Alafia River Rendezvous

From January 19th through the 27th several of us participated in the Alafia River Rendezvous in Homeland, Florida.  This is an event put on by the Florida Frontiersman and involves an encampment of pre-1840s living and activities.  Nothing modern is allowed during the week (I had to be discrete about taking photo).  The above photo is of the opening ceremony around the fire.

Rebekah and Jesse were vendors with Jesse selling his blacksmithing wares and Rebekah selling bags that she sewed.  They stayed through most of the week (except for Wednesday) and I (David) participated both weekends.  Dawn came for the visitor days on the 26th and 27th.

This is Jesse and Rebekah's vendor tent/canopy that they used to sell their things.  We (mostly Rebekah) put it together out of  drop-cloths, 2x2s and rope.  No modern tents or canopies were allowed.

This is Jesse and Rebekah in their period outfits with Jesse's metalwork on the table in front of him.

This is a closeup of some of Jesse's "choppers".  He sold most of these.

This is Jesse interacting with elementary school kids on one of the visitor days.  Dawn was there also and was very worried about little fingers being near sharp knives.

Everyone lives in canvas tents or tepees.  All of the cooking is supposed to be done over an open fire or a metal stove.  Jesse and Rebekah's vendor tent was in the "North West Territory" of the encampment.  This photo is of a potluck for the residents of the NW Territory.

These are some of the Tepees in the "Indian Territory" (also known as "Tepee Town").

We stayed in the Modern Camping area.  It was easier for the first year to spend the day in the period encampment and sleep/eat with our modern camping gear.  If we do it next year we'll probably try staying in the encampment.

In additional to residents, the encampment has lots of stores of period items, food/drink places, and various craftsman.  This is Mr. Riggleman who is a blacksmith.  Jesse talked with him several times.

This is an older gentleman who is making custom brooms.  It was interesting to watch him work.

There were many activities during the week including kids games, muzzleloader shooting, and "hawk" (tomahawk) and knife throwing (above).  They also had highland games, which Jesse and Rebekah participated in.  I missed those games since they were during the week.

And, yes, there are a few photos of me in my period costume.  I helped (a little) make my outfit, but Rebekah did most of it.  It was fun "living" 200+ years ago.