Bledsoe's Colonial Fair

Well the rain held off for the majority to shoot...one dummy forgot to put the powder in before the ball. It was a good time to get back together and see one another. It sounds like we may be heading forward in history to around the year 1812. So clean your firelocks (and pull that ball)and do your homework on the TN militia during the War of 1812.

Bledsoe's

With the unfortunate medical situation of the Captain's it is fortunate in that we will now go to Bledsoe's the week before. At least we will get to live fire which I am really looking forward to.

We hope to get in some practice fire before hand and we will put that info out as it becomes available.

Mansker Station

Well I officially "occupied" our new accomodations at Mansker Station - the small blockhouse in case some of you did not know. Though there won't be scheduled encampments there this year we can still arrange through Bill to come out and work on skills and such.

Bill and Mack showed me how to hand hewn and notch a log which I actually enjoyed doing. Not that I would want that as a full time job, but it was good to be outside and doing some man chores.

There is a new volunteer sheet this year that needs to be filled out and you can store stuff in the blockhouse by filling out a "Loan Agreement."

Help with this Blog

Looking around at some possible things for future endeavors I came across the blog of the Washington County NC Militia. I like how they have it set up and would like to better ours by trying to emulate theirs.

Is anyone out there a computer wizard and could easily do this?

http://washingtoncountyregiment.wordpress.com/2010-regiment-muster-roll/

Back to Civilization

Well I have returned from another trip to Afghanistan. So far I have come up with a training plan which could occupy our time at Martin's Station or possibly a weekend before; recleaned my fowler; and prepared my kit to be rifled thru and sorted and such.

Bledsoe's Colonial Faire is the weekend of 4 May. Martin's Station is the following weekend. The Captain has asked that I come up with some ideas for future colonial activities and I have about 5 sites right now that I want to look at and then throw out there as we look to 2013 full of ranging. Of course many of you will be heavily involved with the CW 150th events but hopefully I can find some close in opportunities for you to wear your latest loin clothes you've purchased.

As you know Mansker's Station is trying out a new schedule this year and the new management doesn't seem to enthusiastic about getting us to come and play. That's ok too. I have been talking to the head of the Board of Directors (a friend of mine) at Rock Castle and he has already voiced his interest in us attending Daniel Smith Days at Rock Castle September 15/16.

I will hopefully post something more interesting in the coming week.

Bledsoe's May 2011

Got these pics and wanted to post for all to see.

One, Two…Buckle My Shoe

This post will be in reference to shoes and leggings. As we now have a family as part of the group I will go into just a little detail on women’s shoes.

Let’s start with leggings as there are basically two materials, canvas being a third, that they will be made of. It is recommended to have both a pair of wool and a pair of leather leggings. The wool was probably as, if not more, prevalent in the area we portray. The construction will be the same…sewn along the outside edge in the fashion of the Savages. You might even want to do some basic bead work along this edge for decoration. The wool will not only offer protection to your lower legs, but also add a bit of warmth in the winter. Leather is more costly so I would suggest beginning with a set of wool leggings. If you prefer to wear the F&I War / Rev War button gaiters I would have to assume they would pass muster for our impression.

There are two basic styles of footwear you should look to purchase. These are the “Buckle Shoes” and center-seam moccasins. The buckle shoes will most likely see a string holding them to your foot; however, you should have a pair of brass buckles for events requiring a more “Dressy” appearance. Brogans are a good choice until you can get a pair of buckle shoes as they were worn. The center-seam moccasins are the correct style for our area and you can further their use through “shoe-packs” and wool linings.

Shoes for the ladies will vary from barefoot (I really wanted to put “and pregnant” here) to moccasins to ornate buckled shoes. Kids of course will mimic the adults.