When it comes to arcane historical terms for spirits and other alcohol, proof is one of the frustrating ones. In our modern vernacular, with the blessing of modern analytical chemistry as support, we simply think of “proof” as two times the alcohol by volume (ABV). But why is this measure even a thing? After all, …
Category Archives: Ideas
Did they Bathe?
Okay, I know Donald Trump may have said some significant points the other night but as I watch his contorted orange face, I keep being reminded of a common question poised to those of us who reenact the 18th Century — “Is it true that they never bathed?” spite that persistent “ring around the collar” …
Can we just skip the niceties and settle this with a duel!
Watching last night’s “debate” (it was hardly a debate as debates involve decorum and dignity), I am reminded that in the 18th Century, when a gentleman’s honor or the honor of someone he holds in esteem (like his son) is deliberately and unapologetically besmirched, there was a remedy. You could publicly demand satisfaction, and if …
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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. September 29, 1789 – Congress created the United States Army. Following the Revolution, the Continental Army was disbanded. This act of Congress under the US Constitution created a permanent …
18th Century Science Day at Pottsgrove Manor TRANSIT OF VENUS Saturday, September 26, 2020
RAINED OUT! Well, at least we aren’t TECHNICALLY cancelling due to COVID. With the rain and our need to maintain social distancing, this event had to be cancelled.
Battle of Germantown Saturday, October 3, 2020 CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19
Join us as His Magisty’s 43rd Regiment of Foot is tragically forced to flee into the stone manor at Cliveden. Despite being cut off from the remainder of General Howe’s regulars, we will hold the house and eventually repels advancing columns of Continental Army soldiers. Perhaps you were expecting an American victory, so was George …
Continue reading “Battle of Germantown Saturday, October 3, 2020 CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19”
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. September 25, 1787 – a first of a series of fifteen essays arguing AGAINST the formation of a new US Constitution were published. The authors of these ANTIFEDERALIST papers …
Atomic Don: Enemy to Capitalism
Pardon me as I take a diversion from my normal 18th Century personae. I frequently tire of being the “… army [ramming] the ramparts, [taking] over the airports, [doing] everything it had to do, and at Fort McHenry, under the rockets’ red glare, it had nothing but victory.”1[i] To discuss a little economics. Yes, I …
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. September 22, 1776 – Nathanial Hale is executed as a spy on Long Island without trial. “My only regret is that I have but one life to give to …
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. September 21, 1776 — Great Fire of New York erupted destroying 10 to 25 percent of buildings in the city. The British Army accused revolutionaries of deliberately setting the …
Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 