Rendezvous!! Our other way of life.

Traditionally a rendezvous was a meeting between traders from the Eastern "Civilized" part of the country & the Trappers & Natives from the "Wild" western parts. The purpose of this gathering was to exchange furs for supplies, new equipment or "trinkets" and also to gain news of the happenings in the world. These individuals were either employees of the trade companies or independent free trappers. The re-enactments that we attend encompass a larger time frame since the rendezvous period actually only lasted from the 1820's to the last great rendezvous in 1840. Officially, our national organization, the NRLHF (National Rendezvous & Living History Foundation) encompasses the time frame 1640 to 1840.

At any given rendezvous you will see individuals dressed from chain mail (documented to have been in Jamestown settlement in 1640) to full Native American regalia. It is even not uncommon to see a fellow re-enactor emerge from a a plains Indian style tipi in full colonial dress. Now, depending upon which area of the country you happen to be in certain styles may prevail and these will also change with time. Here in the area known for the "Eastern Primitive Rendezvous" I have seen the change in the past 20 years from predominantly portraying the Western Mountain Man to more of the traditional "Eastern" Longhunter/Colonial type of both dress & lodging. This also included military re-enactors from the French & Indian, Revolutionary & war of 1812. Variety & change are good if it keeps people interested. Personally, I prefer to do the Mountain Man style since I am originally from out west but I do enjoy portraying a Scottish Highlander also. **Note: Highlanders are ordered by royal law/decree to have no more than 63 edged weapons upon their person at any one time!!!**

A rendezvous can either be a small group of people/friends getting together for a weekend of good times to local black powder/muzzleloader clubs hosting a weekend event with primitive competitions.  Larger events are sponsored by the NRLHF in 5 regions around the country and these can draw upwards to 4,000 attendants for a 10 day event. All in all a very pleasant way to spend one's vacation since modern intrusions are not to be seen. That means no pagers, cell phones, "boom boxes" or TV's allowed. Also, no internal combustion engines except in designated areas and brief periods for people to either load or unload their camp. We do also make some allowances for service vehicles (Water & ice delivery, garbage & sewage removal).

Over the years we met and became friends with a wonderful bunch of people.