Over 20,000!

The figures for 2014 are in, and the New Jersey Frontier Guard put on presentations for over 20,000 people at all the events we attended this year.  We'd like to thank all the organizers of the various events who invited us to show up and give visitors a glimpse of life on the NJ frontier in 1756.  Hope to see you in 2015!

Winter is Coming

With the onset of cold weather, eighteenth century armies usually ceased active campaigning.  Frigid weather and snow meant that it was difficult for armies to move, and thaws were often worse, as mud made roads impassable for large bodies of men, animals, wagons, and artillery.

While neither the NJ Frontier Guard nor their Lenape foes moved large bodies of men along the roads at any time of year, winter was nonetheless habitually a time to stay inside as much as possible, as close to the fire as duty and circumstances would allow.

Similarly, the campaign season for Captain Gardiner's company of the NJ Frontier Guard has finished for the year.  It is a time for us to do research, to repair items worn or damaged during the events of the last months, to stock the larder if game comes into the front sight, to make new clothing or accoutrements, and to plan for the next season.


I hope, over the next few months, to post more articles about the history of the Frontier Guard and related subjects, so check back regularly.  In the meantime, please accept my wishes for a joyous Thanksgiving (a holiday, by the way, that dates back to 1863, and for which we have Abraham Lincoln to thank, not the Separatists of Plimoth - as some spellings of the seventeenth century had it). 

Enjoy your roast venison, woodchuck, and squirrel!

James Kaval's Photos from Van Campen Inn

James Kaval's photo set

Photographer James Kaval took some photos at the Van Campen Inn.  Check out the link for more.