The traditional hot toddy formula is simple: Start with a hot cup of tea, add lemon and honey, then a bit of whiskey. This is certain to make even the worst cold feel just a little better. The toddy is believed to have been invented in Scotland sometime in the eighteenth century. It was a …
Category Archives: Ideas
Switchel
Switchel or “Haymaker’s Punch” is a drink made of water mixed with vinegar, and often seasoned with spices like ginger. It is usually sweetened with molasses or brown sugar. Switchel originated in New England, and it became a popular summer drink in the American Colonies in the late 17th century. By the 19th century, it …
Historical Tidbits — Congress adjourns to Baltimore
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. December 12, 1776 Congress adjourns to Baltimore In mid-December 1776 Congress decided to move to Baltimore to escape capture by the advancing British. The time in Baltimore was a …
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Traitors and Bigots are not Welcome!
Given the recent political disaster and the election of the most unAmerican man in the country, I feel it is important to remind people that while we have a traitor in the White House, we do not have to give up our rights to free speech and association. While I respect people’s political opinions, I …
In 1996, the City of Philadelphia did what the Whole British Navy could not do, they demolished the “Cannonball House” in a failed attempt to save it.
In the 1680’s Peter Cook build a small farmhouse on a plot of land nobody wanted. Laying claim to a small swampy parcel on Mud Island several miles form William Penn’s utopian “green country town” this Swedish settler thought he and his family would never be challenged for their little farm. The site proved good …
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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How the British Perceived the American Revolution
The American revolution was a matter of great interest for the people in Britain. The British press weighed in on economics, military success and failures, the morality of the revolution, and more, through the press and private correspondence. As the British enjoyed one of the freest press systems in the world, not everyone felt obliged …
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Lemonade
The earliest record of the precursor to lemonade hails from the Mediterranean coast of medieval Egypt. Kashkab was made from fermented barley (like beer) combined with mint, rue, black pepper and citron. Thanks to Jewish books like the Cairo Genizah, we know that Egypt traded and exported bottles of the sugary lemon juice concoction throughout …
Peer Review is a great thing. I guess after reviewing this I can now add “pirate” to my CV.
So, I recently reviewed a new historical fiction trilogy by Roger Johnson. You should give it a perusal. Its on Amazon. JOHN FLINT’S BASTARD Welcome to the world of Joshua Smoot—the bastard son of Treasure Island’s John Flint. From the first page of John Flint’s Bastard to the last, you will experience the full spectrum …
Historical Tidbits — Coup of 18 Brumaire
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. November 9, 1799 – Napoleon Bonaparte become First Consul of France On November 9, 1799 (18 Brumaire in the French Revolutionary calendar) Napoleon Bonaparte executed a coup d’état and …
