A Woodsrunner's Diary: Pioneer Handbooks: - 1861 Prairie Traveler

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.

DVD Review Quotes.

Very good. Basically a lot of short videos demonstrating different aspects relating to historical skills, primitive, and pertinent to survivalism. Only $12. You'll spend more at a fast food joint.

Glad I got it. Good to see the lad in action. Good to see the demos. Especially the fire making. And the cord demo cleared up some stuff for me. But there's more than that and a lot of 'aha' moments for me. If you haven't looked into this approach before, check out his blogs and youtubes.

Well done is all i can say not in to the hole primitive thing but watched it 2 times and even the wife watched.

Arrived today. Nice set of skills demonstrated. Liked the minimalist knapsack.

Got mine yesterday, just finished watching. Good stuff Keith. Keep up the good work.

Keith,
What a great surprise to recieve the Primitive Skills DVD......wonderful work and truly a treasure of very valuable information. I cannot think of anyone else in Australia who would know as much as you about this subject, you have to try and get this out there and selling. Thank you so much Keith for thinking of me my Friend. Hope your day is a good one.

Kindest regards, Shane.

I have recieved my copy of the Primitive Skills DVD. It is an excellent resource, thank you Keith.

I should have commented here when I got mine Keith, rather than just gushing at ya in email. It's a good watch people. You'll definately learn something new, or how to do something different.

Bill.

Other comments re blog, forum, & video channel.

1OldSchool4 has posted
a comment on your channel:
Well Sir, I'm from the US and have attended
several living history events and talk with many very knowledgeable folk in my
outings. I'm developing a woodsman persona at present and I'm soaking up all of
the info that I can get a hold of. I've read a lot of books and spent hours on
the internet researching.....and I can
honestly say that I have learned as much from you Blog, forum and this channel
as I have anywhere. I have watched all of your vids and many several times and
favoring many or them. Your knowledge
and the time you take to share it is Greatly appreciated. Thank You Very Much
Sir.

12321johndoe has posted a comment on your channel: great channel, thank you for sharing your knowledge

Hey Keith, watched the DVD last night. Really good info, best 12 bucks I have spent I think. Answered a lot of questions for me. We are heading out next weekend with minimal kit. I am an absolute convert, thanks again. L.C.

DISCLAIMER.

Whilst every possible effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all published information on this personal blog, no guarantee is offered nor liability accepted for any errors or omissions. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and those of the commenters. Links to other sites are provided as a convenient means of access to information on the Internet and no particular endorsement is implied or given. If you own rights to any of the images or articles and do not wish them to appear on this site please contact me via email and they will be promptly removed.
COPYRIGHT © 2009 – Keith H. Burgess - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Welcome To My Woodsrunner's Diary.

This Blog contains information about 17th & 18th century Living History and 18th century Historical Trekking. Living History and Historical Trekking in themselves contain a large variety of skills, crafts, clothing styles, personas, equipment and tools and activities.

I try to stay up to date with present research findings but I am only human and have to rely on what I can find on the net and in books and documents, and of course via my own experimental archaeology. So if you find something that is missing, or want some specific information not posted, please contact me and let me know.

My group, the New England Colonial Living History Group is actively recruiting for new members, so if you live in the New England Area of New South Wales Australia, and in particular in Armidale, and think you might be interested in joining our group, please contact me for further information.

I hope you enjoy the posts on this Blog.

Regards, Le Loup.

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.

Sunday, 12 February 2012

Pioneer Handbooks: - 1861 Prairie Traveler - Wagon Planning

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