An 18th-century moment
Re-enactors, visitors explore Fortress of Louisbourg during annual Culture Fête
For re-enactors Jayar and Jenny Milligan, the Fortress of Louisbourg represents an opportunity to live in the moment — an 18th century moment.
“It’s a suspension of reality,” said Jayar. “There’s not a site in probably Canada, but certainly Atlantic Canada, that has a better ambience than Louisbourg.”
The Milligans, from Bear River, N.S., and members of the Atlantic Living Heritage Association, were two of approximately 20 re-enactors from across North America who took part in the Fortress of Louisbourg’s fourth annual Culture Fête, which began Friday and wrapped up Sunday.
“We portray 18th century life of the ordinary people, the people who never made it into the history books,” said Jenny, who portrays a petty merchant, while Jayar portrays a knife grinder.
Throughout the weekend, visitors to the site also witnessed the two demonstrate a variety of everyday 18th century tasks, including baking, chopping wood and carrying water. And when the fortress closed to visitors at the end of each day, Jayar, Jenny and the other re-enactors had a chance to really experience life in the 1700s as they stayed onsite throughout the three-day event.
“After hours, it’s our own village,” said Jenny. “It’s a place where you can and sometimes do forget that you have a house and a car and a job and a mortgage. It’s just such a fabulous place to be. It’s worth all the effort it takes.”
Susan Spencer, owner of Hamilton, Ont.-based Spencer’s Mercantile, which sells fine historic goods, was also at Culture Fête selling everything “from socks to sewing patterns to navigational instruments to muskets.”
Spencer, who travels to events across North America with her business, said there isn’t anywhere like Louisbourg.
“It’s the closest to walking in the footsteps of history as one can get,” she said. “Anywhere else, there’s all the modern intrusions; here absolutely not, you really feel like you’re back in time.”
A descendent of the Martel family, which has roots in Louisbourg, Spencer said she also loves the opportunity to explore her own family’s history.
“Ever since I first came here as a merchant in 1995, I’ve felt the connection to the history of the place and always imagined myself bumping into the ghost of my great-greatgreat-grandfather on the streets,” she said. “It’s one of the most evocative places I’ve ever been.”
Culture Fête included workshops, performances, storytelling, presentations, demonstrations, and an openair market featuring local craftspeople and tradespeople, including representatives from Guysborough-based Authentic Seacoast Company. They were serving up samples of some of their products, including Fortress Rum, which is matured in oak barrels at the fortress.
“It’s wonderful to interact with the tourists and help make their day taste a little bit better,” said Mike McLean, brand ambassador with Authentic Seacoast.
“And people love (getting) an education about how rum is made and how whisky is made.”
Just around the corner, Ontario-based author S. Thomas Bailey said it was exciting to have the opportunity to host his first Canadian book signing in a place like the fortress and at an event like Culture Fête. Bailey’s seven-book series, “The Gauntlet Runner,” covers the French and Indian War period from 1754-1760.
Troy Allen, interpretation co-ordinator at the Fortress of Louisbourg, said the fourth annual Culture Fête was a success.
“It’s been absolutely phenomenal,” he said. “We’ve had lots of visitors in and out.”
Among them were firsttime fortress visitors Allan and Sherry MacPherson, of St. Catharines, Ont., and their grandson Koby Jeffrey.
“We’ve really enjoyed the site and the re-enactments,” she said.
Gail and Mike Harrington, from Orillia. Ont., agreed.
“It’s very cool,” she said.