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Post by paranger on Jun 9, 2021 17:08:38 GMT -7
Thanks to a grant and a dedicated group of volunteers, I was privileged to be able to help raise the first of two planned reconstructed barracks at Fort Loudoun (PA) last weekend.  This structure joins a reconstructed guardhouse, travelling forge, bake oven, and covered well based upon documentary sources for Loudoun and other contemporary frontier forts as well as the original Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission archeological survey. |
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Post by brokennock on Jun 9, 2021 19:12:08 GMT -7
Looks drafty, lol.
Good for you for stepping up and helping get it done.
And, thank you for sharing with us.
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Post by spence on Jun 10, 2021 10:11:35 GMT -7
Good to see.
I had a chuckle when I read your post. Just a moment before I had run across an item in my database describing how James Smith and his Black Boys captured the commander of Fort Loudoun in order to force the return of some guns confiscated from the populace by the British troops there. The commander was Lt. Grant, and the fort was manned by a half-company of the 42nd. Regiment of Foot, the incident occurred in about 1765.
And then I checked the forum and the first thing I saw was your post.
Spence
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Post by paranger on Jun 10, 2021 10:16:02 GMT -7
Good to see. I had a chuckle when I read your post. Just a moment before I had run across an item in my database describing how James Smith and his Black Boys captured the commander of Fort Loudoun in order to force the return of some guns confiscated from the populace by the British troops there. The commander was Lt. Grant, and the fort was manned by a half-company of the 42nd. Regiment of Foot, the incident occurred in about 1765. And then I checked the forum and the first thing I saw was your post. Spence How timely, Spence! Yup: ground zero for the Black Boys' Rebellion. Huge staging base for the Forbes Expedition in '58 as well. |
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Post by paranger on Jun 10, 2021 10:37:18 GMT -7
The bake oven 
Guardhouse 
Parnell's Knob as viewed from the fort. This strategic landmark, together with it's sister, Jordan's Knob is the reason for Fort Loudoun's location. It guarded the mountain pass (Cowan's Gap) through which the Forbes Road crossed the Blue (or Kittatinny) Mountains. At the base of the mountain you can just see that little ridge / indentation in the trees which marks the original trace of Forbes' Road. 
Travelling forge
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Post by hawkeyes on Jun 11, 2021 8:19:38 GMT -7
I must say I'm jealous with envy!
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Post by paranger on Jun 11, 2021 8:54:51 GMT -7
I must say I'm jealous with envy! I do indeed feel fortunate to have this site - and its dedicated coalition of historically-minded volunteers - in my back yard, so to speak. |
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Post by hawkeyes on Jun 11, 2021 10:32:09 GMT -7
I have the same ambition with our local area in rebuilding Fort St. Clair. Problem is... I severely lack the funding but not the heart.
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Post by paranger on Jun 11, 2021 11:44:25 GMT -7
I have the same ambition with our local area in rebuilding Fort St. Clair. Problem is... I severely lack the funding but not the heart. I am no expert, but my observation here has been that a few people with heart and a talent for organizing can bring the funding: county and state grants, local business donations of materials and expertise, and a bunch of the rest of us with unskilled labor. |
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coot
City-dweller
Posts: 156
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Post by coot on Jun 11, 2021 15:54:42 GMT -7
Mrs Coot & I will be there for the trade fair the end of this month - will be great to check out the progress!
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Post by paranger on Jun 11, 2021 16:05:52 GMT -7
Mrs Coot & I will be there for the trade fair the end of this month - will be great to check out the progress! Great - I will look you up on Sunday! |
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coot
City-dweller
Posts: 156
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Post by coot on Jun 11, 2021 16:26:19 GMT -7
Find us in vendor row - "at the sign of the Blue Cat" (Blue Cat Buttonworks). Dave & Cheryl
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Post by hawkeyes on Jun 12, 2021 10:43:02 GMT -7
I have the same ambition with our local area in rebuilding Fort St. Clair. Problem is... I severely lack the funding but not the heart. I am no expert, but my observation here has been that a few people with heart and a talent for organizing can bring the funding: county and state grants, local business donations of materials and expertise, and a bunch of the rest of us with unskilled labor. This is valid! Need to get my rear in gear and get moving... Will say in all seriousness I truly haven't an idea were to start the process. The city owns the land, maybe start at the city building ans pitch the idea? |
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Post by paranger on Jun 12, 2021 11:39:07 GMT -7
I am no expert, but my observation here has been that a few people with heart and a talent for organizing can bring the funding: county and state grants, local business donations of materials and expertise, and a bunch of the rest of us with unskilled labor. This is valid! Need to get my rear in gear and get moving... Will say in all seriousness I truly haven't an idea were to start the process. The city owns the land, maybe start at the city building ans pitch the idea? Seems as good a place as any to start. I would be willing to bet there are other local folks who have an interest. A small group with a small project might get the ball rolling. Inviting the local press and letting any cooperative city, state, or local officials who offer support reap the PR benefits can't hurt, either. When people see good things happening, the chamber of commerce starts to see visions of tourism $$$, which can lead to more support, grants, etc. Obviously there is no one template for success, as all politics are local. That said, a local boy like you with an honest passion for the history (and demonstrated resourcefulness) can be an inspiration to others to get involved. I have watched it happen here. |
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Post by hawkeyes on Jun 12, 2021 16:27:50 GMT -7
A huge project and one I'd be honored to accomplish, especially with those who would share the passion of brining the fort back to her 1792 glory!
I already reached out to four individuals who share a common interest, definitely will see what happens.
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