Colonial Trade Faire recreates life in Ohio in the 18th century
By Teri Stein
October 11, 2013
1071
Visitors to Schoenbrunn Village Oct. 19 and 20 will have a chance to step back in time and brush up on their knowledge of history at the annual Colonial Trade Faire. The trade faire includes reenactors and merchants recreating life in Ohio during the period from 1750 through 1789. The individuals participating are juried and all their equipment, including firearms, must be specific to the period.
This was the first permanent settlement in Ohio. If people want to learn about the history of Ohio in the 18th century, which was then a very dangerous place, they can talk to the volunteers, said Jack Johnson, one of the events organizers. Its an opportunity to learn about the way people lived day to day. For example, everyone wore linen because linen was the cheapest material. Cotton was expensive.
The event will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Schoenbrunn Village regular admission costs apply; Ohio Historical Society members and Schoenbrunn Village members and Supersized members are admitted free.
Its a fun weekend. The kids like seeing the reenactors and the reenactors like coming here because this is the site it actually all took place, said Johnson, referring to the history of the village founded by David Zeisberger, a Moravian missionary in 1772.
The event is also a great place for those interested in reenacting. If you want to get into this hobby, this is the place to start, added Johnson.
More than 150 reenactors are expected to participate. All the cabins are filled and there will be tents, Native Americans, vendors with 18th century merchandise, militia, and a great mix of activities available, said Johnson.
Visitors can explore an 18th century apothecary, pottery, gunsmith, see leather goods, clothiers and seamstresses, bottle makers, and a horner, which makes scrimshaw powder horns. Twice daily there will be musket firing demonstrations.
Guest speakers are scheduled each day at 2 p.m. at the church meeting house. Matt Wulff of Custer, the author of five books on 18th century rangers, will speak on Saturday and Mark Cory will lead a discussion, on Col. Crawford and the reason the Gnadenhutten Massacre took place, on Sunday.
As a fundraiser to help support the Colonial Trade Faire, a handmade 18th century style flintlock rifle, valued at more than $2,000, will be raffled. Tickets are $5 or three for $10 and are available at the event.
There will also be a chicken barbecue featuring Hog Heaven of New Philadelphia. Tickets are $11 and dinners are also available for carryout. Call the Dennison Railroad Depot at 740-922-6776 to purchase tickets. Other food vendors will offer some 18th century items.
The reenactors have called this event a weekend history lesson and its certainly one not to be missed as the trade faire will give a feel for what Schoenbrunn really looked like in 1772.
October wouldnt be complete without a visit to Tarry Town, New York in 1790, whose new schoolmaster, Ichabod Crane, competes with a rival for the hand of Katrina Von Tassel. Guests at Schoenbrunn Village will enjoy an outdoor performance of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow at 8 p.m. Oct. 24, 25 and 26. Tickets are $10 for all members and $12 for adults and $10 for children 3 to 12. Beware the Headless Horseman.
