Greetings NCRA Members,
It has been a pretty busy spring an I’m a bit tardy getting this out. We have been busy on several fronts along with the usual activities of those enthused with the Colonial lifestyle.
Muzzle Loading Gun Show
We raised quite a bit of funds during the Muzzle Loading Gun show at Enumclaw from the donation of kit from Butch Wright. Good equipment has always brought a premium and holds up over the test of time. Butch pretty much donated his entire kit and library to our organization and we’ve converted most of it to the treasury for future use. Insurance, porta potty rental etc. Many, Many, thanks to Butch for his donation.
It was a great opportunity to let the general living history folks know where we are going and what the coming season was going to offer.
Spirit of 76
We have been working with the Spirit of 76 folks this spring and early summer supporting them at their Coupeville WA demonstration. This involved some firing demonstrations, cannon work and the representation of the HMS Chatham at the pier in Coupeville. Then following them over to Yakima WA and both places there was a really good turnout.
The NCRA was able to cover the liability insurance for these events when theirs was found to be inadequate. We have signed up 12 new members and yours truly has been along meeting new people and learning what makes the 76 folks so special for meeting the public at large and sharing their time and knowledge during this important time for what is our country’s 250th anniversary.
I look forward to continuing this new relationship between our two groups. Of course, we hope to see them again at the CE and at Quincy WA in September for their Reenactment there. If you’ve any interest or curiosity about this facet of the hobby, please check out their website Revolutionary War and Colonial Reenacting- Washington State
Colonial Encampment
As I write this I am presently preparing the grounds across the road and nearby for the upcoming CE 12 to 16 Aug and the Hawken shop rendezvous 7 to 9 Aug. Parking is all along the south of the site on a easy access hay field with close proximity to the primitive site. There will be Sani cans on the parking lot and RV side of the hay field. The primitive area also has Sani cans and some log cabins and plenty of area for primitive set up. In the center will be the NCRA’s marque, the Black River Tavern! and next to it will be ours. All of this is right across the road from Greene’s Gun shop located at 4778 Monkey Hill Rd Oak Harbor WA. Don’t let the Oak Harbor postal address fool you, Greene’s is on the very North end of Whidbey Island, a stone’s throw away from Deception Pass.
What makes this so unique is the fact it is a Muzzleloading gun shop. Not a sideline, but primarily, it’s all about Muzzleloading with Greene’s. Yes, they have all the powder patch and ball needs covered etc hawks, coffee pots, candle lanterns, knives, etc. etc. etc. BTW it is also the home of the Hawken Shop. Lots to see in the Muzzle Loading Game.
Talking about the uniqueness of this first ever Colonial Encampment at Greene’s, is the fact that these two events run concurrently, if you’re inclined to show up for Rendezvous, you’re able to stay on site, camping right through to the Colonial Encampment.
The Rendezvous will have all the usual stuff, rifle/trade gun/pistol trail walk, hawk and knife, archery, candy cannon, kids scavenger hunt and open to the public. Traders, food, museum and all in one place. After 5 the gate gets closed for the rendezvous folks so we can go about all the usual stuff that happens at 1840 mountain man period.
As for the CE, we will still not be open to the public unless you are in period attire. What is of foremost importance to us is that we have that opportunity to focus on a period correct event. Bring in your camp drop off and remove your vehicle promptly as soon as you can please. What makes it easy is there is wall of trees between the primitive area and the parking area. Easy access if you forgot something and have to get back to your vehicle run into town (or just down the road is very well stocked convenience store).
Canoe trek
We are right next to a premier state park and Coronet Bay Marina. With pristine forest that is easily accessible by canoe and are planning a canoe Trek on one of the days for those interested. More to follow on this if there is good interest. We’ve done this in the past and I’m going into more detail later.
Seminars
This is what we do. Anything in our Colonial life wheelhouse is available to talk and teach about. Military, civilian, gear, cooking, all topics to the time period. Please consider giving us a seminar on your interest would be great. Please shoot me a note and Tricia will get it on the list.
YMHS, Steve Barton, Secretary Treasurer.