A Look Back in Indiana History

Yesterday, my daughter invited me to come into her classroom in period clothing and talk to her students about 18th century Indiana history, especially Fort Ouiatenon (here on the Wabash) and The Feast of the Hunter's Moon, an annual festival held to celebrate the French and Indiana time period in our area.

I was delighted to come - I love teaching and I love re-enacting, a hobby I rarely do anymore. (It took me a while to dig out all my period clothing!)

I greeted the kids in French, and ended up speaking French most of the time. Using hand and body language plus some verbal translations works well when speaking French to children who do not understand it. Even acting out what was said helps a bit, too!

Letting a student try on my panniers (side hoops which were used to extend the skirt's width while keeping the front flat.)

My horsey side surfaced immediately, though, when one of the girls told me her name.

It was "Amy," the name of my very first horse. I just couldn't resist sharing that I loved her name and had named a horse that. (I did some of that acting out a bit, here, too!)

My sister, Leslie, is a horsewoman and also the director of The Feast. That's her leading the procession in the opening ceremonies last year when all the militia units, Native peoples, voyageurs, and other participants are welcomed to Fort Ouiatenon for weekend.

She is wearing an 18th century riding habit, reflecting her own horseyness, and it is so beautiful.

 A better photo of the habit. (Pictures are from The Feast web site.)

Lisa will be taking her class to The Feast of the Hunter's Moon tomorrow. I hope they have fun, and I think they now know a little bit more about the history they will see being re-enacted tomorrow, too. Plus, it was absolutely wonderful to be with students and teaching again, even if it was only for an hour!