Dollinger Farm

Tags

18th century, reenacting

Dollinger Farm is a family farm in Chanahon, IL. It’s your stereotypical family fall-time-collect-your-pumpkin-while-your-child-screams farm. The grounds and site are very nice. There is a cute little petting zoo, a nice pumpkin patch, and treat van that makes elephant ears. So why not throw in a Revolutionary War camp/battle? That’s “fall timey” I think. The camps were spread out among beautiful tall oak trees at the base of a hill and the ground gently sloped down to the family farm house. For as many people were milling around the goat pen and elephant ear van, I’m surprised more people didn’t wander up to the camps. I’m sure we didn’t smell as bad as the goats.

I tried out a new impression that I’ve been mulling over since September. I found documentation for a British woman who worked as a spy for the Brits and part of what is actually documented about her was that she snuck into French camps to collect information on the number of men, the number of weapons/artillery, etc. This woman snuck in under the premise of a vegetable seller too. I think it’s awesome. So much to play with! So I tried out a scenario with a few girls. I prefer to be in first person and to draw people into our world (without freaking them out too much). I was walking down the road with a basket of squash and sweet potatoes and saw three girls. I just walked right up to them and asked if they were busy. They said no, so I inquire if they wanted to help me with a special mission. I laid our plan. There were three girls and I gave each of them a job. We would casually stroll into the British camp (the one camp where I knew people who would play along), and I would bid the soldiers good day. One girl would ask what the one was knitting, the other girl would ask if they wanted some vegetables, and the third girl would count all the British soldiers she could see. Genius. What could go wrong? Oh only that my friends didn’t want to buy vegetables so they got a little surly. Hahahaha. We actually had a good time and later on my friend was all “what was that?!!!” He was impressed (I think) with my gall of bringing in people to their camp as spies. Heh. I’ll call it a mild success. I will keep playing around with ideas. Mainly I need questions to ask the kids to get them talking and get them involved.

My only other qualm with the event is that it was not clearly communicated (not to me at least) where the battle was taking place. Everyone wants to see the battle. I get that. However, Sat morning started out cold so I had on lots of layers, including my new triple lined wool jacket. Well as the time drew near for the battle, the public was wandering down the road and seeing a person in “old timey” clothes they stopped to ask me. Well everyone remembered the Civil War battle being on top of the hill. Great let’s climb the hill. Alright. Good idea in 4 petticoats and semi-high-heeled shoes that don’t offer the greatest support. I love trekking up and down gravel roads said no one ever. Turns out the battle was not up there. Nope. It was off in this tiny little field. No idea why. But we made it just in time.

Here are a smattering of photos from the event:

The last few pics are of the 4th Conn who slept outside on straw. The temperature got down in to the low 40s at night I think. They are a campaign unit and love sleeping under the stars.

Overall, I would love to be at the site again, just hopefully with warmer weather and more communication about the location of scheduled activities.

Harvest Supper at Apple River Fort

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!

 

 

Inside the cabin that served as the kitchen…

 

 

 

 

 

Food prep…

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.

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

 

Cooking outside…

 

 

 

 

 

 

Setting the table for the guests…

(I think Mr. Carson would be proud!)

 

 

 

 

 

With our guests…

 

Obligatory selfies…

 

 

 

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.

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.

 

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!

 

 

 

Macktown – The Gathering – An early spring event

Tags

18th century tavern life, independent women, Macktown, reenacting, The Gathering and Macktown

A much needed girls’ weekend. The tavern proprietress and I were in charge of the tavern this weekend. We were husband-less. But we relished in our independence; we made tasty meals: porridge and bacon Saturday morning and common stew for the midday meal. We were lucky to have had a building to shelter us from the wind/drizzle because living in a tent would have been slightly unpleasant. By 7:30, the tavern was open and full of business Saturday night. Our soldiers made it home safely from the war and graced us with their presence later Saturday evening. The following morning, the soldiers took it upon themselves to cook a hearty meat-filled breakfast too. How kind of them.

Just a few photos from the weekend….

The lovely tavern

 

Visitors

 

Part of the kitchen

 

Patron seating

 

taking a break

 

other part of the kitchen

 

Hungry soldiers

 

Owner (cream colored gown) and servant (blue jacket)

Terrible Halloweens, mitts and a trip to Gloucester, VA

Tags

battles, Gloucester, mitts, reenacting, traveling

Last night, my husband and I were reminiscing about Halloween costumes from our childhood years. I had been a princess, a nurse, a witch – the usual. He had been a dinosaur and an astronaut. Then I remembered 6th grade. By that age, American Girl dolls had become very popular. There were only five on the market: Felicity, Kirsten, Addy, Samantha, and Molly (the classics). I was already reading tons of historical fiction by age 11 and I loved everything about Addy and the Civil War time period. I begged my mom to let me be Addy for Halloween. I desperately wanted her pink dress too. But historical clothing patterns were not hugely popular at Joann’s. And I wasn’t African American. My mom didn’t think anyone would “get” my costume. Bless her for trying to protect me. I didn’t care at the time. I WANTED to be Addy. So mom and I cobbled together a blue skirt (which she sewed a black ribbon around the hem, just like Addy’s), we found a white blouse and added a little black ribbon bow tie, and then I think I had some type of bolero style jacket or shawl (similar to Addy’s). I really wanted her lunch pail because that’s what she took to school. But my mom was not keen on the idea of searching every antique store in the Detroit area just for a tin pail. Boo.

So the day of Halloween in  small Catholic school begins with every student in the 6th grade class going around the room and making each child “guess” that person’s costume. Most costume’s were easily guessed. Finally my turn came. I was really proud. I was Addy – an American girl – surely all the girls in my class knew Addy!!! I stared blankly back at everyone’s faces. No one could figure it out. Then my teacher, for the sake of further embarrassment and moving along to the next person (whose costume was, I’m sure, much more easily guessed), asked me to explain mine. I said I was Addy, though I did not sound as confident as I had once felt. Everyone just kind of looked at me and went “oh” and turned to look at the next person.

Since that time, I continued my obsession with historical clothing. Now I’m living the dream. Only not as Addy, but as Felicity!!! haha. Felicity was my sister’s favorite. But somehow since college, I fell in love with the Revolutionary time period and I now own a closet full of Felicity clothes that are historically accurate. Yay me!!!!

I had the most wonderful opportunity yet: to attend a huge reenactment in Gloucester, VA. I’ve never been out that way before and almost every/any person obsessed with the time period knows, it’s worth it. And it’s close to Williamsburg (another must and another post). There were 1500 registered participants. We were camped at the grounds of the Inn at Warner Hall.  The Brits were camped on one side and the Americans on the other side. The French troops were at the back corner of the house, right near the river.

Looking down the driveway at Warner Hall.

Standing in the French camp looking back to Warner Hall

Saturday was a bit overcast/drizzly. But my red wool cloak kept me very dry and very warm. Fighting a battle in the rain and a muddy cornfield must be less than stellar. I would not know though because I am not a soldier. The battlefield was huge, maybe two football fields long and two wide? Though I’m not good at judging distances so I really have no idea. All I know is that there were soldiers entering the field from every possible corner. Battles lasted almost a full hour. The British still march in wonderfully precise rows.

Saturday afternoon battle – Lauzun’s in blue coats with yellow facing.

British marching

Saturday morning the French participated in the boat landing. I would become a soldier just so I could ride in the boat. However, that means there is a possibility of falling out of the boat! I think the French/American forces won the battle.

Boats!

More boats!

Here are more battle photos because, well it’s fun to take photos with lots of smoke and ponies!

Conditions on Saturday were perfect for smoke rings!

Calvary makes any battle instantly better.

One thing I find very odd is that when I’m watching the battles going on, I’m constantly searching for “my men.” They are easy to spot because of their light blue coats with yellow facing. No matter how far away they are, if I catch just a glimpse, I think okay they are safe. I panic just a wee bit when I can’t find them. Then I think, wait, they are shooting blank rounds. No one is actually dying.

The big event of the weekend was burning down the house. A historically accurate house was built in just a few short weeks, so it could be burned to the ground by the British. We waited all weekend to see this happen. It was worth it. I wish we could burn something at every reenactment.

From afar – oooh black smoke makes for a dramatic battle

Close up view with a zoom lens – pine sap and creosote burn extremely well!

It kind of looks like the British are on fire, but it was because of my position in the crowd. The fire department was on hand and no one got hurt, which made for a very successful end to the Sunday battle.

In between battles and meeting new people, we went shopping. It is fun to visit the sutlers in person after just looking at their websites – such wonderful people and all very helpful! Thank you to The Silly Sisters and the Virginia Floor Cloth and Textile Company for displaying so many wonderful fichus!!! (When I started compiling my wardrobe four years ago, I had plain white fichus that were appropriate and just fine. However, one did not suffice. Two white ones did not suffice. Nope. I had to make myself an embroidered one. Then I had to go and buy four this weekend! Ha!).

Lastly, it isn’t a good weekend with friends if the men don’t cook.

Ian making rice pudding

Stan making bacon and eggs

Here are some more in camp shots. We can’t wait to experience it all again in five years. Vive le roi!

French camp with multiple cook fires going

Almost paying attention during morning role call

Sunday morning inspection

Although I ran around all weekend and took near 600 photos on my camera and a friend’s camera, these were the only photos of the female French camp women!

Anna and baby Violet

It was chilly both Saturday and Sunday mornings and in the evenings. About a month before the event, I asked my mother-in-law if she could knit me some full length arm mitts. And she did!!! I was the most excited about wearing these because they are the newest handmade addition to my wardrobe. They are 100% wool and super warm. By midday on Sunday, my arms were actually sweating.

Me wearing my awesome mitts knitted by my mother-in-law!

Not sure who the gallant soldier is, but I had to pose near a pony!

“Father” and I before he goes off to battle in the morning

Now we all must wait another five years and I must start sewing more clothing so my sister has clothing to wear when she comes with me!!

Withdrawal

Tags

18th century clothing, hemmed petticoat, linen petticoat, project finished, reenacting

I’m addicted. It’s terrible. I can’t think of anything else. I can barely eat, sleep, socialize….it’s been only 2 weeks since my last reenactment!!! Since June 16th, when I started working at OWW, I’ve spent every Sat in period clothing – either 1870’s or 18th century – and now I’ve gone two weekends with no period clothing! My torso longs for a solid fully boned corset or stays. My abs/insides are turning to jello without one on!

I finished hemming my linen petticoat this afternoon and I put it on and skipped around my yard in it, just to make sure the hem looked good…..not because I’m experiencing significant withdrawals from not being in period clothing for way too long. This year by far, since I’ve started reenacting, has been the best yet. I don’t know what I’m going to do this winter with all the waiting! I guess that new petticoat and jacket will really actually be sewn so I’ll have some new clothes!! 

First person

Tags

first person interp, goals, reenacting

Sadly, I have few pictures from this event or the ones I did take, did not turn out as well as I’d hoped. As a result, I’m considering getting a new camera or constantly stealing my husband’s when important events require photographic evidence! Alas, this was a fabulous event. I’ve gone regularly over the past few years, but now that I’ve been in the organization a bit, I’m meeting tons of people and I’m becoming more involved which I like. Specifically, I had the opportunity to accomplish something that has always interested me/been my dream (since I was very young). Back when my parents took me to living history museums or to reenactments, the interpreters were largely doing first person interpretations. I was magically transported to another world that I desperately wanted/needed to join and I felt this with every fiber of my being (sorry for the cliche, but it is true). As I grew up, I searched for opportunities where I could make this dream a reality. My sister and I regularly played pretend (up until I was 13 at least) and as anyone who reads a lot knows….it’s not true playing pretend unless you and your siblings and/or friends give yourself alternate names/personalities and develop a vast plot line involving many melodramatic events. Then, when in college and working at a historic lighthouse, I was able to do some first person interp in costume. I thought I had died and gone to heaven. However, other work duties usually took precedence in the morning and evening portion of the work day, so I could not fully immerse myself in the world the way I dreamed about. Then, came reenacting. Woohoo! I was one step closer. I had my clothes. I made my clothes. I met people. It was fabulous. Then I started cooking over the fire more. heh. Fun times. Finally, I was invited to work in an 18th century tavern. I had visited the tavern before as a guest and that was fun because I felt like, yes, this is what someone like me could have done back then! But I was at the tavern for much of the weekend, guided by two wonderful people who are fabulous teachers who made me feel most welcome, and time was spent cooking, washing dishes, and serving people all in first person. GOAL ACHIEVED. Now I crave more!!!! This has truly set me on the path to developing a first person character and staying in character for the entire weekend. If this is not intrinsic motivation, I don’t know what is.