Benjamin Franklin and the Parable Against Persecution

Ever fond of hoaxes, Franklin memorized the parable and “read” it aloud from Genesis, “proving” the scriptural importance of religious tolerance.  One of these parables—commonly referred to as either the Parable against Persecution or as Abraham and the Stranger—is a story about the biblical patriarch Abraham.  Although Franklin did not mention the second parable by …

British Soldiers in a FRENCH Hat? Pourquoi?

A bearskin is a tall fur cap worn as ceremonial headgear of grenadiers.  The standard bearskin of the British Foot Guards is 18 inches tall, weighs 1.5 pounds, and is made from the fur of the Canadian black bear. An officer’s bearskin is made from the fur of the Canadian brown bear as the female …

I’m Back!  — The Admiral of the Blue Apron will run this year’s Cannonball Tavern at Fort Mifflin

Saturday, April 19th4:00 pm – 10:00 pm While few Officers’ Clubs survived the Cold War, we are going to bring back the tradition at Fort Mifflin this year.  Military Officers’ clubs date back to the Middle Ages and were establishments where officers from the aristocratic landowners congregated.  These were meant to be distinct from the …

The Cockroach of the Sea

A lot of people consider lobster to be a culinary delicacy.  In 17th century colonial America, however, it wasn’t exactly desirable. The seafood was mostly fed to those with little say in their diets, such as prisoners and indentured servants working off their contracts.  Seen as the cockroach of the sea, 17th century European settlers …

Historical Tidbits — Pennsylvania Statehouse cornerstone laid

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. February 22, 1732            Pennsylvania Statehouse cornerstone laid Construction of Independence Hall, then known as the Pennsylvania State House would begin in 1732. The construction of the building was …