War of 1812 "Big in Canada?" ...

Photo taken by Gary McWilliams

Reenactment 2011 Wasaga Under Seige

War of 1812 article submitted by

Judi McWilliams

Ontario Visited/War of 1812 Bicentennial

As the War of 1812 Bicentennial year has started, I wanted to share some of the “stories” and bring some “important issues” for you to consider. The following except is from an article posted in the SalemNews.com, submitted October 1, 2011 by David M. Shribman, a North Shore native and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, is executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

“David Shribman: War of 1812: Still big in Canada, not so much here”

“FORT ERIE, Ontario — The deficit remains a threat to the United States, economic crises persist in Europe, two wars rage halfway around the world, and the Republicans are beginning to focus on their nomination fight. So you have ample reason not to feel guilty about not having focused on this urgent question that the United States, Canada and Great Britain face next year: What is the best way to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812?

This may not be the best time to plan a war commemorative. The U.S. is marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, which will consume five years and already has attracted considerable attention. Seven years ago the attempt to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the French and Indian War was a dud. There's not a huge appetite for yet another set of commemorative books, historical novels, re-enactments and school dioramas.

But this landmark will not go away, and embedded in this anniversary are several sticky questions, such as: How does Canada celebrate its victories over American invaders without alienating its biggest trading partner? How does the U.S. approach a war in which its principal adversary, Great Britain, is now one of its closest friends? And do the British pause to mark this event at all, given that for them it was but a brief, minor sideshow in the far more important Napoleonic Wars?”

(To Be Continued)

The Importance of Living History

Judi McWilliams
Behind the Lens
Ontario Visited
War of 1812 Celebrations

I will continue this Blog while on my quest to understand why History, the War of 1812 and “living history” is so important. Over the course of last year I asked several leaders, experts, re-enactors why they felt “living history” was important. Some of the responses have enlightened me and may be interesting to you also. The following are partial excerpts from Blog interviews posted in the past on our War of 1812 Celebrations website.

Zackery Caron, High School Student, Cobourg …“When I am reenacting, 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! I did notice the crowds at the beach reenactment; (I and another who were injured) were encouraged to interact with the crowd.”  Zack is an indication of the interaction of today’s “youth” which help keep these important roles of “living history” alive and well in our communities!

Laurie Siblock, Assistant Manager/Special Event & Community Liaison Lang Pioneer Village Museum … “Living history helps preserve both tangible and intangible heritage for future generations”…“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”… “It is important to get into the mindset and understand the personalities of the people before us”.  “Our ancestors paved the way for us; the richness in the past can inform you and help you understand the present”.

These few excerpts from my interviews over the past year have helped create an awareness how important “living history” is. Through our War of 1812 Celebrations Website we will continue to promote, educate, and inform our website visitors about the War of 1812 and its’ impact on our society today. We will be increasing our ongoing pursuit to enhance the knowledge of this important part of Canadian History. Our plan is reach as many War of 1812 enthusiasts and would-be enthusiasts, new “Canadians”, and particularly the youth in Ontario. Hope to see you “in-the-fields” during 2012.

The Importance of Living History

Judi McWilliams

Behind the Lens

Ontario Visited

War of 1812 Celebrations

During 2012, our War of 1812 Celebrations Website will be focusing on the promotion of the War of 1812; the War of 1812 Bicentennial Celebrations, its participants, its history and the people who organize and manage War of 1812 Bicentennial events. We will also focus on showcasing and promoting War of 1812 re-enactments and activities during the Bicentennial and beyond.

I have been on a quest to understand why History, the War of 1812 and “living history” is so important. Over the course of last year I asked several leaders, experts, re-enactors why they felt “living history” was important. Some of the responses have enlightened me and may be interesting to you also. The following are partial excerpts from Blog interviews posted in the past on our War of 1812 Celebrations website.

Mr. Chris Robins, High School History teacher - Cobourg … “I can see the students enjoy the history, that sometimes, until you get involved with re-enacting, you underestimate just how important history is. What I am very excited about is understanding why the men/women of the War of 1812 period of time fought the way they did.”

Anne Brooks, Current former Marketing and Communications Coordinator at Fanshawe Pioneer Village, London …“I think it is important for people to learn about their history.  The war of 1812 was a very large part of Canadian history and I really feel like people do not know a great deal about what happened.  It is important to celebrate the heroic actions of the soldiers who lived and died in the War of 1812.  You can’t move on to the future until you learn from the past.”

Ms. Sandra Shaul, City of Toronto, Museum Administrator, Special Projects, Bicentennial War of 1812 Museums - Heritage Services for the City of Toronto Cultural Services – Toronto …“the demographics of the Toronto area and region are not rural and have a very distinct audience from other areas”. “The region is composed of about 2.6 million people, 50% born outside Canada, thus creating a vast diversity of multi-cultural and diverse ethnic backgrounds; “if you understand the context of the War of 1812, you will see how it has led to who we are today”.

(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Parks Canada 200 Years of Peace

Carol Law
Festival Nomad Correspondent

Scouts Canada Participats at Niagara-on-the Lake
featuring Article Submitted by Carol Law
Part 4 ...

We will conclued this series with Festival Nomad Correspondent, Carol Law’s article about her adventures during this past summers experience with Scouts Canada.

Mindful that there have been troubling times in peace time as well, a moment of silence was observed this year to remember the events of 9/11 ten years ago.  I was there for the 1812 camp the weekend following 9/11.  We didn't know if the Americans would come.  Then we didn't know if they would be able to get through the border - with so many youth?  With imitation muskets and cannons?  A cheer went up in the field when we heard they were trying to come.  Three "hassahs" (British military cheer) went up in the field when we heard they were coming. 

We later learned that the leaders explained the bus loads (over 600 Scouts from the US came through) to the boarder guards.  The boarder guards checked the Scouts through a special line so they could make the camp in time on a weekend where it was taking up to 36 hours to get through.

On the last day of camp, teen years ago, it was the British side's turn to lead into the Fort for the closing.  Imagine a column of almost 2000 people marching across the field, four abreast; the line stretches for over a kilometer.  Spontaneously, without discussion, or planned decision, the British troops silently stopped at the Fort gate and formed an honour guard for the American Scouts allowing them to enter the Fort first.  2000 youth were silent for over 20 minutes; this was not asked of them, they recognized the significance of the gesture and gave it out of respect.  The closing remarks were very moving that morning.  It made you think about what was important.  And that, while we teach our youth about what happened 200 years ago, it is what we do with that knowledge today that makes it all worth while.

This is why the War of 1812 is significant; because we can celebrate peace, and work together for the important things.

That is why Scouts Canada chooses to celebrate 200 years of peace.  Next year, in mid-September, the 29th Fort George Scout campaign will once again descend on Niagara on the Lake.  It is anticipated that over 4000 Scouting members will be there to re-enact the war of 1812 and celebrate peace between our nations once again.

War of 1812 Parks Canada 200 Years of Peace

Carol Law
Festival Nomad Correspondent

Scouts Canada Participats at Niagara-on-the-Lake
featuring Article Submitted by Carol Law
Part 3 ...

We will continue with Festival Nomad Correspondent, Carol Law’s article about her adventures during this past summers experience with Scouts Canada.

The mechanisms for the muskets are made and sold by the Bayview Hills Scouts from Newmarket who is more than happy to supply both sides of the event, British and American alike. Bayview Hill Scouts have been participating in the Fort George campaign for all of its 28 years. They represent the 49th “o’foot” Regiment, Company 1. A full replica (5 1/2 ‘ x 6’) of the regimental flag leads each parade as the Regiment moves from place to place. Needless to say, capturing the “colours” of this Regiment is quite a coup.

Camped out at Butler's Barracks, the Scouts spend a weekend re-enacting the lifestyle, tasks, and battles typical of the War of 1812. They attend lifestyle presentations on barracks life, parade drill, and officer life, have a tour of Fort George, participate in an hour long parade through the Town of Niagara on the Lake where they have a 21st century hour to visit the shops, spend their “pay” (tickets) at the Fudge Parade (in camp candy shop), take local tours, and of course, participate in two sessions of battle including the appropriate drill, commands, formations strategies. Judges determine who “won” each part of the battle. They also decide if a volley of musket or cannon fire hit its mark. If it does the youth have to lie on the ground for one minute and then they reform their regiment and join in again.

This year Parks Canada presented a plaque to recognize over 100 years of service by Scouts Canada during the many wars and conflicts that Canada has assisted in. The plaque dedicates the site as an "Important Historical Site" and Scouts Canada as an "Important Historical Service". It is significant, and speaks to the amazing program that Scouts Canada provides, that Parks Canada allows this large event to camp out on National Historic ground.
(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Parks Canada 200 Years of Peace

Carol Law
Festival Nomad Correspondent

Scouts Canada Participats at Niagara-on-the-Lake
featuring Article Submitted by Carol Law
Part 2 ...
This week we will continue with Festival Nomad Correspondent, Carol Law’s article about her adventures during this past summers experience with Scouts Canada.
Scouts Canada is celebrating 200 years of Peace! The War of 1812 at Fort George, Niagara on the Lake was re-enacted by over 2300 Scouts from Canada and the United States. The Scouts recreate the battles, wearing full period style uniforms, accouterments, brandishing muskets that fire caps (for a satisfying "bang"), and hauling cannons that the boys and their leaders have made.

To Carol’s credits, she has been Awarded the Silver Medal of Merit from the Camp Anderson, Fort George 1812 Campaign for contribution to uniforms and the flag. Her participation also includes being in reenactments. Recently at a Lady with a parasol where her main rule of etiquette was to only not at passing Gentlemen who acknowledge you first. She really stays true to wearing a Spencer Dress and Apron; she was required as “the local woman” to assist with camp life. In the “Off Season” Carol can be found speaking to Scout groups about family 1812 history. She will spend time doing research and make new uniforms and equipment. She still will participate during the off season in parades reenacting as “wooden toy soldiers”. And of course, Drill Practice. Carol is an amazing person who can say one of her accomplishments was developing a new Scout specialty badge for 1812 participation. She has been required to qualify in participating also by making own equipment, participating in 3 events, 2 camp events, write an article and speak to a troop about the experience. Now that you know a little about Carol, she will share with us her story while participating in this years Scout Canada experience at Niagara-on-the-Lake.
(To Be Continued)

War of 1812 Parks Canada 200 Years of Peace

Carol Law
Festival Nomad Correspondent

Scouts Canada Participates at Niagara-on-the-Lake
featuring Article Submitted by Carol Law
Part 1 ...
This past summer our Festival Nomad Correspondent, Carol Law, attended the War of 1812 Parks Canada 200 Years of Peace Celebrations with Scouts Canada at Niagara-on-the-Lake. A brief note about Scouts Canada ... “Scouts Canada is the country's leading youth organization. For more than 100 years, we have brought a world of adventure, outdoor experience and friendship to 17 million Canadian youth. Scouts have a lot of fun discovering new things and experiences they wouldn't have elsewhere. Along the way they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals, better prepared for success in the world. Scouting offers a world where you can discover the best in yourself and the best in others. Dollar for dollar, our programs provide significant value. They run all year round and offer adventures that youth will remember for a lifetime!”

Carol Law’s involvement with Scouts Canada has accumulated to a large successful portfolio of activities and accomplishments. As Carol is our Festival Nomad Correspondent's who will be submitting the article, I thought you might like to know a little her experiences . Ms. Law has participated in 19 Scout Canada Campaigns. Her journey started when you young son was involved with Scouts in Bayview Hills, Newmarket. She has been part of the 49th o’ foot Regiment, 1st Comany – both Infantry & Artillery (cannon). Carol is a talented sewer, so, it is no surprise she was involved with the Sewing of the 49th flag. She has designed and made original patterns for historically detailed uniforms, accotrements such as canteens, cartouches, sheikos = hats, sashes, insignia, haversacks. Ms. Law has assisted in the development and making of the first mechanisms and muskets – mechanisms fire caps. Recently during a visit to Carol’s home, I noticed two light blue canteen period containers, clearly hade with Carol’s talents. Carol has played the Role of the Quartermaster…That being the person responsible for the “quarters”. At camp she had led the troops in camp set up, ordering and coordination the food rations, maintaining order and structure in the kitchen, providing uniforms and accoutrements for the Scouts and participants including all ordering supplies. She will oversee challenges and “fix” any with her amazing initiative, creativity and wealth of knowledge and experience!
(To Be Continued)