Candlelight

 "Candlelight" at Fort Nisqually is an event held after dark and is truly lit by candles.  The reenactors are all in first person, the visitors are considered unseen ghosts from the future.  The visitors are led around by docents from scene to scene, and the unscripted reenactors must carry on with life in the 1850's.  This year we portrayed 1855.  I wish I had some picture of the fort after dark, but once it starts I am unable to pull out my camera.  I do have some pictures of the reenactors getting ready before the sun sets.

                                            

The different scenes are:
          1.  The meadow--Musicians and American settlers gather around campfires and talk or sing about their experiences getting to Ft. Nisqually along the Oregon Trail.  A handful of soldiers are camped here too, as there has been some Indian troubles.
          2.  The laborer's dwelling--on one side men play cards, gamble and joke.  On the other side, women and families spin, knit, and do chores.
          3.  Dancing--under a tent, lively music and dancing goes on non-stop throughout the evening.
          4.  The blacksmith's--The clang of the hammer on the anvil, the red sparks flying, and the hiss of steam make the blacksmith's shop a mesmerizing place after dark.
          5.  The grannery--Among scythes, yokes, chains, and casks farm laborers tell stories or sing.
          6.  The trade store or sales shop--While men argue politics, women might seek silk or a length of lace for their bonnets.
          7.  The Factor's House (front)--4 month old babies, parlour games with all their silliness, dinner parties, men still arguing politics, and the singing of haunting solos or auld lang syne make magic.
          8.  The Factor's House (back)--little children work on their slates, listen to stories beside the fire, and are put to bed.
          9.  The kitchen-- Delightful aromas of lamb or desserts issue forth.  But beware of what also issues forth: dirty dishwater and practical jokes.
         10.  Metis campsite--The Hudson's Bay Co. workers are preparing to venture back into the Cascade mountains to hunt for furs to trade, and have stories to share about their adventures.
         11.  The return to modern life via the picnic shelter--helpful volunteers answer questions and escort visitors to the buses.

We had over 230 volunteers this time, and as always, tickets sell out or nearly so.