The Scourge of Slavery (#8) — Thomas Jefferson, a Slaveholder, argues to end slavery in new United States

There were 87 edits to Jefferson’s original draft of the Declaration of Independence. Most were trivial, shortened phrases here or word substitutions there, but there is one glaring omission. One entire paragraph highlighting perhaps the greatest CRIME committed by King George, Parliament, the various “companies” (like the East India Company) and other agents of British …

Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site

Add excitement and authentic color to your special event, or create one for your site, with Philadelphia’s best Colonial Brewer and tradesman.  Whether it is a reenactment, motion picture, a tavern night for a private event, or other endeavor, I can bring can bring a real sense of authenticity and fun to your event and …

Bombay Presidency Punch

Because trading was hazardous and had uncertain returns, investors formed commercial syndicates to spread the risk. The two most famous were the East India Company, a British organization chartered in 1600, and the Dutch East India Company, chartered in 1602. The latter issued stocks and bonds to the public, so it could be considered the …

The Admiral of the Blue Apron is Looking for Volunteers

When and Where: Deck the Alley 2023Saturday, December 9, 202312:00 PM  8:00 PM (event runs 2:00 – 6:00 but I need help with set-up and pack-out) What are we doing: This is a holiday open house fundraiser for Elfreth’s Alley and the Admiral of the Blue Apron is running the tavern for the day.  It’s a …

Martha Washington’s Rum Punch

Elections in the 18th Century were festive.  Food and drink were provided to voters to encourage both turn-out (often 85 percent of the eligible voters[1] participated).  Songs were sung and GALLONS of rum punch were consumed.  Prior to Prohibition, handing out drinks in order to woe voters was common.  When Washington entered politics for the …

Black Tea Punch

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 …

Martha Washington’s Shrub

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 …

Hire the Regimental Brewmeister for your Event or Site

Add excitement and authentic color to your special event, or create one for your site, with Philadelphia’s best Colonial Brewer and tradesman.  Whether it is a reenactment, motion picture, a tavern night for a private event, or other endeavor, I can bring can bring a real sense of authenticity and fun to your event and …