March 16-17, 2013
(Kalamazoo)—A stately President Lincoln walked past me, surveying a table of books – surely some written about him. A stout gentleman in a late 18th century wig and waistcoat strode proudly through the ever-gathering crowds. I almost ran headlong into a commanding officer of Her Majesty’s Army of the War of 1812.
It Only Looks Like Time Travel
Time warp? No, this was the 38th Annual Kalamazoo Living History Show (KLHS), held in Kalamazoo, Michigan the weekend of March 16-17, 2013. A nationally-recognized show, the KLHS draws over 10,000 living history reenactors each year along with history buffs, period collectors, and the general public to visit over 270 craftspeople dealing in pre-1890 living history items and crafts, from reproduction to authentic – to the unusual.
Period Shopping. Period.
Tables of period wares filled the three exhibition halls at the newly-expanded Kalamazoo County Expo Center, and if trade shows of this sort interest you, one walk around the facility is never enough. That said, you have to hunt for what you want. Some tables are organized and tailored to a specific trade, for example period clothing or functioning 18th century reproduction axes; others are a mosh posh of items. Some items are already crafted – such as leather bags, blacksmith-forged utensils, or realistic period clothing – while others are just the basic supplies for your own creative projects and assembly – such as basic leather, fabrics, lead, or more complicated gun parts and do-it-yourself lantern kits.
Apart from vendors, there were a few demonstrations, such as the friendly gentleman tanning leather from a fresh hide (he could be smelled long before he was seen). However, the KLHS could use more, if not to peak public interest in the hobby, and in history. Compared to other trade shows, such ongoing displays, other than a few scheduled presentations, seemed lacking.
It takes a certain type of person with a certain type of interest to attend any trade show, much less the KLHS. As a recent inductee into the living history hobby, this show certainly piqued my interest and was penned in on my calendar for months. However, the general public may want to stick to dog or RV (dare i say bridal?) shows if just looking to occupy an afternoon. HN
The 39th Annual Kalamazoo Living History Show is scheduled for March 15-16, 2014 For more information please visit the Kalamazoo Living History Show. Check out upcoming events at the Kalamzoo County Expo Center.
