attacked the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The mob sought to keep Trump in power by preventing a joint session of Congress from counting the electoral college votes. While still President …
Continue reading “The New Guy Fawkes — the real legacy of Donald Trump”
I am looking for Tavern helpers and thespians
I am in the planning stages for three big projects where I need to actively recruit support. If you are interested in participating in either of these projects, please let me know soon. TAVERN NIGHT at Rittenhouse Town — February 2025 This is the birthplace of David Rittenhouse, and we are basically taking over the entire …
Continue reading “I am looking for Tavern helpers and thespians”
The New Guy Fawkes — the real legacy of Donald Trump
On January 6, 2021, following the defeat of U.S. President Donald Trump in the 2020 presidential election, a mob of his supporters attacked the United States Capitol Building in Washington, D.C. The mob sought to keep Trump in power by preventing a joint session of Congress from counting the electoral college votes. While still President …
Continue reading “The New Guy Fawkes — the real legacy of Donald Trump”
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 