The Centennial Bell

In 1876, Philadelphia city officials discussed what role the Liberty Bell should play in the nation’s Centennial festivities. Some wanted to repair it so it could sound at the Centennial Exposition being held in Philadelphia, but the idea was not adopted; the bell’s custodians concluded that it was unlikely that the metal could be made …

Historical Tidbits — Aliens and Sedition Acts

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. July 4, 1798         Aliens and Sedition Acts The Alien and Sedition Acts were a series of four laws passed by the U.S. Congress in 1798 amid widespread fear that …

Independence Day

On Independence Day, EVERYONE should read, aloud, the Declaration of Independence. Remember…. Declaration of Independence IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.  The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and …

Historical Tidbits — Massacre at Wyoming

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. July 3, 1778                         Massacre at Wyoming On July 1st, John Butler’s force of about 1,000 regular British troops, Loyalist irregulars, and Indians, marched into the Wyoming Valley and seized …

Historical Tidbits — Independence Day

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. July 2, 1776 – “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. —I am apt to believe that it will …

Historical Tidbits — Customs 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. June 29, 1767 The Commissioners of Customs Act — created a new Customs Board for the North American colonies, to be headquartered in Boston with five customs commissioners. The …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of Monmouth

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. June 28, 1778                     Battle of Monmouth The new British commander, Lieutenant General Henry Clinton, received orders to follow a defensive strategy and consolidate forces in New York City. He …

“Seven Rations” for the 18th Century Soldier

For regiments of the British Army, each mess (five or six men) was issued one bowl, one platter, one ladle, one cooking kettle, six trenchers (a plate on one side and a bowl on the other), and spoons. Using this equipment, the men were to prepare, cook, and eat their “seven rations” of food. Each …