Manitoba Living History Society

Wednesday, May 26^th – VISIT WITH THE PEOPLE OF RED RIVER – school program

For more detail on any or all of the above, contact Judy McPherson HERE for further details.

Mississinewa 1812 is one of our favorite events, and MLHS members have attended in some capacity almost every year. Held near Marion, Indiana, I wanted to give those of you who have not had the chance to attend this exciting Rendez-Vous a little taste of the action. There’s something for everyone, demonstrations, battles, duels, performers and of course, merchants. Hope you enjoy this collection of photographs from mine and Chris’ 2009 trip to Mississinewa.

- Janet

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TO ALL MEMBERS -

This year’s FDV was one of the best ever – from several points of view, including the fine weather.

Things went swimmingly well up in the museum this year.  As usual, the two weeks that Barry put in on research and production prior to set-up were the creative force for our displays.  We had great help from both our members and from FDV staff in carrying the heavy stuff and in set-up and take-down.  (Thanks Bill and Chris and Colin and Claire)  We had enough people to keep an eye on all the artifacts as they spent time chatting with the public and demonstrating their skills or discussing their display area.   (Nothing went missing this year.)   27 MLHS members volunteered a little or a lot of time as volunteers in this year’s Museum.  Total volunteer hours just in the museum = approximately 209.

We managed to hang two very large flags from the rafters for “Flag Day”, and then left them up for the week.  The quern (thanks Pedro & Wendy) was, once again, a popular display, as was Olivia’s Aboriginal backboard of artifacts.  Surgeon Abel Edwards and Dr. White were popular – during the school program we did countless arm amputations, to the slight anxiety of some of the student volunteers who didn’t know exactly what they were volunteering for.  Spinning is always popular and this year, Claire started teaching Zaley how to spin.  New members Kaley and Sarah-Jane – and Kaley’s daughter, Emily, managed to get new costumes ready within a week, and put in many hours in the museum, and by all accounts, enjoyed it greatly.  Erle’s niece, Tiffany, spent time with him in the tepee, and in several of the cabins, but I’m told she was not permitted to try her hand at blacksmithing (women didn’t do that).  Enno took to the “Armed to the Teeth” display and I didn’t have to worry about little (and big) boys touching the musket when he was on hand.  Louis-Simon, who was going to take over the musket display, decided that he would become senior clerk in the trade shop – a role which he filled admirably.

Enormous thanks to all our willing volunteers for coming out to help – to share your enthusiasm for history – and to just enjoy the ambience that is FDV.  Your participation and cooperation make it all come together.

Ever in the Past

Judy McPherson

Chair
Manitoba Living History Society
2012 – Bicentennial – Selkirk Settlers

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Settler Sweatshop Report

The first New Settler Sweatshop was a great success! Seven members of MLHS, both old and new, came out to help Zaley make a bonnet, bedgown and to finish her cape. The day started around 10:00am and we worked hard until 4:00pm. Alex made a delicious lunch that everyone enjoyed. The day was not only a success for Zaley, but also for the volunteers who had the opportunity to learn some new skills. I would like to thank everyone that came out and participated with great enthusiasm.

I am pleased to say that the success of the day has inspired me to continue with the Sweatshops and perhaps even expand them! The next Sweatshop will be tentatively in mid March…. Details to come.

I anyone would like to add their names to the volunteer list and/or submit as a candidate for a Sweatshop, please contact me.

Thanks once again to all the volunteers,

Claire

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After a two year hiatus, this New Year’s Levee certainly had a different flair.  Gone were some of the familiar entertainments, and in their place was a Chinese drum band and very colorful lion dancers.  The lion leapt up the grand staircase and lowered his head asking to be patted, just where I was standing.  The attendance from the public was a fair amount larger, and I think our new Lieutenant Governor can take credit for getting all the Chinese community out to celebrate with him and for him.  We had two official group photos taken, and I hope to get copies in the near future.  Meantime, many pictures will, I’m sure, be posted to the LGM’s website – http://www.lg.gov.mb.ca/index.html (As of today, I can’t find any photos on his website.)

We had 26 of our members in attendance and as I looked around, the members of the public were constantly engaged in conversation with each and every one of us – from the senior statesman (Barry) to the youngest (Rachel).  Thank you all for showing up.  The young teens looked fetching, the young gentlemen and ladies were most colorful.  I was asked several times who we represented, and I could look around and say – there’s Lord Selkirk – there’s his bodyguard, Sgt. Pugh – there’s Peguis – there’s Kate McPherson, Selkirk Settler, there’s the Rev. John Black  – and so on.  Having real names to attach to each of us is proving to be something that resonates with the public.

Thanks for coming out.  Hope you all enjoyed it as much as Barry and I did (even though I was obviously still in mourning for …. someone ….. in my black silk hooped dress).

NEXT UP:

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
SATURDAY JANUARY 23^rd
1:30 P.M. – ST. BONIFACE MUSEUM
SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER – Alf Warkentin
Details following board meeting this Wednesday.

Ever in the Past

Judy McPherson
Chair
Manitoba Living History Society

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The Christmas Gathering was a whole week ago, but the glow survives. 49 of our membership attended the Christmas party at the St. Boniface Museum which was very capably organized by Janet La France and her team – Claire, Erin, Jane, Genevieve, Zaley, Judy and Chef Borger. A warm glow awaited us in the chapel with tables decorated using natural items found in the fields and in the forests. While the children were entertained on the second floor, a sumptuous dinner was laid out – each family bringing their special offering. A game with clues commenced during dinner. I never did learn who first found out who was “The Spirit of Christmas”. Following dinner, the rest of the activities were in the second floor kitchen/classroom. Children’s names were drawn for gifts – and I noticed many little toys being held close. Wonderful sweets were laid out on the counter and the adult’s gift exchange was laid out on a bench. Then the dancing! Hey! Everyone is getting pretty good at McLeod’s Reel and the Maple Leaf Stomp. And it was okay to STOMP since the papier mache Virgin Mary, in the chapel, was not in any danger from heavy feet. We did have to dance around the large roof support beam – or was it a maypole?

Finally, our raffle draw was held, and all prizes have now been distributed. Winners were as follows:

• 3 lbs. pickerel – Louis G.

• Courting Candle – Carol D.

• Painted Rawhide container – Richard S.

• Framed etching – Ed D.

• Small quilt – Jennifer G.

• Charles J. Bridges books – Gina B.

• 3 yards melton cloth – Debbie Y.

• Country Wives patterns – Sharon G.

Thanks to the committee for its hard work. We appreciate the effort you put into this grand gathering. Thanks to all the members who could come out and just have a pleasant Christmas party.

Ever in the Past

Judy McPherson

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For many years, we have collected costume and textile information from primary sources that has only been available to those who come over and borrow books and patterns and work their way through a hundred plus binders of raw data. For years, we have stalled off on pulling some of this information together in the form of a costume guide specifically for the members of Manitoba Living History Society, and potentially educators and costumers. A year ago, we received support and encouragement from the Dept. of Culture & Heritage, Province of Manitoba to undertake this project. Co-authored by Barry and Judy McPherson, this all-colour guide contains a wealth of plates drawn from sources in Scotland, Ireland and throughout North America. Accompanying these plates is an outstanding collection of art developed by Janet La France that serves not only as part of a costume guide, but also as an introduction to the People of Red River. The book has an extensive textile and costume glossary and a bibliography.

Our Guide has been printed and is now available. The cost is $35.00 (+ GST for Canadians) and shipping.  This is a must-have book as you prepare for the 2012 bicentennial celebrations of the arrival of the Selkirk Settlers.  Order your copy now by contacting Barry or Judy by clicking here.

A companion activity book for young people should be out early in 2010.

Language: English

Paperback: 109 pages, colour

ISBN: 978-0-9813420-0-9

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The following are photos taken during the St. Andrew’s Parade in honor of the Selkirk Settlers, which took place during the MLHS Fall Gathering weekend:

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The 4th Annual Fall Gathering was a resounding success! Friday’s rain was banished by sunshine on Saturday and Sunday. Workshops were varied and ranged from drop spinning to using a quern. The new marquee offered shelter to many diners while they enjoyed an eight course meal that had been prepared and cooked on site over the open fire. Chef Alex Borger, ably assisted by Claire Sparling coordinated, supervised and cooked this fine meal for 70 people. This year, we didn’t contribute pot luck meals, but rather, assisted Alex when he need choppers, and wood and water carriers. It was a fine community effort. The whole weekend had a feeling of happy activity.

Simpson’s Folly and the Bog Boys provided entertainment and lively music, and we hope they might come back next year. The number of visitors increased this year due to direct contact with members and large advance publicity with all facets of the media.

The tent line was again impressive, especially with the addition of the new marquee. This year we had a less busy schedule and everyone enjoyed the free time to work on their projects and just to socialize. Everyone helped with take-down of MLHS tents and equipment first, then their own tents, which shared the work all around.

Plans are already underway for the 5th annual Fall Gathering. Watch for news and watch for new ideas for next year.

Ever in the Past

Judy McPherson
Chair
Manitoba Living History Society
2012 – Bicentennial – Selkirk Settlers

The following are photos taken at the MLHS / SVHM 2009 Fall Gathering.

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Please enjoy this gallery of beautiful photos taken on Canada Day 2009, by MLHS member Christine Lamontagne.

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