How to be proper 18th century Frontier Trash?
Jan 12, 2024 8:59:08 GMT -7
Keith and lenapej like this
Post by therealbarkeater on Jan 12, 2024 8:59:08 GMT -7
Hi All, this is my first post here and I'm logged in correctly( my username is "barkeater") and as I haven't done too much reading here yet , I apologize if this posted is in the wrong place, or a well worn out topic here. Thank you in advance for your patience.
I read Mark Bakers books 20 years ago and am actively trying to locate that particular crate of books, so I can review that material. But I've got the bug again, and having moved to the Eastern Shore of MD, am not far from the "action.
So now I need "the stuff" to participate. I've had my time in the woods, and done a fare amount of 17th to 20th century woodwork and boatbuilding, but never "dressed up" a persona.
I'm mostly interested in the experimental archeology side, the making of things, camping and hunting. Combining the 3 for "trekking" is kind of the ideal, and logistically fall under coyote hunting regs. And there there's a lot of ground between there and my couch. I'm really starting from scratch, so the first step is outfitting my self so I can participate in some of the more local reenactment opportunities, and get off my couch.
Here's the thing though, I'm "real life" I can pass for part of the Black Pearls crew. If I'm in my work clothes, first impressions might be homeless guy or lost Afghani goatherder. There exist pictures of me in a tuxedo, but even if I was drinking a martini, no ones going to mistake me for James Bond.
As far as personas go, I think its going to have be a lateral shift to "Frontier Trash" Perhaps I'm the bastard of English gentry, sent off to the colonies with a remittance, and things didn't quite go as expected... I could stay and tell the tale, if you gentlemen would kindly buy the next round....
The little bit of reading I've done paints a picture of people starting out as "frontier trash" as an inexpensive starter kit, and then they evolve into to a more respectable status as an owner of shoes and breaches.
With my resume, there's not much upper mobility, so I need to make the best of my lot.
Which brings me to the question. Can anyone point me to resources to help put together an historically accurate kit of material culture befitting some truly trashy frontier trash? I'm in my mid 50's (and I look good for 80), so If I'm caught up in the French and Indian Wars, my "stuff" may well date back to the 1720's and what ever home spun rat bag bits I've stitched and patched, might show that influence.
So what where should I look, what should I read? What should I buy, what should I make? Generally, where shall I start?
Thanks, Woody
I read Mark Bakers books 20 years ago and am actively trying to locate that particular crate of books, so I can review that material. But I've got the bug again, and having moved to the Eastern Shore of MD, am not far from the "action.
So now I need "the stuff" to participate. I've had my time in the woods, and done a fare amount of 17th to 20th century woodwork and boatbuilding, but never "dressed up" a persona.
I'm mostly interested in the experimental archeology side, the making of things, camping and hunting. Combining the 3 for "trekking" is kind of the ideal, and logistically fall under coyote hunting regs. And there there's a lot of ground between there and my couch. I'm really starting from scratch, so the first step is outfitting my self so I can participate in some of the more local reenactment opportunities, and get off my couch.
Here's the thing though, I'm "real life" I can pass for part of the Black Pearls crew. If I'm in my work clothes, first impressions might be homeless guy or lost Afghani goatherder. There exist pictures of me in a tuxedo, but even if I was drinking a martini, no ones going to mistake me for James Bond.
As far as personas go, I think its going to have be a lateral shift to "Frontier Trash" Perhaps I'm the bastard of English gentry, sent off to the colonies with a remittance, and things didn't quite go as expected... I could stay and tell the tale, if you gentlemen would kindly buy the next round....
The little bit of reading I've done paints a picture of people starting out as "frontier trash" as an inexpensive starter kit, and then they evolve into to a more respectable status as an owner of shoes and breaches.
With my resume, there's not much upper mobility, so I need to make the best of my lot.
Which brings me to the question. Can anyone point me to resources to help put together an historically accurate kit of material culture befitting some truly trashy frontier trash? I'm in my mid 50's (and I look good for 80), so If I'm caught up in the French and Indian Wars, my "stuff" may well date back to the 1720's and what ever home spun rat bag bits I've stitched and patched, might show that influence.
So what where should I look, what should I read? What should I buy, what should I make? Generally, where shall I start?
Thanks, Woody
