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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 3, 2019 8:26:41 GMT -7
All, at a fork in my worlds road... I have this "dream" per say of roasting coffee in a period manner over the fire, roasting kettle the whole shebang as a small side project. We have historic Fort Saint Clair that was built in 1792 that houses multiple period cabins that can be rented, a beautiful place and dear to my heart it is.
My idea would be on a Saturday or two a month, rent the cabin and essentially transform it into a coffee house. I would present everything obviously in a historical perspective, roasting coffee over the hearth in full garb. From raw beans to finished product, price per cup to be determined... Or whole fresh roasted coffee for sale.
I have connections for raw beans to be roasted and now need to source a roasting kettle... I'm trying to compile my thoughts and ideas which seem to go everywhere! Any help in alignment would be wonderful... I have the drive and means to make it work just trying to be very detailed, accurate and consistent with my approach.
I have such a desire in presenting my love of the 18th century to others that my drive and passion indeed are strong. As Americans our period of interest is such a important part of our history it must be maintained even in the smallest of ways.
In short, not looking to make copious amounts of money... Just enough to break even with my endeavors and hopefully spark some interest and pass on history to others. Are my intentions pure? Am I justified to do this? Have I the knowledge? It goes on and on... I think realistically my biggest hurdle is my own mind. Looking forward to hearing from our more experienced and wiser folk. The information you all freely share is always GREATLY appreciated.
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Keith
Hunter
Bushfire close but safe now. Getting some good rain.
Posts: 1,002 
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Post by Keith on Oct 3, 2019 14:19:41 GMT -7
If it was me, I would need to know that I actually had the skill to roast these coffee beans right the first time. For me that would mean plenty of practice first. Secondly I would not try & do this alone, & would get some friends or club members to pitch in, if only for moral support, labour & back-up. I don't know what access you have to media outlets there, you are going to need a good deal of advertising to get the word around. Check on other events, you do not want to clash with any other living history events on the same dates.
Do you just want this to be about roasting coffee? Or would it be a good idea to add something more such as a show & tell of someone's equipment? Is there a group or club nearby that would like to share this event with you & promote themselves through a show & tell or skills demonstrations?
I hope I have not added to your dilemma by adding more things to think about!
Keith.
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 3, 2019 14:32:41 GMT -7
If it was me, I would need to know that I actually had the skill to roast these coffee beans right the first time. For me that would mean plenty of practice first. Secondly I would not try & do this alone, & would get some friends or club members to pitch in, if only for moral support, labour & back-up. I don't know what access you have to media outlets there, you are going to need a good deal of advertising to get the word around. Check on other events, you do not want to clash with any other living history events on the same dates. Do you just want this to be about roasting coffee? Or would it be a good idea to add something more such as a show & tell of someone's equipment? Is there a group or club nearby that would like to share this event with you & promote themselves through a show & tell or skills demonstrations? I hope I have not added to your dilemma by adding more things to think about! Keith. Not at all and your thoughts are appreciated! I have the ability to roast coffee successfully, it indeed takes some practice but is almost like heat treating a blade and tempering in a way. Once you do it a few times the process becomes familiar and repeatable. My wife is actually on board which is suprising... She isn't very interested in my 18th century dealings but sees how important it is to me personally. She likes my approach and feels it could certainly be successful. Also she is excellent with social media, coupled with living in a rural community advertising the "event" if we shall call it will be relatively effortless. I also have a good friend who has been diving deeper into living history and authenticity. I've shared our forum with him and the knowledge base we have, he will be joining us soon. That said he want's to be apart of the endeavor so that base is covered! Lastly I think the show and tell portion is a excellent idea, maybe have a woodsman drop in for some relaxation after a trek, then have him give a educational presentation (obviously all pre planned). However that portion would need to be me... I have nobody unfortunately fit enough for that position so it may just end up being a educational presentation on 18th century coffee roasting and some gee wizardry info on my labours garb. I have a multitude of ideas but want to maintain realistic goals and start small. Given our community's history, I have a good feeling about this journey. |
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Post by Black Hand on Oct 3, 2019 15:08:23 GMT -7
Interesting idea. I'd map out the idea how you might map a gun build - to ensure all the pieces/people are in place and that you don't have any surprises. Now, that part you won't like. You should dress the part of a tavern-keeper, which would definitely mean Buckles on you shoes (and stockings, breeches, shirt & waistcoat rather than legging and a breechclout).  |
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 3, 2019 16:23:32 GMT -7
Interesting idea. I'd map out the idea how you might map a gun build - to ensure all the pieces/people are in place and that you don't have any surprises. Now, that part you won't like. You should dress the part of a tavern-keeper, which would definitely mean Buckles on you shoes (and stockings, breeches, shirt & waistcoat rather than legging and a breechclout). Absolutely agree! I'm actually going to start a journal of the idea and keep notes and thoughts with quill and ink. This will ensure my thoughts and ideas are complete and accurate given the time it takes to document with quill and ink. Now... on to the next part. I'm actually progressively moving towards the colonial side. Reason being is I feel it so much easier to connect with people along with it being easier on me in general. Breeches and stockings are actually rather comfortable, plus warmer! Buckles will be ordered... Thought about braising a pair together but the price of purchasing them is far less painful than the headache of making them. Only pieces of garb left to procure is a labours apron and cap, and already have the patterns in hand! Both will be made from linen and the cap lined with thin wool. Overall I see this as something unique and not commonly seen. I feel it will also be a wonderful family opportunity for the kids to be apart of and learn. Allot of what I do in the shop/ hunt and trek they are not involved with since they still are still so young. This would be a perfect setup for my little girl to get dulled up in a dress and help out. She isn't fond of the forest unfortunately (she is adopted) so obviously that gene doesn't run through her but I'm trying! The comfort of a cozy cabin/ tavern would be a great substitute. Plus I get to think of a name... black liquor at the sign of....! What? :-) |
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Post by brokennock on Oct 3, 2019 21:39:27 GMT -7
Love this idea. I wish I lived close enough to take part,,,, or at least drink some coffee with ya.
Damn, now I want a cup of coffee, and I was thinking of going to bed in Hope's of getting out after deer with my bow in the morning. Thanks a lot, lol.
In answer to the questions you asked I the last paragraph of your original post,,,, yes, to all of them. I have no doubts.
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 4, 2019 1:56:17 GMT -7
Love this idea. I wish I lived close enough to take part,,,, or at least drink some coffee with ya. Damn, now I want a cup of coffee, and I was thinking of going to bed in Hope's of getting out after deer with my bow in the morning. Thanks a lot, lol. In answer to the questions you asked I the last paragraph of your original post,,,, yes, to all of them. I have no doubts. I can attest to drinking a evening cup on a regular basis, almost every night. No ill doings with sleep, I say grab a cup of that delicious black bean water and enjoy! Thank you for the kind words, out of all my crafts I feel producing coffee in a period manner will be one task that can be accomplished more easily than others and all can benefit from my labours. I can certainly visualize the sights, sounds and smells. |
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Keith
Hunter
Bushfire close but safe now. Getting some good rain.
Posts: 1,002
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Post by Keith on Oct 4, 2019 3:11:52 GMT -7
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 4, 2019 5:04:37 GMT -7
Keith thank you! Some of those documents are EXACTLY what I've been looking for. |
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 4, 2019 5:07:40 GMT -7
Thank you Keith, been trying to find a readable copy of the "rules of the coffee house". Can't come across a legible document. The one you just posted is the best example I've seen thus far. |
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Post by brokennock on Oct 4, 2019 6:00:07 GMT -7
Love this idea. I wish I lived close enough to take part,,,, or at least drink some coffee with ya. Damn, now I want a cup of coffee, and I was thinking of going to bed in Hope's of getting out after deer with my bow in the morning. Thanks a lot, lol. In answer to the questions you asked I the last paragraph of your original post,,,, yes, to all of them. I have no doubts. I can attest to drinking a evening cup on a regular basis, almost every night. No ill doings with sleep, I say grab a cup of that delicious black bean water and enjoy! Thank you for the kind words, out of all my crafts I feel producing coffee in a period manner will be one task that can be accomplished more easily than others and all can benefit from my labours. I can certainly visualize the sights, sounds and smells. Drinking a cup of two would not have kept me awake. Taking the time to make it would have. |
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 4, 2019 7:20:01 GMT -7
I can attest to drinking a evening cup on a regular basis, almost every night. No ill doings with sleep, I say grab a cup of that delicious black bean water and enjoy! Thank you for the kind words, out of all my crafts I feel producing coffee in a period manner will be one task that can be accomplished more easily than others and all can benefit from my labours. I can certainly visualize the sights, sounds and smells. Drinking a cup of two would not have kept me awake. Taking the time to make it would have. Shoosh now! I make a entire pot of pour over from boiling water to grinding in about 15 minutes. You can do it, I have faith! |
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Post by brokennock on Oct 4, 2019 7:26:22 GMT -7
I've been back to the stovetop percolator lately. When I realized my old camping metal one is aluminium, I switched to a Corningwear one that has sat in cupboard unused for over a decade.
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Post by spence on Oct 4, 2019 9:15:53 GMT -7
What kind of equipment are you thinking of for roasting, grinding, brewing and serving? Going to roast at a fireplace, coals, etc.?
Spence
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Post by hawkeyes on Oct 4, 2019 14:14:25 GMT -7
What kind of equipment are you thinking of for roasting, grinding, brewing and serving? Going to roast at a fireplace, coals, etc.? Spence Will be in one of the cabins at the hearth over coals. My aim is to source a actual bean roasting kettle but I'm having a rather difficult time doing so... Closest thing I've found thus far is a scotch kettle (obviously rounded bottom) which is important. I'm negotiating with the seller on the price which I've got for $45, made in Albany NY. I'm awaiting for the seller to send the dimensions before making a final decision. After that I'm looking for a 18th century stoneware pour over pot. However doubt I'll find one nor can I find anyone who makes reproductions. I thought about finding a potter to have one made, again another easier said than done item. I "could" make one as I've also dabbled in pottery, but don't have access to a kiln. Next best option is actual French stoneware pour over pots which are antiques and similar to the 18th century version in style, and same concept. Unfortunately I may be making a compromise on this piece in having to use the antique french pot. I'm very particular and certainly want to source something authentic as possible. Outside of those items I'm going to see if I'm able to get a quantity discount on some period tavern mugs for serving. I'm not excepting a massive turnout so I'll likely see if I'm able to get about a dozen mugs. I do have a period tin pot for water as well. Many small details to work out yet, however that is all the fun! |
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