“THESE are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman….” Thomas Paine, The Crisis (19 December 1776) So, I just had a stupid argument …
Category Archives: Ideas
Why would an American Soldier carry a Brown Bess Musket?
In my last post I talked about THAT GUY. You all know that type, the know-it-all who wants to show off by starting an argument with the presenter over something the presenter knows WAY more about. These guys come looking for a axe fight only to discover that … “wait, they all HAVE axes in …
Continue reading “Why would an American Soldier carry a Brown Bess Musket?”
That Guy
That Guy So, we had this event in Littiz, Celebrate America, and I set my tents to represent Fort Mifflin. Part of our display was the gear of a Revolutionary Soldier and, naturally, I brought my Brown Bess. Now, you have to understand the nature of this event. It was not a reenactment nor a …
Is This the Way it Was Really Done? My Policies on Historical Accuracy.
Okay, we are not LARPing. I know there are some out there who are gung-ho for the fantasy or mythical reality of the American Revolution but we are trying to teach history so historical accuracy is a must. At my events, I strive to be as accurate as possible with the following caveats: When being …
Continue reading “Is This the Way it Was Really Done? My Policies on Historical Accuracy.”
Historical Tidbits
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. Medical Ketchup During the 1800’s ketchup was used for medicinal purposes. Want to Buy Beer from the Colonial Brewmeister? Help us build a Tavern and Brewery. Visit our GoFundMe …
Early Meteorology — Predicting the Weather 18th Century Style: old wives tales and superstitions
In the 18th century, families relied on almanacs to help them make many weather and seasonal decisions, such as when they should plant their crops or travel. However, almanacs only gave a long-term idea of what the weather might be based on weather in the past. Furthermore, in an age where all travel, especially by …
“And the Rockets’ Red Glare” – Rockets were originally used AGAINST the British in the 18th Century!
Missiles and missile rocket technology is a mainstay in the modern military. In fact, most modern fighter aircraft have dispensed entirely with guns and typically are armed with various offensive and defensive rocket powered munitions. While we are all familiar with the Chinese invention of fireworks, it was actually the INDIANS who turned these interesting …
Fort Mifflin will have a Newspaper at Siege Weekend
This year for Cannonball Tavern I made up a period newspaper with news as it would have been published in March of 1777. I plan to produce souvenir newspapers this year Siege Weekend. The news will be reproduced for the time period (October 1777) as will most of the ads but if you want to …
Continue reading “Fort Mifflin will have a Newspaper at Siege Weekend”
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 …
Continue reading “Basic Colonial Brewing #17 — Make an 18th Century Toast”
INVASION!
Well, yesterday at Chadds Ford, I was asked “How come we never see you in red?” Perhaps we should address that. The Regimental Brewmeister is less active as a soldier of His Majesty’s Army that in years gone by. Part of that is my focus on keeping the Army supplies with Spruce Beer and part …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 