Colonial PA Plantation F&I Skirmish 2016

Once again my children and I participated in the F&I skirmish at the Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, a working 18th century farm located in Ridley Creek State Park in Delaware County, PA, on the last Saturday in June.  Last year's skirmish had to be cancelled due to a storm, so it was a great deal of fun to be back, meet fellow reenactors, and interact with the public.
The setting is beautiful, with a substantial stone house, gardens, and outbuildings.

There was a larger contingent of Lenape warriors than in past years, and it was easy to see why these foes caused panic across the Pennsylvania and New Jersey frontiers.

The Regiment de la Rienne, our French adversaries (in white uniform), were fewer in number this year, but their elán was undiminished.

The skirmishes themselves - there were two that afternoon - were a lot of fun to put on.  The French and Lenape decisively won the first, sacking the homestead, carrying off the children as captives, and ambushing the colonials who attempted a rescue.  The second skirmish ended far better for the colonial militia, as we were able to prevent the attackers from seizing the farm or murdering the inhabitants.

There was a larger contingent of New Jersey troops there, including one from the Jersey Blues, Col. Peter Schuyler's ill-fated regiment.

Before the event, we took some photos at the house where I grew up, a Swedish-style mill house built originally between 1720 and 1730, with numerous additions and renovations over the years.

All in all, it was a great event, one we hope to repeat in future years.  The Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation runs a large number of eighteenth century events on weekends through the spring, summer, and fall.  Pay them a visit if you're in Southeast Pennsylvania.

Fourth of July in Blairstown

Even though the Frontier Guard represents an era in which English colonists were loyal to His Majesty George II - approximately twenty years before the Declaration of Independence - the Frontier Guard will be taking bg part in the Fourth of July festivities in Blairstown, NJ.  Come see us at Footbridge Park, close to Route 94, starting at 10:30 AM.  For more details, see the event website at www.blairstownfourth.org

Working on a horn

The time has come - finally - to finish a horn that I've been working on intermittently for a few years. I've decided this one will be a traditionally-styled horn, featuring the British Coat of Arms that was fairly common on colonial horns of the French & Indian War period. I have yet to put in the plug; my friend Bob Albrecht - a true artist who edits the Horners' Guild publication - is helping me with that, but I decided to sketch in the outlines. Let me know what you think...

Another Great NJ State History Fair

May 14 was the NJ State History Fair at Monmouth Battlefield.  We had a great time once again, demonstrating weapons and equipment of the Frontier Guard to a steady stream of visitors. 

The threat of rain showers may have kept some visitors (and perhaps a few exhibitors) from showing up, but the rain held off all day, and we had good crowds coming to see our setup.  

The whole family came along, and the junior members showed colonial toys and games, as they often do at events. 

Liz came along and looked lovely, as usual.  For the first time my mother-in-law, Elizabeth, came in eighteenth century garb.  She looked great as well; no wonder, as she has sewn much of the family's clothing, including most of what we were wearing that day.

We even took the tent down at the end of the day just in time before the heavens opened up.

One more photo: the car loaded up, ready to go.  While Capt. Pitchell has the heavy load - he has a trailer for the pavilion and display tables, not to mention all the items he brings to exhibit - there is still an impressive amount of equipment that goes into putting on our part of the display.

Four Days until the New Jersey State History Fair @ Monmouth Battlefield

We will set up a display in the 17th-18th Century area.  Please stop by and say hello!  Throughout the day, we plan to exhibit many of the items used by colonial soldiers of the NJ Frontier Guard in 1756, their Lenape foes, and items associated with the lives of soldiers' families and those they strove to protect.

For more information on the Fair, on exhibitors, and a schedule of events, click:  New Jersey State History Fair 2016.

As of this writing, the weather is supposed to be partly sunny, with a slight chance of afternoon showers, and temperatures in the upper 60s or lower 70s.  All in all, not a bad day to visit; stop by and say hello!

A Few Pictures from Hoff-Vannatta

While it rained in the morning, when the sun came out, so did the visitors.

Fall Open House at the Van Nest Hoff Vannatta Farmstead

Next Saturday, April 23rd, the Frontier Guard will be setting up a display at this historic farmhouse in Harmony, NJ.  This is always an enjoyable event, with friendly people and a great atmosphere.  Come see all the restoration work that's being done, and stop by and say hello.

Now Recruiting Members!

The New Jersey Frontier Guard welcomes new recruits (and families).  

While eighteenth century recruits were expected to bring a good and sufficient firelock, a hatchet or cutlass, a powder horn, cartouch [sic] box, a knapsack or haversack, and a blanket, we do allow recruits to acquire these items over time.

A knowledge of eighteenth-century history, particularly New Jersey, is beneficial, it is not required at the outset, as long as you are willing to learn and share your knowledge with the public and the others in the unit.

A soldier's pay is two shillings per day (Provincial scrip), and there are other benefits.  The Frontier Guard also welcomes those who wish to portray associated personas, such as soldiers' families, sutlers, and armorers.

If interested, contact Capt. Doug Pitchell at DPNJFG@aol.com or via the "Contact" page on this website, or introduce yourself at one of our events.  We will be glad to have you fall in with us!

Lehigh Valley History Expo

The weather was less-than-cooperative for the first event of the season. Snow and rain forced displays indoors, yet there was still a good attendance and, as always, a welcoming atmosphere.

 

While the space may have been a little tight, there was still a great deal to see and do.  We had a steady stream of visitors all day.  People were glad to see us, and we them.

The museum staff was grateful for our presence and acknowledged us in a kind letter...

Beginning Another Campaign Season

Come join members of the New Jersey Frontier Guard at our first event of 2016:  the Lehigh Valley Heritage Museum in Allentown, PA.  Join us for what has become a big event, with a a multitude of displays and performances.  Here's how the Museum describes the event on its website: link

Saturday, April 9, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.: 

“HISTORY EXPO 2016”

Pennsylvania’s premiere history event will feature Jon Provost, “Timmy” from the classic TV show Lassie from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m..  Tours of Trout Hall, displays by historical organizations, old-fashioned puppets, toys, and crafts offer all-day fun for the whole family.