We all think of Benjamin Franklin as a grandfatherly type who invented and published things, sort of that eccentric neighbor who was everyone’s friend, but there was a ruthless side to Franklin. In 1728, a printer named Samuel Keimer founded the Pennsylvania Gazette, the second newspaper ever printed in the colony. It did not do …
Continue reading “Dirty Business and Politics are Often Bedfellows”
The French and Indian War gave many British aristocrats their first view into what their American colonists were like. They were not impressed! War thrust people of diverse backgrounds and views into close contact, the French and Indian War was no exception. Britons and Americans learned first-hand that many of the commonalities that they believed …
Okay, we are deep in the Pumpkin Spice season. It’s not safe to order a cup of coffee lest you get dragged into the Anglo-Dutch Wars. I like nutmeg and spices a lot but I think I would rather have Manhattan but the Dutch choose to keep the Maluku Islands and their special spice – …
Continue reading “The Spice Trade – Nutmeg, Mace, and Cloves”
Punch was introduced from the Indian subcontinent to England by employees of the East India Company in the late 17th century. The original drink was named paantsch from Hindi पाँच (pāñć), meaning “five,” as the drink was frequently made with five ingredients: alcohol, sugar, juice from either a lime or a lemon, water, and spices …
I brewed pumpkin beer in Lewes, DE yesterday at the Historic Lewes Town Campus of the Lewes Historical Society (https://www.historiclewes.org/locations/historic-shipcarpenter-street-campus/). For those of you who have not yet been to Lewes for its historical museums and interpretation, its well worth the drive (especially now that the summer season is over). Want to have the Regimental …
For about a year I played with broadcasting my blog onto Facebook. I have learned to truly loath a huge population of Facebook users and so this week I killed the feed. For those who use social media, you can converse with the Regimental Brewmeister on BlueSky (https://bsky.app/) as @colonialbrewer.bsky.social Want to have the Regimental …
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. November 16, 1777 Siege Fort Mifflin On September 22, Howe succeeded in achieving an uncontested crossing of the Schuylkill River and four days later occupied Philadelphia. Having taken the city, …
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. November 16, 1776 Fort Washington taken by British After winning a major victory on Long Island the British began to move against Manhattan in mid-September. Unwilling to abandon New York …
Continue reading “Historical Tidbits — Fort Washington taken by British”
Shipcarpenter Street110 Shipcarpenter StreetLewes, DE 19975 United States10:00 am – 4:00pm In the 18th Century, beer was critical to survival, even at sea. Join the Regimental Brewer for this, the last brewing session in 2024, in Lewes DE as we replenish ships stores. Samples of 18th Century beer will be provided and we will weave in a few …
Continue reading “UPCOMING EVENT — Colonial Brewing in Lewes”
In the drink world, a shrub is a concentrated syrup that combines fruit, sugar, and vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is the most common base for shrubs, and herbs and spices are often added to create interesting flavor combinations. By the 18th Century, making shrub with no vinegar was considered passé but vinegar shrubs will make …
