"No One Can Be Caught In Places He Does Not Visit"

 Or what to expect when visiting an 18th century coffee house or its 21st century recreation.

Mad Dog in a Coffeehouse, Thomas Rowlandson, 1809.

One cold day in December 1663, Samuel Pepys did what many men before him, and even more after him, would do; he went to the coffeehouse. He was greeted upon entering the central room of the Coffeehouse by a rotund yet energetic coffee man with an exclamation of “What news sir?” and the offer of a steaming dish of coffee, which Pepys took happily, adding just a bit of sugar to sweeten the bitter brew. From here he wound his way through the crowd to a heavy worn table which filled the center of the otherwise open room. Scattered across the wooden surface were various newspapers, a well-worn copy of the French play “Heraclius, Emperor of the East. A tragedy”, three flickering candles despite the daylight hour and, mixed among it all, dishes of coffee in every state of consumption. Surrounding the table Pepys found an assortment of men with whom he would share “very good discourse” some that he was well acquainted with, having shared conversations in the past, others that he had not yet met, a fact that did not limit their discussions in any way.

Among the coffeehouse patrons Pepys found the flamboyantly dressed “Secretary of the Virtuosi of Gresham College” with whom he would enjoy a “very fine discourse” concerning a newly invented instrument to be tried at the college the following day. Next his attention was drawn to a less academic but no less enthusiastic “discourse with an Iron Merchant” where Pepys discovered the difficulties experienced in that trade between the Swedes and English. A thin boy, no more than 12 years old scurried among the crowd, ensuring that the men's dishes of coffee remained well supplied. At the cost of only one penny a dish, the men were unlikely to complain about this constant attention, preferring instead to continually sip at the hot liquor without interrupting their adamant discussions.

The Discomfited Duellists, 1784.

From across the crowded room Pepys saw his good friend, taking his dish of coffee he left the iron merchant and crossed to “[sit] by Mr. Harrington, and some East country merchants” whom he found “talking of the country about Quinsborough” and “the manner of putting their nets into the water” during winter. Soon his attention was distracted by the vociferous argument at another table, as the patrons dispute the suggestion that “all the opinion now is that the Dutch will avoid fighting with us at home. . . ” Finally, Pepys found his acquaintance Mr. Harris, who he “was to meet” at the coffeehouse for business. The two eventually leave the coffeehouse but most certainly returned another time for the latest news, freshest advices and camaraderie of other gentlemen such as had been enjoyed that day.

Widow Black's Coffeehouse, 2012.

I can not promise that if you happen "to stroll into a little coffee-house", perhaps on the edge of a green field, the checkered floors & a lot hanging roof, that you will find such entertaining friends as Mr. Pepy's did, or the excitement that Mr. Rowlandson drew. However, I can promise a constant supply of the finest true English coffee, the freshest advices from around the colonies & indeed, across the seas. But most of all, I can promise an experience as true to that of the original English coffeehouses, an experience that no other reenactor or historian has attempted to duplicate purely for the enjoyment of their fellow reenactors. I look forward to seeing many of you at the Widow Black's Coffeehouse "this year", whether that is 1650, 1760 or 1812.

For more information on visiting the Widow Black's coffeehouse, the Widow's lecture schedule or to bring the coffeehouse to your event; Please Visit the Widow Black Coffeehouse on Facebook.

~~~
Works Cited

Chole White, Camaraderie of the Cup: The 18th century English coffeehouse & the development of an enlightened public sphere (2011). 

Thomas Rowlandson, Mad Dog in a Coffeehouse, 1809 (Museum of Fine Arts Boston).

Samuel Pepys, Mynors Bright, and Henry B. Wheatley, The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Transcribed by the Rev. Mynors Bright from the Shorthand Manuscript in the Pepysian Library at Magdalene College Cambridge Vol. 1 (New York: Heritage Press, 1942), 8 March, 1663/4.

Joseph Addison & Richard Steele, The Spectator, Volume 5 (Philadelphia: Robert Desilver, 1819).

Proficiency in Whist Implies Capacity for Success...

By popular demand, weekly Whist games will be returning for the winter season!

Starting with 2 opportunities to play in person at the coffeehouse, Mississinewa 1812 & Trail of History. These are you're last chance to show off all the practice you've had at events over the summer or to simply fake out your reenacting friends who think you've been practicing. Even if you haven't gotten the chance to learn this easy & period correct game, never fear. The Widow is always willing to teach newcomers and since Whist involves no gambling, your purse is safe.

Period correct beverages & treats will be available, but feel free to bring your own items to add to the atmosphere. Remember, the coffeehouse is a First Person Environment and visitors are encouraged to participate.

 

Whist with the Widow Returns

Friday October 12, 2012

7 o'clock

at the C. Black Coffeehouse, during Mississinewa 1812

Whist with the Widow Continues

Friday October 19, 2012

7 o'clock

at the C. Black Coffeehouse, during Trail of History

Look for further details and the Facebook event page for the online games, starting in late October and continuing Every Friday night, all winter long.

Fear not for the future, weep not for the past

It has been a quiet year in the coffeehouse. My busy educational schedule limited travel severely however we were still able to attend a few of my favorite events and share the coffeehouse demonstration with public all over the Midwest. In an effort to conserve journal space while still keeping everyone up to date with the past year of events, here is one, all be it long, entry for 2010.

~~~

The spring events persisted in their cold & windy way. Despite the warmth of a constant fire and layers of sturdy wool, the chill was hard to avoid. Being the hearty souls that we are however, we continued on our merry way, sipping at hot chocolate to keep our spirits & stomachs warm.

Bloody Lake Rendezvous

Bloody Lake and The Gathering at Macktown traded weekends this year and to be honest, this sent most of our early reenacting season out of whack. Macktown is a mere 5 minutes from my home, the perfect distance for the season opener, especially for all those little things that you have either forgotten to pack after being off for 4 months, or that you've forgotten to replenish over the winter. Still the weather was acceptable for spring in the Midwest, cool at night, sunny and warmer during the day and the company top notch. No amount of sun however, could fix L's sour mood.


Miss L demonstrates "melancholy" while the widow Black shows the proper use of the lap grinder.

The Gathering at Macktown

Cold, rainy, terrible weather means it must be the weekend for the Gathering at Macktown. School day was canceled due to the weather, which was especially frustrating for me, as I had rescheduled an exam that day in order to participate. I toughed it out for the remainder of the weekend, thankful for a warm fire and the constant cup of hot tea at my side.


The widow isn't angry, she's just very, very cold!

~~~

In stark contrast to the spring events, our summer season was miserably hot and humid. Still we soldiered on, and in the mean time found new and interesting ways to keep cool despite the weather.

Grand Encampment V

The coffeehouse wasn't in attendance at the Grand Encampment, however both L & I did our best to aid in the naval support offered to the British by the Great Lakes River Pirates. Sadly this weekend found us both suffering from a recurrent bought with consumption. It was very fortunate that I wasn't presenting for the weekend, as in addition to the frequent coughing fits, I found my voice nearly gone.


Quarter Master B & the widow Black enjoying well deserved sustenance while Lob tastes a newly imported blend of tea.

Pike River Rendezvous

Pike River saw the debut of First Person Interpretation Day at the coffeehouse. This was a nerve wrecking experience for many of us, since first person interpretation is so rare in the mid-western rendezvous circuit. However, armed with a little preparation, a list of 25 period terms and the support of our entire crew the day was a smashing success. In fact, it was such a success that I continued the practice for the remainder of the 2010 season.

Young D makes a great indentured servant while Lt. G has a blast at first person interpreting.


L keeps a weather eye on the horizon, and on the caffine deprived horde about to decend on the coffeehouse.

Pirates of Paynetown

Incredibly hot does not begin to describe the weekend at Paynetown. Thankfully there was a ready source of water to be had, once the public had abandoned it of course. The most memorable moment of the weekend was during the defense of the town when a well timed cannon volley ended in the opening up of the heavens and a sudden summer downpour. Of course I too enjoyed the weekend, there is nothing quite like a Regency lady of leisure defending her town.


From mild mannered proprietress to defending the town, in no time flat. Take that Miss Elizabeth Bennett!



L practicing her penmanship while the adults take a cool evening paddle in the lake.


~~~

Proving again that the weather can never be predicted, our fall events were simply lovely. Warm sunny days followed by cool, clear nights with just the right amount of chill to make snuggling under a warm wool blanket enjoyable. It just goes to show that just because you expect the worst, doesn't mean that you will get it.

Mississinewa 1812

Mississinewa is a lovely event, made even more so by the spectacular view. This year the coffeehouse was situated at the crossroads at the front corner of the north pirate camp. Despite the some what questionable neighborhood, I can assure you that we continued to up hold the honest business practices we always have at the coffeehouse! Well until the sun went down, and then it was cards, dice & debauchery but I believe we have paid off enough members of the militias on either side for such behavior to be over looked, at least this time.



Roasting all day in the fall sun, with a beautiful view for company.



Hard work on the river, deserves a hearty dinner at the coffeehouse.


Trail of History

The coffee house debuted at Trail of History this year, and even brought home a Booshway award for best new presentation. I also had the pleasure of being interviewed for an upcoming documentary on first person interpretation. On top of the busy demonstration for school day and the public it was a very successful first year. I look forward to next season and establishing the coffeehouse as the place to visit while at the event for both the public and the other participants.



The widow snuggles baby J while the oxen are hard at work on the kames.

The ONW Colonial Ball

The reenacting season ends as it always does, with the Colonial Ball. This year I was fortunate enough to be escorted by Mr. C. He was a little trepidatious over the idea of a "ball" but was gracious enough to humor me and dance each and every dance though out the night. I was even able to dance my all time favorite, a variation of Nonesuch in the round for as many as will. This dance has been at the top of my list for the last 4 years, it is the entire reason I look forward to the ball as much as I do!



Mr. C and the widow take brief rest between songs.

Until 2011, I'll keep the coffee hot for you...

~~~
photos © K. Garland, J. Legg-Bagley, M. Kehoe, N. Garrett & J.... (thanks everyone!)

Play Ball Before the Ball

The newest event planned for the C. Black Coffeehouse, a period correct Trap-ball game at Mississinewa 1812. Everyone is invited to join the fun! Give the ball a few good whacks, play in the outfield or come to cheer on your friends and enjoy the period correct fun.

Saturday October 9
4-5 PM
the green by C. Black's Coffeehouse

We will finish in time for everyone to have dinner & dress for the "other" ball!

The Coffeehouse is located at the North end of camp, adjacent to the Great Lakes River Pirates camp.

Yes, she may forgetful be, Yet will I remember thee

Belated Event Reviews

I find myself with little to say about the events of the past 2 months. They were what they were, as far as historical events go. Much like all the previous years of attendance at these events. Coffee was made & drunk, battles were staged, powder burned, boats sailed. Fires were kept hot for days at a time, songs sung around them at night, more coffee roasted & brewed over them during the day. Tents were set up and struck in short order only to be repeated again days later & several hundred miles away.

For now I leave you with a simple, wordless view of the last several events for the C Black Coffeehouse 2009 season.

Pike River Rendezvous

Pirates of Paynetown

Heritage Days Rendezvous

Mississinewa 1812

The Seige of Fort Wayne

Friday last, the forces of the Great Lakes River Pirates, under the guidance of Lt.'s Garland & Lith, gathered at the confluence of the St. Joseph, St. Marys, and Maumee Rivers for a planned raid on Fort Wayne, situated there. Previous visits to this fort proved quite profitable, the location being well provisioned yet poorly manned. Thus we have come to depend on this raid to provide needed supplies for our continued summer travels.

The forces of the fort, forewarned of our presence or perhaps remembering the slaughter from our last visit, were more prepared for our advances than in the past. Two days of unsuccessful attempts left us unable to break the artillery line and gain access to the fort itself. Wounded, demoralized and low on basic sustanance, we will have to push north with urgency now, ever more anxious for the yearly gathering of our full forces in early August.

The good Lt. Lith, having taken much to drink and gambling at Black's Coffeehouse on Saturday night, attempted to alter the outcome of a dice game, instead found himself engaged in a duel the following morning. His opponent, being an upstanding military man, insisted on following proper protocol for satisfaction, although it seems he was not as forthright as one would have believed. During the loading of the dueling pistols, Lt. Lith's weapon was falsely charged, as a result when the two gentlemen turned to fire it was only his opponent's weapon which discharged, leaving Lt. Lith mortally wounded. Rather than risk further losses to our crew, we hauled anchor after said duel and left the cursed fort in swift manner, hoping for the less hostile territories to the north-west and fair winds as we journey to the Big Lake.

Photos © K. Garland 2009