18th Century Market Fair, Life in the Colonies, Tea and Women - Nov 23, 2010

Sorry for my delay in writing but I went back in time to the
18th Century Life in the Colonies: Conclusion -  The working middle class and merchants of the 18th century lead very challenging lives.  Maria, a 21st century lady, born in the 20th century also loves a challenge.  Why not portray a 18th century merchant, selling my wares of handmade laundry soaps, perfumed soaps and my sturdy and decorative oiled floorcloths?  Since I could only volunteer to play the part with the help of my husband, he agreed to play the  part of my 18th century merchant partner.  He will sell the soap wares with historical facts while I demonstrated how floorcloths were made along with educating the public with the history --- All in 18th century costumes.  This event, 18th Century Market Fair,  took place at the historical Green across from the Old State House, coordinated by the First State Historical Park and Director, Elaine Brenchly.  A cool crisp day with lots of sun, a merry and heavy crowd ascended upon The Green.  All persons attending  had great interest and asked many questions.  A non-stop day with not a single commercial display or entity, a relief to my 18th century soul.  The French Lacemaker, Monsieur LeFarceur de Villeverte,  put on quite a show.  Of course he was dressed and acted as a wealthy merchant, paying his lacemakers a mere pittance.  Many more merchants such as vintage hand tools made on a spring-pole lathe by Rick Schuman, Deborah Peterson's Pantry offered sweetmeats, spices, sugars & chocolates.  There were silhouette artists, weavers, spinners, quilters, blacksmiths and more.  What a grand day.

Maria With Her Mariners Floorcloth at the Market Fair

My Market Fair Merchant/Husband Selling Our Soap Products

Another great event, "Leaves, Beans & Lemons", presented at the John Dickinson Plantation, Dover, DE  on November 13 by Nancy Gardner.  Nancy is a member of the Historic Foodways Society of the Delaware Valley.  It was a "tea"lightful discussion of 18th century teas, coffee, and punches; and a demonstration of proper 18th century serving etiquette. Such interesting information regarding the tea service, serving tea, the history of tea, coffee and chocolate.  A great presentation that included how important women were to the food, beverage and industry of merchants.  A highly disregarded role of women at the time.  She provided a wealth of bibliography data and many references to good reading.
The Dickinson Mansion tours will feature a display of an eighteenth century tea setting with decorative foods prepared according to colonial recipes.

Also at the plantation were the preparation of tarts, cookies, roasted duck and other items cooked and baked in the open  hearth of the 17th century log home.  Dressed as 17th century kitchen help the guides were discussing meals of the time and preparing them at the same time.  All foods on display in the mansion are prepared in the log home.  What an interesting and hearth warming day.  My bonnet is off to the staff at "The Dickinson".   

Tea at the John Dickinson Plantation

There is more great heartwarming stories concerning my artful and historic research.

Stay Tuned!

Maria L B