Basic Colonial Brewing #17 — Make an 18th Century Toast

 “To drink at a table without drinking to the health of someone special, should be considered drinking on the sly, and as an act of incivility.” Throughout history, toasting began after a meal and could last for hours.  Toasts would solidify the bonds of groups, not only through the competitive element of drinking, but by …

Making Rum

Rum’s origin lies in the 17th century Caribbean Islands.  The first distillation of rum took place on the sugarcane plantations, located on the island of Barbados.  Slaves from the plantations discovered that by fermenting molasses, a byproduct of refining sugarcane, they could create alcohol.  Then by distilling this alcoholic drink, they could create a concentrated …

A New Name for the New Nation

On September 9, 1776, the Second Continental Congress formally renamed our nation the United States of America. This replaced the term United Colonies, which had been in general use. In a declaration dated September 9, 1776, the delegates wrote: “That in all continental commissions, and other instruments, where, heretofore, the words ‘United Colonies’ have been used, the …

“Run Away!” – Revolutionary Deserters

One of the fundamental problems with the Continental Army was that the State Legislatures were reluctant to establish a European-style professional army with long-term enlistments for fear of a strong military leader seizing the government. Without a professional attitude, soldiers were much more likely to be casual about remaining in ranks for the full term …

Tell your doctor to give you the vaccines you need!

The Tenth Amendment to the US Constitution is clear: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”  NOWHERE in the Constitution is there ANY MENTION of powers to regulate the health and wellbeing of the …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of Eutaw

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. September 8, 1780           Battle of Eutaw After receiving reinforcements, Major General Nathanael Greene of the Continental Army resumes offensive action against Lieutenant Colonel Alexander Stewart and the British soldiers …

Its Counterintuitive but High Tax Brackets Actually BUILD Wealth in a True Capitalist Economy

Okay, this is a rant. If that offends you, delete this email or skip this blog article. It is unfortunately, election season and I have some tags left. <<< === Good Hunting! Its Counterintuitive but High Tax Brackets Actually BUILD Wealth in a True Capitalist Economy Modern capitalist theory is traditionally traced to the 18th-century …

Historical Tidbits — The Republic of Vermont

Four of the current United States were independent republics – Texas, California, Hawaii and Vermont.  Vermont declared itself an independent republic in 1777 and remained so until 1791 due to ongoing disputes with neighboring New York, which claimed the land as part of the new state of New York.  The Republic of Vermont adopted its …