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Category Archives: Ox Bow Tavern

My Regency Spencer Dream Come True

17 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in Ox Bow Tavern, Regency, Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

1819, Regency, Spencer

As I’ve gushed over everyone’s Regency era ensembles, I’ve always yearned for a spencer to call my own. I really adore the short little jacket. Although most of my events are during the summer, when I’m cold, I’m cold and the past winter events I’ve attended, I’ve wished for more wool layers.

I was invited to attend the Christmas program at Boonsefield Village again this year. I thought I was going to crank out a new 1819 dress; however, that did not happen. The week before I woke up Sun morning and was super motivated to make myself that spencer I’ve always wanted. I was especially motivated because the dress I planned to wear was cotton. Although I would be wearing two petticoats, I knew I would need another layer on top to really cover my collarbone.

I did not have a pattern; I just followed this picture. I knew the general shape of the back piece. And back pattern pieces, if I’m drawing them myself, have always been really hard for me to get just right. I thought I would start by using one of my sweaters to trace a jeweled neckline. I knew I wanted it to come right up to my neck because I get cold easily. As I was digging through my clothing, I came across this jacket-thing that I purchased a while back at Kohl’s. I pulled it out on a whim and flipped it over — the back was the *exact* shape I needed!!! The sewing goddesses were smiling on me.

I traced the shape on to my tracing paper. Then I traced the shape of the collar so I could get the right curve on the circle. I just made the edges on the front of the bodice straight, made a little curvey side piece and voila. I was super excited to actually sew something that would have really short side seams. (For a regency gown, from bust to floor, it’s about 50 inches for me).

Here is what my pieces ended up looking like:

img_20161204_185822981

This is one day’s accomplishment. I hemmed and hawed over what fabric to use. The dress I wore was teal, and the only other fabric I had that could possibly work was a mid/dark green color. But it was cotton. I really wanted wool. I realized that I had left over black/grey striped wool from my 18th cent jacket. This was the left over scrap. It might have been 1.5 yards-ish? I played around with the pattern pieces for several hours trying to get them to fit and it *finally* worked. I was so excited (and Mr. H really could not understand why…)

Mock up:

img_20161204_165958704
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img_20161204_171406285

 

Some in process photos….

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I did a box pleat in the back to get it to fit snugly under the bust. It probably was about one inch of fabric that got taken in.

img_20161207_194041501

 

And the finished product!!!!

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I still had things left to sew when we were driving down and luckily my friend sewed my sleeves on!! If it had not been for her, I would have been very cold. In the original picture, it obviously has a peter pan style collar, which I did not have time to make. That’s still in the plans. I was just going to fold under the edges and finish it, but I did not even have time for that by the time we arrived, so I just pinned on my fur collar and called it good! I also did not have time to sew on my hooks and eyes to keep it closed, so it is just pinned closed. The last thing that needs to be finished is to take a gather/tuck in each sleeve near the elbow. I made the sleeves longer so they would cover most of my hand, but that length was annoying when I actually needed to do stuff, hence my sleeves are rolled up in the above photo. Because the site’s time period was 1819, the bottom of the spencer comes down a bit below my bust, instead of ending right directly beneath my bust.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with this garment. It was very warm. I can’t wait to wear it again! img_20161209_171826496

 

A year to procrastinate – 1840s accessories

16 Friday Dec 2016

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 1840s, Ox Bow Tavern

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

1840s, Christmas Events, Cold weather accessories

I am insanely jealous of all the bloggers I follow who crank out these amazing garments in what seems to me like just a few weeks time. I don’t know if that’s actually what happens, but regardless, I admire those who are really good at making patterns and sewing and just whipping up these fabulous items. I know I’ve written this before, but school is so soul sucking during the year and over the summer I was so physically drained from the past year that I did not sew anything. Zero. How pathetic. So of course when I have an event (that I know about well in advance), I instantly jump to deadline fear.

Well I had a year — an entire year — to trim my 1840s gown. Did I accomplish anything over the summer? No. When did I start? The week before. I had all these plans and then push came to shove and I could not execute. I think I just don’t know enough about patterning yet to get the pieces to come out the way I envision them. Or my mannequin is really so differently shaped than me that whatever I drape on it looks super weird on my body.

I was stressing mid-week and then I realized that it was more important to fix the placement of my hooks and eyes so my dress actually closes and that it didn’t matter if I got any fancy trim done on the neckline because it would be so cold that I would just wrap a shawl around my shoulders anyway.

Here is the only trimming I finished:

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I found some lace at my local antique store and thought it was pretty. I had just enough for both sleeves.

me

 

I was also pleased with how my hair turned out. I looked at some 1840s fashion plates and whipped this up.

me-2

Over Easter break, I randomly came across a muff in an antique store. Originally I thought it was beaver, but now we think it may be mink. Either way, I finally got to use it at an event!! My other item that was finally finished for this event was my quilted hood (all I needed to do was sew on the ties to each side). (Ignore my modern purse strap in this photo….totally forgot I had it on).

img_20161203_155243664-1

 

 

Artsy photos from Harvest Supper

06 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 1830s, 19th century clothing, Food, Ox Bow Tavern

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

1830s, 19th century clothing, food, Ox Bow Tavern

Tristan

 

Table 2

 

Plates bowls and cups 4

 

Plates bowls and cups 2

 

Nancy 6

 

Meat

 

Man work 2

 

Making pie

 

Knife and flour

 

Fish cakes 3

 

Fire pit 2

 

Double dutch2

 

Cookies and pie

 

Cakes 3

 

Cakes 2

 

Cat 4

 

Bob

 

Bread cookies and pie 2

 

Arranging desserts 2

 

apples

 

Andrew 6

 

Andrew and Cat 3

 

Harvest Supper at Apple River Fort

06 Tuesday Oct 2015

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 1830s, 19th century clothing, Food, Ox Bow Tavern, Reenacting

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Tags

1830s, 19th century clothing, Apple River Fort, food, Harvest Supper, Ox Bow Tavern, reenacting

The basics: Apple River Fort is located in Elizabeth, IL. It’s a little fort from the Black Hawk Wars. To welcome autumn, they have an intimate supper for the public (advanced ticket purchase necessary). The Ox Bow Tavern cooks the five course dinner. This year the menu was as follows:

1st course – pepper pot soup and pumpkin biscuits w/ jam

2nd course – cheshire pie and Jefferson’s mac ‘n cheese with sour dough bread

3r course – fish cakes and collards with wheat bread

4th course – sauer braten and spaetzel with red cabbage and dark bread

5th course – assorted pies, cookies, and cakes for dessert

It was really excellent to cook over a nice hearth. The other oddly delightful moment that was totally unexpected was being asked to serve at table and I was running back and forth from the house where we cooked and the block house where the diners were located. It was just like Downton Abbey!!! Only 1830s!!

Now for all the pictures!

Terry 2

 

Nancy

 

Andrew and Cat

Inside the cabin that served as the kitchen…

Woodbox

 

Washstand and chair

 

Multi colored kitchen

 

Dresser

 

Nancy 3

 

Food prep…

Cheshire pie step 1

Cheshire pie = layer of fried smoked pork sprinkled with nutmeg, a layer of apples sprinkle with sugar, repeat. Add top pie crust. Bake in baking kettle.

Apples 2

 

Making pie 2

 

Making pie 4

 

Double dutch

 

Nancy 5

Apple pudding (not on the menu; we made it for fun).

Cakes

 

Bread cookies and pie

 

Arranging desserts

 

Cooking outside…

Terry 4

 

Man work 4

 

Fire pit

 

Fish cakes 4

 

Fish cake ball

 

Fish cakes 2

 

Setting the table for the guests…

Table 6

(I think Mr. Carson would be proud!)

 

Table 7

 

Table 5

 

Plates bowls and cups 3

 

Plates bowls and cups

 

With our guests…

Dinner guests

 

Obligatory selfies…

Cat 2

 

Dad daughter selfie

 

 

Warm Clothing for Cold Weather: it works!

19 Saturday Sep 2015

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 18th Century, Living History, Ox Bow Tavern, Reenacting

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Tags

18th century, living history, Ox Bow Tavern, reenacting

The annual encampment at Cantigny near Chicago took place Sept 12 – 13. While it was not as cold as last year, it was still good weather for wool (at least in the morning and at night!). I’m so glad I’m adding more wool items to my wardrobe.

I will be posting photos of me in the clothing once the photographer edits and posts them. A huge thank you in advance to Divine Memories by Alexis.

For now, here are my photos from the event.

Bee on orange

Sliced citrus fruits are floating in tea punch….waiting for consumption.

 

Fruit in bowl 2

Citrus fruits are ready to be put to use in syllabubs

 

Break time

 

Grating nutmeg

Grating nutmeg

 

Grating nutmeg 3

Of all the photos I took this weekend, this one is by far my favorite. N grated nutmeg for use in a variety of dishes that weekend.

 

 

 

Watching men knit 3

 

Waiting for bacon

 

Tripod set up

 

Nancy and Mary 2

 

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Bigos! Best stew ever: sausage, cabbage, onions, mushrooms, garlic….nom nom.

 

Nap 2

Napping…..long weekend

 

 

 

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The lovely Christina from On Living History

 

 

 

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My obligatory selfie for the event. Here I am wearing my new wool jacket.

Frenchmen’s Frolic – The Ox Bow Tavern will serve you now…

02 Sunday Nov 2014

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 18th Century, Family, Living History, Ox Bow Tavern, Reenacting, The Simple Life

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

18th century, living history, Ox Bow Tavern, reenacting, The simple life

There’s nothing like staying in a historic building for a weekend and making it your home. It’s the best. While I don’t mind tent camping (and I am extremely grateful to every man who has set up a tent for me at events), I much prefer sturdy walls that keep out large raccoons and the cold air. Macktown, in Rockton, IL is a glorious little site along the Rock River. The weekend before the event, we cleaned the entire building so that we could live in it. Part of the fun of using this building again is figuring out how to set up the furniture in a way that is comfortable and easy for our guests to use and allows for the workers to move quickly from one room to the other when working/serving.

I think my layout of having the tables kind of form a T-pattern worked. It was snug, that’s for sure, but there was much more room to walk about. There is a rather large cabinet in the kitchen area that is in a very dysfunctional spot and I wish it could be moved. Our other change was at night when everyone joined us Sat evening, we put up two tables in the bedroom – one against the wall and the other in the doorway that leads to the main dining room and had a “bar” window. Mr. B the younger manned the bar and that kept the drinks safe from greedy little hands.

Returning the following weekend, was like going home. It was so odd, yet comforting. Swept floors, clean windows, space upstairs for sleeping. I was ready.

 

Tavern floor mat

I arrived Friday evening and set to work finishing my petticoat that I was to wear the next day. Sewing by candlelight – ah what could be better?!

For two and a half days, the building is transformed into The Ox Bow Tavern. The women slept downstairs and some men upstairs and a few in the tavern area.

Women’s area

Bed 2

We slept two in the bed, and four on the floor. It was cozy.

Saturday morning was bright and cold. I try to get dressed quickly, but it never happens. I’m usually out of bed by 5:45/6 a.m. and then I need help with stays, have to make sure all my petticoats are on in the right order and that they are tied snugly, and then that my fichu and cap are arranged properly/attractively. All the while, men are bustling about getting the fire going, the other cook’s helpers (who somehow get dressed more quickly than me) are prepping food, and “father” is chastising me for being in various states of undress.

Even though we are rushing to start the meal so it’s ready for guests, I love how the sun slowly creeps up over the river as we put the room in order; time stands still for just a bit. Breakfast is porridge and bacon. It’s an Ox Bow staple and favorite by all guests. I’m not sure what would happen if we served anything but that. Our hash is divine as well, but people must have their porridge and meat!

Bacon

 

There is a frantic mad rush for about an hour as women bustle around the kitchen dishing out porridge and making sure the guests are satisfied. Because of the cool autumn temperatures, everyone wanted to pile into the dining room at once.

Tavern breakfast

Once everyone leaves, it’s time for the tavern staff to eat…

Andrew 1

Mr. B the younger finds a spot on the stairs – a fitting spot for his station in life.

And a young recruit and cook sneak morsels in the kitchen.

 

 

Bailey and Janet

 

And clean up….

Washing morning dishes

Mrs. Blodgett instructs B about upcoming tasks to be accomplished.

A clean pile of dishes ready to be put back on the shelves.

Kitchen Stuff

 

As the day progressed, the women prepped food for midday meal and the men cooked it. (Nothing like cleaning up from the first meal so you can start the second).

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Fun colored carrots and potatoes for the soup!

 

 

 

Janet and Nancy

 

Women bustling about.

 

Nancy and Janet 4

Making important decisions about which bread to use.

 

Nancy kitchen supervisor

Mrs. Blodgett rules the kitchen.

 

Fried oysters and soup

Terry cooking

Mr. Blodgett rules the fire and cooks oysters, soups, and ducks.

Roast duck

 

 

Throughout the day and well into the night, we welcomed an outstanding musician. My favorite tune is Staten Island.

Musician

 

A few men and myself even found time to practice our shooting skills.

Stan shoots

Our resident soldier demonstrated proper technique first so the new recruit could hone his skills.

Bailey shoots

 

Mr. Blodgett then demonstrated for his daughter how best to aim and fire.

Terry shoots

I took my turn.

Catherine shoots

 

After the fun and games it was back to work preparing for evening meal, which was for the family and staff only. We used our fine china!

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Fine china 2

Sat eve meal

Setting the table for Sat evening meal

 

Everyone journeyed back to The Ox Bow for a night of revelry and merriment. We had a full house!

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A small group of women congregate in the kitchen to exchange news and gossip.

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As usual, the family and staff fell in to bed around midnight and slept peacefully until 5:45 the next morning when we awoke to frost on the ground. It was beautiful to watch the sun rise through the fog.

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Unfortunately, frosty mornings do not mean water should not be fetched. B was ready and willing to brave the elements.

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IMG_8120

 

Family and staff gather around the morning fire to receive instructions for the day.

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The daily routine was the same as the day before, and the afternoon was warm, allowing a brief respite in the form of a walk, which lead to random leaf collecting.

Afternoon walk

And this leaf!

Huge leaf

 

Goodbye little stone house; you’ve served us well again. We look forward to our next event when we can all come together as a family/staff and provide a superb experience for everyone.

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Warmer clothing needed for colder weather

28 Sunday Sep 2014

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 18th century clothing, Ox Bow Tavern, Reenacting, Sewing Projects in progress, Weather

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

18th century clothing, hand sewing, historic clothing, living history, Ox Bow Tavern, sewing projects

Do you ever find that you want to make one garment and you start making that one garment and you rather enjoy your time with needle and thread? Your mind imagines the finished item and how it will look at this oh so wonderful event in the future. Then everything comes to a screeching halt because one the event you wanted to wear it to is in just a week and two this item is no where near finished and three obviously wearing linen in 40/50 F degree weather is the silliest thing ever.

I am slight of frame, which makes it difficult to regulate my body temperature. While working in period clothing several days a week in the summer when it is 90 – I sweat a ton. Once the sun goes down and the temperature drops to below 75 – I freeze. If there is a slight wind – I’m cold. I wear knee socks the majority of the year both for living history events and in every day life because they keep my feet warm.

Though I’ve only been participating in living history events since 2009, I have been very lucky to experience most in lovely weather; a few have been rainy or cooler, and one was in subzero temps, but we were in a building and I stood in front of the hearth for the three days. Specifically, the second weekend in Sept dawned rainy and cool. I have lots of wool items: long mitts, stockings, a petticoat, a cloak and a hat. However I do not have a short gown/jacket. I have a fitted lined linen jacket which, when it’s 80F, makes me too hot, so I made an unlined bedgown for a looser, more freeing feeling. I was wearing this jacket and a *million* petticoats and I was cold. I couldn’t get warm for almost a week afterward. While I was at this event, I bought wool for a new petticoat and a new short gown/jacket.

The petticoat will be grey with a navy blue worsted wool bottom hem. The jacket is a grey/black stripe interlined with wool and lined with worsted wool. I’m proud of myself because my interlining and lining are from items in my stash so I did not have to buy anything new/extra!!!! I’m using the JP Ryan jacket pattern, view A. With my three layers, I have 18 pieces. GAH!! They were all cut out this morning (about 3 hrs time) and I started to flat line the outer fabric to the interlining.

Oh and I need this new jacket and petticoat for Oct 18 because I’m anticipating subzero temperatures.

Thank god for crock pot cooking on Sundays.

There are lots of tutorials on both short gowns/jackets and flat lining etc, so I will only post finished product photos.

Cantigny NWTA Grand Encampment 2014

17 Wednesday Sep 2014

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 18th Century, Living History, Ox Bow Tavern, Reenacting

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

18th century, living history, Ox Bow Tavern, reenacting

We recently had the Northwest Territory Alliance 40th Anniversary Grand Encampment at Cantigny Park in Wheaton IL. It is a lovely wooded 500 acre park and the tree lined path where we camp is delightful. A friend and I arrived late Fri night and it was cool and misty/rainy and muddy. Not ideal, but we didn’t care because we knew the next two days would eventually bring the sun. Despite the cool (read: 40F) temps at night, we managed to survive. One of my soldier friends set up his extra tent for us, which was so kind. My friend and I worked at the tavern and a good time was had by all!! We served 150 meals total this weekend – our largest ever. Here are some photos from the event…

 

I was a meat monger!

 

 

 

Me

 

 

 

 

 

Punch prep and menu

 

 

Soup veggies 2

 

 

Soup veggies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sun sunrise

 

 

We had two tents this time for the Ox Bow; one was for the patrons and had four walls which was nice protection against the wind and cold for both days. This tent doubled as our prep kitchen and extra seating.

Prep kitchen and extra night seating

 

 

Patron tent

Ox Bow Tents

 

 

Inside full of patrons for day time meals

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And at night time for libations!

 

 

 

 

 

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A smattering of photos of tavern staff life

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Nancy  3

 

 

Nancy and Becky 2

 

 

Cantigny Ladies of the Ox Bow!

Cantigny Ox Bow ladies

 

 

 

Prairie du Chien – War of 1812 – Villa Louis

21 Monday Jul 2014

Posted by cmadeleine0816 in 19th century clothing, Living History, Ox Bow Tavern, Regency, Villa Louis in Prairie du Chien, War of 1812

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

food, living history, Ox Bow Tavern, Prairie du Chien War of 1812, Regency

This may be the last War of 1812 at this site, so I’m extremely glad I went. Again, I participated as Ox Bow Tavern family staff. We served two meals during the day and drinks Sat night. Dinner Saturday evening was provided for us by Rob Stone and it was wonderful to not have to cook for a third time that day. 🙂 His staff did an amazing job!

During the day, I had the opportunity to tour Villa Louis, which I had never been to before. I love late Victorian homes and it was wonderful to walk through this house (even if I was in Regency clothing).

First, some pictures of tavern life, and then the Villa.

Breakfast Sunday

 

Crayfish Crayfish for salad Looking for a drink Lemons

 

Lemons and oranges

 

Lemons 3

 

Lemons 2

 

 

 

Patrons of the Ox Bow

 

Salmagundi for Saturday midday meal

Saturday midday meal 2

 

Serving Saturday midday meal

 

Crayfish and smoke chicken for salmagundyServing

 

Serving 2

 

Saturday midday meal

 

Sisters

 

Sun breakfast

 

Saturday midday meal line up

 

Sunday breakfast customers

 

Syllabub stationSyllabub station

 

Tavern customers

 

Salad 2

 

Ladies of the Ox Bow…

Ox Bow ladies

 

Ox Bow implements

 

The new mulling cone for flips!

Mulling cone 2

 

Ox Bow ladies 5

 

 

And now Villa Louis! Pictures were prohibited inside, but I hope mine will inspire people to visit the site! The inside of the house was stunning. Everything is picture perfect and when I stepped into the servants’ quarters, I felt like I would see Carson or Mrs. Hughes around the corner at any moment (even if Downton Abbey is set 1912 onward).

Windows West side 2 Preserve house Out building Office building

Pretty little ice house!
Ice house

 

Beautiful brickwork
Brick work on ice house

 

Front walkway
Front walkway

 

Front roof Front of house Fly Climbing flowers 2 Climbing purple flowers Brick walkway 2 Backyard 2

Ox Bow Tavern Living History

Ox Bow Tavern Living History

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