Sunday, August 25, 20241:00 – 4:00 pmRichard Wall House1 Wall Park DriveElkins Park, PA 19027 The Richard Wall House is hosting Michael Carver in his impression of the noted surveyor David Rittenhouse, to teach 18th Century surveying on August 25 from 1:00 pm to 4:00pm. The public is invited to participate in a hands-on program …
Category Archives: Ideas
Washington’s Visit to the Hebrew Congregation in Newport, Rhode Island
Newport, R.I. 18 August 1790 Gentlemen,While I receive, with much satisfaction, your Address replete with expressions of affection and esteem; I rejoice in the opportunity of assuring you, that I shall always retain a grateful remembrance of the cordial welcome I experienced in my visit to Newport, from all classes of Citizens. The reflection on the days of difficulty …
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Why Spruce Beer?
Many aficionados of Jane Austen will tell you about Spruce Beer in England but spruce trees are not native to Britain, and spruce beer, cannot be produced locally. Spruce beer in only exists as an imported product. There are several distinct traditions of spruce beer. The ‘North American tradition’ of Spruce Beer (which I brew) …
Britain’s Wonkiest Pub
Known as “Britain’s wonkiest pub”, the Crooked House was a pub in South Staffordshire, England with a truly unique appear appearance. Because of 19th-century mining subsidence, one side of the building is approximately 4 feet lower than the other causing all sorts of optical illusions inside the building. This is a pub where you might …
Historical Tidbits — Battle of Bennington
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. August 16, 1777 Battle of Bennington The Battle of Bennington took place in Walloomsac, New York, about 10 miles from its namesake Bennington, Vermont. The American force was primarily …
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Slavery by Another Name
The acquisition of indentured servants and slaves began with the earliest days of the settling of America. Before 1680, the most common form of bound labor was the white indentured servant. Up to two-thirds of the English migrants who came to Virginia between 1630 and 1680 arrived in servile status. In return for the cost …
The US Constitution has Endured for 236 years but It was Never Perfect. In fact, 3 of the Authors, Refused to Sign it.
In order to get the new US Constitution ratified, many compromises were required. Because of this, although they supported the effort, several of the delegates did not place their signatures on the document. Some chose to leave before the conclusion of the convention, but three notable men fought to the end but ultimately refused to …
Sharpening your Knife with a Whetstone
First off, put some lubricant on your stone. You need to use a lubricant when sharpening your tools because doing it dry will generate enough heat that it will actually warp the blade. Typically, you should use mineral oil as a lubricating agent because it can effectively reduce the heat produced by friction, but if …
Buff and Blue: Whigs and Tories
When George Washington choose his uniform, he could have literally chosen any color scheme, so why buff (tan) and blue. The choice was not arbitrary. The Whig party in England (not to be confused with Andrew Jacksons divisive party in the 1830’s) had been standing against the abuses of the crown since 1688. Their rallying …
Judicial Death Penalties have always been Instruments of Terror.
In the 8th Century BCE, King Hammurabi of Babylon codified the death penalty for 25 different crimes. The death penalty was also part of the 7th Century BCE Draconian Code of Athens and the 5th Century BCE Roman Law of the Twelve Tablets. Death sentences were carried out by such means as crucifixion, drowning, beating …
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Michael Carver -- Historical Interpreter/Reenactor 