Today we had a blast at Fort Edwards in nearby West Virginia. It is on the site of a French and Indian War Fort. Aunt Cecilia told us about it and we are certainly glad we went. I borrowed Natalie's camera and so we can enjoy pictures again.
The boys had fun with this amazingly simple version of Tug-o'-war. Both opponents get on their stump and start at the very end of their rope.They start pulling the rope at the same time and whoever comes off their stump loses.
This young man said that his bagpipe cost 2500 dollars. It took him three months to make a single sound come out of it. He has learned to play it and he sounded good while we were there!
The gentleman in the cap owns this wagon which he said was the equivalent of a tractor trailer in its day. It transported goods like flour.This man knew so much about the technology and workmanship of the wheels, the tongue, the horse set-up and even how the goods were packed ( in two rows of barrels which were made smaller than they are today).
There were guns and hats for the boys to play in.
This man actually hunts with these guns that he and his friends have made.
We enjoyed talking to this woman who got into reenacting at the age of twelve and has been doing it for twenty years.She described the articles of clothing typically worn and demonstrated doing "laundry". It was nice to touch the natural fabrics of linen and wool. Only the underclothing was washed- the outer, hardly ever.
Sam received a drum lesson. The beats were different from what he is used to.
This lady had a knife and was admiring Larry's curly hair!
This lady is a seamstress who dressed Meg up in a handmade outfit with "stays"( a corset) .
It was amazing how the pieces mixed and matched by changing the "stomacher", the piece through the middle of the chest.That fastens in and she had that piece in four different fabrics which made the Jacket look very different and allowed it to be worn with the red or blue skirt.
Another gentleman brought a display of snakes native to the area.
This man was making lace. What intricacy and patience was required! He said that during the time of the Stamp Act, 600 homes in Ipswich, Mass. were making a yard of lace a week each, for which they were paid well.
This guy actually is part Indian and gave a presentation on Six Indian Nations, and his weapons. I didn't get to listen as I was watching Miss J. work with clay.
John played "War" with Old style cards using shillings and "pieces of eight" which actually were like coins cut into 8 wedges.
I got a kick out of this Tavern scene. These guys looked like they were having fun throughout the afternoon! It was a pleasure to experience some "Living History" and it was so interesting to see how people lived in the late 1700's. This was great family fun because each of us found it interesting. I was given a couple of ideas for future field trips from the reenactors, also.
