The Art of Historical Re-Enacting - Part 1

Megan I will endeavour to take you with me and my family through the perils and joys of time travel from the 20th century back to the early 19th century. To clarify, (I am sure that I have confused many of you already) this column will be a journal of our adventures during the 1993 season of 1812 military re-enactment and historical living.

In June, 1989, we participated in our first military re-enactment event in Stoney Creek, Ontario. We were not sure what to expect. We did know that we enjoyed camping, and being volunteers in this organization would allow us to combine this love of camping with the desire to learn more of our Canadian heritage and history. The whole family does learn about Canadian history and historical lifestyles and we learn it not by reading historical textbooks, but by living it. The children have ceased to realize that they are learning but instead just plain enjoy this way of life that we participate in each year from about May to September.

In the beginning, we limited our involvement by camping in the 'modern' area of each event. 'Modern' to an historical re-enactor means tents, tent trailers, flashlights, propane stoves, air mattresses, plastic water jugs, etc. We would get dressed in our 1812 costumes and spend the day in 'period' camp, returning to our modern campsite in time for bed. 'Period' camp to historical re-enactors means canvas tents held secure and upright with branches and ropes, straw lined floors for sleeping ease, open fires for cooking and warmth, wooden chairs and tables, and lots of people dressed in 'strange' outfits ready to entertain and educate the public.

In the next issue, I will share with you how frantic the pre-season time can be with all the preparations that need to be completed. First event is in May and the clock is ticking. I still need to sew some dresses, sew some capes, sew some pants, sew some hats, check the pots and dishes, check the blankets ...... (You get the idea !!)