Characters of the War of 1812

by Judi McWilliams

The Value of Our Past...
The War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations are coming fast and we are becoming more aware of the wonderful events and festivals that Ontario communities are hosting now and leading up to this special historical occasion. I have been wondering, lately, why it is important to recognize, reflect and remember the past! By doing just a tiny bit of research, I have found some interesting facts (perhaps fiction) that have helped me understand and appreciate this history. What amazes me are the efforts put forth by re-enactors at re-enactment battles and encampments in accurately portraying our important and amazing history! I had the opportunity, recently, to interview Laurie Siblock, Special Event & Community Liaison at Lang Pioneer Village Museum. Although the periods of time are different, Laurie helped me understand the value of “living history” and this understanding has helped me realize the importance of reenactments. Laurie states “Living history helps preserve both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations”. I asked Laurie why this was important. I really wanted to understand! Laurie seemed to be very reflective when she replied. She said “part of understanding history is to help us not repeat the mistakes of the past. It helps us gain appreciation for what we have today”. Laurie continued “it is important to get into the mindset and understand the personalities of the people before us”. Our ancestors paved the way for us and she appreciates what we have. Laurie mentioned the fact that it would have taken three days to journey from Cobourg to Peterborough! Our ancestors literally helped pave the roadways and the paths of our future. Laurie also said “the richness in the past can inform you and help you understand the present”. With Valentine’s Day just this past month, I wondered what kind of “relationships” occurred during the War of 1812!
(To be continued)

War of 1812 - Interview Series

by Judi McWilliams

Interview with Zackery Caron (Part Three)
I asked Zack how does he knows what actions to take during the “battles”? His troop was completely down and he was the last man standing. And then a cannon went off and we saw him “fall”. I asked him what were his thoughts and could he tell me his decisions and actions at that time. He replied "Well to start, during the battles we are told what to do by the commanding officer, just with fancier terms. When I was the last man standing I was told that I was to be shot by the cannon, and so I played it up a little. I took a dive, sprang backwards and then went as limp as I could." I couldn’t let this opportunity of speaking with my nephew pass without asking him if he could tell us any interesting or humorous antidotes in his time of re-enacting. He seems to really enjoy the re-enacting and this was his reply, “Well, the funniest thing that has happened to me was at the beach reenactment. We were outnumbered by about 3 to 1. My part was to yell and scream and make a big seen and then run away! The plan was that when I was run backwards, the officer would tell one person to shoot me for running away! When the time came I ran, the officer called out, and everyone with a working musket turned and fired all at once! I fell! I couldn’t stop laughing so hard afterwards.” In other words, he had “FUN”! If my nephew, Zack, is an indication of the interaction of today’s “youth” with these important roles, it bodes well for keeping “living history” alive and well in our communities!

War of 1812 - Interview Series

by Judi McWilliams

Interview with Zackery Caron (Part Two)
Re-enacting can be an expensive “hobby” as David Brunelle has mentioned. Fortunately for Zack, his teacher, Mr. Chris Robins has an ample supply of "re-enactment gear" to help the students participate fully! David Brunelle has told us, in the past, how much fun re-enacting can be for the youth of today, but I wondered if Zack actually enjoyed “the history” or “just the fun of it all”? Zack told me that he does enjoy history, but really enjoys ancient history, that being before the year 1600. We have watched Zack in full costume take the role of the “drummer” and he is good at it, (he also plays the drum set at a high skill level). “Drumming” in re-enacting for the War of 1812 is difficult. Zack tells me that the costume is hot and he can become tired by the end of the day! That doesn’t seem to discourage him from posing for the pictures that many onlookers take during these re-enactments! He would like to take the necessary courses to be able to take on other roles or re-enacting, particularly the use of the “musket”. It takes a lot of education, courses, dedication, practice and skill to be “allowed” to partake in this portion of re-enacting. He does put about one or two lunch periods per week into practicing at school during the re-enacting periods. Zack is interested but it may take some mentoring and continued effort to reach that next level. At this point, I should tell you that we have had the privilege of watching Zack “in action” on the field at a re-enactments for younger students and on a crowded beach in front of hundreds of people. We were amazed at how professional he was and how “true to character” he was. So, I asked Zack about the youth of today and him in particular. How did he do this? What mind-set was he in? Did he notice the crowds? His reply again was simple… "I don’t really try to be 'in character', it just kind of happens. When you dress up and stand and walk as a unit, it just kind of happens! And yes I did notice the crowds and at the beach re-enactment, (myself and another who were injured) were encouraged to interact with the crowd."
(To be continued)

War of 1812 - Interview Series

by Judi McWilliams

Interview with Zackery Caron (Part One)

I wondered what the life of a “teenager” would have been like during the War of 1812? We have had many opportunities over the last few years to travel across Ontario to visit different Re-enactments of the War of 1812. It shed some light into many aspects of life during that period of time. Re-enactments and re-enactors play an important part in Canadian society. I have had the opportunity to talk with Mr. David Brunelle, Project Director of the Southern Georgian Bay War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee which helped me gain some understanding about being a re-enactor of the War of 1812. Even if you are not a history buff, re-enactments are exciting and entertaining! In previous articles, we have written about our nephew, Zackery Caron (who is now 16 years old). We have watched him on several occasions as he took part in re-enacting. As I was wondering about the life of a young “teenager” during the War, I thought it would be a great opportunity to go directly to the youth of today and ask some questions. Getting time to talk with my nephew is like pulling teeth. He has a full schedule, with high school, two part-time jobs (that consume most evenings and weekends), a co-op placement in the community, and “life” in general as a teen of today! I e-mailed him with my questions. His answers were short, but, without his input I would not be able to share these insights with you. Lucky for the internet! Fortunately for Zack, he has an amazing history teacher, Mr. Chris Robins, who is an avid re-enactor! We have written about Mr. Robins in the past which you can visit at West History. That being said, I asked Zack how he became interested in re-enacting? He said simply, his history teacher (Mr. Robins) asked if he wanted to join! Mr. Robins saw that our nephew was interested in history and realized the opportunity by asking him to take part. Being only 16 years old, it is hard to believe that Zack has been re-enacting for three full years and is about to embark on his fourth year! I asked Zack if it was difficult to get other students involved? He tells me, ”That depends really, if the student is already interested in history it’s not, although not really. If the student isn’t, then yes it is difficult”.
(To be continued)