Movie Review: Courage, New Hampshire

It is a truth universally acknowledged that there aren't nearly enough series set in the 18th century.  Well, maybe it isn't universally acknowledged, but it is certainly acknowledged by me!  That is why I was pretty excited when I received a kind email from a producer from the Colony Bay Productions asking if I wanted to check out an independent historical film that they had made, Courage, New Hampshire.

Courage, New Hampshire is the chronicle of a small colonial town in the years leading up to the revolution beginning with the first episode, The Travail of Sarah Pine.  As with most small towns, everyone knows each other, a secret is seldom a secret, and dashing redcoats moving through the town will certainly cause a stir.  When one of those dashing redcoats finds himself in Courage he is greeted with an accusation of fathering a child out of wedlock.

The production company's goal in making Courage, New Hampshire was to create a historically accurate series that could engage its audience and give viewers a renewed interest in this great time in history.  Uhoh, that's almost like an open invite for historians to nit-pick at it!  I did find though, for the most part, the movie was very accurate despite some strange wording every once in a while.  The story was not a sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat sort of tale, but it was enough to make me curious about the next part of the series (not to mention blog production stills add to the curiosity!).  What I really enjoyed the most about Courage, New Hampshire was the gorgeous filming.  There were so many beautiful shots of notoriously beautiful New England and the sets and lighting also gave a lovely sense of the time period.  The production was also very impressive given the independent nature of the company: high quality sets, costuming, music, and editing.  However, you won't find me swooning over the acting which wasn't as impressive as I hoped.  Still, I am curious as to where this series will take us as it continues.

So how does one check out this series?  You can order the episode here or you have the very cool option of renting it from their site for $2.95.

Voltaire in a Field

It may be hard to believe, but this famous sculpture of Voltaire by the esteemed artist Jean-Antoine Houdon was found tossed in  a cow pasture.  A pasture just outside Monticello no less!

When Houdon sculpted Voltaire in 1778 the racy philosopher had just returned to Paris after another lengthy exile.  It would turn out to be a quite timely modeling since Voltaire expired a mere two months afterward.  The finished sculpture received the highest of praise for its realism and for capturing the essence of Voltaire.  I imagine that sly, smug little smile graced Voltaire's lips plenty of times.  Due to the sculpture's popularity, Houdon experimented with recreating it in different mediums and styles; adding Voltaire's famous wig to the original's nude ancient Roman style.

One of these Voltaire busts found itself in Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello.  The bust was in the the entrance hall to greet guests as they entered the house.  After Jefferson's death Monticello, which was never fully finished, fell into disrepair.  The home's next owner James Barlcay is rumored to be the one whom we can blame for placing Voltaire portraits in field.  Rumor has it that Barclay, a rather unEnlightened individual born in the 19th century, saw the bust, declared Voltaire to be an "antichrist" and flung it into the field.  I'm sure Voltaire would be flattered to know he still has the ability to ruffle feathers fifty years after his death.

The Hamilton Burr Duel: A Tale of New York Politicians Suitable for MTV Reality Programing

Many know that Alexander Hamilton was killed by Aaron Burr in duel and yet do not know the particulars of the circumstances.  For example, Burr was actually serving as vice president at the time when he killed Hamilton in the duel which sheds some light on just how far a political squabble can go.

The Duelers 
Alexander Hamilton- Federalist, Guy on $10 bill, New Yorker, Columbia graduate, war hero, politician and first ever Secretary of Treasury. 
Aaron Burr- Republican, Jersey boy, New York politician, Princeton graduate, Mary Wollstonecraft fan and femenist, and third Vice President.

The Deal
Here's the skinny.  Aaron Burr, like Benedict Arnold gets painted in impressionable little American children's heads as this bad guy when they learn their fundamental history.  Yes, you can easily counter with the fact that he is a murderer but one must look at the background before they cast any stones.  Burr and Hamilton had it out for each other from the start.  The two New York politicians were very competitive with each other and had a long history of taking (figurative) punches at one another.  Burr saw that Hamilton's true opinion on John Adams was published (obtained from papers that were supposed to be secret) and Hamilton saw that Burr didn't receive the presidency when he tied with Thomas Jefferson in votes.  So both founding fathers had questionable conduct in the workplace but outside it were pretty decent guys (Burr loved Wollstonecraft so much he had her portrait hung above his mantel and had his daughter taught based on her teachings, along with how to shoot on horseback, so he was actually quite awesome.)

The Duel
Everything came to a head more than a decade after the two began officially hating each other.  The year was 1804 and the race for New York governor was on.  Burr wanted the position so badly that he ran as an independent and the thought of Burr running his beloved New York state was sickening to Hamilton.  Once again Hamilton did everything in his power to dissuade the voting in favor of Burr and was pleased when things turned out in his favor.  But Hamilton couldn't just leave things as they were; nope, he was just as much of a grudge-queen as I, and continued to bad mouth the defeated Burr.  These ramblings were published in an Albany newspaper.

Embarrassed, ticked-off, and hoping that a duel would revive his political career, Burr demanded satisfaction.  Hamilton didn't want to fight, but what could he do? If he didn't duel it would be like saying Burr was right, and he (Hamilton) had no honor.  No that wouldn't do at all!  So at dawn on July 11, 1804 the two met on the dueling grounds of Weehawken, New Jersey on which, three years previously, Hamilton's son had died in a duel.  The two shot, Hamilton's bullet hit a branch above Burr and Burr's bullet hit Hamilton.  Much debate has carried on through the ages about whether Hamilton misfired on purpose (a common dueling practice) but Burr would tell you that would be, "Contemptible, if true."

Hamilton died of the abdominal wound the on the following day, July 12.   Burr was charged with two counts of murder and treason.  Needless to say, after his term as Vice President ended he never held a political office again.  Burr shot his career dead along with Hamilton, so one could easily argue that Hamilton got the last word in this famous political rivalry.

For a drunken recap of the story check out the 4th video on this post.

A Dark Day

For those like myself who live on the east coast of the colonies, there has been the most dreadful weather over the past week.  I can't remember the last time I saw the sun.  Such was the case 231 years ago for residents of New England.  On 19 May, 1780 those in New England and part of Canada went about their day in the dark. 

The Dark Day, as it was called, began around 10 in the morning.  It became as dark as night outside, requiring people to use candles to go about daily life.  The darkness did not clear until the following day, but by then one case safely assume everyone's natural clockwork was set off by the bizarre weather.   It is thought that the cause of the phenomenon was a combination of Mother Nature's darkest elements: forest fire smoke, thick fog, and cloud cover. 

Now one can only hope the current dark day New England is experiencing 231 years later will soon be gone!

The Colonies Celebrate St Patrick's Day

Happy St Patrick's Day!

For many of you this holiday means celebrating your heritage, for others it is a good excuse for a drinking.  Many traditions go with St Patrick's Day, strangely enough many of those traditions were born in America rather than the country so celebrated on the holiday.  While visiting Ireland I recall telling my (now) ex's mother about how you had to wear green or you would be pinched.  She thought that was just adorable!  A year beforehand I had made it to my Irish Mecca: Dublin on St Patrick's Day where Lauren and I celebrated another tradition, attending the parade.  We couldn't get over how most of the participants weren't Irish, but American!

The truth is Americans have a strong tradition of being big fans (perhaps even the biggest) of St Patrick's Day.  This tradition predates the United States itself.  The first St Patrick's Day parade was held in New York City in 1762.  Irish soldiers serving King and Country marched through the city to the sounds of traditional Irish music.

So this St Patrick's Day make sure you keep the tradition going strong, especially if it involves toasting with authentic 18th century beer and spirits!

Turkey Change of Scenery

I hope everyone stateside enjoyed their Thanksgiving dinner and all the leftovers that come with it.  Perhaps you heard that there was a slight change in the holiday this year?  Every year the president pardons some lucky turkeys from appearing on his dinner plate.  For the last few years the turkeys were not only pardoned but got to enjoy their new found freedom in Disneyland.  This year the free trips to Disney are no more and the turkeys will have a more appropriate retirement.

Apple, this year's pardoned turkey, made his new home at George Washington's home, Mount Vernon a few days ago.  Why Washington's former retreat?  Well, Washington did raise turkeys and the historic home still does, although Apple won't be on display since he isn't historically accurate.  Perhaps the most important reason for the change of turkey residencies was that it was George Washington who made Thanksgiving a national holiday so it seems quite appropriate to give a nod to the first president.

This Christmas a camel will be joining Apple at Mount Vernon.  No, he wasn't pardoned.  This camel gets to join the growing zoo at Mount Vernon because Washington once wowed his Christmas guests with a camel.  No wonder everyone is blowing off Disneyland for Mount Vernon, that Washington knows how to entertain!

Part of the Ship that Launched Paul Revere Found

TheBostonChannel.com is reporting that a British warship was found off of Cape Cod this week. If that wasn't impressive enough this ship happens to be quite famous. The ship remains are being identified as the HMS Somerset III which is the same warship that Paul Revere slipped past when he had his famous midnight ride. Since the ship was built in 1745 and went down in 1778 I'm surprised there is actually anything left to it. Well, I guess you could say British ships were built to last.

British Warship Paul Revere Eluded Resurfaces
18th Century British Warship Resurfaces on a Beach in Provincetown

Census Time

Every decade America gears up for the census. Every household is mailed the 10 questionnaire page to fill out. This year we must do the same thing, or else you'll be hounded by the minions of the census bureau coming to your abode.

This isn't a new practice either! The United States has been having their citizens fill out this form for over 200 years, although I am sure they've changed some. The first census of 1790 tells us how many people were living in the United States. The results may surprise you.

The population was 3,929,326 people. That is about the same amount as the population of Los Angeles today.

Our metropolises of the east coast were already metropolises then too. They just couldn't boast the same numbers we have today. When the censuses were added up, these were the populations of those cities:

New York City: 33,000 (8,400,000)
Philadelphia: 28,000 (1,500,000)
Boston: 18,000 (600,000)
Charleston: 16,000 (127,000)
Baltimore: 13,000 (638,000)

200 years does allow ample time for cities to grow! I put the modern populations in the parentheses for you to compare. So when that annoying little envelope comes around in the mail you should find it your historic duty to fill it out!

It's Always Sunny in the British Empire

The other day I caught this episode of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and it made me question why I don't watch this show regularly. I know those who do watch it will tell me this episode is old news but I still have to post this for latecomers like myself because there's some gems in it. I particularly cracked up when they talk about what a British noble looks like compared to a colonist. Enjoy!

[When you press the play button an ad will come up in a new window, just close it and press play again]

Now Even Martha Washington Has to Live Up to Supermodel Standards?

From Jezebel:

Apparently historical women figures have to be hot in order for us to be interested in them. Well, that is according to the Washington Post. I know I am not one to talk seeing as The Duchess of Devonshire was a babe, but that isn't why I'm attracted to her. Her human nature appeals to me. She had eating disorders, was addicted to gambling, was passionate and involved in politics, and also took an interest in science while balancing being a fabulous fashionable trend-setter who was also an attentive mother. I'm more attracted to the fact that Georgiana bent the rules and took risks than the fact that she was a hotty. Actually, her contemporaries, including her mother never claimed her to be a great beauty.

So why does Martha Washington have to be one?

As Sadie at Jezebel asserts, The Washington Post kind of dumbs down their article in order to make Martha seem cool. Isn't that what you did in high school to fit in too? Dumb yourself down? They talk about her wedding shoes being fabulous (which they are, I won't deny) and then goes into a flurry of explanation saying she wasn't always an old frumpy lady. Umm we believe it, there are some gorgeous portraits to prove it (see right). But no, this isn't good enough, now scientists are working on a computer generated image of what Martha would look like in her mid-20's, to prove she was a hottie. They also go into detail about how she must have been skinny because her dresses were blablablabla...Is this why the emaciated Kiera Knightly was chosen to portray Georgiana in The Duchess? Now even women from the past have to meet our contemporary standards of beauty in order for us to have a remote interest in them? Is that also why The Duchess focuses on Georgiana's not very interesting affair rather than her accomplishments? Sad sad.

I'm all for getting people interested in history and it figures but are we so sad that this is what has to be done? Poor Martha, I think she would rather people were interested in her for her, not so they could paint hot interpretations of what she looked like in her 20's.

Change in the Colonies

"About 10 o'clock I bade adieu to Mount Vernon, to private life, and to domestic felicity, and with a mind oppressed with more anxious and painful sensations than I have words to express, set out for New York in company with Mr. Thompson, and Colonel Humphries, with the best dispositions to render service to my country in obedience to its call, but with less hope of answering its expectations."

On 30 April 1789 George Washington was sworn in as the first president of the United States of America in New York City. Washington was hesitant of the post at first; a hard thing to imagine with all the time and money that goes into campaigning today. He flat out refused to be king when that leadership title was suggested. Washington even declined the $25,000 salary because he felt he had enough money and the salary could be better used elsewhere. This act of selflessness was meant to be an example to the new citizens of America of the founding morals of the new country.

Washington's inauguration speech was addressed to the Senate and House of Representatives rather than the whole country (or whoever was outside the Federal Building at the time). He fumbled nervously through his speech, obviously more comfortable leading his troops than wooing politicians. In the end, the shy politician who never subscribed to a political party served two terms and became a leader whom all future presidents attempted to live up to.

"On the one hand, I was summoned by my country, whose voice I can never hear but with veneration and love, from a retreat which I had chosen with the fondest predilection, and, in my flattering hopes, with an immutable decision, as the asylum of my declining years—a retreat which was rendered every day more necessary as well as more dear to me by the addition of habit to inclination, and of frequent interruptions in my health to the gradual waste committed on it by time."

Excerpt Washington's Inaugural Speech 30 April, 1789