Re-enacting History: Colonial Life Comes Alive

It was a hot July day in Philadelphia in 1776 when John Adams, the future second president of the United States, wrote to his wife, Abigail, that "the greatest question was decided which ever was debated in America, and a greater, perhaps, never was nor will be decided by men." 

 A resolution had been passed by the Continental Congress that the 13 British colonies in America would secede from their mother country of Great Britain. Two days later on July 4, the resolution passed turning the colonies into a group of "free and independent states."  

Over 230 years later, that day is still celebrated, particularly in nearby Leuning Park in Ridgewood, where several members of the New Jersey Militia Heard's Brigade and North River Colonial Dancers were dressed in the clothing that Adams would have called "contemporary" Sunday afternoon.  

"When I was growing up, history courses were dry," said Ken Miller, who serves as captain in the Heard's militia. "They were taught like an economics course."  

With over half-a-dozen tents surrounded by muskets, rifles, an open fire cooking ham and more than a dozen re-enactors in colonial dress acting as a living tableau to spectators and curiosity seekers, Miller said re-enacting is an excellent opportunity to show what life was like in the late 18th century. 

"The United States of America was the first country literally formed that made the ruling hierarchy work for the people," Miller said. "Our Declaration of Independence and Constitution were founded by men who were classically trained in knowledge of the Greeks and Romans and even the Bible."

He said the point of the Constitution was to limit what the government could do to the people. But he explained that states such as New Hampshire and Virginia refused to sign it until a Bill of Rights was added, explicitly limiting the reach of the state.

"The Bill of Rights explains what the individual can do," he said.  

As for portraying the members of the militia, the uniforms, Miller said, can get warm quickly. 

"Being in the shade is not so bad as we are here," he said. "But tomorrow marching in the sun and dressed in our attire is going to be interesting."  

Miller explained the clothing was made of linen and flax, as they "just breathe better. The Continentals did not wear cotton at the time, because the cotton gin had not been invented. But in the winter time, they would wear wool."  

As for the people who portray the "citizen soldiers," it is a family affair with men, women and children on hand dressed in the colonial garb.  

Raoul Mallalieu, a re-enactor from Midland Park and furniture restorer, explained he had been interested in American history early in life.  

"I remember coming home from school and reading my history book from cover to cover," he said. "I just loved it."  

He explained he ended up meeting other members of the Head's Brigade in an antique store and struck up a conversation.  

"I really enjoy doing this," said Mallalieu. "I have a great deal of fun doing this."  

Re-enactor Janice Wolk said this is all part of a love of American history. She is a member of the Friends of Lafayette, which educates the public about Marquis De Lafayette's contribution to the American Revolution. 

"I had studied art history, and I began reading biographies to understand the history of the many who had so much to sacrifice," Wolk said.  

The Head Brigade's materials remind all that our system of government exists only by popular consent.

"The revolution that continues to thrive and evolve was not a creation of a government granted to the people," it said. "It was the government itself that was allowed to exist—by consent of the people."   

For more information about the New Jersey Militia Head's Brigade visit www.newjerseymilitia.org.