Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Naper Settlement Civil War Reenactment 2011

This past weekend we headed a few hours north to spend the weekend in the picturesque historic village of Naper Settlement. Despite it being located in the heart of a big city, it is a very pleasant place and it is amazing how you can go from fast-paced 21st century life and fast food restaurants and bars to tranquil 19th century rural village in a few yards of sidewalk.

The weather was very nearly perfect. Despite the forecast calling for cold temperatures and rain the weekend passed with warm days and nights and only a light sprinkling a few times - nothing at all like we had prepared ourselves for.

Good company and pleasant scenery made for an enjoyable weekend. Here are some photos from the event; for more, please visit my facebook album here: Naper Settlement 2011

Chesnut Light Artillery - these guys (and Monica!) really know what they are doing. They are a great looking unit and on the field move like clockwork. It is poetry in motion, truly. :) I am not "into" military stuff all that much but I am VERY proud of these guys! It is an honor to be associated with them.

Judah watches other children at play on Saturday before the battle. He wasn't feeling too great this weekend and is going through a shy stage, but he definitely liked watching the other kids run around.

And David. I'm so thankful their tunics from last year are still fitting well this year. Praise! Joy!

Mr. Malachi climbing on the doors to a cellar on one of historic buildings.

My friend Laura sews with her little girl.

Another friend, Anna, livens up the camp life with some fabulous banjo picking.

Malachi and I by the church (aren't these bushes gorgeous? We got to look at them all weekend since our camp was right behind the church).

Inside the church for Sunday services. I always love going to services at reenactments. There is a comraderie and family feeling that is not often felt other places. The strong voices raised in worship, singing the dear old hymns, is a beautiful sound. A beautiful 90 year old woman, still reenacting (!) was honored at this service. It was a joyful time.

Malachi fights tiredness on Sunday afternoon.

Laura in the garden. I just love this picture of her. She looks so perfect and romantic. :)

My only regret is that it was not cold enough for me to wear my new paletot! Oh well, at least I now have it all ready for fall. I'm sure it will see plenty of use before the year is out!

After all that 1860's sewing I'm ready to dive back into our regency stuff. The festival is in about six weeks! Yikes!! So much to do still!

Love,
Sarah

6 comments:

  1. Love the photos! It looks like it was a wonderful time! I love the last photo too of Laura. It looks like a Tasha Tudor photo! :) Very lovely!

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  2. I'm so honored to be included in your blog. It was a wonderful weekend and I can't wait to do it again! :-D

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  3. Wow, these photos are fantastic. The costumes are amazing and everything looks so authentic :) :) It made me want to try this, too :) :)I have always liked vintage anything and these photos are wonderful :) :) I really thought everyone attending church in their vintage clothing was really sweet :) )...and yes, it's always a beautiful thing to hear voices raised in praise to our God :) :) I'm curious to see what the Regency dresses look like. That will be pretty neat, too :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  4. It looks like a great event! Your boys are getting so big and are still darling!

    I love the old church, we attended one like that on vacation a couple of months ago and there was something so awe-inspiring about it. I'm glad you all had a wonderful weekend!

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  5. The pictures are fantastic and Lissa's right, your boys are getting so big! It sounds like you had a great time, I too love period church services.

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  6. I envy you! I would love to do reenactments!! Looks like y'all had fun!

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Thank you for your lovely thoughts!