Crafts and Trades Whether you call it REENACTING or LIVING HISTORY, there is no question that the point to all this is much more than just putting on an old-fashioned costume and sitting around a campfire. Learning and practicing an 18th Century skill makes your persona believable. It helps define your efforts and leads you down a specific path in your reenactment journey. But, most importantly, it gives you a purpose. If you don't think you have any specific skills, start small. Some of the simplest 18th Century skills are the most noticeable. Learn to sew. You don’t have to be good at it, but be willing to try. Sewing is one of the most used skills of any reenactor. Whether your goal is to make your own clothing, or just have something to do whenever you are bored, or just want to look busy. Learn to cook over an open fire. Coffee does count for this one. Boil the water, drop in the coarsely-ground coffee beans, and let it steep. Voila!
Craftsmen/Tradesmen These trades/occupations were derived from early Kaskaskia records. Mason Smith Blacksmith Master Carpenter Master Joiner Tailor Carpenter Locksmith Roofer Master Mason Master Toolmaker Interpreter Shingler Gunsmith Miller Tavern Keeper Master Barber Surgeon Master Smith Master Turner Blacksmith Soldier Sawyer Baker Master wig-maker This
list is just a sample of Trades/Occupations in Kaskaskia during the mid
1700’s. There are many more Trades/Occupations that were around the Colonies and Frontier. |
