RendezvousInfo.com Your Fur Trade & Rendezvous Reenactment Information Source

At the Benzie, we taped Dan K's classic camp story.   Watch it here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JIp_V5wFJ4

It's a great story!

Jen S.

This last weekend, we finally made it to a rendezvous! Yeh!! It's the first one we've made it to in about 5 years and I was very surprised at how it had changed since last time I was there.

As always, this particular Rendezvous was a little camping with a lot of shooting as opposed to the Grand Traverse Rendezvous at the same site in May, which is the exact opposite. Even so, when we set up camp Wednesday night there were only 3 other camps. By Friday, it was up to 8 on the primitive side. Last time we went, you were lucky to find a spot if you set up on Friday. They didn't even have medallions this year. This really made me want to get this site moving--it seems to be a dying art form :(.

This site has excellent black powder shooting facilities; they are well attended & beautiful even if you don't shoot. They typically have some archery, too. There is a kids fishing pond; I don't know if it's still stocked each year, but it used to be. They also have a church service at 9am Sunday.

This is a rendezvous where you could get away without food; there is breakfast in the Clubhouse (AYCE) on Friday, Saturday & Sunday. This year it ws $2/pp. There are hot dog and/or hamburger plates for lunch all 3 days -- also $2.00/pp this year. Friday dinner was a soup pot; I don't remember the price but it was also inexpensive. Saturday was the free ice cream social.

They do a great job of providing wood, water, & hooters. Being that this is more of a shoot than a rendezvous, it's more relaxed than most. We were lazy and had some (small) modern items out & no one said anything. If you are just starting out, you can squeak by with some modern stuff that you wouldn't otherwise be able to do. Being that this is a small Rendezvous, you can find SOME supplies, but it's not like a National where you can buy EVERYTHING you need when you get there. Also visitors can come in regular clothes to check it out--there is no admission fee for them.

I took a few photos of the primitive camp & got a great video of the skunk story from Dad that I will post when I get a chance. We would love to hear, see, or read your favorite camp songs & stories! Please feel free to share them.

I apologize for the delay in resuming my reviews. I have a note in my phone to remind me when they are due now.

The book for this week is titled Historic Colonial French Dress. When i was purusing this book at a friend's house, it immediately went on the short list of books I had to get.

The first few pages go into fascinating detail of the life & customs of the French Settlers as it relates to their dress. For instance, it explains how limitations, both practical & monetary, meant that historic clothing had more seams. The information in this section is a rich description that gives you a great feel for the times you are reenacting.

The next section discusses all pieces of a french womans wardrobe and explains if & how they are worn by each class, as well as the fabrics and colors that are appropriate. There are many illustrations to show what each piece looks like & the common variations you might find. The mens section has the same type of information.

After that, there are several illustrtions with descriptions showing the village life and you get more detailed tidbits about how different groups interacted with each other.

The best part of this book is the most substantial: the patterns. Not only do the authors provide materials & colors to be used, they describe how to make patterns and give detailed instructions as to how to sew the garment. Skilled seamstresses may make modifications, of course, but for someone like me, it's invaluable. I made my daughter 6 (with one more in progress) chemises based on the patterns of this book. Of course, I had some help from 2 very experienced seamstresses. My goal for next season is to make some short jackets.

The remainder of the book consists of a glossary, a pattern index, and additional resources. If you are just getting started or would like to fill in missing pieces of your persona, this is an EXCELLENT resource to have. It is well worth the money and ahelf space.

Well obviously i dropped the ball on several aspects of getting this site moving.

First, it WAS memorial day weekend--i just didn't think it would be so early.

Second, i missed the WSPR AND the Midwest because Al had to work.

We should make it to the Benzie, though. In fact, the tent is up in the backyard right now airing out...it hasn't been up in at least 4 yrs. Speaking of which, show us your wall tent pics! We have regular lumber for poles which drives Al nuts. We want to see your setup!

Also, I've found a host for message boards and an events calendar. It's not pretty yet, but I'll be working on that this week. Let us know your events & come share what you know!

Jen S.

I have 2 corrections to make.

First, the Grand Traverse Rendezvous is THIS weekend, not Memorial Day weekend.   I had it in my calendar correct, but in my brain wrong.  I forgot it doesn't ALWAYS fall on MD Weekend.

Second, we won't make it :(.   We had family come up from MN for our daughter's Baptism yesterday (they are the Godparents).   They are staying in town for longer than we thought, so they are coming to hang out with us for a few more days before they leave town :).   We might visit Friday/Saturday, but we won't be camping this year.

It's just as well...I haven't quite finished (well, I haven't AT ALL finished) any of the clothes for my daughter to participate with us -- and it's COLD up here!

~J