An annual 17th-century encampment took over the Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site on Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31. (Haley Bascom photo)
The Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site in Pemaquid was transported back in time Saturday and Sunday, July 30 and 31 as re-enactors showed visitors what life was like for 17th century Pemaquid during an annual encampment.
The re-enactors were all well-dressed in period clothing for the activities, from artillery demonstrations to basket-weaving to tales of historic events.
Rebecca Manthey and Addie Miller, 7, prepare cod for a 17th-century fish stew recipe. (Haley Bascom photo)
Gustav Konitzky, owner of Pemaquid Beach Boat Works Inc., has been participating in the event since 1999. He said that even though re-enactors come to Pemaquid every year from all over the U.S. and Canada, the network has grown close.
“We are kind of like a big family,” said Konitzky.
Bill and Judy Wasson have been participating in various encampments for the last 10 years. Bill Wasson demonstrated how rope was made from industrial hemp. Judy Wasson demonstrated handmade basket-weaving, similar to how it would have been done in the 17th century.
The smell of cod and firewood filled the encampment site as re-enactors like Rebecca Manthey and Addie Miller, 7, prepared fish stew with hardtack, a type of biscuit that is “not quite bread, not quite cracker,” according to Manthey.
“Potatoes haven’t showed up in this part of the world yet,” said Manthey, who said that hardtack could be cooked in stew.
“It’s never good, but it never goes bad,” she said, adding it could stay edible for decades.
Manthey said she enjoys encampments for their hands-on approach to learning.
“French sailors” Mario Lacelle (left) and Neil Hamilton protect their supplies before their 1696 siege of Fort William Henry in Pemaquid. (Haley Bascom photo)
Neil Hamilton, playing the part of a French sailor who participated in the 1696 siege of Pemaquid, said he has been participating in re-enactments since he was 2 weeks old. His father, Ken Hamilton, is a 17th and 18th century Native American historian. Participating with their tent was first-time Pemaquid re-enactor Mario Lacelle, who drove eight hours from Montreal to act as a French ship captain.
One popular tent, with children especially, was Steve Woodman’s encampment, where he displayed antique 17th century artillery. He also makes and sells his own replica 17th century artillery. Woodman said the annual Pemaquid encampment is one of his favorites.
“These are all historians and researchers that have assembled these great collections and knowledge,” said Woodman. His second favorite part of the annual Pemaquid encampment is educating visitors “both young and old.”
