It began about a month ago. Rufus and I read this blog article:
All You Have To Do Is Ask: Having an 1860's Christmas Celebration
It's by a reenactor, Historical Ken, who finds all sorts of interesting things to do during what Rufus and I call the "weird season," those long, dreary months between October and May when no battle activities occur. His article inspired us to put together a Victorian Christmas celebration. We approached The Blackman House in Snohomish to ask if they'd like some people to inhabit their house over the holidays to give the public a peek into a real Victorian Christmas, and they said "Yes!" Fortunately, the historical society had already scheduled (and advertised for) a "parlour tour", so we were able to just jump into their program.
After gathering a few friends from the 15th Alabama, our group consisted of Calvin, Abigail, Hannah, Clara, Rufus, Pvt Billings and his mom Kerry, and Captain Brock with his wife, Ella. We "lived" in the house from 12:00-4:00, chatting with visitors while singing carols, eating, sewing, and generally hanging out together. It was not entirely what I was hoping for as a first-person, reenacting experience, but we had a wonderful time nonetheless. The historical society seemed to enjoy having us there and have invited us to do more.
Rufus and I were hoping we could stay in character the whole time, talking with the public about our lives in the 1860's. But visitors weren't expecting to see us and had come to tour the house. Also, we were joined by a historical society lady in modern clothes, so it was difficult for us to get into the spirit of 1863. But we learned a lot from the experience and are eager to try again!
Here we gathered around the pump organ in the front parlour to sing "Silent Night."
It was quite a workout to play!
Rufus, Private Billings hugs his mama, Ella.
Our food table.
Hannah.
Captain Brock and his wife.
Rufus and Clara.
Abigail.
(I do um, actually have a bust, but apparently Abigail doesn't! I like the dress, though.)
Rufus and I finally remembered to give Captain Brock the watch we bought him at Gettysburg last June.
Calvin read "Twas the Night Before Christmas," by Clement C. Moore, written in 1823.
Hannah plays the pump organ, while Pvt. Billings keeps her chair from rolling back.
The young folks.
I am so honored and extremely happy that you did this! No matter that it wasn't exactly what you wanted, you still celebrated Christmas in a period home dressed 'appropriately,' and to me, that's as good a start as any.
ReplyDeleteNow you can begin to make plans for next year - plan out some sort of scenario among the reenactors for next year and then present it to the historical society.
Each year it gets better, believe me.
If you don't mind, I would like to add your e-mail comment to my blog comments to hopefully show others that this can be done.
Thanks again - you made my night!
Sincerely,
Ken Giorlando
Thank you Ken! You're welcome to add my comment to yours. And we're not waiting for next year to do this again - we're hoping to set up something else for winter or spring this year.
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