Battle of Short Hills NJ – June 2017

Tags

4th Conn, living history, Petty Sutler

Summer began with an event near the end of June. My group, the 4th Connecticut, had the pleasure of attending a large event in Clarks, NJ — the Battle of Short Hills. It was an excellent event, though a tad warm and with some heavy rain Friday night. One nice aspect of the event was that the Continental camp was far away from the British (as in, we couldn’t even see each other). Oh and there were ponies.

The best part of the event was that several women, whom I had never met, joined forces to present an awesome petty sutler impression and serve the men and other interpreters fresh produce, tobacco, meat pies, cheese, soap, bread, and switchel just to name a few.

Considering that we coordinated all our efforts over social media, we had an excellent spread and kicked interpretation butt!

Here are some photos:

Your petty sutlers

 

 

 

Meat pies and pickled cucumbers

 

 

The 4th Connecticut!

 

 

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Macktown Christmas December 24, 1843

Tags

1840s, Christmas Events, living history

Spending time at historic sites with your fellow interpreters and spreading cheer to the public is the best way to end the season/start the new year. I love the fresh greenery and hand made ornaments and bright oranges and delicious cakes and cookies and breads.

At the start of December, 11 of us put on a special Christmas event at Macktown in Rockton, IL. We used two buildings and actually portrayed the people who lived in them at one time (interpreter’s dream come true? maybe an analysis for another post).

The first building, the stone house, is one we use often at other events. It served as Mr. Whitman’s trading post and tavern.

The fine Mr. Whitman himself and his second wife.

 

He was excited because his new stove just arrived, but he was waiting for someone to cross the river to help him move it in the house. Mrs. Whitman is less than thrilled because she wants it in the house now, so she can use it for Christmas.

 

There was a lot of bustle and commotion in this building because they were just moving in, unpacking boxes, and putting away dishes to prepare for the celebration of the 12 Days of Christmas.

 

They offered warm cider to the guests.

They hired another man, A, to assist with business affairs.

The other building was the Stephen Mack House – the original one from the 1840s (or 30s?). It’s a decent sized house, with cheery yellow trim and good sized rooms. I played Hononegah who married Stephen Mack when she was quite young. It was the first time I got to wear something other than stays at an event!!! (It was quite freeing I admit).

 

Mr. Mack prepares for visitors.

In the kitchen we were making paper ornaments with the children. Christmas trees were just starting to become popular in the early 1840s so that allowed for us to question the children about the types of decorations they have around their houses.

Mrs. T kept a careful eye on the children to make sure no one injured themselves with scissors.

 

The dining rooms was decorated with sumptuous food and we had a small tree in the corner, which we decorated.

 

 

Mr. Mack entertained local neighbors. The adults helped decorate the dining room and parlor with fresh greenery and Mr. A and Mr. Mack took turns reading the story of St. Nikolas, which was written in the 1820s.

 

The neighbor, Mr. A, also shot a turkey for part of the Christmas feasting.

 

 

C, Mrs. S, and I all had ourselves a mini sew along for our 1840s dresses for this event. Even though I played Hononegah, I made an 1840s dress to wear after our official event was over when we walked in the parade. I had a quick costume change (probably the fastest I’ve ever gotten in and out of historic clothing — thank you front hooking Victorian corsets!). Sadly we did not get a picture of the three of us all together in broad daylight.

But here’s me, in the house, in my 1840s dress, before we walk in the parade.

All research and prep behind the scenes was accomplished by the delightful Mrs. S! None of it would have happened without her.

 

All photos on this post are courtesy of Mrs. B who was not dressed in period clothing, but was instead our official event photographer!! Thank you!

As part of our program, we invited the public to donate canned food items to a local food pantry.

Warm Clothing for Cold Weather: it works!

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.

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

 

Citrus fruits are ready to be put to use in syllabubs

 

 

Grating nutmeg

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

Napping…..long weekend

 

 

 

The lovely Christina from On Living History

 

 

 

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

Challenge #6 Out of my Comfort Zone

Tags

1830s, 19th century clothing, Historical Sew Monthly, living history, sewing projects

Normally, I’ve been sewing 18th century and early 19th century, but nothing past 1815. This was a perfect challenge for me because I literally did not have to think super hard about what to make because the plans had been laid for this dress.

Here is me at Apple River Fort! (You can tell it’s a fort because of the wooden palisade behind me).

1830s Dress

Underneath: 2 petticoats: 1 plain and my new corded one. I think the corded one gave it the perfect poof! While I feel pretty girly in my 1780 – 1815 wardrobes because I portray women, I’m usually ripping meat apart with my hands and my apron is super dirty. But at this event, I did not have any cooking duties, so that, combined with my poofy skirt, made me feel ultra girly!!! Or maybe it was the sleeves? Or the brand new first worn American Duchess Gettysburg boots?!!!! Yeah it could have been those! (I totally forgot to take a picture at this event where I showed them off. Will need to do so in a photo shoot soon).

I really like this style of dress. It was extremely comfortable. The only part that felt a little odd were the shoulder/arm holes. I’m not exactly sure if they were too small or what. When I made the mock up, it fit perfectly. I was like oh yes, this is comfortable. Swell. Then when I actually attached the sleeves, I was like hmmm. Well too late now. I do have an extra one or one and a half yards left of the fabric. If needed to, I could redo the sleeves or add another panel to the skirt. I can’t decide which, if either of those, needs to be done.

Because I was on a huge time crunch to get this thing done (literally cranked it out in two weekends) I did not make a tutorial or anything. There are enough of those online already. Also if I were truly a lady of the 1830s, I don’t think I would have been showing my arms/wrists, however, I did not put on the cuffs on the sleeves because I did not have time. Woops!! But no one asked me why I had them rolled up, which I found odd because it’s not like I was scrubbing floors or anything.

What the item is (and why it was out of your comfort zone): early 1830s Day Dress. It is out of my comfort zone because I have never made anything in this time period that involves piping. I drool over the creations on other people’s blogs who produce gorgeous pelisse’s or spencers etc with perfect piping. Jealousy was a good motivator and I figured if they can do it, I can do it! I sewed the piping by hand and then found when I constructed the bodice, it was easier to feel where I should place stitches along the piping to get it to lay neatly and be uniform in how much of the piping is seen.

The Challenge: Out of my comfort zone

Fabric: 100% cotton with brown background a peachy/pinky/coral vine-y pattern to it. Up close I love it. Far away, it just looks brown like so much of my “day dresses” in my historic clothing wardrobe.

Here is a picture from Andoverfabrics.com Jo Morton’s collection:

Pattern: Period Impressions 1828 Day Dress

Year: 1828 (officially), but I dropped the waist line about 2 inches because I needed the dress to work for 1830s also and the waists dropped a bit.

Notions: Hooks and eyes from my friend’s stash

How historically accurate is it? 92% I think the neckline is supposed to be piped (it’s not); and I’m not exactly sure about the waistband. I know it’s how “it’s supposed to look,” but I would like to know the proper historical construction so I can do it correctly the second time around. Oh and I machine stitched all the seams you can’t see because I did not have that much time. But for the record, my piping was all made by hand – I did not use the machine for that.

Hours to complete: Several weekends – two of which were 8+ hrs of sewing both Sat and Sun. I had the pattern drafted in Feb, but did not get around to it until later.

First worn: A few weekends ago for a new event where I *needed* to be in 1830s!!

Total cost: $50.00 for the fabric (I think).

 

The other thing I want to make to go with this outfit is a pretty white collar – one that is just coming into fashion in the 1830s. I also want to try my hand at white embroidery work for this project. I think it would really dress up the ensemble a lot. While I love my fichu that I have thrown over my shoulders, I feel like it hides the waist part of my dress and some of the sleeves. The next thing I’m debating about making are the under sleeve poufs of obnoxiousness. That may be one of those projects that looks simple but turns out to be a bit more complicated. We shall see.

Oh and the next 1830s dress I make will be pink. And maybe a green one. I don’t have anything green in my historic clothing wardrobe.

 

Ordinary Courage – A First Person Immersion Event – Par 2: Daily Life for Ella Rose Smith

Tags

18th century, 1st Person Immersion, living history

Mother met the strangers at the door with the Fowler. She is a gutsy woman who does not appreciate her quiet evening meals disturbed. There was a tense moment while father waited for the man in charge – a corporal – to explain that they were just soldiers in the Continental Army, looking for a house to stay in, not just on this night because of the rain, but for the rest of the winter. Much to my dismay, my parents allowed them inside. Although I support the fight for independence because my parents have told me many stories about the persecution they faced, I was not happy about giving up the largest room of our quaint stone house. Now our dining table is explicitly for use by the soldiers and we are forced to eat at the work table in the kitchen and our other parlor furniture is moved into the kitchen. Our beautiful sitting/dining room has been converted to a bedroom and living quarters for six dirty, tired men for the 8^th Connecticut and New York regiment.

 

 

 

Mother spoke with Corporal Runions and made it abundantly clear that while her family will share their food and living quarters, she and her daughters would not be maids and housekeepers for six men. The corporal assured her his men knew how to use a broom. Yet, the next morning I found myself broom in hand, sweeping up clumps of dried mud. Mother was busy making bread pudding and I needed a good reason to look at all the men’s gear and to make sure none of our household goods found their way into a bedroll or knapsack.

~~~

A note about our Quaker family: father is Milltown’s black smith.

Mother had ten children, not all of them survived to adulthood.

 

I am a middle child, and though married, returned to live with my parents after my husband went to fight on the colonists’ side.

 

Rebecca, the youngest, still lives at home and she will surely find a husband once this war is over.

 

 

~~~~

After midday meal of cold smoked ham, bread and butter, and cheese, Becky and I baked the pudding. Mother is so clever to combine flour, milk, and eggs to left over porridge and apples. While we were tending the coals and waiting for the pudding to finish, our neighbor from up the hill, Miss Christina Irwin, paid us a visit to help mother with her mending. Mother frequently employs Miss Martin’s help because she is very knowledgeable about garment construction. Miss Irwin kindly invited the ladies of our home to tea at her home because they celebrate Christmas this day.

 

Currently, while their parents are away tending to their other daughter’s pregnancy, the two Irwin daughters, Christina and Miriam, have their aunt and uncle Martin staying with them. The Irwin home is very well tended. While our home is made of stone, theirs is wood and their floors have been stained a nice dark color. The wood work is a mix between natural wood and a beautiful yellow that adds a nice color and warmth to the rooms.

 

When my sister and I arrived at the Irwin’s we were surprised to discover the soldiers (who were quartered at our house) gathered around their dining room table sharing a bottle of shrub with the Irwin’s and their aunt and uncle. It was a very festive scene to be sure. Apparently, my father had visited the Irwins and Martins earlier that day and had “accidentally” left his mitts there when he discovered that Christina had her eye on the soldier, Joseph Plumb Martin; hence that afternoon, he sent Joseph P. Martin to fetch his mitts. Father is also quite clever to give the young Mr. Martin a reason to see the young Miss Irwin as she is in want of a husband. But back to when my sister and I visited the Irwins and Martins. The soldiers were all seated on one side of the table and they all stood upon Becky and me entering the room. It’s been such a long time since we’ve been in the presence of such gentlemen. Each one offered their chair to my sister and I. Because I wasn’t sure how Becky felt about being in the company of such men, I took the seat nearest a soldier with spectacles and a red mustache. (I had heard his jolly laugh earlier that morning in my home and thought it wouldn’t hurt to learn more about him). Mr. Martin (the soldier), gave his chair to Becky. That left him without a place at the table. But Miss Irwin is clever indeed, and immediately made her sister move over one seat so that the soldier Mr. Martin was left with only one choice: the spot right next to herself.

For half an hour, the soldiers regaled us with stories of battles they’d been through. The carnage is most distressing. It makes me worry even more for my own husband. Though when the women grew weary of such tales, Miss Irwin suggested they sing songs. Each man has a strong singing voice and all of them sounded quite nice together. I especially liked the song called “Spanish Ladies.” The soldiers were even kind enough to ask if we would allow them to sing Christmas carols – as we are Quaker and do not celebrate – and we allowed them this small celebration. I thoroughly enjoyed Christmas songs and wish I knew the words because I would have joined in.

Miss Irwin was kind enough to take me on a tour of her home; I had not visited in a few months (even though we live relatively close to each other) and she had made some updates to her wardrobe and linen supply that she had been wanting to share with me for some time.

The soldiers departed and soon, we journeyed back to our little stone house after a lovely visit. Mother’s second pudding – a bread pudding – was just coming out of the baking kettle when we arrived. This time we didn’t have to save it for a special occasion, but were able to enjoy it later that evening after dinner when the Martins and Irwins joined us for merriment at our home. Miss C. Irwin wore her new Italian gown. It is a beautiful white fabric with small red flowers all over it. She looked most becoming and we both hoped Mr. Martin, the soldier, would agree with us. She and her sister sat either side of him at one end of the table with Mr. Martin, their uncle, nearby to chaperone.

 

The other soldiers found their cups and much Christmas merriment. Mother did not allow Becky and I to partake in such rabblerousing (I wanted to learn more songs), and instead we served desert to our guests (then ate our own fair share) and visited with Mrs. Martin, Miss Irwin’s aunt. She had much advice about finding a suitable mate, making pudding, and sewing gowns. We have decided on a few new sewing projects for the winter – both Becky and I need new stays.

 

 

 

 

The previous night I slept in my stays because it was so cold outside and though we are not poor and in need of fire wood, mother and father keep small fires going and pile more wool blankets on the bed. However, after a long day of working and visiting, off came the stays so my body could fully relax. We do not bathe as frequently in the winter because it is just too much of an inconvenience to haul water and heat it, but mother insists on having fresh, clean water in the wash bowl so we can scrub our faces in the evening and morning.

I slept peacefully and soundly that night knowing I am surrounded by such wonderful family and friends. Even though these strangers are now sleeping right in the next room, they are of good character it seems and would go out of their way to protect us against the British. I pray that my husband returns safely and that my sister Becky and my friends, the Irwin sisters find a loving companion of their own.

Ordinary Courage – A 1st person immersion event – Part 1: Expectations and Preparations

Tags

18th century, living history, reenacting, The simple life

I have not been involved in reenacting/living history or historical sewing for as long as some people, but I’ve thrown myself pretty well in to the progressive side of it. For example, I feel I may have indicated in a past entry or two that I can’t not hand sew now if I’m making a garment for the 18th and early 19th century. And now any item that I consider buying must follow period correct specifications. It’s become some what of a mission w/ a little bit of obsession thrown in for good measure.

Anyway, this weekend, I’m attending a first person 48 hr immersion event. It is a small group of people who have decided we will act out/recreate a chapter from the memoirs of Joseph Plumb Martin. Although we are in Illinois, the historic site is Milltown, Pennsylvania. The soldiers are off foraging and doing “man things” all weekend while the ladies will be, well, doing “woman things.”

Over the past week, I’ve been mulling over everything that needs to get done and then I realized that my thoughts fell into three separate categories:

I. Expectations – bad/good and II. Preparations

I. Expectations – bad/troublesome

I’m starting with the not so great first. It’s odd, but I tend to stress over new events. I’m mostly gung-ho excited, but then there is this brief, “what if?” that washes over me and makes me anxious to the point of making my stomach do flips and/or my skin breaking out (not cool).

Freezing Temperatures

Because this particular event is near the end of November and I live in the Midwest, I’m mostly worried about freezing. I’ve been to two other cold weather events. I survived and actually I think they acclimated my body to dealing with colder weather. However, I had the option of wearing long underwear. But this weekend is the most progressive/hard core authentic it can get i.e. zero modern anything. I’m pushing myself to the extreme and going to see how it goes. If my upper thighs freeze, it is what it is. Sucks to suck.

And I keep telling myself, if they can do it, so can I. It’s not the end of the world. We are in a stone building. I have no reason to really go outside unless I’m cooking or using the outhouse. Therefore, I think it will give me a good feeling for what it really was like to be a woman and be stuck inside all day. If this is what I am to learn, I only wish I could be doing this for a week or more because that could give me a better gauge of whether or not I could hack it.

Lack of sanitation/running water

Well you’re going to learn way more about me than you probably cared to know. In the past few years, I’ve become a tad OCD about sanitation. I have to wash my hands a lot especially during food prep. Not having this luxury makes me a tad queasy. Though we will have a wash stand, but no running water. Aaaaaahhh!!! Outhouses don’t bother me though. I just want warm water to wash my hands.

II. Expectations – good/excited for

Tasty food 

We always have the most delicious food at events. I love it. I crave it when I’m at home in the winter. I have never been disappointed in anything I’ve tried – even oysters – and I don’t eat a lot of seafood (except fresh Lake Superior Whitefish).

Seeing all my dear friends

I think many of us will agree that awesome friends keep us in the hobby. My living history friends have become some of my nearest and dearest friends since I’ve become involved in the hobby. I love having a hobby that brings together like-minded people.

First Person 

For the majority of events that I’m at, we are in first person. Occasionally we’ll slip into 3rd person depending on the conversation, but 99% of the time, we are awesomely in character. This weekend gives me another opportunity to expand my repertoire and really become someone from that time period.

I will portray the daughter of one of the other ladies who is attending. We’ve been going back and forth over the weekend about what my name should be. Right now it’s between Ella Rose and Abigail. I, however, don’t particularly like Abigail currently because I just finished watching The Crucible and the character of Abigail annoys me (I have some friends named Abby and I don’t hate them, so no offense if anyone who reads this has that name). I also wanted to choose a name that was in my family, but we are Polish and the people we are portraying this weekend are German Pennsylvanians I believe…so, that’s not really working out.

Time away from technology 

It’s rather ironic that as I type this on my laptop to post on the internet while I watch Mr. H play video games, I’m excited about getting away from all of it for two days. I am constantly bombarded with emails all day long – upwards of 50 per day. It’s too much. Why can’t you just call me? OR walk down the hall and tell me to my face? I will admit that I love connecting with historical sewers and living historians on facebook and reading their blogs because it is a wealth of information. Truly having so much research/advice at our fingertips does wonders for improving your knowledge. However, the day to day realities of living in a digital world is so exhausting that at the end of the day, I just want to be outside or in a cozy room talking face to face with people who matter to me. My phone will be shut off Fri night around 8 p.m. once I text Mr. H that I have safely arrived at the site. I won’t turn it back on until I sit in my car to head home and I call Mr. H to tell him I’m leaving.

Historic buildings

My dad is an architect. The majority of my family’s library are books about architecture, interior decorating, and home repair. My preferred lazy reading was pulling the book, A Field Guide to American Houses off the shelf and memorizing the various architectural subtleties between an Italianate and a Second Empire so when we drove around through old neighborhoods I could point out the differences. Therefore, the fact that I get to stay overnight and live in a building from the 1830s is beyond a dream. (I currently live in an old home). But this historic building is somehow different. We get to stay there and come together as a family and it’s just amazing. And besides, a solid stone house is way better than a tent in wind/rain/snow.

III. Preparations

Sewing

Two weeks ago I found out about this event. I didn’t think much of it. Suddenly over the weekend I have to make/acquire all of these items. I had put off finishing my new wool jacket/short gown because I figured I was done for the season and why rush? Well, now I am rushing. Though I won’t stress myself out over it because if I don’t have to go outside, I won’t. The lining is mostly sewed together, but it does not help that I’m taking 45 min to write this entry when I should be sewing.

I also decided over the weekend that I should finally get around to making myself some linen bags to carry my stuff in. I’m saving my money to buy a portmanteau and have a friend make some wooden boxes for me. But hey, why not sew a giant rectangle by hand in a few days because you don’t have a million other things to do – right?

Paring down the fluff

You tend to acquire a lot of stuff with this hobby. And for some events, even though it is only two days, you think, yep I need ALL of my stuff. All 10 petticoats, both jackets, a cloak (even though the forecast is 70+), and five different colored stockings (because one pair might get wet or a friend may need to borrow some). For this event, I literally only need what I can carry – literally in one to two loads – and only my warmest clothes. That’s it. And this brings me to my next point.

Realizing what you don’t have

When you acquire a lot of stuff, and then you go to the extreme (weather or immersion), you realize quickly what you don’t have. For me? Zero period correct wool blankets or coverlets, mittens, hat, scarf, wool stockings. How do I not have this stuff?! Luckily, my other friends have extras and are helping me out. Sweet.

Reading

An immersion event taken from a particular chapter of a memoir or diary requires that you read said chapter and become fairly knowledgeable about the people, places, and time period. Reading takes a bit of time to digest (take notes, memorize, reread) and I can’t very well read and sew at the same time. Grrrr. But learning new stuff is fun!

The lady in charge also gave us some things to consider:

“To get yourself in the period, research happenings in Pennsylvania in November 1777. What battles have already happened. How is the war going? Who is winning? Think about your own situation such as how long you have lived in Milltown? There is a back and forth concerning the name of the town. Some call it Milltown and others want to call it Downingsville. Think about what you would be doing during the day and be engaged in the activity. Cleaning chores, sewing in the morning, knitting in the afternoon. Visiting neighbors if you think it safe. What is your family history? How long have you lived in the colonies? Where is your family from? How many children do you have, those of us who are married? What might your future plans be? Moving west into Ohio country or Kentucky country? What about Indians? What if the British come back? Where are your foods hidden?”

Leaving for the weekend before a major holiday

I have company arriving on Wed afternoon. I will be gone all weekend. Mr. H will be tidying by his lonesome. I’ve already cleaned a fair amount last weekend (dusting, vacuuming, etc) and when I return I will just need to tidy and put away all my period clothing/stuff before everyone arrives. Being out of town can be stressful before people arrive, but I’m determined to make it work!

 

Only a few more days to go! I can’t wait to see what this new experience will bring. The next post will be a first person (from the viewpoint of my character) account of the weekend, with a follow-up reflection of did the event meet/exceed my expectations.

 

 

 

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

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.

 

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

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!

 

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.

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

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.

 

 

 

And clean up….

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

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

 

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).

Fun colored carrots and potatoes for the soup!

 

 

 

 

Women bustling about.

 

Making important decisions about which bread to use.

 

Mrs. Blodgett rules the kitchen.

 

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

 

 

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

 

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

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

 

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

I took my turn.

 

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!

 

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

 

 

 

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

 

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.

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

 

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

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.

And this 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.

 

Warmer clothing needed for colder weather

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

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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.

 

 

Patron tent

 

 

Inside full of patrons for day time meals

 

 

And at night time for libations!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A smattering of photos of tavern staff life

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cantigny Ladies of the Ox Bow!

 

 

 

Prairie du Chien – War of 1812 – Villa Louis

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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Salmagundi for Saturday midday meal

 

 

Crayfish and smoke chicken for salmagundy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Syllabub station

 

 

 

Ladies of the Ox Bow…

 

 

The new mulling cone for flips!

 

 

 

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).

Pretty little ice house!

 

Beautiful brickwork

 

Front walkway