William Brand

February 20 - 

On this day in 1521, Juan Ponce de León set out from Spain for Florida with about 200 prospective colonists.

Also…and this isn’t the least bit piratical…or is it?.  On this day in 1673, the first recorded wine auction took place in London.

And on this day in 1685, René-Robert Cavelier established Fort St. Louis at Matagorda Bay thus forming the basis for France's claim to Texas.

And on this day in 1815, the USS Constitution, under Captain Charles Stewart fought the British ships Cyane and Levant. The Constitution captured both, but lost the Levant after encountering a British squadron. The Constitution and the Cyane returned to New York safely.

On 2/17/2023 at 12:24 PM, madPete said:

One thing we've learned is that great venues are difficult to find and keep. Like everything, change is inevitable. So dont take your events for granted. Support them and help them to flourish any way you can. Cherish and protect your special venues, they are few and far between.

Amen.  When visiting an event always ask 'What do you need?' or 'How can we/I help?'.  You never know, but you you might be the reason that an event survives.

1 hour ago, kass said:

I got an email.  Hi everyone!  Remember me?

YES!  Welcome back!

We need a lot more examples of song from the period.  Nothing improves an event, campout or sail like live music.

At one point Ty Coleman and I threw together a Firefly fan film for Can't Stop the Serenity.

Also...please feel free to post as many well researched, time-sucking articles as you want.

I haven't had any issues so far.  I'll test one today to be certain.

February 18 - 

On this day in 1688 the following was recorded at Ile à Vache.

"Mathurin Desmaretz, was Quartermaster with Captain Charpin of the ship St. Roze, and quarreled with him over the division of the loot.  He agreed in defining the captain’s dividend (ten lots and first choice of any captured vessel) and those of the two surgeons on board, who, in addition to the usual allowance for their chests, were to keep captured instruments which were not embellished with silver details (“qui ne seront point garnys d’argent”). Pillage included gold, silver, diamonds, pearls, musk, ambergris and all sorts of precious stones as well as all bales that were not pierced between two points or at their bases (“tous balots entammez entre deux ponts ou au fond”)."

And the Boston Gazette recorded this on February 18 of 1721.

"To be sold by Gyles Dulake Tidmarsh at No. 4 on the Long Wharfi, Womens Silk and Braded Shoes, Boxes of Pickels, Castle Sope, Loaf Sugar, Cocoa, and very good Spanish Snuff in half pound Pots."

Beautiful work!

7 hours ago, madPete said:

OMG - You are an animal indeed!

I'd follow you anywhere Quartermaster! Where's the next Pyrate raid?

I worked them up into a riot.  The convention staff would fight over who got to staff our event, because we were so crazy fun.

The next raid is coming up soon.

It's our pleasure!

Utah Pirate Invasion in August of 2018 at Fort Buenaventura.

I should never be given a microphone and 900 people to control.
 

2 minutes ago, Tartan Jack said:

http://www.redhawktrading.com/diamond-shelter.html

I've heard for and against arguments for the diamond shelter, so I'm not convinced it's a period tent, thought it has the pragmatism of the age.

5 hours ago, Duchess said:

By levels, surely you must mean rows!

Is Access still a thing? I was doing some consulting years ago and they wanted an access database built. It was way overkill and none of their people were ever going to learn to use it. Still a fight to talk them out of it!

Anyway, point me to any cheese based recipes please.

I'm not sure what I mean now.  I better chart it.

I remember when this debuted!  Brought back memories.

I've used Red Hawk Trading Company.  http://www.redhawktrading.com/products.html

I used them for several reasons.  People bragged on the rugged construction, and they aren't wrong.  The tents are very well made.  Also, they were within driving distance, so no shipping costs.  Also...they were an odd size, because a custom order had fallen through so we bought two of them for a reduced price.  I can't say enough good about them.  That said, while my tent is a simple wedge, it isn't period.  Close, but not period.  

It's hard to find close tents, but there are more period ones out there in terms of cut and materials.

I didn't until Stynky pointed it out.  Now I hear it even when I'm not online.

3 hours ago, Mission said:

Added here for reference:

Feel free to lock my topic and format whatever you like in my list so it fits in your list. (I really don't need another ongoing topic to manage... )

I will pick it clean for information!

Lots and lots of charity events and Firefly shindigs for me.

Wow.  There are a number of people I would not have remembered if not for this.  Plus a number of people that we've lost.

Raise a glass!

YAY!  Thank you.

This is a compilation of the many suggestion.  I think this list hits most of the suggestions.  Feel free to add it to the first post as an update.  The list has some redundancy, but the main talking points are listed alphabetically.  

 

After Hours - After hour camping and activities on site and local places, bars, restaurants, etc. 

Activities/entertainment - The overall event program and the variety of activities both private & public

Animals - Allowing certain service animals, presentation animals, livestock, etc.

Battles - Black powder, live steel, cannons, skirmishes, boarding actions, etc.

Boats - Small boats and tall ship with tours, battles and travel options 

Campfires & cooking - 'Fire' for cooking, conversation, atmosphere, etc.  Also, firewood

Camping - Space for pitching a tent with grass, trees for hammocks, period lodging, etc.

Charity & conservation - The chance to help charity groups and site preservation

Company/People - Friends, knowing other attendees, crews, etc.

Cost - All things effecting cost, i.e. travel expenses, fees, lodging, food. etc.

Drinking - On site drinking/vendors and/or after hours drinking for volunteers

Event Information - Accurate portrays of costs, event details, directions, dates, etc.

Food  - Good food vendor options , variety and proximity to cafes and restaurants  

Historic draws - The venue itself and local sites, tours and museums

Hospitality - How the event organizers and public treat attendees, volunteers and performers 

Inclusion - Friendly acceptance of new and old attendees and no drama

Location - The overall backdrop of the venue, such as historic forts, beaches, trees, parks, open water, etc.

Lodging - In addition to camping...the proximity of good hotels. motels, RV camps, and other options

Music - Live performances, spontaneous music, full bands, individual performers, etc.

Parking - Adequate parking provided for attendees, performers and volunteers traveling from near and far

Payment - Always a nice option to be paid, be it in food, fuel, lodging or other amenities 

Presentation - Immersive historical settings or high level thematic events

Safety - Strong adherence to safe shooting, cannon demos, fighting, boating, etc.  

Toilets & Showers - Basic restroom and cleaning facilities provided

Transportation - Proximity to airports, bus stations, trains, carpooling, etc.

Vendors - A good variety of vendors pertaining to the theme be it historic or stylized

Water - Provided hydration options, and where necessary, shade and shelter options

Weapons - The ability to carry a wide variety of blackpowder weapons, blades, etc.

And...no drama


I can appreciate this thread on too many levels.

4 hours ago, Mission said:

If you list them with a link (a very brief description would also be nice), I'll add them to the first post like I did with the last two William posted.

Example:

C. Fahey Capper & Knitter
"Maker of the finest quality 17th and 18th century knit caps"

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100082664684648