Home and Hearth Living History Day - Ethan Allen Homestead

Farmer and Joiner, Swapping Stories

8 June, 1787

A pleasant day. G-- and I made our way North to the farm of Col. Allen where we found the House and Fields alive with Work and Laughter; Col. Allen is expected to take up residence this coming Fall and his People are well into Prepartations; Flax and Tobacco are to be found in the Gardens, well tended, and Craftsmen are preparing Furniture and Goods for the Family; a Hearty Stew was set before us for the Noonday Meal, which Illicited fond Memories from Myself and my Comrades also in attendence. Several of Us had served with Col. Allen before the War, then later under Hopkins with Warner whilst defending the Grants. Soldier's Stew is something well known to Us. We departed early Afternoon, as we had a Second Gathering to attend towards Evening.

Flax Breaking Demonstrations

A general call was sent out for volunteers for Ethan Allen Homestead Museum's first Living History Day of the season.  My daughter Gabriella and I answered the call, heading up to provide, if nothing else, a couple of able bodies.  We brought along most of our reenacting kit, along with some basket-making material.

Soldier with His Gear

We arrived just before opening, and the first few people we ran into were friends from our usual unit, Warner's Regiment.  One of my fellow soldiers had his kit laid out to explain his gear's uses, and our Captain had brought along his woodworking tools, spending the day portraying a joiner building a new bed for use on the 2nd floor of the Homestead.

The Kitchen, Vibrant and Alive

Inside the house, another volunteer was working to prepare food for visitors, using the Homestead's open hearth and bake oven.  The noon-time meal, which was absolutely delicious, was beef stew, bread, and switchel.  This brought on talks of what we may eat later in the season, once our Warner's activities start up in a couple of weeks.

Bread From the Oven

Gabriella, true to form, quickly hooked up with another volunteer who was outside with period games for children.  The Homestead was her first exposure to the world of Historical Reenacting years ago, and it was neat to see 11 year-old her conversing with visitors in the place where 6 year-old her first became interested in the past.

Joinery Work in the Yard

Before we left, another friend from Warner's arrived with his wife and son, so we were able to catch up a bit.  Past exploits of Warner's (recreated and original), local history, and modern families were all topics of discussion.  It was an incredibly pleasant and relaxing day.  We're looking forward to returning again in a couple of weeks.

New Bed in Progress

* Photos from The Ethan Allen Homestead Facebook page.