Greene County Fish & Game Association

Rendezvous

Welcome to the Greene County Fish & Game Blackpowder Rendezvous Page

Here we will offer some information regarding our Spring and Fall Rendezvous, along with information about Rendezvous / Living History in general.

What is a Rendezvous?

Rendezvous is a French word which means to meet at a certain place at a certain time. During the era of the fur trade in North America, the word came to mean gathering of Fur Trappers and Fur Traders. This meeting was close to the Rocky Mountains, which kept the Fur Trapper from having to come all the way back to civilization to cash in their Beaver Plews and other furs they had collected. At the Rendezvous they would bring their furs and trade them for necessities they would need for the upcoming year, meet up with old friends, have contests, games, and generally socialize and relax before heading back up into the mountains.

In modern times a Rendezvous is a gathering of people who try and re-create the living conditions and life style of people living in the 1740's to 1840's. This encompasses the Fur Trade, Colonial, French and Indian war, Revolutionary War, Lewis and Clark, and other historical eras.

While some Rendezvous are very specific, you will find that the Greene County Fish and Game Rendezvous' are more relaxed, and encompass a broad range of eras.

What do you do at a Rendezvous?

We try, as best we can, at whatever level we can, to live as our forefathers did, practicing and learning the skills they developed to survive in that era.

We sleep in shelters that were common at the time. Canvas tents, Tepees, or just under the stars. We cook our meals over open fires, using cookware, and utensils of the era.

We dress in clothing that is period correct and try and conduct ourselves in keeping with the times we are 'living' in.

And while it is almost impossible to live today without some kinds of modern conveniences, we make a point of hiding these items from the public and other rendezvous participants. So things like ice chests are hidden or covered, and cell phones are kept and used when out of sight; there are no beverage cans or bottles displayed, nor is there a canned or packaged food item on display. In short, if great, great, great, great grandpa didn't have it, then we keep it out of sight.

We have several events we participate in, involving skills with tomahawk, knife, bow and arrow, muzzleloading rifles and pistols. Some are just for fun, and some have prizes awarded.

Mostly we socialize with friends and neighbors, learn and appreciate what our ancestors did to live in the wilderness, and enjoy just being in the great outdoors.

Sounds like fun, but I don't have any of that stuff!

That's okay! During the day we welcome all visitors. We want you to come out and see what rendezvous is like.

Bring your kids with you, we find that children show a great interest in learning about how things were back in the 18th and 19th century. Many times they have actually read about Daniel Boone, Lewis and Clark, Native Americans or the Mountain Men in school. There are usually several children in camp who have a great time, and are willing to share their thoughts and experiences.

If you have a Blackpowder rifle, bring it out and shoot the woods walk, if you don't, but would be interested in trying it out, just see the booshway; he will put you with someone willing to show you about a muzzleloading rifle, and let you shoot a shot or two, the same goes for the bow, the hawk and the knife.

If after the visit you may find that this is something you may be interested in further; most anyone in the camp can point you in a direction to find the clothing and equipment you need. While it may seem a daunting task, just remember Rome wasn't built in a day, and you don't have to build you kit in a day either!

So, where can I find more Information?

There is a lot of information on the web about living history. You can Google either 'living history', 'buckskining' or 'rendezvous' or for a quick start try this web site: http://www.coon-n-crockett.org/

While there are many places to buy the clothing and goods you need, here is a site that lists trade fairs and some other events in our area: http://www.rumpingproductions.com/index.htm

So Pilgrim, get yerself out to the Rendezvous! Find the Booshway, he'll set you right. Palaver with some folks. Trade your plews for some foofurah, stock yer possibles, throw a hawk, and you won't be a called flatlander fer long!