Hello fellow Snobs!

My name is Renee, and I am what they call a Newbie.
This past weekend was my first introduction to the world of "participant" at Faire, and I am so excited to be working NCRF.
As far as history with faires, I have always wanted to go, and in 2005 I finally received my chance (yeah for roommates birthday).
As NCRF 2007, while sitting on hay bales at court glade watching the beautiful dresses twirl around in dance, I made up my mind to join some how.
So, in May I made it out to my first Tudor Rose meeting. I am now a member of household, and picking the brains of members of my guild for all the information I can.
Finally Lady Derby told me to join the Snobs if I want more, so here I am!

Hello Snobs,

My name is Andrew and I have been working with the Yeomen of the Guard (or the Queen's Guard) for 7 years now, 3 as a Sergeant of the group.I have started taking a much more greater interest in the actual history of the yeomen and of the era itself. Mostly in part of trying to find that line that runs between theatrics and history snobbery. My hope is that I can learn from this group a bit more and use that to further teach and develop my group's dynamic a bit more. I look forward to anything I can learn from all of this.

Hello everyone,

I'm Christophe and after several years of bugging people, I finally figured out how to join faire this year. I showed up to workshops for casa this past weekend and upon uttering the words "I've been sword fighting for 7 years and would like to know which guild I should talk to" I was immediately ushered into the yeomen of the guard.

I've done a good bit of SCA heavy fighting and while my armor never quite fit, it was always historically accurate down to the underwear (plus some SCA safety regulations, like a kidney belt and bar grille). I wasn't expecting anyone to be even remotely interested in history at faire. Then again, my history of going to faire consisted of seeing jousers wearing hocky gloves and smatterings of 14th century armor mixed in with 15th century stuff and covered in duct tape (not to mention swords with sparkers on them) and never being able to find anything even vaguely period in any shop. Of course, I missed all the golden age of blackpoint and the faire golden years. Of course, as a customer, I didn't know about all the gigs going on in the streets, attempts at historical appearances, and other things. You miss a lot wandering around not knowing anyone.

In any case, I've been mostly an 11th - 15th century type of geek up until now and look forwards to learning more late period stuff. Most of my interests revolve around arms, armour, period martial arts manuals and interpretations, and clothing.

Well good morning, everyone. I was reminded that I should introduce myself, so here I am.

I'm Jennifer, aka "Lucrezia" from Belladonna Venetian Courtesans. We're a performing troupe doing various Faires in Northern California, including Auburn/Cain's Crossing, Tahoe/Valhalla, Golden Gate, and Folsom in October. I've recently joined Tribe to connect with my friends and peers, and thought that joining the History Snobs group might be a good way to learn more about Renaissance history, as well as learn what other people think works or doesn't work at Faire to help us improve our group.

My history with Faire? Before I donned the big golden gown and giant wig, I was a boothie at Blackpoint. Not consistently, mind you, but at least in 1994 I spent the whole summer at that place breathing in that goo they used to spray on from the truck and coat the dusty streets with in the morning. I'm pretty sure my sinuses haven't been the same since. What did I learn working Faire? A healthy sense of respect for people who manage to work it full time and still have full-time jobs, and respect for the hard working people who dress up in Noble's attire. I remember a glorious day down at Southern when it was 100+ degrees, and I was sitting in my peasant clothing curled up under a tree in the dirt nursing an ice cold tankard of stout. I had stripped down to basically nothing, and watched as a group of velvet-clad nobles glided by, seemingly oblivious to the heat. Now I know the truth. . . looking beautiful *and* working Faire is grueling.

So that's me. Count me in for education, lively discussion, a bit of snarking on bad costuming, and generally helping to improve the Renfaire experience for both ourselves and the customers. And oh yeah, all happy "playtrons" aside in their non-period garb, I'm all for promoting historical accuracy in fashion for Faire performers. That's my "snob" vein.

Greetings, all. As Rydell has graciously granted me membership just now, here's my background in Faires:
I was a regular costumed customer at Agoura Faire from the mid 70's until the year the bulldozers rolled. I took the workshops one year, but never quite got it together to be a participant, being involved in a community theatre group in 1000 Oaks that did 4 plays a year at the time. I'm currently living in Santa Barbara, CA, and became a participant with the Santa Barbara Faire while Tom & Cheryle Cardoza were running it and was active in that faire until it folded. Currently I'm just making a day trip to the SLO Faire every year to pay my way in and keep the faire clothes aired out. Since the SB Faire folded, I've become a member of the Ravens of Odin Viking reenactors that take part in Danish Days at Solvang and the Scandinavian Festival in 1000 Oaks, where I'm the token Anglo-Saxon merchant, Aelfred Godwulffson, called Halvdan for his Danish mother. My interest in joining the Snobs is in learning from you-all and and sharing whatever knowledge I have acquired..and if anyone wants to buy a unicorn's horn for a reasonable price, Aelfred keeps them in stock..they may look like narwhal horns, but that's just a coincidence.

Hello Everyone,

I am Kat Deering guild mistress of The House of Swindon. I have never introduced myself before so here goes.
We, my husband Mark and I started going to faire years ago at Black Point then Vacaville. However at that time we also went many times to Southern Calif to the Devore Faire.
We went every year to Tulare Faire. That faire is like going home for us, even though it is a little faire it is a very nice faire.
We moved to Sparks, NV in 2002. It was then that I started to seek out more faire minded people since I missed that a great deal. We found a small guild and joined it. That helped us want to dive in more. This little guild had potential but it just didn’t know how to grow it. We decided to leave that guild. When we left Mark kept saying lets start our own guild. I on the other hand kept saying “no”, it’s too much work, too much money, too much time. So we did, we started our own guild. In 2004 The House of Swindon was born. At first we were going by Lord and Lady Swindon until Rydell, Mick and Pj asked us to if we would consider playing the Manners/Rutland roles. We talked about it, liked it and that is who we portray. I play Lady Isabel Manners Countess Rutland. Mark plays Lord Edward Manners 3 E. Rutland. Our daughter plays Lady Elisabeth Manner.
We have taught the history of the English Renaissance at schools and library’s also.
This past year we moved from the Reno, NV to Rocklin, CA and contrary to what some other people have mentioned, we are still very much a group/guild.
We have gate listed with St. Georges a few times while we were going through the transition of the move and job changes and we thank them very much for there support and friendship.
We are now here back in CA and all settled in Rocklin which is on the out skirts of Sacramento. If anyone is interested in our guild please contact me. If you see us at faire stop in and say “Good Day”.

i'm originally from minnesota, and worked our faire out there in shakopee. my job was dipping patrons in wax at our candle shop to make a souvenir that likely melted on the way back to their homes... worked out there for 4 - 5 years (they do blur some, don't they?). with some relationship drama, even if i go back i'm going to be looking for a new job out there. but minnesota's probably not the next stop.

right now i'm out on the big island of hawaii, where there are no festivals to speak of (although in the puna district there are planty of hippies that seem to think that its always a renaissance festival...) so i'm living vicariously through the internet...

aloha!

Hi Everyone.
I label myself a living historical educator (I know I know, I've heard all the jokes about the dead historical educator, etc). My peeps portray the Scottish highland life around 1630. Our group is called Clann Tartan. I Hate (with a capital H) the word 'hazah' and want to break stuff when I hear it. I also would like the "Queen's Ice Cream" stand to shut down. That being said I'm a total hypocrit because I'll go to the ren faire and dress up as a gypsy, but mostly because I can get away with acting really baudy, AND I can't resist all the beads and baubles.

Granted membership a bit ago, My apologies.
I am Day. I was a loud talking "boothie" back in the day at the KC Renn Fest. I can no longer eat what we sold... Still longing to make and wear my best. A historical fashion nut. Friend to several SCA members. I really miss the old days of the KC Fest. That's all I got.

Hello everyone,

My name is Kathy, and from the membership list I see I know quite a few of you in this Tribe! I've participated in various RenFaire's in Northern California, starting in 2002. I've been most active at the Casa de Fruta faire, but have also ventured out to SLO and Golden Gate.

I've always participated in the Court Guild. What can I say, being a Noble is good. Except when it's 90 degrees plus.....

I'm on this Tribe because I can never get enough good information about the 16th century! And I know some of you possess some really detailed knowledge.

I hope to see many of year in the Real World this Faire season, too.

Cheers,

Kathy

Hi all,

My name is Bess Chilver and I am usually seen somewhere on the web as "myladyswardrobe". Kimiko introduced me to this list and here I am!

I don't take part in Renaissance Faires myself - but difficult as I live in the Britain. However, I have come out on two occasions with my husband Edmund, to visit the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha. On the first occasion we had such a fantastic time that we just HAD to go back again!

Though I am not participant of the Renaissance Faires, I do a lot of historical re-enactment. Mostly at Kentwell Hall (www.kentwell.co.uk) in Suffolk. There I portray, mostly, a 16th century gentlewoman but in recent years I have also been portraying a lower middle class lady working in the Tailor's Shop. I have also portrayed a kitchen maid.

I absolutely love making costumes, talking costumes, designing costumes! ;-) 16th century has always been my first love but in recent years I have been branching out into other periods as well. In addition to costuming, I also love making needle or embroidered lace (not bobbin lace!).

Well, thats really just me - hope to enjoy plenty of discussions on re-enactment and costuming and the like.

All the best

Bess Chilver
www.myladyswardrobe.com
pics.livejournal.com/myladys...0001ex8g - Live Journal Gallery Page

Hello, everyone! I just recently joined this group and was told I should introduce myself.

I'm currently a member of the Guild of St. Luke at the Northern California Renaissance Faire. We portray the merchant class in the town of Willingtown. Last season was my first run with them and I had such a fun time. Before joining the guild my history at faire consisted of being a patron. Soon after that I worked one season at a booth, but quickly discovered that wasn't the place for me.

St. Luke has opened my eyes to the importance of portraying our faire in a historically accurate way. I learned so much from them in just one season than I ever thought imaginable. I joined this group to further my knowledge of faire and it's colorful history.

I am a villager at the Washington Renaissance and Fantasy Faire (WRFF for short). I have been attending faires for over 15 years now; in the Midwest and Pacific Northwest. I've been acting at this one for about 5 years now. Did one year as a Noble, the rest in the village.

I've been reading for a while and joined to answer a question. So here I am.

I enjoy long weekends of cursing at fabric when it doesn't cooperate, quiet evenings in front of the TV embroidering anything but eyelets in my clothes, and roadtrips to other faires.

Hello!

My name is Kay and I am a member of the Guild of St. Luke's at the Northern California Renaissance Faire.

After being a patron for over a decade, I finally jumped into the realm of participant and moved up from peasant to merchant class. Bloody corset - what was I thinking?

But from all the information and knowledge that flows freely around this tribe, I'm beginning to think I might just conquer the whole corset thing after all.

Many thanks to all who share their wealth of knowledge and experience - it's been extremely helpful, and many times, downright entertaining.

Looking forward to learning so much more.

Hello, I don't think I ever quite got around to introducing myself here.

My name is Dianne, but I go by Laurensa (SCA name) in so many things I would probably answer to that before my real name, so hi, I'm Laurensa.

I don't work at Faire, but I am a patron, and I'm always looking for ways to make my clothing more historically accurate. I've still got a long way to go--but when I look at that first outfit, with the pink acetate lining fabric overdress and slinky gray mystery fabric underdress, and compare it to the wool gown and linen shift I wore a couple of weekends ago, I've learned an awful lot over the years!

Thanks for the bump, wondered where this thread was!

I'm interested in trade, colonization and the rise of joint stock companies in the 16th and early 17th centuries. The Levant Company, VOC, East India Company and Virginia Company for example. Summed up, its an expanding world view gained by hard experience.

Wherever possible I try to use original sources such as documents, images or objects, or alternately the works of recognized historians who use the same. Just when you think you get the "grasp" of something, a new source opens up, taking you along a completely different, unexpected path. It can be flummoxing but also allows a better (or at least more complicated) view of things. Complicated - yes, thats certain.

Dzien dobry,
(Greetings in Polish)
Rik here (nee Ryszard -Sulima- Suligowski). The Sulima is for myr famous Polish ancestral clan.
My ancestors had some famous individuals in Polish history, so I have a lot to do to make them proud. Our group takes its name from being dedicated to the memory of the man responsible for technically helping to create it, the late, Leonard J. Suligowski (google him and see what you find).

Although not the first to portray a Polish persona by any stretch, I *am* responsible for creating and founding the first officially recognized representation of the legendary and spectacular Polish winged hussar cavalry in American History.
I was originally told by another Polish-American, not to attempt this. I was told by him "It will fail, because it's not popular to be Polish, so forget it, give it up".
well, I didn't listen to him and we are successful in establishing the first group of our kind on American Soil. We made U.S. History in 2002 by being the first representation of a winged hussar i the NYC Pulaski Parade, but also in *any* parade in American History as well. It's documented and currently has been seen world-wide on youtube.

Although some may try to debate that fact, it is historical fact, and has been documented. Maybe some have seen it so, in an article in the March 2008 Issue of Renaissance Magazine...
Look for another mention of us in an upcoming issue as well...
I realize, looking around here, that I'm in 'someone else's yard' with most of you on this list appearing to be from Northern Ca...Despite what anyone may say or feel, until you meet us in person and experience us for yourselves, please do not dismiss or pass judgement based on the hearsay of others...
Although I am from NY, and bring my sometimes 'stringent' and assertive ways with me to a 'strange new land' (aka Ca.), It's been a helpful and necessary fallback position on occasion, but not all that bad, actually. For further details, look up 'Capricorn' and that should help fill in the blanks of understanding 'how he ticks'...

Our group has, like many others, had its share of ups and downs, had some of the 'wrong' members, who just 'weren't right' for us, and still we endured. We've had to defend ourselves on several occassions due to some of these individuals and the problems they caused us, because they couldn't find a way to get over on us, and we wouldn't take it laying down either.
In other words, we don't put up with other people's drama.
A decade later, we're kicking butt and taking names...Please feel free to visit my 'profile' page and visit our photo album there. It tells a nice story of who we are and what we do. As well, visit our website at: www.husaria.us
We also have a yahoo group site look under 'Suligowski's Regiment.

We have a group of rescued horses that we train for the re-enactments and they are all beautiful animal companions. My fiance, Lady T, is who taught me the most I've ever learned about horses, and I've learned to 'speak the laguage' they use with each other, and learning 'natural horsemanship'...not bad for a guy from NYC...

We're telling a side of history that either is very little known about, or usually maligned by others, so our job can be that much more difficult. Please have patience in learning more about us, it can be most rewarding in the long run.
Feel free to visit us in person if you'r ever at an event that we are appearing at. Just because we're an award-winning and world famous group, that won't stop us from setting you down and swamping you with our hospitality!
;^D
Thanks for listening...
Rik

Hello friends.

I am Josh, Polish hussar in Suligowski's Regiment. My goal is to educate people as to the history of Poland, a history long suppressed and revised by the rather belligerent neighbors.

I hope to meet a few of you in person at some point.

I am Lady T
We represent Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, roughly the years 1576 (The year Stefan Batory standardized the Polish army,)
to 1683 (the year Jan Sobieski won the famous Battle of Vienna.) and we are adding more timelines into our group

Our members portray all the types of people to be found in the Commonwealth at this time, hussars, pancerni, Lithuanians, Turks, Tartars, as well as civilians. We have been scene from the East Coast , West Coast , Texas, Nevada . We have members in Colorado
Alaska and Warsaw.

We have done many ren-faires , whether a booked gig or visit from North, South, Texas
we wouldnt be here today if it wasnt for our
Outstanding members who really make our group what it is . We are a Team , It is Popular to be Polish. There is aprox 100 re-enactors
in the states that Portray Polands History . My Persona is a Pancerni I wear chainmail and swordfight , I also train the war horses for our group. 35 years experience.


We are the Polish Winged Hussars!

www.geocities.com/rik_fox/h...ndex2.html
www.husaria.us
www.hussar.com.pl/husaria-w...s-regiment
www.arador.com/links/enact.html
www.polishcenter.org/pdf/har...gram.pdf
kozakwars.blogspot.com/
www.musqueteersandmaidens.com/cos...html
www.cavhooah.com/polish.htm
news.yahoo.com/s/time/200...99190371700

Ladyt