I am curious about our members and who they portray, what area they are representing and what time period your persona is from. What gear do you wear to bring your persona to life? Maybe this has been covered before, but I am new to the forum.
My wife and I are from the Arkansas and Louisiana area and she is Native American. So we are working on being a couple composed of a Caddo Indian and a old river rat from North Louisiana. Only been to one vouz so we haven't really worked out much of the details, but at least we have a start. Time period will be around 1820-1825.
Very interesting. I have portrayed a Wichita woman. The Wichita are one of the Caddoan groups as well. They were in The Arkansas City, Ks area and traded with the French from the 1700s-1753ish. I have also portrayed a French woman who is on the plains ca. 1700.
Although all my gear is not yet correct I portray a state employed surveyor/hunter around 1820 in Mississippi. My caplock rifle is not yet correct
Neat. What made you want to portray a surveyor? Was there someone in your family or in your area's history that was a surveyor, or are you interested in surveying?
Quote from: heatherhistorian on January 28, 2009, 03:03:41 PM
Neat. What made you want to portray a surveyor? Was there someone in your family or in your area's history that was a surveyor, or are you interested in surveying?
A lot of my education is in engineering and surveying, Mississippi became the 20th state Dec 10, 1817 and the time frame I am interested in there would have been state surveyors working. The Chickasaw Agency is also located a few miles from where I live and is very interesting as is the Natchez Trace
That is interesting. You probably didn't like the Arkansas Post story I just did where they portrayed the Chickasaw as bad, bad men. haha! So the Chickasaw are in Mississippi and Oklahoma now. I didn't know that.
I do not really portray any one in particular that can be documented but rather a member of that fringe group that was seeking freedom and land to live as they wanted to.
I am the type that dose not like people looking over my should telling me, You have to do this or you can't do this.
Yes, I know. :) However, you do portray a group of people. I bet if one analyzed history, he or she would find that most people who traveled West were the type that were always on the fringe trying to stay outside the highly populated areas. Those who wanted to live by their own rules and not society's.
I was just curious what all was out there as far as our forum goes. I bet we represent a broad range of interpretations of history.
Quote from: heatherhistorian on January 28, 2009, 05:56:06 PM
That is interesting. You probably didn't like the Arkansas Post story I just did where they portrayed the Chickasaw as bad, bad men. haha! So the Chickasaw are in Mississippi and Oklahoma now. I didn't know that.
Heather
History is History That I cant change
I do love to read and learn history that is true
Yes I live in the middle of the old Chickasaw nation and The Mississippi Band of the Choctaw Nation are just south of where I live and operating the 2 largest casinos in the state And doing good thmbsup
Cool. Are they tribal casinos? We have several here. There are two just south of my museum just across the state line into Oklahoma. They are Tonkawa and Otoe-Missouri and there are two more planned right there...Ponca and Pawnee. Then, another few miles south is the Kaw.
I am glad you are doing good. It is always nice to be successful. :)
Heather: My persona (portrayal) is loosely based on family history, I'm an Irish/Scot whose family came to north america around 1700. Got into an argument with an english oversee'er on his treatment of a young lassy and had to kindof head west to avoid the noose for horsewhipping the old reprobate. Just headed west into what is now known as the Southwest, lived from hand to mouth as best as I could, traded, raided, lived with several different tribes. Am now an old man that don't like to be fooled with and maybe a bit grouchy LOL. Not a poor beggar but not a wealthy store keeper either. Make a few items to sell or trade to the flatlanders and the Moutain men and tribes alike. Still just a little wild and wooly but been to (2) county fairs and a rodeo so am not entirely without culture but close. Time line now somewhere around 1836-1839. Very close to realizeing that the old way's are about over and lamenting the loss of personal freedom.
Halfstock
That is great that you have someone in your family history to portray. That makes it all the more personal for you. See...I knew this topic would be interesting. haha!
Anyone else got any info to share on this?
Missouri frontier trash, 1830'ish. Lookin' fer trouble!
Working on Spanish personna in Saint Louis 1780's. Lot of work researching this. Well lol, a lot of time I have'nt dedicated to it! ;D
Sounds very interesting. Let me know if you need some help researching. That is my 'thing.' I love to dig up new info. :) Didnt really know the Spanish were involved much in St. Louis. You taught me something new. Thanks!
I have one basic character, but in 2 time eras. I know, confusing, but not that bad. I portray a Colonial Ranger in service to the king for the F&I period, and I also portray a Rev war era scout. It's basically the same character, just have to switch the facts depending on what event I am at. The group I belong to, The Half Moon Rangers, is a group not just dedicated to English type rangers, but to the whole F&I thru 1812 era. We have just about everything in our group from French Marines (jsemko) to English Rangers to early fur trappers.
Well, I can see where it would be an adaptable character. Makes sense to me. Besides, a large portion of men who served for Britain in the French and Indian War became officers for the Americans in the Revolution. Of course, you know that, but just sayin....:) How many people are in your group? Sounds like alot of fun. Too bad we are so far away from you. I think it would be neat to watch you all or even to participate in some of your events.
Born and raised in Wyandotte, Mi., which is what the English called the Wendot. what the French called 'Huron'. Got a lot of local native history thru school, so when I started shooting BP, I fell back on that part of local history. Mostly around F&I War. Have since moved to mid-south Mi. (Albion), but kept the persona. After a full career teaching elementary physical education and coaching track/xc running, I'm still trying to present local history from the side of the natives. I have made/purchased most of my kit over the years. Buckskin leggins; center-seam mocs; buckskin and raw silk shirts; flint smoothie and rifle; refurbished a canvas/wood canoe to look as a birch would have; use a canvas tarp as a shelter, sometimes over the canoe and sometimes with stick poles; many smaller handcrafted items. I am a part of an outfit called Project Lakewell, that presents early Great Lakes History for school and camp and other groups locally thru the state. Several natives, a voyageur, jesuit priest, traders who get together for our presentation. Its tremendously rewarding to present our early history to youngsters, because, as a former teacher, I know that they are not getting the correct history in schools. Or at least not the complete story. They are so excited to be able to see, touch, and talk to a '300 year old' person. Megwetch, Sinnanatha. PS We (Project Lakewell) got the chance to paddle our 26 foot replica Canoe in the 'Grand River Expedition-2010. It was an awsome experience. Starting in Saranac, we made our way all the rest of the route to Lake Michigan. Each day we paddled, stopping at various towns along the route, and sharing our experience with the locals. About 300 different (canoes, kayaks) total for the entire trip. Major experience!! Megwetch, Sinnanatha
That is wonderful! I work at a museum so I often have to make presentations to school kids. And, we have an annual encampment here and show the kids how to flintknap, how to set traps, how to bead, how to start a fire using friction and they get to thow a hawk. It is fun to see how excited kids can get about history. I think if it is made fun for them, then they "get it."
Sounds like you have a wonderful story to tell. It is great that you have a group of you who can get together and demonstrate. Keep up the good work and thanks for replying to my post! :)
All post are very interesting. Our country has such a diverse history, it never ceases to amaze me.
Heather, the Spanish controlled Louisianna including Saint Louis for about 36 years. Lots of cool history allthough a lot of it is hard to research. Lots of the papers and letters of the administration are not readily available on the internet. There are some limited sources for study though.
And once again, thanks to all for posting.
Oh, Duh! I knew that. Where was my brain?! Sorry. Thanks again.
My love of history is one of the reasons I agreed to help Heather set up the Mountain Man Encampment at the museum.
A couple of friends and I use to go down and show off out muzzleloaders tell some stories and set up a hawk block to teach the public how to throw a tomahawks
Heather kept wanting us to set up a camp and I kept telling her not for one day even. Then one day while I at the museum she ask me if I would help do a weekend encampment?
Well I thought about it for a couple of days and told yes, if she could abide with a few rules. She thought bout is for about 2 sec. and the rest is history.
We have been at it coming up on 5 yrs. And have had a good turn out every yr. including one yr that we had almost swim form tent to tent
Yeah. What does an old salt do when the water is fresh?! He wades through the water and sleeps in the museum. haha! Says its the first time he had to abandon tent!:) ROFL
We had that issue a number of years ago when the Ypsilanti Heritage festival was young. Seems the guy who controlled the sleuth in the dam fell asleep and nearly drowned all of us down river from him! Stopped doing it when the plastic t-pee crowd was given priority over us.Too bad,really liked that event. Lots of stories that still have me laughing.
I haven't worked out a true persona, I'm trying several out.
1. Longhunter
2. Kentucky Vermin Girl
3. Rev War Lady
4. Pirate
Each appeals to a different aspect of my personal interests, hunting, trekking, being a lady. hard to find one role that fits all. I'm trying to figure out which one will be the "one"
Z
Zan: Actually your name on this board would encompass all except maybe the pirate.
Halfstock
Thank you for contributing. Glad to see another woman on here. :) I think you sound like you have a great time at your characters. Who is to say you can't do them all. Just adjust your persona to where you are at.
Most often I portray an 18th century pirate captain (sometimes privateer) prowling the Georgia/Carolina/Florida coasts, and sometimes also a F&I War militiaman or ranger.
Loved the pirate/privateer costume. Do you have photos of the F&I War militiaman?
Not yet, unfortunately. Hopefully this Spring I'll get some new ones made. chrrs
I portray Jeremiah Johnson. ;D
I would say I attempt a market hunter supplying the forts in upper Mi.@ 1790-1810. need to get along with everyone inside and outside the fort,so I'm a combo of all who I encounter
I would like say some thing about stating your persona. For those of you who are just starting.
Take some time to figure out the time period your persona would have lived in, and the location that person lived in.
Now start to research just what equipment that person would have available to them, because when you go to some of the stricter encampments you have to have all you equipment correct or they will not let you participate.
This will save you time and MONEY. As I have stated earlier in this topic my persona is that of a person on the fringe of society, so with some minor adjustments to the equipment and clothing I can go from about 1750 to1860 and fit in, but I have been fortuned to have the funds to do this. It has taken about 15 years and over $10,000 to do this at to days prices to do this.
This is the reason for the research. Don't be afraid to ask the Historians or any one on this forum. A lot of us are members of the been there done that group and some of us may have what you are looking for, and would be willing to sell or trade.
Good Luck
In response to Old Salt's comments, I'd like to throw in my two cents worth... I mean this with NO disrespect or offense...just another viewpoint.
I would encourage newcomers to this sport/hobby/lifestyle to jump in and get started. Learning on the fly is half of the fun. Yes, some encampments are very strict on their rules - and they have the right to choose to do so. But other encampments are more welcoming of those who are there to learn.
I'm in about year 10 of what I've concluded will be lifelong research into the life and times of a soldado de cuera on the Spanish frontier, and am just now confident enough to start putting gear together. But I've had a blast with mountain man and longhunter personas in the past. And I can always trade off gear that no longer suits my needs.
Personally, if I had to pony up $10K and 15 years before I was a "player", I'd of taken up golf instead. :-&
twobirds
Twobirds
While it may have come off that way I didn't mean that you had to have your persona and equipment all done before getting into the game. What I was trying to say was before you get serious about a persona you want to portray do the research.
For all of that I do not know of any place that says you have to have a persona, a very good friend and club member shows up in his bib overalls and smoke poll at most of the rendezvous in our area and know one says any thing about it.
Believe me if I thought it had to be done before I could have gone to a rendezvous I would still be sitting on a creek bank with a poll in my hand.
What I was trying to say and still trying to say before you invest in a piece of equipment To find out what you need. go to the roundys and ask questions. 90% of the folks there will be more than glad to help you. A round here if you just mention that you would like to shoot a muzzleloader you more than likely have 2 or 3 handed to you and people willing to show you how.
Hope this lets you know what I am trying say.
Quote from: old salt on March 06, 2009, 02:08:30 AM
...before you get serious about a persona you want to portray do the research...before you invest in a piece of equipment To find out what you need.
Okay, I understand where you're coming from and am in FULL agreement. I think I misinterpreted your intent. I would hate to see anyone feel that they would not be welcomed if they didn't have their gear "just right"...my comments were meant to reassure newcomers, as were your comments above. Thanks for pitching back in with clarification.
twobirds
Twobirds
I am glad you posted what you did and when you did, as it made me go back and reread what I had posted. I can see where it could be miss leading.
Thank You
I appreciate your questioning or any one else doing the same on any thing I post like this.
I 62 year old and I know what I want to say, but sometimes when I try to put it on paper it does not come the way I meant it to say So at any time you all don't agree or understand pull my chain and I will try to make it clear or stand corrected
The Old Salt
lol,,,,,,,,,mine is of the 1840's-1860's western fur trade, spicifically john johnston, also known as liver eatin johnson, or the crow killer
Quote from: old salt on March 12, 2009, 05:20:30 PM
I appreciate your questioning or any one else doing the same on any thing I post like this... I am 62 year old and I know what I want to say, but sometimes when I try to put it on paper it does not come the way I meant it to say
Thanks for not taking my comments personally...I find that quite honorable and refreshing...and I also find your response quite eloquent. Please continue your excellent posts on this forum!
twobirds
My name is Dan'l Hickham, I was born in 1729 in Belfast, Ulster Co, Ireland to Jacob Hickham and Sarah Keith - I am a Scot - Da left the Highlands early and settled in Ireland, why I don't know but the clan I belonged to was Jacobite.
We landed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Colony in 1742. I grew up and learned to ride a horse and hunt, in the woods after Da moved us to North Carolina colony in 1744, I worked the farm, and hunted to bring meat, deer and I trapped some too. I joined up as a hunter/wagonner on Braddocks trek to Ft Duquense - I was shocked at the way the French routed us - but I managed to keep my head and returned with the baggage not to worse for the wear. I worked/hunted and scouted around Ft Loudon throughout the rest of the war. I did so until 1763 and for the last 7 yrs I have made my living as a scout/hunter/and I own a small 88 acre farm where I care for and clean up after horses and other animals.
Awesome information. I love how you told us your story. thmbsup
I protray a period in history, (the Rendezvous of 1825 - 1840). I may hit the hay in 1840 and wake up the next morning in 1825. I am Candle Snuffer, so given the name in camp for snuffing 25 candles in a row one night at a
candle shoot. My friends call me, Snuffer... thmbsup
Glad to hear from/about u candlesnuffer.
OK, here goes nothin'
I am very new to this and after readin the entire thread, talkin to Old salt at the Museum rondy, and a little family history. I have decided to model myself after a Great, Great, Great, Great-grandfather who actually left the Wisconsin area to make something of himself and disappeared in the Rocky's after attending the first 2 Green River Rendezvous's... Unfortunately other than a story or two my grandmother used to share not much else is known about what grandad Effram Dewert did or were he travelled to. All we know for sure is that his wife had died in childbirth and he left his newborn son in the care of his sister and her husband....
there was a story that he travelled with a young Jim Bridger - but there is no documentation.
I want to portray a free trapper in the 1810-1830's time frame just as the Rondy's were starting
very cool! too bad u can't search his name. I may try to find his name for u in the next couple of days.
Heather,
That would be awsome! thank's... hope to see you in Coffeeville
Wish I could come but there is a speaker at the museum friday night. If I c come I will have to come in saturday for the day. I might though. :)
I will see what I can find on your ancestor.
Understandable, My wife might not make it on friday either if the tests come out right she'll have to stay at home to breed our bulldog.... and she has a commitment on Saturday...
If she has to stay home on friday I'll come up for the entire weekend... if not then Just Friday
Well crap. maybe we will get to hang out another time.
For me as I am across the pond from you guys would be of one of the early settlers, mainly Dutch of around 1700's to 1830' or so of one of the womanfrom the 1820 settlers that landed in South Africa in Algoa Bay, the city of Port Elizabeth is there today. I am a decedent from both sides. My father's family is from early Dutch settlers who trekked away from the Cape to settle inland while my mother's family is from 1820 stock. I would protray a woman from one of these two time periods. They dress would be similar to the work dresses the American woman wore during the time, the city woman as we know wore more elaborate styles.
The Bore woman, farmer's wife of Dutch decent would stand by her man and even fight off the natives that would attack there homesteads driving off their cattle. Cattle for the South African 'indigenous' peoples were a status symbol of the wealth and success and still is to some extent today with the rural one in the old homelands. The 1820 settlers were a pawn of the English to tame the locals and where I live was the centre of theses wars. On the 22 April the very town was attacked, it was just a settlement then and British military outpost, was attacked by 1500 Xhosa warriors and the defenders were only around 350 including not military persons made up of men woman and children and servants. The attacking warriors were beaten off and retreated and the defence was carried out with flint lock muskets and two small cannon.
A woman of this era would be who I would dress as at a get together.
For a Dutch settler I would be a Boer trekker vrou and for the 1820 a settler wife.
I portray Jacques DeNoyon--- my 7X-great grandfather (born 1668-died 1745--Trois Rivieres Qc). He was a french canadian courier du bois and is credited with being the first to have the term "voyageur" used with his name. He is also credited with being the first white to go beyond Lake Superior to the Rainy Lake , Lake of the Woods, and Lake Winnipeg areas in 1688. Quite an interesting man as I have learned more about him. His great nephew was Toussaint Charboneau--from the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Voy
Wow Voyageur, that is an amazing family history! how cool to get to portray such an interesting individual, let alone that it is your actual ancester. Wow!
Zan
Zan,
Thank you.
I am proud of my family history, and have managed to get more info on the family tree, and there is much more of interest as well.
Heather from the site was able to find even more info for me.
What is even more amazing is where I was born and still live today and how it ties to my family history.
I live in Ely, Mn. which is near the area he explored.and about 70 miles crows fly from where he had his trading post. My parents moved here in the 50's and did not know the full history or that the family had been in this area way back then.
Voy
I am working on gatering more info on my several x grandfather, John P. Breda
i know he was born in france
April 6, 1808, and died May 1, 1882 in Natchitoches La.
he came to Natchitoches in 1838, and was a doctor.
He also had a vineyard, called Cote Breda. with over 25,000 vines and had a extensive peach orchard of over 3,000 trees and made peach brandy.
On August 9, 1862,(54 years old) he joined the
Breazeale Battalion of Natchitoches Rangers, Confederate States army,
and remained in the service until June, 1865, when he took the oath of
amnesty. On April 1, 1864, he was taken prisoner by Capt. Inwood, of
the New York Zouaves.
It is a little later than the times yall use, but it works for me.
The other side of the family is from scotland and i am researching that also, but i know they got to new orleans in about 1845. and married an indian woman, and i am too fair skined to be an injun..
Very neat! I envy those of you who have ancestors who you can use to shape your character.
oh, and we have pictures of him & family too. Built kinda like him, BIG and burly..
Very cool!
Im thinkin of doing an 1840 Jesuit Monk. Although I'm not catholic alot of my ancestors were/are. Any help would be appriciated.