The Long Hunter's Journal
The newsletter of the Utah ALRA
November 2006
Lieutenants Message
I want to personally thank all those who supported the Western Gathering. What a successful event! I dare say that a good time was had by all in attendance. It was wonderful to see so many. Many old friendships were renewed and new friendships made. I would like to especially thank Gregg Hansen, John McCann, Steve Gish, Crystal Frazier, Mark Rutledge, and Randy Pewtress for all that they did to make this a successful event. I look forward to sharing your company once again at the Christmas party.
Christmas Party
The Utah ALRA Christmas Party will be held at the home of Dave and Valerie Morby on Saturday the 9th of December at 6 in the evening. Please bring a pot luck item to share and a period gift for a gift exchange. These Christmas parties are always fun and Dave's home will be a neat place to gather. Please join us.
Directions
Take I-15 North to Ogden. Take the 12th street exit East. Follow 12th street all the way up Ogden Canyon. At Pine View Dam take a left across the dam. Follow highway 162. At the 4 way stop take a left (Valley Market on the corner). Continue on highway 162. Take a left on 4100 N. Take a right on 3300 E. Take a left on North Fork Road. Take a left at the sign "Ben Lomond Trail Head." Almost there! Follow this road up a hill. After the hill, follow the road sharp to the left. Watch for my house on the left (Western Store Front Shop). It takes about 40 minutes from the 12th street exit. If you get lost Dave's number is 801-745-1479. Dave also mentioned there is a motel down the street from him or you can crash on his couch if you don't want to make the trip home Saturday evening.
Map
Western Gathering
A full report of the Western Gathering is being prepared for the next ALRA Gazette, but here is a readers digest version. Those who missed the gathering missed a great event. Over 50 people were in attendance with the majority staying at least one night and a few day visitors. We had representation from Utah, Idaho, California, Nevada, Colorado, Nebraska, and New York. Thursday was spent mostly with setup. Friday saw more arrivals and more set up as well as socializing. In the afternoon Kirk and Grant Davis did a demo of skinning and butchering a large buck deer. The venison was distributed and used for dinner that evening. Friday evening everyone gathered in Randy Pewtress' tavern marquee for singing, socializing, and laughter. Saturday morning Doc Mark Rutledge did a seminar about period watches and displayed his great collection of antique period watches. Following the demos it was off to the range for the shooting competitions. Gregg Hansen set up his line of Hessian soldiers and vollies were fired at them starting at the lake. Doc Mark was the winner with four solid hits and the best tie breaker shot. Next a game of elimination was played shooting at a gong. A hit kept you in the game and with a miss you were out. The final two shooters left were Terry Pendley and Kine Clark. Terry and Kine then took a shot at a beautiful schuentzen target painted by Randy Pewtress. Terry had the winning hit and took home the target. Next came the pistol match again playing elimination shooting at the gong. The final shooters again took aim at a schuetzen target painted by Randy. Pat Lakin not only scored the winning hit, but the ONLY hit on the target. After shooting it was back to camp to prepare for the feast. The feast was served shortly after 5 pm. There was a ton of food and it was all wonderful. There were breads, stews, beans, venison, elk, and desserts to name a few. Sunday morning saw everyone breaking down camp and packing up. Goodbyes were said with the hopes of again sharing a camp fire at next years Western.
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Historical Notes
Virginia Gazette Mar 19, 1772 His Royal Highness Duke of Cumberland is to keep Christmas at Windsor lodge in the old English solid way being determine to keep open Table for the people, for three Days, covered with surloins of roast Beef, Plum Puddings and minced Pies, the rich and ancient Food of Englishmen.
Mince pies have been a favorite way down through history as a way of using preserved meats. Mutton, bear, and venison were common in Colonial times. Apples, raisins or currants and spices such as nutmeg, cloves &cinnamon with the addition of brandy make for a delicious treat when cooked in a pastry shell. I always look forward to the holidays and Mom's minced pie. She made it with roast beef. When I was home last summer I asked her to make one. Was delicious!
Plum pudding is also great. According to a recipe I found on the web for Martha Washington's plum pudding it took three days to make. Prunes and raisins were cooked until soft and left in the brine for two days until other spices were added. After flour, eggs and sugar was added, it was pressed into a loaf pan, covered and steamed for six hours. Try that over a campfire.
Brig. Gen. Wayne to Pres. Reed, 1780 - Pennsylvania Archives; Series 1, Volume VIII, Page 593. We now shall try the experiment of making three short Coats out of three old tattered long ones. I must acknowledge they would answer much better for the Spring than fall; but without something done in this way, we shall be naked in the course of two or three weeks; --nor will even this expedient answer longer than Christmas. For God sake, use every possible means to procure Clothing for both officers & men by that time, at futhest.
John Weitzel to Council of Safety, 1776 Sir, I am sorry to inform you that I have not as yet any hemp or of the other articles that the Council desired me to purchase; hemp is very plenty in this County, but there is scarcely any broke, the farmers here are just done putting in their fall grain, so that they have not had time to work at their hemp, and hands are not to be had here for any price. I expect to get the greatest part of what you ordered me to buy between this and Christmas.