A Winter's Day On The Mississippi River

It was one of those nice winter days. . .when the temperatures were warm and the sun was shining. . .that we ventured down the road from our Ste. Genevieve home to forage for naturals and explore Ole Man River. . .For me, it was like many other winter days spent on the river, including during my childhood. . .My family has lived on or near the Mississippi in places south of Ste. Genevieve from 1795. . .New Madrid. . .Little Prairie (Caruthersville). . .Point Pleasant. . .Ruddle's Point. . .Haywood. . .Portageville. . .Blytheville. . .It's my heritage, and I never visit it that I am not in awe. . .of the river and its stories. . .

On the other hand, John was born and raised in Virginia and had never seen this magnificent body of water until I brought him home with me one October. . .We crossed at the Memphis, Tennessee bridge. . .going from rolling hills and cities to the flatland of the Mississippi Delta. . .He was speechlessly amazed and loved it. . .It wasn't long until we left Virginia to settle on my grandfather's farm. . .

I feel very much at home at any point of the river. . .but it was simply a thrill that our favorite French town in Missouri just happened to also be on the Mississippi. . .that our second home was just minutes away. . .where we can dress up as our ancestors and roam around the woods and along the water's edge. . .and pretend for a while that life is rolling as easy as the river. . .

It is an ancient river. . .that dates back thousands of years. . .

In 1758, the French ethnographer Antoine-Simon Le Page du Pratz published The History of Louisiana, in which he wrote that the Mississippi River’s name meant “the ancient father of rivers.” The Ojibwe words that gave us Mississippi (Misi-ziibi) actually mean “long river."

The river’s larger-than-life role in culture was perhaps inevitable. Until the early 19th century, the Mississippi marked the western border between Spanish and American territory, and it continues to give life to the cities that sprang up along its route. . .Mark Twain, the best publicist a river ever had, inspired 150 years’ worth of dreams about floating away from our troubles. And among members of the Ojibwe, Dakota and Chitimacha tribes, who still live on portions of ancestral lands in the Mississippi Valley, a spiritual connection to the river remains strong. . .from the Smithsonian Magazine

 I am never along its banks that I don't think about how it is an important part of this country's history. . .It has always been there. . .It will always be. . .as generation after generation passes through life. . .That's pretty awesome in my book. . .

l'Ecole du Soldat (School of the Soldier)

Our introduction to the School of the Soldier began last year in 2018. We didn't know exactly what to expect as we traveled to Ste. Genevieve on a beautiful Spring weekend. This was to be a couple of days focusing on the French Colonial history, of which we knew little. Would the lectures be interesting? Should we wear costumes? If so, what was the clothing of the Colonial French?  Would the encampment give us insights into the history and life activities of the 18th century in the Mississippi Valley and Illinois country? Would the reenactors speak French? We didn't know but were certainly excited to find out. My own ancestors lived in the area before the Louisiana Purchase. I was anxious to discover how they lived among the French.

The Milice de Sainte Famille from Cahokia, Ill and the Great River Road Welcome Center team up each year to present two days of French Colonial activities. Since the theme was one of 18th century soldiers coming together for instruction and military based events, I thought the weekend would be more interesting to John that myself, but I was pleasantly surprised at two things: The lectures were not only about military campaigns (which, by-the-way, I did enjoy), but included much about the French culture also, giving me much insight as to what my ancestors discovered upon their arrival.

Second, if one was not interested in hearing the presentations, the military encampment at Moses Austin Park, just down from the Welcome Center, had many activities that could involve the entire family. As the men readied themselves for battle, the ladies carried on domestic life and presented demonstrations such as natural dying.

And, the costumes! I am very familiar with the English clothing of the 18th century, but had never seen the Colonial French other than a few references in books and sites online. While similar to the English in some ways, there were also differences. Each of the reenactors looked as if he or she had stepped out of the 18th century. Everywhere I turned, there was more inspiration for our future costumes. The reenactors weren't cookie cutter duplicates of each other either. They each took on a persona and their costumes showed it.  Books are fine but seeing the clothing up close was much more rewarding.

On Saturday afternoon, the auction took place. While working at Colonial Williamsburg, John and I did 18th century auctions at the Market Square, so we knew we were headed for a great time and maybe be able to acquire a few items for our collections. We weren't disappointed. I have never had so much fun! The auctioneers were a riot. The items were well-crafted and great finds. Yes, we came away with a few of them.

I do realize this post is written from a woman's point of view, so don't get me wrong. The days are packed with activities for the entire family.

This year, the l'Ecole du Soldat will be on April 27 and 28. It begins at the Welcome Center on North Main Street and will focus on events immediately following the French and Indian War. The encampment will also be set up and ready for viewing each day. Best of all, it's Free. Here's the schedule:

Saturday, April 27 at the Welcome Center on South Main Street:

9:00   "Pontiac's Rebellion" by Tim Todish

9:45   "The Osage Nation and Spanish St. Louis by historian Mike Dickey

10:45  "The Latrine Hat" shared by fiber artist Deb Camron

11:00  Round Table Discussion

12:30  Lunch Break

2:00    The Auction

Sunday, April 28 at the Encampment:

10:00   "What's in My Pocket" by Philippe Robert Hamil

I do hope more will attend, especially those like ourselves who want to learn about the French Colonial culture. The Milice de Sainte Famille do a wonderful presentation of the area's heritage.  Costumes are not required but always welcomed.

See you there. . .

and watch for future posts for costume inspiration. . .

 

Games To Play. . .

Photo taken at: Sassafras Creek Originals, St. Mary's Road

Colonial games and cards were popular in New France as well as in the British colonies. . .The fun-loving French hunters and trappers spent many a day around tables such as this. . .smoking their clay pipes. . .drinking their wine. . .wagering money from the sale of their pelts. . .and often losing a pocketful of coins. . .No problem. . .There were plenty more animals to trap. . .C'est la vie. . .(That's Life)