The Fort at No. 4: History & Squirrel Stew! Life on the Frontier in the 1700's | Indigenous People |
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- Опубликовано: 2 июн 2024
- Step back in time with us with Brian McCormack and Melonie Sawyer at The Fort at No. 4, a meticulously reconstructed American frontier site in New Hampshire. Together, we delve into the fort's vibrant history, starting from its early days in the 1730s as part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony's expansion. Discover the strategic importance of this fortification, situated on the cusp of New France, where it played a critical role during skirmishes with French forces and served as a pivotal trading and military outpost.
As we explore the fort, Brian shares his unique insights into the cultural interactions and survival strategies on the frontier, emphasizing the significant role of Native American allies like the Mohawk, Wabanaki, and Stockbridge Mohicans in shaping colonial ranger tactics. We also explore traditional cooking methods with Allyson Szabo, who demonstrates how to make a delicious squirrel stew, a staple of frontier cuisine. As Allyson prepares the meal using authentic 18th-century techniques, she discusses the vital role of women in frontier life with Melonie Sawyer. They explore the myriad responsibilities women held, from cooking and child-rearing to managing the fort's internal economy and providing medical care, showcasing the unsung heroes of the frontier. Join us for this educational journey where history comes alive through engaging storytelling, authentic reenactments, and a deep dive into the social dynamics and survival strategies at The Fort at No. 4.
Whether you're a history enthusiast, or curious about historical reenactments, this video is a must-watch!
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📺 Featuring: Peter Kelly
🎥 Cinematography, Production & Editing: Catherine Wolfe
🎵 Music Courtesy Of: Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald
Thumbnail and description: Shane Kelly
Allyson Szabo, author of "The Reenactor's Cookbook" and "Eat Small, Live Large"
Brian McCormack, Facebook, Wolves of the English, Renactment Group
Melanie Sawyer, Living Historian and Forager: wildfoodsandwilderness.com
RUclips: Melanie Sawyer - Living Historian and Forager of Food
📬 Contact Us: thewoodlandescape1@gmail.com
The Fort at No. 4, Museum in Charlestown, New Hampshire
Thunderhawk Living History School
Facebook: Wolves of the English, Renenactment Group
wildfoodsandwilderness.com
Books by Allyson Szabo: "The Reenactor's Cookbook" and "Eat Small, Live Large"
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#foraging #openfirecooking #AmericanHistory #ColonialHistory #EarlySettlers #SelfSufficiency #Homesteading #LivingHistory #CanadianHistory #HistoricalReenactment
I never ask God to bless our food. I thank Him for the blessed food He provides.
Wow, Peter, a video before Friday. And what a good one at that! This really shows how the women of the frontier kept things together. It shows we wouldn't have made it without them. Man, that bread looks good, and I can smell the stew clear down here in Pennsylvania. All the best to you and Cathy.
It was an amazing meal shared with some amazing historians.
Thank you so much for recording this video. It brought back many fond memories for me. My family and I did much reenacting at Old Number Four when the Miller’s were the curators. My son Justin and I helped to build some of it as well. We typically portrayed a Scots immigrant family, but we’re occasionally called upon to be Canadians as well. I am Mohawk on my mother’s side from Saint Regis to the North and am pleased to see my people being represented. Again, thank you.
We were lucky to have the opportunity with Melanie, Brian and Alison … great people and knowledgeable to boot.
I could sit and watch this all day with everyone doing their own thing. it's all so interesting.
Thank you, very flattering.
I'm a descendant of Nathan Whiting. I had a chance to visit The Fort At No. 4 many years ago. I am glad the history of the fort is stay active.
As am I, many of our historical sites lack adequate funding and if not for volunteers would most likely be lost to history.
Awesome! My great-etc-grandfather was Governor of New Hampshire, John Page, from 1839-1842. He was born and died in Haverhill, NH one hour drive South of that fort. Small world!
Going back further, my ancestors arrived in 1630 on the second Mayflower with the Winthrop Fleet in Massachusetts Bay. We also have a mention of the fort in later documents as my family made it's way west.
I’m envious of those that can track their ancestors. Thanks for sharing.
Ya snuck one in on me Peter. But of course the content does not disappoint. & it's correct. Women were indeed the unsung heros.
We certainly agree on your point.
Thank you for shedding some light on an amazing place. I love that fort and my state.hope you had a wonderful time!
Our pleasure! You live in a beautiful state.
That squirrel looked so tender cooked that way.
I enjoyed the history of life in the fort on the frontier.
The meal was exquisite!
I really enjoyed this episode, especially the important role of women on the frontier. I enjoyed learning how the community functioned, taking care of each other and using people’s strengths. I also enjoyed the plant lore and alternate ways of adding to the diet in lean times. It was all fascinating! I grew up in Ohio and we went to a Mohican camp for a week in 6th grade. We learned a lot about what the colonists learned from the native populations. This was in the 70s, and it’s still one of the most significant experiences of my life. Learning about the trade and cooperation between the natives and the colonists was very interesting as well. Excellent video. Thanks for everyone’s hard work and coming together for this video!
When old memories remain vivid you know it had on impact on you as a person. Thanks for watching and your comments.
Peter thank you so much for giving us "wee bit of history"!! It is so great to teach REAL history. When you look at the word it's "his-story" and yet so many of the wonderful stories are being lost. Keep it up. I would like to send you a gift if I could get an address to send d it to. Thanks again "Carcajou" Cliff Elliott (also of Irish descent)
Glad you enjoyed it, Cliff. As to a gift, your kind words are in themselves, gift enough.
Thank you for sharing this. I sure enjoyed it
I'm so glad!
Great episode! It was nice seeing the perspective of the women and everything they did. Certainly unsung heroes. Their toils, I am sure, were appreciated then as they are now. Really enjoying following your adventures. Safe travels my friends!
We agree totally.
These Women are EPIC
Indeed they are.
Appreciate your efforts and dedication. Wonderful production as always. Thank you for showing the diversity and highlighting what it takes to keep a community running. Thanks again and keep your powder dry!
There was indeed a lot to keep folks, housed, safe and feed. Watch yer top knot.
I am very appreciative of all your videos, but this one has been special on all fronts.
Wow, thank you, Hayward.
Great episode, thanks to everyone who participated in this. Sure would like to have some squirrel gravy about now. Thanks Mr. Peter and Ms. Cathy.
A man of my own heart…. Squirrel is good!
Excellent! It's great to see so much research-based historical activities and sites. Out west It's mostly black powder rendezvous, which are very loosely based on history, if at all.
It is much older for sure on the east side of the continent.
It's fun being in the kitchen, next to the fire with the ladies.💗
It really is a true learning experience.
Excellent presentation! thank you!
You're very welcome!
Peter, I always await your video drops with great anticipation and I’m never disappointed.
Your channel is a treasure as far as I’m concerned.
Wow, thank you!
Yet another great episode…that is a very impressive site, I sure wish there was somewhere close to us here in eastern Kentucky. It’s wonderful that you were able to team up with Brian and Mel, whom I’ve followed on instagram for several years. They bring impressive real-life skills to their impressions. The “Wolves of the English” are a scary bunch, glad they were on our side!
Brain and Melanie were amazing hosts and very avid historians.
This is hands down the best video you have put together, thank you Peter and all the others who helped. God bless you all.
Wow, thank you, glad you enjoyed it.
Just an Excellent visit to the eighteenth century when people worked together as a huge family. And Native People’s were very important for so many aspects of survival. A Beautiful fort indeed with Great Folks! These are times I long for and often felt I was there. Thank You So Much Peter and your Friends! You can’t imagine how much I wanted to dip that bread in that good stew! Many Blessings and Great Adventures! DaveyJO in Pennsylvania
We agree, the fort was amazing.
Another fascinating episode. The production values are exceptional.
Thank you, I’ll pass on your compliment to Cathy.
My Grandfather was Mohawk/German and a Fur Trader for Hudson Bay Fur Company.
Very interesting family lineage!
Just looking at this video makes me wanna go there
It is a wonderful historical site, indeed.
As a former reenactor, this warms my heart.
And your comment, mine.
I would sure like to have me some of that squirrel stew. Thank you for another wonderful video.
It was a treat indeed.
What a beautiful video. I could listen to the ladies all day. What amazing stew and bread. Reminds me how many nights grandpa provided squirrel or rabbit for the meals. It helped out food on the table. And I still have his .22 rifle he hunted with back in 50’s. I can still feel his hands on that rifle with aim on a squirrel or rabbit. Thank you for such a beautiful video.
What a fantastic memory, thanks for sharing.
I was so angry with myself, because I managed to burn the bottom of the bread when I was baking it in the dutch oven. :) All in all, the meal turned out wonderful, though!
Just another great vid Peter and Cathy. I wasn't expecting another one, and it is not Friday yet!! So.. maybe one more before the week is out?!?! You are so right to focus an episode on the contributions of the fairer sex!! The contribution was HUGE!!
HOW IS IT THAT YOU ALWAYS SEEM TO WANDER INTO THE KITCHEN JUST AS THE FOOD IS ALMOST DONE, PETER???
Best Regards to you both!
Another one on friday. As to my timing, years of practice.
@@TheWoodlandEscape
You have obviously perfected your skill!
Three vids in one week!! You spoil us and raise our expectations!!
Words escape me on how to express how much i enjoyed this interesting video on the great frontier of the Americas well done folks
A very flattering compliment, I thank you.
Another interesting video with great food.
Glad you enjoyed it
Enjoyed this Peter and Cathy. Great content.
Thank you.
Nutmeg? Is this JAs.Townsend and son. LAL 😅 great vedio.Thank you all.
Glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching.
This made me laugh... it was indeed a nod to Jas. Townsend. LOL... Though nutmeg was used in quite a few of the recipes we still have written down. Likely (and this is a guess on my part, not something researched, so take it with a grain of salt) because it's a nut rather than a leaf or powder. It's easy to transport, and frankly, they're light. A little goes a long way, too!
You're a inspiration to me. And this video stirs me even more. To where I have to figure out how to delve deeper into this amazing "hobby"....lifestyle. Thanks for every video you and Cathy put out!
I'm so glad, it’s a great hobby with great people.
As always, a very enjoyable video. The squirrel stew sure brought back some memories. Growing up here in the Smokey Mountains, we ate just about anything that moved. My favorite wild meat was always rabbit, but squirrel was a close second for me. We cooked it several ways. My favorite was to boil it until it became tender and then bread it and fry it. We would take the broth from the boiling and either make dumplings or gravy. I was more partial to the gravy.
Like you, my favorite way is deep fried and we are a lot of it growing up and still to this day.
Thx guys for this very educational video, filming it and sharing it with us.
Our pleasure!
Great video! I lived in NH for years and never heard of Fort #4. My son and I are going to NH in June. Hopefully we can fit this into our itinerary. 🐾🙏🏻✌🏻
Worth the trip ! Thanks for watching.
Loved this! Important information for where we are today.
Glad it was helpful!
A wonderful piece of history.
Thank you so much.
As always, wonderful content, fantastic location, beautiful camera shots. Thank you for the extra conversations of and input by all included in this video.
I’ll pass on your fine compliments.
Just a thought on Squirrel Stew!
My mother-in-law-who, turns 91 this year, grew up during the depression in a log cabin built by her father. I was fussing about all the squirrels in the yard and said out loud that I needed to start shooting them. I asked my mother-in-law if she knew how to cook them. She said a couple of things. She said she ate so much squirrel when she was a young child, she would never eat it again! The 2nd thing she said was that you can survive on squirrel but you will never get fat on it!
I changed the topic of the conversation!
Never grow fat … made me laugh.
It’s a way better life then what we now have
I so agree. I always say I was born way too late as this is where my heart is.
Hard but I agree.
Another very educational presentation. Outstanding.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you Peter, Cathy, and fellow historians.
Thanks for watching.
❤😊😊 one word: excellent !
Thank you so much 😀
Absolutely fascinating, i loved your video! Thank you so much for keeping our history alive!
Glad you enjoyed it, we have a whole lot of fun doing it.
What a great video! It was awesome to hear Brian and Melanie speaking, after I followed them both on Instagram. And the bread and especially the squirrel stew looked so good!! Excellent, excellent video! Thank you for sharing it!
Our pleasure!
Very interesting
Glad you think so!
I AM GLAD , YOU ARE EDUCATING THE GENERAL PUBLIC WHO INTERESTED FROM 400 YEARS AGO GOING FORWard.
I love all history, but this time era I find the most fascinating.
I grew up eating squirrel stew. My dad in I used to go trapping in the fall and winter for rabbit and raccoon pelts. It was $20 for the raccoon and $15 for the rabbit. It was the way we paid our bills and had food in our bellies. Dad taught me that you don't waste anything. During the summer it was lots of squirrel and garden vegetables.
Your dad was wise to give you such sound advice.
That was a fantastic video, and a great bit of history. That looked like a wonderful place, and the stew didn't look bad either!
Thanks 👍. The stew was absolutely amazing.
Great show.
Thank you.
Really glad to have found the channel! Thank you from Minnesota. Cheers!
Thanks for watching and a big hello from Upper Canada.
loved it
Worth the effort than!
Oh, wonderful. Great job you guys❤❤❤
Glad you enjoyed it! The easy people I’ve ever worked with and exceptionally nice !
Fort Klock and Johnson Hall, you will be in my back yard, lol. Visit The Fort Plain Museum and take a ride up Route 10 to the Stone Arabia Battlefield, visit the two churches on rte. 10, in the back gravesite is were Col. Brown is buried. Be sure to visit the museum, it is loaded with awesome history. Tons of great info.
I’m definitely coming back.
Wonderful… I enjoy your videos so greatly.. keep up the good work..
Onward and Upward is Still the Watchword ..
Thank you! Will do!
Such a great area my father in law and I used to go on fishing trips by Crowne Point great memories
It certainly a very beautiful area.
We had a great time filming with you. The video looks fantastic. I look like im 10 feet tall when i carried the squirel into the kitchen. Lol. Would love to do it again with the both of you.
Well sir, in my books you are 10 feet tall. We had a blast Brian … don’t you forgetting your visit.
As always great video and history lesson. You inspire me to try to get into reenactment in my area.
Great hobby with great people. If your just starting you’ll find the most welcoming people in any hobby.
I enjoy listening how life was back in 1750. I also enjoy looking at the wooden furniture and items of that time period. Awesome Video! 👍👏😃
Glad you enjoyed it
I am of TUSCARORA descent. They did not move from NC until after 1804, when my cousin, Thomas Jefferson relocated them from eastern NC to western NY and PA.
My research indicates much, much early as to oral history. I’d love to see a link to the documentation you refer to.
Great meal in a cool location.
It was indeed!
Hey, I am glad that he reenacts the time period. I think that it may be lost to time.
Thank you.
How VERY INTERESTING! Thanks 4 this vid and the fine hand of Empress Catherine in filming. A 'lovely' fort that seemed to be 'well-thought-out'. Funny how the history I was taught spoke little about the intermarriage of colonists and natives, along with adoption of one with the other. I thought we had harbored animosities throughout homesteading/settlements...but the 'need' to consolidate goods and understanding/knowledge out -won foolish biases, thank Goodness! Can't say that squirrel bodies in a stew look appetizing to me...I'd a had to shop-em-up so as 'not' to recognize the critters...yeah I know...I'm a wuss! LOL! Seems the 9th President of the U.S.; William Henry Harrison, enjoyed squirrel stew. He said; "I actually had squirrel stew once. Not bad actually...the goal is to remove all the hair, which the chef in my case failed to do." YIKES! Twuz a fascinating telling of; 'Wee-bits' and both the Native and Female background on life at the Fort. Take care dear ones...health and blessings! :)
Oh my, hair on squirrel, not a pleasant thought. There were thousands of inter marriages in Colonial America and even more in Canada as the French immersed themselves in native culture.
I think you have hit a home run, Peter!!! GREAT episode!!!
I thank you sir.
With all the awful things happening in the world it’s refreshing to watch videos like this.
That’s gratifying, thank you.
Great content! I had just discovered the value of strawberry leaves. I have educated myself on what's edible and useful on my land. Thank you for preserving this knowledge. We all need to know some holistic helps.
Glad it was helpful and I totally agree on more natural approach to one’s health.
I slept in the room with the drum when I was the Commander of the weekend for Stark's Muster.
Cool
Are you kidding? I've seen most of your work as you go along, this my friend was one of the best. You could actually go back in time watching this episode. I'm in New Hampshire and had no idea about fort # 4 . That is now on my list of historical areas to spend time in. Thank you and your family and friends for giving us the opportunity to sit with you and enjoy. Thx Peter.
It is definitely worth the trip, it’s a wonderful historical site.
There's Highland Games coming up in the near future, and the Fort is open quite a bit during the summer months!
Really enjoyed this video, very informative!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I just shared this to FB with an incredulous lament that you're subs are as low as they are, and a request to all to like, subscribe, and watch previous vids of yours.
Even though the frontier women weren't as well covered in the writings of the era, my impression of what I've read is that they were definitely not unappreciated; maybe taken for granted a little, but their roles weren't ignored. If you look at any society, those providing the "infrastructure support" rarely get mentioned, but that's not to say they weren't recognized somehow. Any man with half a brain in that environment desired a "good woman" to help with the homestead while he was out earning the money or the living, which was what society expected him to do.
Great video, Peter, and Cathy did a fabulous job behind the camera as usual 😊 y'all keep up the good work 👍🏻😁
We appreciate your support. Some might say slow growth, we prefer to think of it as organic growth. I totally agree with you on both the need for and often lack of recognition that the female gender received.
Great stuff, Peter. You are certainly making your travels recently.
We are indeed getting about!
Awesome video Peter. You were very close to my home when you were at Number 4.
Well then, I should have dropped in, lol.
Always so special.
Thank you.
Hi. What can I say? Wow! Thanks for sharing. Greetings from Germany, Chris
Thanks for watching and greetings from this side of the pond.
Is this the same fort that Returning from a raid on St. Francis, Quebec, Robert Rogers in 1759 sought help here for his hungry Rangers at Fort Wentworth far up the Connecticut River.?
It is indeed.
There is so much to learn from this video. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I'm watching on Mother's Day, thanks for recognizing women.
You are so very welcome and Happy Mothers Day to you.
I'm from a little town in S.C. called Bath. In horse valley, the fist mill was set up in 1711. Gust east of August Ga.
My daughter lives a couple miles from Fort 4. You can hear the canon firing on reenactment days. Now I have to go!
You’ll not be disappointed.
So. Even. Today. Treat. Us. Women. With. Respect!!!! We. Helped. Keep. Us. Alive. Even. Back. In early age 1700s pray. For. Us men. And. Women. Both. We. Working together and. Hard. To. Live. On. The. Frunt tear
You are spot on, thanks for the comments.
Beautiful spot! Thanks for sharing!
It is worth a visit if you’re ever down there.
I'd love to get into reenacting, but im not sure where to start. Im from western PA, Fort Ligonier, Fort Pitt, and Fort Necessity are all less than an hour from me. In fact, i live about 2 miles from Bushy Run battlefield if you are familiar with that one.
You are literally surrounded by living historians. Google groups, you’ll find them more than welcoming.
Howdy Peter
I like those buildings ... WOW 4 stories up ...must to have been something to do .
Did you go up ? or did they let people go up ?
You have had squirrel before right ? Did you or Cathy cook it in the cabin ....
You friend Brian .... part Indian....is that piece of jewelry hanging .. part of the Indian custom ? Did it mean something , like rank ?
Woman is not written about to much ... of what they HAD to do it was not a choice....they needed to eat and have a roof too ....Amazing .
Thanks for the great story .
Eaten it all my life and yes in the cabin. Nose tradesilver was very common in the 1700’s.
I'm the one who cooked the squirrel, and I did cook it over the fire in the hearth. I also baked some bread there, though I managed to scorch the bottom. Never fails, when you're trying to show off it gets messed up. ;)
What a great video. There is absolutely nothing regarding the frontier role of women. You only hear about the exceptions to women's roles. I don't know if you have more video, but I'd sure love to see it. Particularly the English lady who married into Iroquois society.
We have over 200 episodes in our play list. Melanie will be featured in one coming out i a couple of weeks.
Wonderful show 👍
Glad you enjoyed it
Awesome thank you for the education
Our pleasure! Thanks for watching.
Awesome seeing you at Fort #4! That was one of my first reenacting sites when I really got into it in 2000. I was with the 3rd Massachusetts Provincial RGT (New England Living History Association). It's a fun place and lots of great history. They're doing a Scottish Highland event on 29 June.
Awesome fort and awesome people. The Highland Games sounds like fun.
Loved tho thank you!
I appreciate your kind words.
Fantastic... very enjoyable. Thanks for all the wonderful content that you create.
Many thanks, thanks for watching.
Wonderful episode!
Thank you.
Very good thank you!
Our pleasure!
Very cool! A pity RUclips doesn't transmit smells. What was the gun your Mohawk reenactor friend was carrying? It looked a bit like a Brown Bess carbine.
The musketts is a cut down bess. Ranger cut
The musketts is a cut down bess
Often natives and Ranger Companies cut down Bess’s for better handling in the bush.
@@TheWoodlandEscape Thanks. I have a Bess carbine replica and that one appears to be cut just a bit shorter.
@@user-nf3jj3ie3v Thanks. The native style tacks on the stock are a nice touch.
By most account these days, Blue Jacket was a Shawnee, not the white man Marmaduke Van Swearingen (see Wikipedia or other resources). Allan Eckert is fun to read and granted, well researched, but they are novels not scholarly history. At least that's my take. With that said...I love your channel!
I’ve heard both sides of this coin and honesty not sure which way I lean. Thanks for the great feedback.
As an American I have visited many of the forts including western ones, but I haven't done the French ones even though I lived in proximty of several. I should say that I have been where two important trading posts were for the French. I also need to check the ones for New Netherlands and New Sweden. They seem to be forgotten by a majority today. Even in the mid to later 20th century they were ignored in school history classes.
It’s a pity that many of our historical sites are getting less an less funding … once they are gone they are lost to history.
Instructive
Thanks for watching.
Wonderful video,
Thanks for the visit