“Patriotism is as much a virtue as justice, and is as necessary for the support of societies as natural affection is for the support of families.” Benjamin Rush
Reenactors spend their weekends away from home, sleeping on the ground in tents, cooking over wood fires, and wearing unusual clothing. These men, women, and children of all ages remind us of the way life was in our sparsely settled country in its beginnings.
The men often carry rifles and are loaded down with hatchets, knives, powder horns, canteens, shot bags, and haversacks. A coonskin hat, a tricorn, or felt hats cover their heads.
Women, dressed in long skirts, caps, and modesty scarves, carry a small child on their hips, tote ferkins of water, and carry baskets of apples or eggs. They cook and bake over an open fire with iron cookware. Dressed like their parents, children run barefoot in their long skirts and pants.
The weather was perfect for our visit to the Rev War Field Days at Camden last weekend. Suttlers Row was busy both days, and all of us walked from tent-to-tent, rather than shop- to-shop in a mall. The sun kept us warm, and the camaraderie kept us smiling.
There were toys, baskets, material, medicines, oils, soaps, wooden items, wigs, baskets, books, and guns – all based on the items used during the 18th century. Of course, the proprietors were fashionably dressed for those colonial times, also, and ready to answer a multitude of questions.
South Carolina Artist, Eric Williams was set up by the fence, busy at work painting on Saturday. Retiring after 32 years of service, this National Park Service Chief Ranger/ Historian continues to share his talents with others.
Sheila Ingle 