Tags
18th century, authenticity, common people, Events, interpretation, living history, Newport, Rhode Island, Rhode Island history
![[Not] Mrs Guernsey and Mrs Holstein](https://kittycalash.files.wordpress.com/2016/08/dscn4461.jpg?w=529&h=397)
[Not] Mrs Guernsey and Mrs Holstein
We offered games, beverages, and tavern food as best we could in the makeshift setting of Washington Square in Newport and served as the site of an impressment riot based on incidents involving sailors from the Maidstone in June, 1765. Custom had been brisk before the Royal Navy so rudely imposed upon our establishment, and dragged off some of our best patrons– leaving their debts unpaid, of course.

Barmaid. Bouncer. Bobby.
We resorted to more gaming, though even that was risky: a young, possibly motherless thief whose trousers barely contain his calves made off with our winnings, and had to be chased down. Fortunately, despite her propensity to smoke, the barmaid was able to apprehend him and, money restored and apology made to Mistress B, we allowed him at our table– I believe we are a better influence than the company he had been keeping, as our trade is honest even if modest.
Much was on offer in town on Saturday, and while Miss C had advertised Hogarth and Sandby throughout the morning, by late in the day, she still had no offers, and the pair were advertising themselves effectively. ‘Tis a pity, for with fish unsold, another day passes and Miss C’s gown remains in pawn, and her shiftless husband’s shoes as well– even the Navy did not want him, for he professes never to work and affects half-wittedness that conceals his natural wit.
Despite hiccups along the way, setting up a tavern on the green, even in this kind of makeshift way, allowed us to do something I’m always excited about: interpret the history of working women. Serendipitously, one of my favorite books delves into the history of women and business both large and mostly small, and examines Newport. The Ties that Buy, by Eleanor Hartigan-O’Connor is one of the best books on 18th century women’s history that I’ve read, making clear that women, despite their restricted legal status, conducted business, had lines of credit, sued for non-payment of debts, and participated in expanding consumer networks. This book, in addition to research into punch, alcohol, Rhode Island taverns (and I’ve got ready access to tavern ledgers) grounded the interpretation of the Sign of the Two Old Cows. The best part of the intersection of living history and research is bringing actual people from the past to life, and reshaping the way the public understands and appreciates history. For Two Old Cows and a book, I think we did pretty well.
I really enjoy seeing this kind of historical interpretation being presented to the public. Well done ladies! There simply is not enough “down and dirty, real life” kind of interpretation of working women being done. I think it’s due, in large part, to the mostly military centered events which are great but we’ve missing so much! Again, wonderful job! 🙂
-Emily
I think we deserve a bit more credit than you make it sound. There’s more going on here than “two old cows and a book”! For one thing, we each bring years of experience, research, and accumulated general information, which allow us to fill in plausibly what the documentary record glosses over, for example, what kind of “bar food” would a common waterfront tavern be serving in Newport in the summer season of 1765?
And for another thing, this endeavor reminded me, yet again, that just as in the actual 18th century, so is it also for us reenactor types– what new enterprises we are able to embark upon depends in no small part on having the physical resources, the appropriate material goods, the right stuff. for the job. How can we have a tavern without the proper tankards, the right sort of bottles to hold the hard liquor, the necessary bowls, basins, pitchers, tubs, pails, tables, and seating furniture? It took the combined “stuff” of you, me, and a few other people to create a credible tavern,
Everyone says we did an outstanding job, so it must be so.