A Woodsrunner's Diary: Andy Burke, Period Shoemaker-at Work

Settlers.

"I noticed particularly, one family of about 12 in number. The man
carried an axe and a gun on his shoulders. The Wife, the rim of a spinning
wheel in one hand, and a loaf of bread in the other. Several little boys and
girls, each with a bundle, according to their size Two poor horses, each
heavily loaded with some poor necessities. On the top of the baggage of one,
was an infant rocked to sleep in a kind of wicker cage, lashed securely to the
horse. A cow formed one of the company ,and she was destined to bear her
proportion of service - a bed cord was wound around her horns and a bag of meal
on her back. They were not only patient, but cheerful and pleased with
themselves with the expectation of seeing happy days beyond the mountains"
Diary of Presbyterian Rev. David McClure.
18th century.

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What is Living History?

What is Living History?
Living history makes history come to life. To do this members emulate different sorts of people from history. These can include blacksmiths, seamstresses, housewives, farmers, woodsmen and woodswomen. We wear the clothes of the time and learn and use the life and trade skills of the period.
What period of history does the NECLHG re-enact ?
Approximately 1680-1760 on the New World Frontier.
Why this period of history and why a New World lifestyle and not Australian?
The New World was settled much earlier than Australia and enables us to choose from a larger variety of nationalities, occupations and skills. All of these options make the activities more fun.
Australian settlement was in a later period and founded on a penal colony. There are other re-enactment groups for people interested in the Australian colonial period.
Is joining NECLHG expensive?
No. There are no membership fees for the group. The activity is only as expensive as you want it to be! Many members make all their own period style clothing and equipment. This is an ideal activity for people who like to make things and be creative.
What if there are some items I can not make myself or I am too busy to make?
You always have the option of buying or trading for items. People who want to purchase their clothing and equipment can do so; there are many specialist suppliers. Also you can trade for items you can not make .
Can my family join this group?
Yes we are very family oriented.
What is experimental archaeology?
This is the term used when someone makes and uses a period tool or item. This can be anything from lighting a fire with a flint and steel to building and sailing a ship on an original route! It is the only way to really discover how things were done “back then”.
What is historical trekking?
This activity is trekking and camping in an historically accurate manner. People on a historical trek wear the clothing of the period and carry and use only the equipment used in that period. These treks are a great way to learn woods lore and survival skills.
What sort of “period skills” can we learn and practice?
You can learn and use any skill that was used in the period you reenact. For the mid-18th century these include spinning and weaving on a loom, finger weaving, tomahawk throwing, fire lighting, blade sharpening, leather making and leather working and much, much more.
Is the NECLHG a gun club?
No. Some on our members may carry a period gun on treks and camps as part of their persona. These guns are flintlock muzzle-loading antique guns or copies. The highest level of safely is maintained at all times. Guns are not carried loaded and all gun carrying members are licensed.
What about women members?
In the 18th century women performed many traditional and non traditional roles. There were women blacksmiths, naturalists, artists, and woods-women. Some accompanied militia on scouts . In the NECLHG a women can be what ever she wants to be!
What about children.?
Children are always welcome. Naturally children are the responsibility of their parents. Children really enjoy the living history activities and skills. It is a wonderful way to learn history and it makes their school based history a lot more meaningful. Also children can learn bush craft, survival skills and camping skills.

A Woodsrunner's Diary

A LIVING HISTORY BLOG.

Wednesday, 10 September 2008

Andy Burke, Period Shoemaker-at Work

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