;)
Battle!
Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 7:20AM The Man and his fellow noncommissioned officers (aka sergeants) had to go on a professional development field trip to a reenactment of the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill out at the Revolutionary War Park in Camden, SC. Families were invited as well, and I revised my "absolutely no squadron activities" policy in order to take The Goobers on a history field trip. Aren't I a great mom?
After we paid our $18 - eighteen dollars! - entry fee, we wandered around the camp for a while, killing time until the rest of The Man's peeps showed up. The whole reenactment thing is obviously more for the participants than the observers - the only time we could make eye contact was when someone was trying to sell us something. I blame myself; I could have marched up to people and demanded they tell me stories, but that just isn't my way. Or The Man's way. Or The Goobers' way. We're just not that way, people. We're shy.
That's all right; I confess that I've never really been all that interested in the details of making wooden buckets, and I can't say I've ever been tempted to take up woodcarving. We decided to take a walk instead. We were the only people on the nature trail, quite possibly because we were the only people not busy buying glass beads and colonial style bonnets.
We saw exactly one sparrow and one anole on our nature walk, which was disappointing but not surprising due to the noise from the artillery demonstration. We did see some fancy looking fungus, though. Fungi don't scare easily.
We also saw Pine Tree Creek, which got its name from a fallen pine tree used by Indians and settlers alike to cross the waterway. I'm not sure because the sign didn't specify, but this might actually be Little Pine Tree Creek, which empties into Big Pine Tree Creek, which in turn empties into the Wateree River.
Upon leaving the woods we saw that The Man's peeps had already assembled, so while he was developing his professionalism I took The Goobers over to the blacksmith demonstration. The smithy gave a good lecture; he told us about the history of blacksmithing all over the world, and I regret not taking notes because now I don't remember a thing apart from how people work the bellows in Africa. I'm afraid that in my mind blacksmithing rates just a half a step above bucket making and woodcarving. Anyway, as he lectured he made a cute little heart shaped hook to hang on the wall. I'm sure they were for sale somewhere.
After the blacksmith demonstration and a brief lunch break, it was time to watch the battle. I'm sorry to say that we were underwhelmed. (Man. I'm a little embarrassed by my apathy here. My apologies to all you reenactment fanatics.) JellyMan cracked me up, though.
"Mater, ubi est equitatus?"
Ha! Ha ha! Hahaha!
Sorry.
The absence of cavalry was regrettable, but hey, at least the field stayed clean.
I'm much too lazy to write an essay about the significance of the Battle of Hobkirk's Hill (I left that to The Goobers) but here is a narrative of the battle if you're interested. I do recommend reading about South Carolina's involvement in the Revolutionary War, even if it's just out of the World Book encyclopedia. It's good stuff. Here are a few more links to get you started:
The Revolutionary War in South Carolina
And, because I know you're curious:
field trips, history in Homeschool
Reader Comments (7)
LOL! Jellyman is a hoot. Man, your kids are smart. Love the picture of the creek. I could sit there with a good book for awhile.
I would probably have bought something from the smithy because I like that old worked iron stuff. Then I would be on the lookout for the dipped candles ladies and the kettle corn guy. I would have skipped the battle though...I've seen The Patriot. :/
Lovely nature walk pics, fungi and all.
I read all the way through this yesterday and didn't make a comment. It's probably because I don't have anything to say. I agree that the blacksmith is a step above bucket making and woodcarving, but what is really at the top for me is the hospital tent. Nothing like seeing the "tools" that were used. Seeing teeth marks in bullets really thrills me. Or the saws! Now there is something to admire!
I love the R War and studying it.
As for S.C's involvement, we like watching The Patriot!!
It would have been better w/the calvary in there.
I love those reenacting things! :p So cool. I love to see it all. Did you see my blog post about my friend who DOES all that?? I stalk her blog all the time. :p
I did see it! I spent more time than I'd like to admit poking around her blog - she does beautiful work!
That sounds like a really neat field trip. The pictures are beautiful, and very representative. When my kids are older I would love to take them to a reenactment.