Category Archives: Ideas

Historical Tidbits — Francis Salvador

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 31, 1776 – Francis Salvador became the first Jew to die in combat during the American Revolution in the Ninety-Six district of North Carolina.  “Here, Mr. Salvador received …

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“Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time!” – The Practice of Dueling

Like many early American customs, dueling was imported from England as a “civilized” means for gentlemen to settle irreconcilable differences.  The practice was so ingrained in British culture that in 1777, a group of Irishmen codified dueling practices in a document called the Code Duello. The Code contained 26 specific rules outlining all aspects of …

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The Danger of Populist Leaders who Seek Office Only for Personal Gain – Bacon’s Rebellion

On July 30, 1676, Nathaniel Bacon issued a “Declaration of the People of Virginia”, a list of complaints against the colonial governor, William Berkeley.  Berkeley was accused of being corrupt and unjust in his taxation of the people of Virginia, and also chastised for failing to provide colonists protection of the people from certain tribes …

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Historical Tidbits — Jacques Cartier Establishes Canada as a French Colony

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. Jacques Cartier Establishes Canada as a French Colony July 24, 1534 Okay, if you have attended one of my spruce beer brewing demos, you undoubtedly have heard the name …

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Basic Colonial Brewing #14 — Period Correct ways to get Yeast

I know Reinheitsgebot permits only water, hops, and malt as ingredients in beer but if you want to make beer, mead, cider or any other alcoholic brew, you need to add yeast.  In the 21st Century, many homebrewers just rip open an envelope of dried yeast from the local homebrew shop and add it to …

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Historical Tidbits — Rosetta Stone Found 7/19/1799

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. The Rosetta Stone was Found July 19, 1799by Napoleon’s Army During Napoleon Bonaparte’s Egyptian campaign, a French soldier discovered and unusual stone while tearing down an old wall.  This …

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“Rules by which a GREAT EMPIRE may be reduced to a SMALL ONE”

Franklin wrote this satirical piece while serving in London as the colonial agent for several colonies. His numerous letters to London newspapers presenting the colonists’ point of view were often reprinted in colonial newspapers. “Rules by which a GREAT EMPIRE may be reduced to a SMALL ONE” —The Public Advertiser, London, 11 September 1773(as printed …

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The Regimental Brewmeister does “Talks” as well as brewing demonstrations.

The Regimental Brewmeister is happy to give talks and lectures at your site to audiences of any size. I ask that you provide appropriate auto visual projection equipment and event promotion. I typically come in 18th Century attire and conduct interactive discussions. While I am happy to consider talks on other subjects, I have delivered …

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