Capt. Webster's Militia Co.

Well it has finally happened. The time has come to form a new reenacting unit. I have been toying with the idea for some time, and have realized it is something who's time has come.

Ebenezer Webster was a well respected, cool headed, brave, and compassionate leader. He once served a tour of duty as a private (and also convinced 9 of his fellow officers to do the same!) because he felt he had asked enough of his men in the past few years. Their families needed them home, and home they would stay! There are many other remarkable aspects of Ebenezer's life that I will share as they unfold. Besides, he was a local boy!!

The new unit will be a family oriented group. Children and women will not have to avert their eyes nor ears. Alcohol and foul language can be left at home for the weekend. Men can field if they desire or stay "home" with their families to tend the camps. Family life will be the prime "demonstration". The camp will be filled with laughter, games, sewing, cooking, candlemaking, and anything else that would be happening throughout an 18th century day.

There are quite a number of smaller events that don't draw the mass of reenactors, but do offer a great opportunity to interact with the public and teach 18th century life. People have heard of the Revolutionary War and quickly relate to the time period. Not so many people know what the French and Indian War was about. While the F&I War defined the Northeast, the Battle for Independence defined our Country and It's people.

Stay tuned for progress reports.

Upcoming Venues

Just letting the word out that I will be at Corner House Inn in Sandwich, NH on January 29 for their Story Dinners. Contact the Corner House for reservations or details.

February 8 finds me at the Inn at Danbury in Danbury, NH. They have a Sunday Brunch with stories 2 times a month. Again, check with the good folks there for more details.

Happy New Year to all!

Past and Future

Highland Center stories went well on Sat. the 29th. Great mix of kids and adults in an intimate setting. Possibility of being at a couple of their summer camp fires.

Will be presenting Stories and Life of Ebenezer at the Salisbury Historical Society in May, 2009. Will post more details as the time gets closer.

The Inn at Danbury, NH is preparing to launch Story Lunches Sundays beginning in January. I hope things work out so I can join their schedule. Even if I don't, it sounds like a great time especially if you like German food!

Christmas is just around the corner and the 2 oldest will be home from College! The house will be full again!! YAHOO!

Happy Holidays to All. Why not sit by the fire and share some Christmas stories with your kids and grand kids?? It's not all about presents, but quality time spent with those you love!

Events in the works

Slow with the news but here are a couple of events coming up.

November 29th I will be in Crawford Notch at the Highland Center for their Thanksgiving Colonial Weekend. I will be presenting stories at 4:30 pm in the character of Ebenezer Webster. Got some new goodies to share with the families that will be attending. For more information check www.outdoors.org/highland

On January 29th, 2009 I will once again be the featured teller at Corner House Inn with their Story Dinners. Don Brown has done a terrific job supporting storytelling as an art form and storytellers from around New England. To see the full schedule of tellers you can go to www.cornerhouseinn.com

Maybe we will cross stories sometime!

Back from Muster

We had a great weekend, even though it did rain off and on all 4 days. Still have the tents set up in the front yard to dry. Could we please have a few days without rain so I can get them put away??!!
While at Muster, I was an extra in a film being produced by a student from Boston. For his Senior project, he had to write and produce a film. We even got the muskets to fire in the rain for some pretty good footage!

Next up for me is Storytelling at Presidential Oaks, an assisted living facility in Concord, NH. They are beginning a monthly Story Dinner open to the public beginning Oct. 7.

Thanksgiving weekend will find me in Crawford Notch at their Holiday Family gathering. My slot is on the 29th.

Cornerhouse Inn will be on the docket again this year. Just waiting to confirm the date. Will keep you posted.

Keep sharing those stories!!

Autumn Muster in the Mountains

Looking forward to several days of relaxing in Randolph, NH high in the White Mountains. Sept 25-28 will be the weekend. Friday there will be school groups coming to the site to see and share the experience. Saturday is the shooting competitions, both individual and team events. The public is always welcome.

My family will be joining me for this event as well. It is considered a time line event, covering 1750's through early 1800's. Not much opportunity for story telling, but demonstrating life at camp in the 18th century can be just as enjoyable.

If you are in the area, stop by and visit. You can always find our camp. Just look for the rabbit hides hanging from the kitchen tent!! (Yes there is a fun story there. NO I did not kill them! At least not directly!)

Fellow Reenactor

I was surprised today when one of the staff in an office I was calling on saw the picture of my daughter on my computer and didn't ask if we were Amish! She brightened up and exclaimed, "you reenact?!" and then asked about the time period we portray. We had a great talk, though short. I hope we can talk more and perhaps meet at an event.

Still hashing the thought of creating Ebenezer Webster's Militia Unit. Research has begun, and if it happens, hope to registering for some Rev War events in 2009. Will keep you posted.