Historical Tidbits — Fairfield and Norwalk burnt

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 6, 1779                         Fairfield and Norwalk burnt In July 1779 during the American Revolutionary War, British Major General William Tryon and 2600 men raided the Connecticut ports of New …

Historical Tidbits — Vice Admiralty Court Act

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 6, 1768– The Vice Admiralty Court Act — gave Royal naval courts, rather than colonial courts, jurisdiction over all matters concerning customs violations and smuggling.  The Vice-Admiralty Court …

Independence Day

On Independence Day, EVERYONE should read, aloud, the Declaration of Independence. Remember…. Declaration of Independence IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.  The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America, When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and …

Historical Tidbits — Massacre at Wyoming

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 3, 1778                         Massacre at Wyoming On July 1st, John Butler’s force of about 1,000 regular British troops, Loyalist irregulars, and Indians, marched into the Wyoming Valley and seized …

Historical Tidbits — Independence Day

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 2, 1776 – “The Second Day of July 1776, will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America. —I am apt to believe that it will …

Historical Tidbits — Customs Act

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. June 29, 1767 The Commissioners of Customs Act — created a new Customs Board for the North American colonies, to be headquartered in Boston with five customs commissioners. The …

Historical Tidbits — Battle of Monmouth

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. June 28, 1778                     Battle of Monmouth The new British commander, Lieutenant General Henry Clinton, received orders to follow a defensive strategy and consolidate forces in New York City. He …

Molly Pitcher Shandy

Molly Pitcher was the nickname of Mary Hays McCauley who is said to have carried water to American soldiers during the Battle of Monmouth on June 28, 1778, before taking over for her husband on the battlefield after he was no longer able to fight. Originally from Carlise Pennsylvania, Mary was married to William Hays …

“Seven Rations” for the 18th Century Soldier

For regiments of the British Army, each mess (five or six men) was issued one bowl, one platter, one ladle, one cooking kettle, six trenchers (a plate on one side and a bowl on the other), and spoons. Using this equipment, the men were to prepare, cook, and eat their “seven rations” of food. Each …

Historical Tidbits — The Revenue Act

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. June 26, 1767 The Revenue Act — placed taxes on glass, lead, painters’ colors, and paper. It gave customs officials broad authority to enforce the taxes and punish smugglers …