St. Lawrence 1812 Alliance - Spencerville Heritage Fair

Ms. Jan Bonhomme
Ontario Visited Correspondent
Representing as St. Lawrence 1812 Alliance Correspondent



For this edition of our War of 1812 Article, I welcome Ontario Visited Festival Correspondent Jan Bonhomme representing as the St. Lawrence 1812 Alliance Correspondent to submit this interesting article from the recent events ….

“The War of 1812 Bicentennial commemorations have been planned for the next 3 years but in the St. Lawrence River region of Ontario, celebrating our roots has already kicked off in a big way. During the month of June, not one but four major bicentennial       events were offered back to back to visitors and all offered a quality heritage experience in a totally different way! The St. Lawrence 1812 Alliance promotion of these events must have worked because thousands of visitors attended and reports call the events a smashing success.

June started out with the Spencerville Heritage Fair who offered a true heritage experience for all walks of life. Political re-enactments, a suttler’s alley, a regency ball, a real life historical wedding, heritage performers and military re-enactments turned this small town into a glance from the past. But the highlight of the day was having over 280 individuals dressed in regency costumes attempting to break the Guinness world record for the number of people dressed in period clothing. Both young and old, male and female came out in droves in heritage finery making the small town of Spencerville truly proud of its attempt and its commitment to celebrating the past.

Just a few weeks later, the kick off to the Declaration of War on June 18 was held with the unveiling of a new $600,000 waterfront heritage park in Gananoque. The Joel Stone 1812 Heritage Park was built with partnerships from the local Lions, Rotary and Kinsmen Clubs along with the local accommodators, the St. Lawrence 1812 Alliance and the Town.  More than 1500 people were in attendance including over 500 school children dressed in red, white and blue who sang God Save the Queen as the new 80 foot Canada Flag pole was unveiled”…..

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 - Sense of Authenticity ...

First Kentucky Rifle Regiment
Photo Supplied by Mr. Chris Robins

Discussion with Chris Robins

Mr. Chris Robins, History/Geography Teacher at our local West High School in Cobourg, Ontario and Professional Re-enactor!

 

A     Sense of Authenticity …

When it comes the question of “authenticity” when reenactors get into gear and portray a period of history, the question of “authenticity” usually is answered in similar ways. Over the course of two years, (previous Blog articles I have written can be viewed on this website) have been answered by people from the Canadian Heritage Minister, James Moore, to Major John Terence (Ret’d), to Curators at Museums and Pioneer Villages to professional reenactors to students opinions. Today, Mr. Chris Robin’s says part of the “sense of authenticity is to feel the vibe of the 1812 Era … or period of history being portrayed through “living history”. As an example, some encampment areas use authentic canvas tents. Chris jokes with me telling me that as he and a few of his regiment are becoming “advanced in age”, they sneak out to the local hotels for the evening, get a good rest, warm shower, and sneak back into camp before anyone else gets up and is the wiser. It doesn’t distract the visual authenticity for the public. Again, Chris laughs when he told me about a time the were participating in an reenactment at Chryslers Farm in modern tents… the torrential rains literally flooded the tents… when Chris and his buddies woke, they saw their shoes floating around in the flooded tent. At one point, Mr. Robins regiment used “wooden canteens” to help stay “authentic”, but as he told me they were utterly useless as mold and cracks cancelled this idea quickly. Chris says they still wear them, but hid modern recycle able water bottles under their frocks. Now Chris and his buddies say the invention of “stainless steel canteens” are more authentic with time and assist with this ongoing issue.

Mr. Chris Robins has a great website up and running and I highly recommend you check out the website at (cdciwestreenacting.westhistory.net) to see where to view all the activities Mr. Robin’s and his mates have planned for this year.

War of 1812 - Staying Engaged ...

First Kentucky Rifle Regiment
Photo Supplied by Mr. Chris Robins

Discussion with Chris Robins

Mr. Chris Robins, History/Geography Teacher at our local West High School in Cobourg, Ontario and Professional Re-enactor!

Staying Engaged ...

Many reenactment events can take place throughout several locations. For example, Wasaga Under Siege takes on the shores of Georgian Bay while the encampment is located on Nancy Island, a short walking distance away from each other. Some events this year will take place on the “Tall Ships” while other “land battles” may occur. Some event organizers are poised with the challenge of “how to keep the audience (spectators) engaged!” Chris Robins had several suggestions here. One way is to have a “good MC”. The MC can narioate the activities being portrayed to the audience. If they are good, they will talk with the audience also, asking questions, “engaging” everyone. They should be able to tell the crowd and onlookers not only what the reenactors are doing … but why. The sound system should be adequate to accommodate the wind, external noises around the environment. Chris said a great way to “keep engaged” is to have “Drill Competitions”. Demonstrations can take place, then, invite the audience to participate. Either by encouraging the youth and adults to practice drill lines and maneuvers, or the reenactors themselves can have competitions. The audience could vote for the Best Close Order Drill, the Best Skirmish Drill, the Best Crowd Pleaser, and so on. Both the “voting” and the “participating” could enhance the “rolls of engagement” at an event. These simple actions might help build the void in any time delays during an event, such as a ship taking longer to dock, etc.

Mr. Chris Robins has a great website up and running and I highly recommend you check out the website at (cdciwestreenacting.westhistory.net) to see where to view all the activities Mr. Robin’s and his mates have planned for this year.    

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Youth - Staying in the Game ...

First Kentucky Rifle Regiment
Photo Supplied by Mr. Chris Robins

With the War of 1812 Bicentennial celebrations starting to get into swing, some event organizers/participants may appreciate some of the insight I was able to obtain from non other than Mr. Chris Robins, History/Geography Teacher at our local West High School in Cobourg, Ontario and Professional Re-enactor! Several interesting topics were discussed that you might enjoy reading about, or find useful.

Many young people are interested in history and in “living history” through re-enacting. Some students are able to participate through their local high school programs, such as the Cobourg West High School. Mr. Robins said that many of these students continue on to study this passion and interest in higher education, moving onto college and university where these studies are available, but the fields are limited.  Chris’s website tells us that … “All CDCI West students are eligible to join the Reenacting Club - see "How to Join" for more details. Each year we host local events with hundreds of spectators - "Resources" includes background about the War of 1812, drill, and other information about how-to reenact. Finally, "Links" will connect you to local reenacting units and events by adult reenacting groups.... Kentuckians were the strongest supporters for the War of 1812 on the American side. They had the highest enlistment rate of all of the states. The First Kentucky Mounted Rifle Regiment are famous for their victory at the Battle of the Thames. It is one of the few battles where Kentuckians fought on horseback - normally they would leave the horses under the care of a few of the men and then go forward to fight on foot. These militiamen were deadly riflemen. To learn more about Kentucky Riflemen - visit the website of the First Kentucky Rifle Regiment - this group assists the CDCI West Re-enacting group with all of their battle re-enactments.” Part of the challenge that high school groups have, start with students not being able to dedicate the time to participate in reenactments due to summer employment opportunities. It is difficult for students to ask for “time off for the weekend” and they desperately need the income for their further education endeavors. Mr. Robin’s tells me some of the equipment can be costly for students. Some equipment is provided by the school and other members of Mr. Robin’s reenactment groups, such as frock costs and muskets … however, there are costs associated with additional equipment such as personal canteens, pants, shirts, and insurance can add up. Reenacting is a “hobby” but realistically there are costs. Organizers want to welcome the reenactors to their events … one way Chris suggests in obtaining the participants is to “feed them well, pay for the gun powder, provide port-o-potties, and adequate facilities for the groups encampments”.

Mr. Chris Robins has a great website up and running and I highly recommend you check out the website at (cdciwestreenacting.westhistory.net) to see where to view all the activities Mr. Robin’s and his mates have planned for this year.    

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Introduces John Terence, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) MMM, CD Producer

Interview with Mr. John Terence, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

WAR OF 1812 & the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

The “SYSTEM” …

The “System” is taking the Master Script that has been written weeks before and distributing it to the “Key People”, including the Floor Manager. There is a document of the running order of the Production; the Who, What, Where, When, entrances, exits, etc. A great example of John’s planning was last year’s timing before the next performance came onto the floor. The MacInaw Folklorique Ensemble performance required a certain amount of time needed to set up their stage, drums and equipment. During this time, the Producer inserted the “Re-enactment Performance”. This provided a great distraction while they set up the stage, and the crowd was distracted while they enjoyed themselves watching the Re-enactment.

Mr. Terence says that being prepared and having excellent staff and volunteers on hand help make his job easy. I asked him if he ever got to enjoy the performances. He tells me that he enjoys them as it goes along. He enjoys the rehearsals, especially while rehearsing the lighting script. Some of their skilled lighting technicians have been at it for years and are masters in their fields. John told me also, that once the theme has been set, the performances rehearsed, the team informed … once the Pipes and Drums start playing there is nothing left to do prepare … the show is on!

All the Best to the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival this June 23-24, 2012!