Sunset Crysler Farm
The end of a hot day!
Monday 27 February 2012
Guelph symposium
Time is now to honour 1812 heroes, Guelph symposium hears
GUELPH – The federal government refuses to properly acknowledge the service of soldiers who played a critical role in the formation of Canada as we know it, attendees at a Guelph symposium heard Saturday.
“There are Canadians who fought to protect this country and they have not been recognized,” said retired lieutenant-colonel Jeff Cairns, who chairs the Honour Our 1812 Heroes committee.
Cairns spoke on the issue of Canada’s failure to bestow battle honours on modern military units which “perpetuate” units that fought in the War 0f 1812.
The War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium was held this weekend at the University of Guelph.
A byproduct of the Napoleonic Wars raging in Europe at the beginning of the 19th Century, war was declared against the British by US President James Madison in June, 1812.
The Americans planned to take over the British colonies of Upper and Lower Canada – largely encompassing current-day Ontario and Quebec, respectively – in a single mass attack.
However Canadian, British and Aboriginal troops fighting together managed to repel the invasion and remain independent of the United States.
“That’s like motherhood, maple syrup, six-team NHL and Don Cherry in one,” historian and author Donald Graves said of the united effort. “It doesn’t get much more Canadian than that.”
Graves, who has spent nearly 40 years researching the War of 1812, said Britain and the United States both have battle honours recognizing the war, but Canada has always refused to award them.
“It is sad that Canada refuses to honour the service of these brave men,” Graves said.
A press release earlier this month from the Department of National Defence noted a number of initiatives to mark the bicentennial, but was silent on the issue of bestowing battle honours.
“The War of 1812 represents a key milestone in our nation’s history, and I am proud of our government’s efforts to raise awareness and to create an enhanced understanding of Canadian military history,” Defence Minister Peter MacKay said in the release.
Robert Henderson, creator of the website Warof1812.ca, said while the government has talked about other official types of recognition – including commemorative pins to be worn by all Forces members – only battle honours can be included on regiments’ official colours.
“We’re talking about a vehicle to permanently embed the War of 1812 … and the only suitable vehicle to do that is with battle honours,” Henderson said.
Graves said the decision by the Department of National Defence not to formally recognize the War of 1812 seems to relate to a decision made decades ago that the Canadian Armed Forces began with the Militia Act of 1855.
“I honestly believe they forget why they made that decision,” he said in an interview after the presentation, “but bureaucracy is always willing to fight to defend a bad decision.”
Cairns said with the official bicentennial of the start of the war just a few months away, this is the best opportunity yet to try to win official recognition.
“What other opportunity has there been or will there ever be to try to achieve what we’re doing?” he posed. “The War of 1812 is the foundation stone that leads to Confederation that leads to the country we are today.”
stracey@guelphmercury.com
“There are Canadians who fought to protect this country and they have not been recognized,” said retired lieutenant-colonel Jeff Cairns, who chairs the Honour Our 1812 Heroes committee.
Cairns spoke on the issue of Canada’s failure to bestow battle honours on modern military units which “perpetuate” units that fought in the War 0f 1812.
The War of 1812 Bicentennial Symposium was held this weekend at the University of Guelph.
A byproduct of the Napoleonic Wars raging in Europe at the beginning of the 19th Century, war was declared against the British by US President James Madison in June, 1812.
The Americans planned to take over the British colonies of Upper and Lower Canada – largely encompassing current-day Ontario and Quebec, respectively – in a single mass attack.
However Canadian, British and Aboriginal troops fighting together managed to repel the invasion and remain independent of the United States.
“That’s like motherhood, maple syrup, six-team NHL and Don Cherry in one,” historian and author Donald Graves said of the united effort. “It doesn’t get much more Canadian than that.”
Graves, who has spent nearly 40 years researching the War of 1812, said Britain and the United States both have battle honours recognizing the war, but Canada has always refused to award them.
“It is sad that Canada refuses to honour the service of these brave men,” Graves said.
A press release earlier this month from the Department of National Defence noted a number of initiatives to mark the bicentennial, but was silent on the issue of bestowing battle honours.
“The War of 1812 represents a key milestone in our nation’s history, and I am proud of our government’s efforts to raise awareness and to create an enhanced understanding of Canadian military history,” Defence Minister Peter MacKay said in the release.
Robert Henderson, creator of the website Warof1812.ca, said while the government has talked about other official types of recognition – including commemorative pins to be worn by all Forces members – only battle honours can be included on regiments’ official colours.
“We’re talking about a vehicle to permanently embed the War of 1812 … and the only suitable vehicle to do that is with battle honours,” Henderson said.
Graves said the decision by the Department of National Defence not to formally recognize the War of 1812 seems to relate to a decision made decades ago that the Canadian Armed Forces began with the Militia Act of 1855.
“I honestly believe they forget why they made that decision,” he said in an interview after the presentation, “but bureaucracy is always willing to fight to defend a bad decision.”
Cairns said with the official bicentennial of the start of the war just a few months away, this is the best opportunity yet to try to win official recognition.
“What other opportunity has there been or will there ever be to try to achieve what we’re doing?” he posed. “The War of 1812 is the foundation stone that leads to Confederation that leads to the country we are today.”
stracey@guelphmercury.com
Why all the celebrating?
War of 1812 bicentennial is a big deal – in Canada
Richard Simon | Washington | Feb 25
LA Times - It may have given Americans 'The Star Spangled Banner,' but Canadians say they were the big winners. Major celebrations are planned.
For a piece of history that gave us the rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air, the War of 1812 tends to evoke a collective "Huh?" on the U.S. side of the border with Canada.
"The War of 1812 has no compelling narrative that appeals to the average American,'' said Jerald Podair, a history professor at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. "It's just a hodgepodge of buildings burning, bombs bursting in air and paintings being saved from the invaders, all for a vaguely defined purpose. "
Yet the vacuum of interest in the War of 1812 is about to get a pyrotechnic blast of attention for its bicentennial year.
Canadians, who consider the war a pivotal conflict in their nation's history, have made 200th anniversary celebrations a national priority and are opening government coffers to stage a splashy show. Also, a few American cities and states, mostly on the East Coast and Great Lakes where fighting took place, are planning commemorations that have some brushing off their war reenactment uniforms.
For Americans who may have napped during this history lesson, the War of 1812 is a bit of a dud, historians say.
"If you ask the average American what they think about the War of 1812, some will have a puzzled look and ask who fought in that war?" said Ralph Eshelman, a Maryland historian who has written about the war in the Chesapeake Bay region. Another historian joked that about the only thing most Americans know about the War of 1812 is that it began in, well, 1812.
While some U.S. boosters believe our side won, many historians say the war — largely fought over British impressment of American seamen and interference with U.S. trade and westward expansion — ended in a draw.
And then there's that episode when the British burned Washington. "We don't have a lot to celebrate,'' said William Fowler, a Northeastern University history professor.
Still, the war produced the words for "The Star Spangled Banner" as Francis Scott Key watched the defense of Baltimore. Andrew Jackson was elevated to hero status for his victory at the Battle of New Orleans. And Dolley Madison earned her place in the history books for saving George Washington's portrait from the British torching of the White House.
The war also "confirmed the independence of a young republic whose success and prosperity was not foreordained or guaranteed,'' said Carl Robert Keyes, an assistant professor of history at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.
There are those in Canada, however, who view their country as a victor, largely for repelling American invaders.
"It was very much a war of independence and is seen as one of the defining chapters in Canadian history," said Ron Dale, War of 1812 bicentennial project manager for Parks Canada. To celebrate the military achievement, the Canadian government plans to spend at least $28 million on activities, including televised war vignettes and battle reenactments.
"It's a much bigger deal up here," said Jack Jedwab, executive director of the Assn. for Canadian Studies.
Canada would not exist had the American invasions of 1812-1814 not been defeated," said Lyle Williams, a spokesman for Niagara-on-the-Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee.
"The war linked the disparate British provinces in shared danger against a common enemy and eased the way for confederation, the establishment of the Dominion of Canada five decades later in 1867," said Dale of Parks Canada. "Canadians take pride in their victories against overwhelming odds during the conflict but also applaud the postwar results — 200 years of peace and an incredibly strong friendship with our American neighbors.''
LA Times - It may have given Americans 'The Star Spangled Banner,' but Canadians say they were the big winners. Major celebrations are planned.
For a piece of history that gave us the rockets' red glare and bombs bursting in air, the War of 1812 tends to evoke a collective "Huh?" on the U.S. side of the border with Canada.
"The War of 1812 has no compelling narrative that appeals to the average American,'' said Jerald Podair, a history professor at Lawrence University in Wisconsin. "It's just a hodgepodge of buildings burning, bombs bursting in air and paintings being saved from the invaders, all for a vaguely defined purpose. "
Yet the vacuum of interest in the War of 1812 is about to get a pyrotechnic blast of attention for its bicentennial year.
Canadians, who consider the war a pivotal conflict in their nation's history, have made 200th anniversary celebrations a national priority and are opening government coffers to stage a splashy show. Also, a few American cities and states, mostly on the East Coast and Great Lakes where fighting took place, are planning commemorations that have some brushing off their war reenactment uniforms.
For Americans who may have napped during this history lesson, the War of 1812 is a bit of a dud, historians say.
"If you ask the average American what they think about the War of 1812, some will have a puzzled look and ask who fought in that war?" said Ralph Eshelman, a Maryland historian who has written about the war in the Chesapeake Bay region. Another historian joked that about the only thing most Americans know about the War of 1812 is that it began in, well, 1812.
While some U.S. boosters believe our side won, many historians say the war — largely fought over British impressment of American seamen and interference with U.S. trade and westward expansion — ended in a draw.
And then there's that episode when the British burned Washington. "We don't have a lot to celebrate,'' said William Fowler, a Northeastern University history professor.
Still, the war produced the words for "The Star Spangled Banner" as Francis Scott Key watched the defense of Baltimore. Andrew Jackson was elevated to hero status for his victory at the Battle of New Orleans. And Dolley Madison earned her place in the history books for saving George Washington's portrait from the British torching of the White House.
The war also "confirmed the independence of a young republic whose success and prosperity was not foreordained or guaranteed,'' said Carl Robert Keyes, an assistant professor of history at Assumption College in Worcester, Mass.
There are those in Canada, however, who view their country as a victor, largely for repelling American invaders.
"It was very much a war of independence and is seen as one of the defining chapters in Canadian history," said Ron Dale, War of 1812 bicentennial project manager for Parks Canada. To celebrate the military achievement, the Canadian government plans to spend at least $28 million on activities, including televised war vignettes and battle reenactments.
"It's a much bigger deal up here," said Jack Jedwab, executive director of the Assn. for Canadian Studies.
Canada would not exist had the American invasions of 1812-1814 not been defeated," said Lyle Williams, a spokesman for Niagara-on-the-Lake War of 1812 Bicentennial Committee.
"The war linked the disparate British provinces in shared danger against a common enemy and eased the way for confederation, the establishment of the Dominion of Canada five decades later in 1867," said Dale of Parks Canada. "Canadians take pride in their victories against overwhelming odds during the conflict but also applaud the postwar results — 200 years of peace and an incredibly strong friendship with our American neighbors.''
Saturday 25 February 2012
Dancing to history’s drummer in Gananoque
Feb 23, 2012 By Lorraine Payette
EMC Events - Time marches steadily on as Gananoque continues to prepare for the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
"Dances weren't just wonderful entertainment," says Nigel Kilby, classic English Country Dance Instructor from Ottawa. "They were also a great way to meet people, and have the young people get to know each other."
And they still are. About 30 people of all ages gathered at Dreams in Motion to take part in the workshop held on February 12 in the hope of getting ready for all the classic balls that are sure to be held this season. Clothing at this session ranged from contemporary comfy to full Regency evening dress, and everyone was a little nervous to start.
But that didn't last long.
Kilby immediately put the crowd at ease as he set them up in two long lines, men facing women, and instruction began. Everything was light and pleasant, with never a harsh word, no matter whose foot got trampled or who went the wrong way. After all, everyone has to start at the beginning, and Kilby himself was the only one at the affair with any experience.
"Everyone find your fours," Kilby told the group, a request meaning every two couples were to join hands, forming a group of four dancers.
Once done, each couple was designated either one or two, with the ones dancing to the bottom of the hall, while he twos danced to the top.
"I will only say this once," Kilby joked as he gave patient instruction for each step and the order in which it was to be performed. And each step was repeated as often as was necessary for the dancers to master and understand exactly what they were doing.
Soon everyone had figured out which was the "inside hand" and how to promenade, moving quickly to casting (the couple turns away from each other and moves down the line past another couple to meet in a different position in the line), crossing, and stars (dancers extend either the right or the left hand to the centre of their four, and move around the pivot they have formed). The pousette (each couple joins hands at arms length, then do-si-does around the other couple) was a bit tricky at first, but as soon as it was figured out, dancers flowed smoothly up and down the room. And everyone had to remember when they changed from couple number one to couple number two, and vice-versa.
In English Country Dancing, partners and pairings are far from permanent. With every dance, new partners are taken, and everyone in the room dances with everyone else.
"Look your partner in the eye," Kilby said. "Don't be afraid of them. Always look at your partner, nod to your partner, dance with your partner, and then move on."
Even the fast dances are measured and stately, and the repeated circular movements as the couples move up and down the lines on the floor make the activity visually appealing for observers, as well as stimulating for those participating.
There was never any close body contact, or the rude quick movements seen in modern dances. Hands were held at nearly arms length, smiles were polite and close mouthed, posture erect and stately. Always gracious, always charming, always elegant, and at the same time, always enjoyable. Very few other activities can bring all of that together in one place.
"This is really fun," said Adan MacDonald. And there was plenty of laughter from all generations as each took a turn at mastering a step or making a mistake.
All too quickly the three hours were over, and dancers were still begging for more. And more is planned for the future.
"I just want to keep dancing!" one little girl shouted as her parents told her it was time to leave. To learn more about English Country Dancing and get involved in the next workshop, please contact Nigel Kilby at nmkilby@cyberus.ca or phone at 613-836-2233, or ask at Dreams in Motion, info@dreamsinmotion.ca or 613-382-6700.
Classes are reasonably priced, and the mood of instruction is light and relaxing while remaining completely effective. See you at the ball!
Modes of travel 1812
War of 1812 Bicentennial
Kuron (1812): Up Swan Creek, with a paddle
Written by Frank Kuron | | kuronpubs@bex.netOnce, as a youth, I got dumped out of my canoe. Not from standing up or hitting a rock, but from friends who thought it was a fun thing to do — yes, friends. Anyway, that incident didn’t diminish my love for canoeing. If you have never floated down a lazy river or even a bumpy one, I urge you to grab a paddle and row.
There’s just something about being near water, isn’t there? Why else would all the river and lakefront properties be the hardest real estate to acquire these days? Civilizations have settled at water’s edge since time began. The rivers and creeks in our Northwest Territory of 1812 were the highway system of that day.
Of course, various Native American tribes resided beside or near the rolling Swan and Ten Mile creeks, as well as the Ottawa, Sandusky, Raisin and Maumee rivers. The relatively few white men who had ventured into our area with the intention to settle long-term, quickly learned the advantage of quality transportation by observing these people already in residence.
Now, maybe it’s just me, but there is an irony in the fact that I’ll spend hours on a treadmill but later hop in my car to travel four blocks to the carryout! I suspect the Indians held a similar sentiment. Why hike 10 miles to the hunting grounds when they could take a swift float down the river? And so the canoe, an exquisite example of functional design to transport men and materials, appeared. Sure, strong waves or a long lean can tip them, but when handled properly they were, and are, graceful and easy to maneuver.
Lewis and Clark are credited with using the term “pirogue” to describe certain canoes they had taken on their famous 1804-06 expedition. Ironically, they used this moniker for both their large and small canoes. Today, at least throughout the Midwest, we simply call them canoes no matter their size. That’s except for Louisiana-area residents who use the term pirogue in distinct reference to a small, light, flat-bottom canoe that glides silently in extremely shallow water. Historically, the term pirogue is used to describe a very specific canoe design — one dug out of a single log.
I’ll bet many of you fell into the trap of pronouncing this word like my favorite Polish dumpling, the pierogi? That delicacy is pronounced pih-row-ghee. The canoe is a pee-rowgh. And now you know.
These smallest of canoes were literally hand-carved out of large trees and designed to hold only one or two men. In the making, the Native Americans were known to set fire to the halved, felled tree and scoop out the charred wood as it burned, repeating the process until it was shaped into a vessel worthy of keeping men afloat. Sometimes they added water to the partially hollowed-out canoe, then dropped in extremely hot stones which caused a brief boil, softened the wood and allowed for smooth carving.
These small pirogues provided swift transportation and were easily portaged, or carried, by one man when rapids or waterfalls had to be avoided. Maybe even more important, they were quiet when stalking wildlife — or enemies. Many a raid on frontier families was aided by the silent maneuvering of a pirogue.
Larger canoes were typically constructed of a cedar frame, then covered with more cedar sheathing and finished in birch bark. Pine roots were used like thread for stitching. Sap became natural glue. Can’t you just smell those fresh cedar and pine scents wafting through the air as they built these vessels? Up to 30 feet in length, these grander canoes were generally used for longer, more hazardous travel like trips from the mouth of our Maumee River on Lake Erie into the other Great Lakes.
Next time you go canoeing, and there are still plenty of canoe liveries along our rivers, remember that even though your vessel may be made of aluminum, it was the Native American who used what resources were available to him — tree trunks, bark, sap and roots — to create a design that has, and will, last indefinitely.
Bugle Call: Upcoming events
There’s just something about being near water, isn’t there? Why else would all the river and lakefront properties be the hardest real estate to acquire these days? Civilizations have settled at water’s edge since time began. The rivers and creeks in our Northwest Territory of 1812 were the highway system of that day.
Now, maybe it’s just me, but there is an irony in the fact that I’ll spend hours on a treadmill but later hop in my car to travel four blocks to the carryout! I suspect the Indians held a similar sentiment. Why hike 10 miles to the hunting grounds when they could take a swift float down the river? And so the canoe, an exquisite example of functional design to transport men and materials, appeared. Sure, strong waves or a long lean can tip them, but when handled properly they were, and are, graceful and easy to maneuver.
Lewis and Clark are credited with using the term “pirogue” to describe certain canoes they had taken on their famous 1804-06 expedition. Ironically, they used this moniker for both their large and small canoes. Today, at least throughout the Midwest, we simply call them canoes no matter their size. That’s except for Louisiana-area residents who use the term pirogue in distinct reference to a small, light, flat-bottom canoe that glides silently in extremely shallow water. Historically, the term pirogue is used to describe a very specific canoe design — one dug out of a single log.
I’ll bet many of you fell into the trap of pronouncing this word like my favorite Polish dumpling, the pierogi? That delicacy is pronounced pih-row-ghee. The canoe is a pee-rowgh. And now you know.
These smallest of canoes were literally hand-carved out of large trees and designed to hold only one or two men. In the making, the Native Americans were known to set fire to the halved, felled tree and scoop out the charred wood as it burned, repeating the process until it was shaped into a vessel worthy of keeping men afloat. Sometimes they added water to the partially hollowed-out canoe, then dropped in extremely hot stones which caused a brief boil, softened the wood and allowed for smooth carving.
These small pirogues provided swift transportation and were easily portaged, or carried, by one man when rapids or waterfalls had to be avoided. Maybe even more important, they were quiet when stalking wildlife — or enemies. Many a raid on frontier families was aided by the silent maneuvering of a pirogue.
Larger canoes were typically constructed of a cedar frame, then covered with more cedar sheathing and finished in birch bark. Pine roots were used like thread for stitching. Sap became natural glue. Can’t you just smell those fresh cedar and pine scents wafting through the air as they built these vessels? Up to 30 feet in length, these grander canoes were generally used for longer, more hazardous travel like trips from the mouth of our Maumee River on Lake Erie into the other Great Lakes.
Next time you go canoeing, and there are still plenty of canoe liveries along our rivers, remember that even though your vessel may be made of aluminum, it was the Native American who used what resources were available to him — tree trunks, bark, sap and roots — to create a design that has, and will, last indefinitely.
Bugle Call: Upcoming events
- Contrasting perspectives on the War of 1812 in Northwest Ohio will be offered by lecturers Jamie Oxendine and Larry Nelson at 6:30 p.m. March 2, in the Franciscan Center on the Lourdes University campus in Sylvania. Oxendine is the director of the Black Swamp InterTribal Foundation and a respected Native American speaker. Nelson is a history professor with Bowling Green State University and previously served as site director for Fort Meigs. A peaceful deliberation is expected!
- The Wolcott House Museum Guild is sponsoring free history lectures about our region every Thursday at 10 a.m. through March at the Maumee Branch Library auditorium.
- The Western Lake Erie Region during the War of 1812 will be the focus of the annual Friends of Pearson March Sunday Series, at 2 p.m. each week in Macomber Lodge at Pearson Metropark, according to a news release. The series begins March 4 with a presentation by Jeff Helmer, park ranger at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial on South Bass Island. The monument commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie. On March 11, staff from Fort Meigs State Memorial in Perrysburg will discuss the battles that took place at the War of 1812 battlefield on the Maumee River.
March 18, Daniel Downing, education and operations chief at the River Raisin National Battlefield, will talk about the famous battle at that Monroe, Mich., battlefield.
Local historian and author Larry Michaels will conclude the series with a presentation about Northwest Ohio’s best known explorer, Peter Navarre, who played a role in the war.
Macomber Lodge, which was recently renovated, is on Navarre Avenue, east of Lallendorf Road. The entrance to the lodge is separate from the entrance to Pearson.
Sewing Costumes
Clothing for the War of 1812 Bicentennial is being sewn by a group of volunteer seamstresses with work being completed Thursday, February 23. Helping to sew the costumes include (from left): Helga Bailey, Jessie Basden and head seamstress Jennie Jackson. Elizabeth Jones is absent.
Creating War of 1812 Bicentennial costumes a stitch for local seamstresses
Over 200 items handsewn for Roots to Boots Festival
By Ron Giofu/The Amherstburg Echo
Posted 1 day ago
AMHERSTBURG — The War of 1812 Bicentennial is here and the historic feel is coming stitch-by-stitch.
Historic costumes sewn for the event were finished and on display at the Gordon House last Thursday morning. Head seamstress Jennie Jackson said she was asked to make 25 ladies outfits and 25 men’s outfits but throughout the process, approximately 200 pieces were made when factoring in other accessories such as aprons, sashes, hats and bonnets.Jackson became involved with the project after speaking with the town’s tourism and culture manager.
“Anne Rota spoke to me about doing the project,” she said.
After a few months of research, the sewing began with the actual creating of the costumes taking six months.
Jackson soon received help as area residents Helga Bailey, Jessie Basden and Elizabeth Jones. Those ladies have ensured the costumes are almost complete, as Jackson pointed out a few more items are still coming.
“I have ladies that are still sewing. They want to make a few more pieces,” said Jackson.
Children’s costumes will also be made in the next few weeks, she added.
It is a “very exciting” time for Jackson as she is thrilled to see the finished products and looks forward to seeing them in use this year, including the Roots to Boots Festival being held in Amherstburg Aug. 3-5.
“I like to create something and I can do something through sewing,” she said.
While not allowed by her mother to sew her own wedding gown in 1969, Jackson said she soon learned how to sew and did make wedding dresses and bridesmaid gowns in her basement for several years.
“I taught myself,” she said. “I bought myself a machine and taught myself.”
The 1812-era clothing she and the group have created in recent months will also be used beyond the Roots to Boots Festival.“I know they have plans for other groups to use them. I know they are going to get a lot of use,” she said.
Jackson was given a $2,000 budget by the town, with that money being covered off by grant funds that the town had received. However, she has still looked for deals wherever she could be going to re-sale shops and taking apart other clothes to re-use the fabric.
“I’m a recycler,” she said. “I just search for bargains.”
War of 1812 project assistant Sarah Van Grinsven said the costumes made go beyond her expectations.
“It’s really exciting to see everything come about and see everything we’ve been talking about,” said Van Grinsven. “It fills the room. I can’t wait to see volunteers walking around the town during the bicentennial of the War of 1812.”
Van Grinsven called it “a living history” and is looking forward to seeing people learn about the region’s past.
“It’s a good way to have fun and learn about history,” she said.
Monday 20 February 2012
Widow Cole’s ride
February 19, 2012
Special to the OBSERVER
Dunkirk's role in the War of 1812 was small but significant. Aside from hosting the very first battle, we have an unsung heroine to celebrate. Her name is Celia Sampson Cole, wife of Seth, first settlers of Dunkirk.
Seth was contracted by the Holland Land Company to cut a path one rod wide(a rod equals 16.5 ft) through the heavily wooded land along Lake Erie from Pomfret to Silver Creek (now Route 5). He was paid $10 per mile for this service. He had traveled with his wife and their 10 children, along with the family of Zottu Cushing, for three weeks through winter snows by oxen drawn sleighs, from Oneida County. They crossed Lake Erie on ice from Buffalo in February 1805 narrowly escaping death in a sudden storm.
Cushing went on to the settlement of Canadaway; Seth bought his land for $3.33 an acre at the entrance to Canadaway Creek. There he built a log house. Their 11th child was born one month later. That in itself was heroic! But that was just the start of Celia's heroism. Seth died in 1810 leaving her in the wilderness to fend for the family.
Tensions were high with England in those years and the British ruled the Great Lakes with their larger, armed ships, often harassing and kidnapping sailors and fishermen, plundering the scattered, poor pioneer families along the developing communities, taking their scarce provisions. Salt was a precious commodity in the days before refrigeration and salt boats were frequently attacked as they sailed their commercial routes from the Onondaga Salt mines to growing settlements along the Great Lakes.
The Dunkirk Harbor, then Chadwick Bay, was described as one of the best harbors on Lake Erie, offering shelter and anchorage for commercial traffic. Canadaway Creek also offered shelter for boats. A militia of some 40 local men was formed to help protect the settlers and the salt boats and other commercial interests near Canadaway and the harbor. War was declared against England on June 12, 1812.
It was in July 1812 that Celia, also known as Widow Cole, observed a salt boat being pursued by the British armed schooner, the Lady Prevost. Widow Cole immediately jumped on her horse and rode to Canadaway (Fredonia) to alert the militiamen along the way that the British were coming. The Americans gathered in time to ambush the armed British as they rowed into Canadaway Creek from their ship in pursuit of the salt boat which had sought shelter there. Celia did not rest from her round trip ride. She is reported by Leslie Chard in his historic account, "Out of the Wilderness" to have "melted down her pewter ware to make bullets" for the muskets during the fight and prepared food for the 40 to 45 men.
This was the first naval fight of the War of 1812, right here in Dunkirk! It proved successful and the British returned to their ship and fled on toward Buffalo.
Two of Celia's sons, Erastus and Daniel, went on to serve in front line battles of the war in Lewiston, N.Y., and Queenston, Ontario. At age 75, Celia Cole applied for her husband's veteran's benefits but was rejected due to lack of paperwork. She died in 1845. Historian, Horace W. Taylor of Portland wrote in 1902, "I knew Mrs. Cole in after years. She was a woman of remarkable energy and endurance."
How can we not celebrate such a courageous and strong pioneer woman? She is our Joan of Arc and Paul Revere all wrapped up into one historic figure. Here is an engaging, charismatic hometown heroine who could win over many hearts and inspire young women who do not see enough feminine energy in the pages of history. She represents the strong fabric of our forefathers in frontier Western New York. With coordinated effort. we could project her story in reenactment during this bicentennial celebration year - and every year. She deserves fame and recognition. Her glory shines the light on our region and will attract school children, tourists and history buffs.
There are interested collaborative parties willing to consider putting together a program this summer or fall. It could be a one horse/one woman program telling the story as she goes or the entire reenactment with the militia, which has even been done in the past. Volunteers will be needed. We think we have a lead on one horsewoman, but if there is interest in promoting this real life story from our history, contact the Dunkirk Historical Lighthouse (366-5050), the Dunkirk Historical Museum (366-3797) or the Dunkirk Development Office (366-9879). Let's celebrate Dunkirk's role in the War of 1812. Let us celebrate heroic Celia Cole!
The New York State Regional Tourism office, in collaboration with the International Peace Garden Foundation, has unveiled a new trail map pinpointing historical sites related to the War of 1812 across New York and in Ontario. Maps and websites are coordinated with this effort. Let's get Dunkirk on the map to commemorate our role in the War of 1812 and 200 subsequent years of peace between Canada and the USA.
There is current acclaim related to Dunkirk related to this war. This year a Dunkirk native, Richard Barbuto, 1976 graduate of Dunkirk's Cardinal Mindszenty High School, has published his second book on the war, "Long Range Guns, Close Quarter Combat: The Third US Artillery Regiment in the War of 1812." The book traces the history of the third regiment from the beginning of 1812 through the end of the war. Dr. Barbuto is deputy director of the Department of Military History at the United States Army Command and Staff College, Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. He is a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point. His book "Niagara 1814: America Invades Canada" was named Historic Book Club Selection in 2000.
Editorial reviewer Timothy Johnson, author of "Winfield Scott: The Quest for Military Glory," comments that Barbuto has written an "impressive and important addition to the historical works on the War of 1812 Comprehensive in scope and detailed in analysis." William Skelton, another reviewer, states, "His study is unmatched for its comprehensiveness and balance and should be welcomed by scholars and general readers with a strong interest in military history."
Barbuto has agreed to a fundraising lecture for the Dunkirk Historical Society and book signing in Dunkirk this June. Watch the OBSERVER for an announcement with further details of his visit.
Thursday 16 February 2012
War of 1812 Bi-national Bicentennial Commemorations
Americans (77%) Believe War of 1812 Important to National Identity and (91%) that all Americans should know about it
Published: Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 - 8:29 am
TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2012 -- A new poll shows US better at promoting its history than Canada
TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - With the arrival of the War of 1812 Bicentennial, Canadian heritage NGO, The Historica-Dominion Institute, has commissioned a bi-national poll from Ipsos-Reid to measure Canadian and American attitudes of the hotly contested conflict.
The study reveals telling national trends about how Canadians and Americans view and value the War of 1812 and other history. While strong majorities believe that the War significantly impacted national identity (77% Americans, 79% Canadians), significantly more Canadians (77%) identified important outcomes of the War than Americans (64%, with 31% selecting the creation of the Star Spangled Banner). In addition, Canadians (17%) are much more likely than Americans (3%) to feel that 1812 is the most important war in the formation of their country's identity.
Nevertheless, Americans are still more likely to believe that commemoration and promotion of their history is important. In fact, 80% of Americans and 77% of Canadians agree that the War of 1812 Bicentennial is an important commemoration and that their national government should support it.
Americans show greater civic spirit in the promotion of their history, despite agreement that the War of 1812 is considerably less important than other more formative wars in US history. Americans are significantly (7%) more likely to say that the War of 1812 should be mandatory teaching in school and 20% more likely to say that they learned about it in school, suggesting that Americans are better at telling and teaching their national stories than Canadians. Not surprisingly, a majority of Americans (58%) versus a minority of Canadians (49%) agree that their nation is good at promoting its history.
"Canadians and Americans have been debating the War of 1812 for two hundred years," said Jeremy Diamond, Director at The Historica-Dominion Institute. "This study reveals important differences in how we approach our history in Canada and the United States, but it also shows overall agreement on the fact the War of 1812 and its commemorations are important to our history and identity."
Other findings include:
The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest independent organization dedicated to history and citizenship in Canada. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Full survey results are available at www.historica-dominion.ca.
SOURCE The Historica Dominion Institute
TORONTO, Feb. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - With the arrival of the War of 1812 Bicentennial, Canadian heritage NGO, The Historica-Dominion Institute, has commissioned a bi-national poll from Ipsos-Reid to measure Canadian and American attitudes of the hotly contested conflict.
The study reveals telling national trends about how Canadians and Americans view and value the War of 1812 and other history. While strong majorities believe that the War significantly impacted national identity (77% Americans, 79% Canadians), significantly more Canadians (77%) identified important outcomes of the War than Americans (64%, with 31% selecting the creation of the Star Spangled Banner). In addition, Canadians (17%) are much more likely than Americans (3%) to feel that 1812 is the most important war in the formation of their country's identity.
Nevertheless, Americans are still more likely to believe that commemoration and promotion of their history is important. In fact, 80% of Americans and 77% of Canadians agree that the War of 1812 Bicentennial is an important commemoration and that their national government should support it.
Americans show greater civic spirit in the promotion of their history, despite agreement that the War of 1812 is considerably less important than other more formative wars in US history. Americans are significantly (7%) more likely to say that the War of 1812 should be mandatory teaching in school and 20% more likely to say that they learned about it in school, suggesting that Americans are better at telling and teaching their national stories than Canadians. Not surprisingly, a majority of Americans (58%) versus a minority of Canadians (49%) agree that their nation is good at promoting its history.
"Canadians and Americans have been debating the War of 1812 for two hundred years," said Jeremy Diamond, Director at The Historica-Dominion Institute. "This study reveals important differences in how we approach our history in Canada and the United States, but it also shows overall agreement on the fact the War of 1812 and its commemorations are important to our history and identity."
Other findings include:
- Americans (84%) are more likely than Canadians (78%) to agree it's important who won the War.
- Had American conquest been successful, Canadians most feared the possible outcomes of sharing US politics and government (60%) gun laws (18%) and citizenship with the cast of Jersey Shore (6%).
- Nearly four in ten (36%) of Americans believe there were no significant outcomes of the War of 1812, or none they can name, compared with 23% Canadians.
- 12% of Americans believe the most significant outcome of the War of 1812 was the burning of the White House and 11% erroneously believe it was the creation of an independent Aboriginal nation, and 10% believe it was the election of President Andrew Jackson.
- Eight in ten Americans (84%) and Canadians (83%) agree that the War of 1812 was a significant movement in their history.
- 51% of Americans believe the War of Independence was the most important in the formation of US identity, 25% believe it was the Civil War and 21% believe it was the Second World War.
The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest independent organization dedicated to history and citizenship in Canada. Its mandate is to build active and informed citizens through a greater knowledge and appreciation of the history, heritage and stories of Canada. Full survey results are available at www.historica-dominion.ca.
SOURCE The Historica Dominion Institute
War of 1812 art installation planned
TORONTO - A large-scale art installation comprising 200 tents set up on the grounds of Fort York National Historic Site is being planned to help mark the bicentennial of the War of 1812.
"The Encampment," commissioned by the City of Toronto and the Luminato arts festival, will be staged each evening from June 8 to 24, serving as "a massive collective expression of art and history," say promoters.
Inside each tent, mini art installations will highlight stories about civilians during the war — people who "were not involved militarily but rather in the dramas of love, loss, survival and patriotism as well as those of collaboration, deception, greed and betrayal."
Organizers Thom Sokoloski and Jenny-Anne McCowan collaborated on an encampment in Ottawa in 2008 on the theme of intellectual disability, as well as other encampments in Toronto and New York.
The pair are looking for "creative collaborators" to stage the tent installations. Anyone can apply. Details are at http://thomasandguinevere.com.
"The Encampment," commissioned by the City of Toronto and the Luminato arts festival, will be staged each evening from June 8 to 24, serving as "a massive collective expression of art and history," say promoters.
Inside each tent, mini art installations will highlight stories about civilians during the war — people who "were not involved militarily but rather in the dramas of love, loss, survival and patriotism as well as those of collaboration, deception, greed and betrayal."
Organizers Thom Sokoloski and Jenny-Anne McCowan collaborated on an encampment in Ottawa in 2008 on the theme of intellectual disability, as well as other encampments in Toronto and New York.
The pair are looking for "creative collaborators" to stage the tent installations. Anyone can apply. Details are at http://thomasandguinevere.com.
Heritage Festival hopes to grow educational aspect
Heritage Festival Organizers recently selected Andrew Clock as a co-coordinator, and Heritage Committee members are working on a War of 1812 Bicentennial theme for this August’s event.
“We will continue to grow the history education aspect of the festival, and with it children, family, and community friendly activities,” Clock said, in an email.
“At the same time, the Heritage Festival has always been about a good community party, and to that end we will be refocusing our entertainment, casino and beer garden to appeal to a bigger audience with Michigan beer and popular local bands.”
Volunteers are still needed for committee chair positions and festival services during the event, which will run Aug. 17-19.
“The Heritage Festival coincidentally falls on the 200th Anniversary of General William Hull’s surrender of Detroit,” Heritage Committee Chair James Mann said.
“There was no Ypsilanti in 1812, but something happened here during the War of 1812, that had a relationship with how the situation was developing in Detroit at that time.”
In a little known incident involving a supply train, which was blocked by the British, hundreds of men were advised to go to Godfrey’s Fur Trading Post, prior to the surrender. Godfrey had a chain of trading posts, including one in Monroe, which may have led to some confusion among historians and perhaps the soldiers themselves.
According to historical accounts, those men were reportedly stuck in a swamp approximately 25 miles outside of Detroit, which may have been located between Canton and Ypsilanti, on Michigan Avenue - a salt trail at the time, Mann said.
They also encountered Native Americans along the way. The Heritage Committee will flesh-out the story at Heritage Fest.
Festival organizers are recruiting volunteers and War of 1812 reenactors.
“We want to bring back the living history encampment,” Mann said. “That’s the thing people seemed to have missed most from the festival over the years.”
French fur traders and Native Americans are two types of reenactors, specifically sought by the committee.
“Although, if Civil War reenactors want to come, they will be welcomed with open arms, as will all reenactors,” Mann said.
The Heritage Committee is also looking for artisans to put on demonstrations to the public, which will focus on the heritage of the local area.
“We’re still working on getting things together. We’re still exploring a number of ideas,” Mann said. “I’m very lucky I have a very active committee.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with the festival should contact Clock at YHFDirector@gmail.com.
“We would also like to invite youth and community groups interested in being a part of the festival,” Clock said.
In addition to leading the Heritage Committee, Mann is also an accomplished author. After publishing “Wicked Ann Arbor” last September, he is currently working on another book.
Mann will host a “Wicked Ann Arbor” talk at Cobblestone Farm, open to the public, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.
On Monday nights Mann conducts a Huron Valley Toastmasters’ public speaking leadership skills workshop, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Ypsilanti Archives. Guests are invited to attend.
Mann will also periodically present films at the Archives, starting in March, on at 7 p.m. on Fridays. Admission and popcorn is free.
Rachelle is a freelance writer for the Ypsilanti Courier. She can be reached at rachellefmarshall@gmail.com.
“We will continue to grow the history education aspect of the festival, and with it children, family, and community friendly activities,” Clock said, in an email.
“At the same time, the Heritage Festival has always been about a good community party, and to that end we will be refocusing our entertainment, casino and beer garden to appeal to a bigger audience with Michigan beer and popular local bands.”
Volunteers are still needed for committee chair positions and festival services during the event, which will run Aug. 17-19.
“The Heritage Festival coincidentally falls on the 200th Anniversary of General William Hull’s surrender of Detroit,” Heritage Committee Chair James Mann said.
“There was no Ypsilanti in 1812, but something happened here during the War of 1812, that had a relationship with how the situation was developing in Detroit at that time.”
In a little known incident involving a supply train, which was blocked by the British, hundreds of men were advised to go to Godfrey’s Fur Trading Post, prior to the surrender. Godfrey had a chain of trading posts, including one in Monroe, which may have led to some confusion among historians and perhaps the soldiers themselves.
According to historical accounts, those men were reportedly stuck in a swamp approximately 25 miles outside of Detroit, which may have been located between Canton and Ypsilanti, on Michigan Avenue - a salt trail at the time, Mann said.
They also encountered Native Americans along the way. The Heritage Committee will flesh-out the story at Heritage Fest.
Festival organizers are recruiting volunteers and War of 1812 reenactors.
“We want to bring back the living history encampment,” Mann said. “That’s the thing people seemed to have missed most from the festival over the years.”
French fur traders and Native Americans are two types of reenactors, specifically sought by the committee.
“Although, if Civil War reenactors want to come, they will be welcomed with open arms, as will all reenactors,” Mann said.
The Heritage Committee is also looking for artisans to put on demonstrations to the public, which will focus on the heritage of the local area.
“We’re still working on getting things together. We’re still exploring a number of ideas,” Mann said. “I’m very lucky I have a very active committee.”
Anyone interested in getting involved with the festival should contact Clock at YHFDirector@gmail.com.
“We would also like to invite youth and community groups interested in being a part of the festival,” Clock said.
In addition to leading the Heritage Committee, Mann is also an accomplished author. After publishing “Wicked Ann Arbor” last September, he is currently working on another book.
Mann will host a “Wicked Ann Arbor” talk at Cobblestone Farm, open to the public, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.
On Monday nights Mann conducts a Huron Valley Toastmasters’ public speaking leadership skills workshop, which begins at 7 p.m. at the Ypsilanti Archives. Guests are invited to attend.
Mann will also periodically present films at the Archives, starting in March, on at 7 p.m. on Fridays. Admission and popcorn is free.
Rachelle is a freelance writer for the Ypsilanti Courier. She can be reached at rachellefmarshall@gmail.com.
1812 Quilting
Quilts have bicentennial covered
By The Whig-Standard
Posted 7 hours ago
The Union Jack was headed across the border to be hung proudly in Sackets Harbor, N.Y., on Wednesday as a reminder of the battles of the War of 1812.
This symbol won’t be at the head of a marching army, but it will be joining a display of quilts that will be part of the commemorative activities in the community to mark the bicentennial of the conflict.Sheila Cornett, a member of the Limestone Quilters’ Guild, was driving seven quilts made locally to be hung at the Great Lakes Seaway Trail 1812 Bicentennial Quilt Show, running March 17-18.
The quilts were required to be period-authentic, made of similar material and design as quilts that might have been made in the 1812 era.
That means they were to be the so-called “cot-to-coffin” type. The phrase refers to the use the quilts might have been put to, ranging from keeping a sleeping soldier warm in his cot to wrapping his dead body should he fall in battle.
Quilts are expected to come in from at least 18 U.S. states as well as Canada.
The quilt show is part of a weekend of bicentennial activities that are to include re-enactors in period costume, exhibits and history interpreters.
Saturday 11 February 2012
Regency Costumes
World record - for most costumes?
By NICK GARDINER, THE RECORDER AND TIMES
Updated 3 minutes ago
SPENCERVILLE -- Where would you put 410 people dressed in period clothing from the 1800s?In the Guinness World Book of Records, of course.
That's the plan for the Spencerville Mill's Bicentennial Heritage Fair committee, which is counting on fair volunteers, re-enactors from far and wide and local residents to garb up in their Regency finery to cinch the Guiness title in June.
"We're already halfway there (to a record)," said Alicia Wanless, a director of the mill and manager of the St. Lawrence War of 1812 Alliance, which has ties to the event.
Wanless said organizers are assured of 250 people showing up for the record-breaking attempt in Regency costume, including about 100 fair volunteers and confirmed re-enactors such as the Canadian Fencibles and a civilian cohort that accompanies them on tour.
In addition, re-enactors from the American Forsythe Rifles and Glengarry Light Infantry, as well as members of the Kemptville Players, Grenville Historical Society and English Country Dancing classes are expected to attend, said Wanless.
She said grant applications have gone out to help attract several other re-enactor groups from as far away as Pickering, New York State and Montreal.
Wanless said dressing in period costume has become increasingly popular, fuelled in part by several Hollywood films in recent years based on Jane Austen novels from the early 1800s.
"There is definitely a lot of appeal, especially for women. It's a little harder to get men involved."
She said there is a pleasant reward for men who do wear the Regency regalia.
"Men look really handsome dressed up in this period of clothing, and the women really like it.
"When the men see how the women respond, they might get more involved," said Wanless.A costume competition with different categories for men, women, children and businesses is designed to encourage participation.
The grand prize is four round-trip tickets on Via Rail anywhere between Brockville and Niagara Falls, and other prizes include two season passes to Upper Canada Village, as well as gift certificates and retail prizes.
Wanless hopes the prizes will increase interest in helping to beat the existing record of 409 people wearing Regency clothes at the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, England.
"I almost liken it to a heritage flashmob," she said.
Mill foundation chairman Brenda Ball is encouraged by efforts to attract a record-breaking crowd.
"We have really reached out to the re-enactors in Ontario, Quebec and New York State," said Ball, who has her own heritage garments being prepared for the fair, which will celebrate the historic mill's 200th birthday this year.
She said a favourable response from local residents for the inaugural 2011 heritage fair bodes well for area participation in the record attempt, she added.
"We are working to engage the local community," she said.
The record-breaking attempt will take place on Saturday, June 2 at a time to be determined in the afternoon.
Ball said the Guinness attempt is a prelude to a Regency Ball and Dinner later that evening, "which is the big hurrah" for the two-day fair.
Ball called the fair "a gateway event" that reflects the mill's anniversary but also ties in in well with the War of 1812 bicentennial events scheduled in the area, said Ball.
"The mill is not directly related to the War of 1812, but we have partnered with the St. Lawrence War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance because it is also the mill's bicentennial," she said.
"That's how it all married up."
Accordingly, many other mill events - such as costuming workshops and English Country Dancing lessons -have direct and indirect ties to the War of 1812 commemorations.
The mill also sponsors hands-on clothing workshops and other events for people interested in making period costumes for the heritage fair and coming War of 1812 events.
The next clothing workshop is set for Saturday, February 18 at the Spencerville Fire Hall. Cost is $20 per person and material is not provided.
Similarly, re-enactor and seamstress Mardi MacFarlane will talk about fabrics and styles at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 19 at the Red George Pub in Prescott. The presentation is the latest in a War of 1812 dinner series sponsored by the mill. A period menu is available and reservations are required by calling 613-925-8800.
nickg@recorder.ca
Tuesday 7 February 2012
Regency Clothing
Silky prints and flamboyant ruffles. Rich colours and frilly lace. Personal tailors hand sewing the latest fashions from Europe. Just a few signs of a privileged life during the Regency period of 1812 in Niagara.
“Everybody thinks the colours were drab or they didn't have a lot of colour, but there actually was quite a lot of colour and print in the fabrics as well,” explains seamstress Linda Hanna of Linda's Early Fashions. “But there was a cost associated with that. As far as colours, if you went into the printed fabrics it was more money. The more colour and elegant fabric you had showed your wealth.”
Fashion has always been prevalent in history. Styles were influenced by Europe and fabrics were shipped in for those who could afford to dress with the elegance of a true fashionista.
“Woman who ran homes and the upper-class were always trying to keep in vogue with what was going on,” Hanna says. “They were interested in fashion and wanted to know what was going on in Europe. When the fashion did arrive here, it was already in vogue over there for a period of time. And the only way it made it here was through the upper-class society.”
Those wanting to wear the latest fashions not only had to pay for fabric to be shipped in, they also had to pay tailors to bring the fabric to life.
“The only way you could have a tailor to create the clothes was if you had money. For the most part all of the clothing was created here once the cloth was brought over. They didn't really have stores where you could go in and buy a dress on display. You bought the cloth and you made it. It was really a different time. The tailors were used for people who could afford to have clothing in style and the type of fabric used really did state what your level was in society,” says Hanna.
“The more lace that is worn on a lady's outfit meant she was on the higher end of society,” says seamstress Beverley Smith, of Outside In Interior Art Design. “It was only the rich men that could have the lace and silks and satins.”
And along with keeping in vogue with the latest European fashions, there were other trends for maintaining one's sense of style.
“Men always had short hair and were clean shaven,” says Hanna. “Pocket watches with a fancy fobe that hooked on to their vests were a big thing. And they wore gloves if they were going to an evening dance.”
And the women?
“Hair was always up and there were a lot of ringlets,” Hanna explains. “Hair could also have flowers, beads or pearls weaved into it. If you were working in the home you would have a cap on, and if you went outside you would always put a straw bonnet over top of your cap…and for jewellery it was something small, like pearls.”
There were a few social faux pas to avoid.
“Women always had to have gloves on and they were not allowed to show their elbows or ankles. During the day she would wear what is called a fichu, which is a triangular scarf that goes around (the shoulders) and tucks into clothing. She would always keep that on unless she was going to an afternoon tea, and then it could be removed,” Hanna says. “In the evening she wouldn't have to wear it at all. It's quite amazing because a woman wasn't allowed to show her elbows or ankles, but she could show everything on top.”
Choice fabrics and brilliant colours made it clear what class a person belonged to, but this doesn't mean commoners were not proud of their clothing.
“Embroidery was very big back then,” explains Smith. “It's what the ladies would do in the evenings and afternoons. They would sit and do a lot of their fancy work, which is hidden because they'd do it along their chemise linings. And riding coats and winter jacket linings would have all this fabulous embroideries.”
Commoners often wore wools and cottons and dyed their fabrics using what was available in the natural environment.
“Most of the fancy fabric would have come in from Europe for the high class,” says Smith. “But commoners wore wool and cottons and even plain muslin dresses with their chemise. They dyed clothing using beets, onions and vegetables. Clothing was also passed down from generation to generation.”
Both Smith and Hanna have been busy creating replica clothing during the past few months. Authentic outfits are in high demand from those wanting to participate in War of 1812 bicentennial events.
“The interest is incredible in Niagara,” says Hanna.
Hanna and Smith use authentic patterns and materials and stay true to the period when making clothing.
“These are not costumes,” Smith says. “These are replica clothing.”
Contact Linda's Early Fashions at 905-770-4743 or email lindasearlyfashions@yahoo.com.
Contact Outside In Interior Art Design at 905-356-3176 or email outsidein4218@yahoo.ca.
“Everybody thinks the colours were drab or they didn't have a lot of colour, but there actually was quite a lot of colour and print in the fabrics as well,” explains seamstress Linda Hanna of Linda's Early Fashions. “But there was a cost associated with that. As far as colours, if you went into the printed fabrics it was more money. The more colour and elegant fabric you had showed your wealth.”
Fashion has always been prevalent in history. Styles were influenced by Europe and fabrics were shipped in for those who could afford to dress with the elegance of a true fashionista.
“Woman who ran homes and the upper-class were always trying to keep in vogue with what was going on,” Hanna says. “They were interested in fashion and wanted to know what was going on in Europe. When the fashion did arrive here, it was already in vogue over there for a period of time. And the only way it made it here was through the upper-class society.”
Those wanting to wear the latest fashions not only had to pay for fabric to be shipped in, they also had to pay tailors to bring the fabric to life.
“The only way you could have a tailor to create the clothes was if you had money. For the most part all of the clothing was created here once the cloth was brought over. They didn't really have stores where you could go in and buy a dress on display. You bought the cloth and you made it. It was really a different time. The tailors were used for people who could afford to have clothing in style and the type of fabric used really did state what your level was in society,” says Hanna.
“The more lace that is worn on a lady's outfit meant she was on the higher end of society,” says seamstress Beverley Smith, of Outside In Interior Art Design. “It was only the rich men that could have the lace and silks and satins.”
And along with keeping in vogue with the latest European fashions, there were other trends for maintaining one's sense of style.
“Men always had short hair and were clean shaven,” says Hanna. “Pocket watches with a fancy fobe that hooked on to their vests were a big thing. And they wore gloves if they were going to an evening dance.”
And the women?
“Hair was always up and there were a lot of ringlets,” Hanna explains. “Hair could also have flowers, beads or pearls weaved into it. If you were working in the home you would have a cap on, and if you went outside you would always put a straw bonnet over top of your cap…and for jewellery it was something small, like pearls.”
There were a few social faux pas to avoid.
“Women always had to have gloves on and they were not allowed to show their elbows or ankles. During the day she would wear what is called a fichu, which is a triangular scarf that goes around (the shoulders) and tucks into clothing. She would always keep that on unless she was going to an afternoon tea, and then it could be removed,” Hanna says. “In the evening she wouldn't have to wear it at all. It's quite amazing because a woman wasn't allowed to show her elbows or ankles, but she could show everything on top.”
Choice fabrics and brilliant colours made it clear what class a person belonged to, but this doesn't mean commoners were not proud of their clothing.
“Embroidery was very big back then,” explains Smith. “It's what the ladies would do in the evenings and afternoons. They would sit and do a lot of their fancy work, which is hidden because they'd do it along their chemise linings. And riding coats and winter jacket linings would have all this fabulous embroideries.”
Commoners often wore wools and cottons and dyed their fabrics using what was available in the natural environment.
“Most of the fancy fabric would have come in from Europe for the high class,” says Smith. “But commoners wore wool and cottons and even plain muslin dresses with their chemise. They dyed clothing using beets, onions and vegetables. Clothing was also passed down from generation to generation.”
Both Smith and Hanna have been busy creating replica clothing during the past few months. Authentic outfits are in high demand from those wanting to participate in War of 1812 bicentennial events.
“The interest is incredible in Niagara,” says Hanna.
Hanna and Smith use authentic patterns and materials and stay true to the period when making clothing.
“These are not costumes,” Smith says. “These are replica clothing.”
Contact Linda's Early Fashions at 905-770-4743 or email lindasearlyfashions@yahoo.com.
Contact Outside In Interior Art Design at 905-356-3176 or email outsidein4218@yahoo.ca.
1812 Gave way to Great Expectations
| UK Celebrates Bicentennial of Charles Dickens' Birth |
1812 Bicentennial
Niagara County supports 1812 Bicentennial programming
by jmaloniMon, Feb 6th 2012 04:20 pm
Niagara County Legislator Clyde Burmaster presents a check to Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara.
Soldiers will present educational living history programs at Old Fort Niagara from May through August, and will be available to present outreach programming in communities throughout Niagara County. Fort personnel are already signed up to support Bicentennial programs in Towns of Porter, Niagara, Hartland, Lockport and Lewiston. County funds will also match $10,000 in Federal dollars awarded through the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.
"These funds will enable Old Fort Niagara to attract tourists to the region who are interested in the War of 1812 and to provide communities across the county with authentically clothed and equipped living history interpreters" said Robert Emerson, executive director of the Old Fort Niagara Association. "These grants will provide our communities with valuable economic and educational benefits during this important anniversary year."
Old Fort Niagara serves about 75,000 on-site visitors each year as well as approximately 50,000 local residents through outreach programs.
Niagara County Legislator Clyde Burmaster presents a check to Robert Emerson, executive director of Old Fort Niagara.
Soldiers will present educational living history programs at Old Fort Niagara from May through August, and will be available to present outreach programming in communities throughout Niagara County. Fort personnel are already signed up to support Bicentennial programs in Towns of Porter, Niagara, Hartland, Lockport and Lewiston. County funds will also match $10,000 in Federal dollars awarded through the Niagara Falls National Heritage Area.
"These funds will enable Old Fort Niagara to attract tourists to the region who are interested in the War of 1812 and to provide communities across the county with authentically clothed and equipped living history interpreters" said Robert Emerson, executive director of the Old Fort Niagara Association. "These grants will provide our communities with valuable economic and educational benefits during this important anniversary year."
Old Fort Niagara serves about 75,000 on-site visitors each year as well as approximately 50,000 local residents through outreach programs.
Thursday 2 February 2012
Quilting 1812 style
Rachael Arnold of Utica, talks about the details of how her quilt was created, January 31, 2012, in Utica, NY.
When web developer Rachael Arnold goes home from work, she finds herself enthralled with a hobby that might surprise some people — quilting.
The 25-year-old has made 10 or 11 quilts, and the one she recently finished will be on display at the Quilting Along the Great Lakes Seaway Trail event March 17 and 18 in Sackets Harbor.
This year’s challenge for the 12th annual event was to make a “Cot to Coffin”-size quilt commemorating the bicentennial anniversary of the War of 1812. “Cot to Coffin” reflects quilts made for soldiers that also were used as burial shrouds when they died.
Lynette Lundy-Bent, project manager of the Great Lakes Seaway Trail, said New York doesn’t have any money budgeted for commemorative events this year, and they thought this would be a good way to bring people together to celebrate.
Arnold’s quilt was inspired by Frankfort-born Hiram Cronk, who was only 14 when he enlisted in the war.
“My thought for the center portion was a baby quilt that was made before the turn of the 19th century, so around 1795,” Arnold said. “And then eventually, come 1812, that child is grown up
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