RSATN

From the 'Day in the Life'

2012-02-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Our immersion event was a great success, so immersed were we that there are NO photos from the event itself! But I did want to take a minute to share with you one of the many props from the event. Pictured above is a piece of the restored newspaper that 'arrived' about 11 o'clock. Multiple copies arrived and were passed out to those in attendance.

This replica was scanned and cleaned right from an original copy of the 1814 newspaper purchased online especially for the event by RSATNer Albert Roberts. He scanned the original document and then cleaned it up in Photoshop, restoring sections from the folds that had been damaged by age and generally trying to make it more legible.

Some of the stories contained within are just as gruesome and horrible as any you might find in this paper's modern counterpart.

Be sure to click and read the letter from an imprisoned sailor at the left.

Picnic at the Polk Home

2012-01-31T12:38:00.000-08:00

A View of the Polk home from the lush garden.

RSATN Picnic at the Polk Home

Saturday, May 19 at 12:00pm

There shall be food and drink in the grand gardens behind the house, as well as games and merriment upon the grounds of the boyhood home of America's 11th President, James K. Polk! The site's landscaped grounds feature a formal boxwood garden, a white azalea garden, and a... wildflower garden as the backdrop for our gathering. Not to mention the two houses, museum and reconstructed detached kitchen.

We can wrap up our afternoon with a tour of the historic house and museum. Ticket prices are:
Adult - $7
Senior (60+) - $6
Youth (6-18) - $4

Know that your admission goes to help preserve and maintain this great historic locale!

About the Polk Home:
The only remaining residence of James K. Polk except the White House, the ca. 1816 home was built by Polk’s father Samuel, and is one of the best examples of Federal style architecture remaining in Tennessee. Today it houses over 1000 objects that belonged to President and Mrs. Polk including furniture, paintings, china, and silver. For more info about the Polk home, visit their website http://www.jameskpolk.com/

All participants please bring:

-One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted utensils and dishes.

-Any blankets or picnic furniture that you see fit.

The dress for this event is 1790-1820.

Regency Nature Walk at the Allée

2012-01-31T12:31:00.000-08:00

Saturday, April 7 at 12:00pm

The RSATN is planning a Nature Walk at the Allée, located at the Belle Meade Blvd. entrance at Percy Warner Park in Nashville TN. Some of you may recall this lovely locale from our April picnic in 2011!

Wear your finest Regency garb and be prepared to be transported to a... more romantic time! Besides the lush costumes, fine company and food, there will be period discussion and other entertainments.

Come out and take part in a grand nature walk that covers the beautiful trails and property that is Percy Warner Park.

The time period for this event is 1790-1820.

All participants please bring:
* One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted dishes and utensils.

* Any blankets or picnic furniture that you see fit.

From last year's Nature Walk at Bledsoe Park.

An Afternoon at Burdett's

2012-01-31T12:19:00.000-08:00

Pay no mind to those young hooligans in the background.

Join us for a lovely afternoon of Tea

Saturday, March 10 at 11:00am

at Burdett's Tea Shop & Trading Company

618 South Main Street, Springfield, TN 37172

Come out in your Regency garb to enjoy the fine food, drink and atmosphere of a tea at Burdett's Tea shop. Burdett's is the tea room owned by the parents of RSATN member, Michael Ramsey. Prices will vary per attendee depending on what you order from their amazing menu! Regency dress is admired but not required for this afternoon event.

For the New Year!

2012-01-30T08:57:00.000-08:00

HOW DO I JOIN THE RSATN?

If you'd like to be a member of the RSATN, contact us (ahroberts4(at)yahoo.com) and let us know that you're interested so we can add you to our mailing list. This way we can contact you when something's coming up and you won't miss out on any of the fun stuff. You can also keep up with us by joining the RSATN on Facebook. To join us there, just click the Facebook button on the side of the page!

That's it... no money, no signing papers or forms... this is our hobby (and we're assuming it's yours too) and it's supposed to be FUN. To that end, we have attempted to make joining us for events as hassle-free as possible.

As a matter of fact, we're proud to announce that in 2011, RSATN members only had to pay $5 per person to take the tour at Cragfont and $20-$35 for tickets to the Ball in November.

These funds went straight to Cragfont itself, or towards paying the dance callers that came out to our ball.

Everything else was free of charge!

Our only REAL request is that you are always 'working'.

"How" you ask?

Whether that means working on your first person impression, working on improving your clothing, working on your knowledge of the period or working to bring ideas to the table for group events... we want to encourage our members to always be working on improving things for themselves and the group.

To this end, if you have a great idea for a regency themed event, I'd love to here it! Please feel free to contact me at: ahroberts4(at)yahoo.com

Our goal is to offer a quality 'regency' group event each month. We understand that you are all adults with jobs and families and lives to lead, and might not be able to attend EVERY event. But it is our hope, that by offering an event every month AND with enough advanced warning before these events... you will be able to join us as many times as you are able over the course of the year.

All our best...

2011-12-20T08:23:00.000-08:00

Click for Larger Version.

2011, Our Regency Year in Pictures

2011-12-16T06:54:00.000-08:00

It's been a very busy year for the RSATN... and as it comes to a close, I have some thanks that I'd like to dole out!

I'll be very honest when I say that I had NO idea that starting and running a group of this nature was going to be so much work. Fortunately there have been some brilliant, magnificent and pretty-sort-of-marvelous people along the way that have stepped in and made the effort worthwhile...

Whether you did the leg work to find the perfect period appropriate sermon, brought awesome regency games for a party, hosted an informative workshop, built a beautiful coffin to ride on the wagon, took and shared amazing photographs, stepped up to portray a historical character for the public, promoted the group in the press or to friends, did research so you could bring period-correct food to a picnic, invited a friend to come 'give us a try', helped set-up, tear down or clean up after an event, or just generally volunteered your time, talent or resources for the benefit of the group... Not only has your assistance been invaluable in growing our merry band and making it more enjoyable, but it has aided ME personally, and I want you to know that I appreciate all your efforts. Thank you.

I also wanted to thank the historic sites we've visited this past year and the people that work in them that have made our group feel welcome.

Cragfont Mansion for the picnic and house tours

Bledsoe State Park for the use of the grounds and the special Rogan Cottage tour

Percy Warner Parks for use of their spectacular facilities

And especially Historic Rock Castle, who has allowed us unprecedented access to their facilities, grounds and the house itself on more than one occasion.

-Albert

Images from the Keeping of Christmas

2011-12-05T07:37:00.000-08:00

Some of the ladies at their leisure in the library.

James Moore, the Bible-man with some of his work atop the desk.

Playing 'Ship, Captain & Crew', a period dice-game.

Mrs Gatliff & Mrs Glidden in the front hall.

The Doctor and Mr. Ramsey.

The Jacksons under the Kissing Bough.

The party-goers assembled in the Dining Room.

A lovely view of the candle-lit activities from outside.

Another candle-lit look through the library window.

images by James Moore & Mecca Caron

Letter Writing Workshop

2011-11-14T11:02:00.000-08:00

Letter Writing Workshop

Feb 18th, 2012

10am - 12pm

In the Visitor Center at Rock Castle

Hendersonville, Tennessee

Before long distance phone calls, before emails, before texting... the only way to communicate over long distances was by writing a letter. Come out and get some ink on your hands and learn how to write a proper period letter!

We'll be doing some practice sheets out of "George Bickham's Penmanship Made Easy" from 1733.

Then after a little practice, we'll write our very own letters...

When we're done, you'll be able to take away a period letter that you made yourself, complete with wax seal! You'll have the pleasure and experience of doing something totally appropriate for our time period.

I'll cover ink, wax and paper... but please bring your own pen. Quill or steel-nibbed pens are welcome!

While I always invite you to come dressed in your period finery, for THIS particular event, it will not be required. It'll be a fun way to pass a cold winter's day. :)

A grand day was had...

2011-11-14T06:29:00.000-08:00

Miss Reeser and Miss Waterman at the tea room

On Saturday, November 12th of this present year, we held our very first group ball! Special guests to the ball included the Tumbuschs, who called the dances, and Miss Lauren Reeser, long time friend of Miss Waterman. All came to stay at my estate for the duration of the weekend.

We also hosted Mr. Cushing, late of Locust Grove, to stay over with us to avoid the long ride back into Kentucky after Saturday's merriment.

In honour of our guests, Mr. Ramsey invited us all out to take tea at mid-day before the ball at his mother's tea shop! We were served with a fine assortment of teas and delicious food!

The ball itself was a great success, with forty two in attendance and fine, clear weather for the duration. There was even mention made of having TWO such events in the coming year instead of just ONE!

In the interim, please enjoy this selection of images from that magnificent Saturday's activity. Special thanks to the gentlemen from Rock Castle, John and Sam, who helped us get set up, Mr. Cushing and Mr. Ramsey for helping us haul tables and chairs, and to Tom and Toni Tumbusch who are by far and away the best dance callers, and some of the finest and kindest people I know. Thanks for making TEN people in Birdsall Cottage not seem like nearly so many.

From Left to Right, Mr. Tumbusch, Mrs. Tumbusch, Mr. Ramsey, the Doctor, Mr. Cushing, Miss Reeser, and Miss Waterman (and the Doctor's daughters keeping it classy in the background)

The dancers looking toward the head of the hall at the fireplace.

Miss Waterman in her Fox-inspired costume.

Polly and James Moore

These girls had seen us at the Tea Room and came out to have a look.

Mister Cooper was quite a sight in his mask and costume!

Mr. Cushing and Toni Tumbusch circle left with Captain and Mrs. May

Images by Tom Tumbusch and James Moore.

Our first event for 2012...

2011-11-03T10:23:00.000-07:00

'A Day in the Life'

at Rock Castle

Jan 28th 2012

Come out and see what takes place over the course of an average day in the early 1800's on a cold and dark winter's day. Bear witness to the lives of ladies and gentlemen of the upper middling and upper classes as they indulge in reading, writing letters, playing at cards, light conversation, or perhaps even some needlework in the rooms of Rock Castle, an estate built in 1784.

Costumed reenactors will be throughout the house showing what life was like during the War of 1812.

All participants please bring:
-A craft, book, letter, or period game to share with the group over the course of the day
-One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted utensils and dishes.

The dress for this event is 1790-1820.

News coverage of the Funeral

2011-11-02T06:37:00.000-07:00

Today's issue of the Hendersonville Star News featured a series of photos and an article about the funeral event this Saturday past. I am quite pleased to say that their coverage took up 3/4 of the page it was printed on, and featured some very nice pictures! Click on the images for larger versions.

Images from the Funeral

2011-11-01T06:16:00.000-07:00

Some advanced images from our recent outing, 'The Funeral of General Daniel Smith' held at Rock Castle in Hendersonville, Tennessee. All images in this set were taken by Kristen Salter. Special thanks to all those that came out, as well as those that gave of their time to help make the event happen.

Click on any of the images to see the larger version.


The funeral procession leaves the house...

Andrew Jackson delivers a eulogy for his friend

The funeral party gather'd in front of Smith's home, Rock Castle

Mr. Glidden drives that wagon that takes the General to his final resting place.

The Pallbearers followed by Rev Thomas Craighead (portrayed by Andrew Kaufmann)

Craighead delivers the first portion of his funeral sermon

Craighead delivers the second portion of the funeral sermon.

A view through the library entry where the mourners gather'd

2011-10-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

The First Annual RSATN

Regency Masquerade Ball

Saturday November 12

from 6pm - 10pm

There's a chill in the air as the masked figures line up two-by-two to join us for the first annual RSATN Regency Masquerade Ball. The sun will be setting as we make merry and dance all the latest dances of the Regency Era in the open air pavilion on the property of Rock Castle in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

Masks, hoods, capes and all manner of costume will be the order of the evening. Wear your best pre 1820's costume and be prepared to dance, visit and make merry.

The Pavilion at Rock Castle

All period formal dress pre 1820 admired, but not required for this 'open to the public' event. A prize will be given to the participant who is voted as having the 'Best Costume'.

Tickets $20 per person or $35 per couple

Purchase your tickets in advance by clicking the yellow button below!

or, you can purchase your tickets

the night of the event 'at the door'.

ABOUT OUR DANCE CALLERS

Tom has taught English Country to dancers of all ages since 1988, and has written historic dance articles for Activate! magazine, a bi-monthly publication for elementary school music teachers. Over the years he has choreographed dance performances for Wright State University, the Ohio Renaissance Festival, and the Greater Dayton region of the Jane Austen Society.

Toni began dancing and performing historic styles in 1996, adding English Country Dance to her repertoire in 2004. A former member of the Forget-Me-Not Historical Dance Company, she has studied with Elizabeth Aldridge, Richard Powers, and Joan Walton.

Tom and Toni have taught together since 2005, hosting English Country, Swing, Lindy Hop, and other historic dance workshops throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Louisville. They are both founding members of the Cincinnati Historic Dance Society and the historic costume fellowship Ars Historia, and are active participants in the Cincinnati English Country Dancers.

More from the Garden Party

2011-08-30T06:39:00.000-07:00

Mr. Ramsey in his new threads.

Mr. Cooper from Ohio and Mr. Ramsey survey the scene.

The Doctor and Mr. Cooper at tug-of-war.

Miss Wyatt and the General at Tug-of-war.

General Jackson vs. Mr. Ramsey.

Captain Hickey vs. Mr. Cooper

Miss Waterman just before her great spill!

Miss Wyatt at Lawn Bowling

Mrs. Cooper of Ohio and Jewel at the tug-of-war.

The party goers all assembled. Click to enlarge.

From the Garden Party

2011-08-29T06:02:00.000-07:00

click image for larger version

With 22 in attendance, attendees from as far away as Alabama and Ohio, lots of new people and gloriously pleasant weather, the RSATN Garden Party was a complete success!

More pictures should be posted here presently...

Special thanks to all those that came early and assisted with set-up, Kristen for coming out and taking pictures, to Mrs Gatliff and Mrs. Ehlert for bringing out their games to share with the group, to Mrs. Jackson (Melinda Gaines) who gave a special tour of the house to the group, as well as to Rock Castle for allowing us to come out.

Be sure to plan to join us for our NEXT event... the Funeral of General Daniel Smith.

HOW DO I JOIN THE RSATN?

2011-08-24T12:19:00.000-07:00

Occasionally there might be a fee involved in visiting a historic site, for taking the 'house tour', for example. I personally have NO problem paying this sort of fee, as it goes to support a cause I believe in, the preservation of a historic site/structure.

Our only REAL request is that you are always 'working'.

"How" you ask? Whether that means working on your first person impression, working on improving your clothing, working on your knowledge of the period or working to bring ideas to the table for group events... we want to encourage our members to always be working on improving things for themselves and the group.

To this end, if you have a great idea for a regency themed event, please feel free to contact me at: ahroberts4(at)yahoo.com

Search: "Regency Society of Tennessee"

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT COMING!

2011-08-10T07:24:00.000-07:00

If you are able to attend the Garden Party at Rock Castle this coming August 28th, you will be one of the FIRST to hear the BIG NEWS from the RSATN!

But never fear, if you are unable to be there, we'll make the news public right here on the RSATN blog... keep watching!

Video from the Jane Austen Festival

2011-07-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

2011 Jane Austen Festival and Ball from Alana Gillett on Vimeo.

RSATN at the Jane Austen Festival

2011-07-18T06:02:00.000-07:00

There was a fairly decent turnout of RSATN folk at the recent Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, KY. Always nice to get to see friends!

Capt. May at the tea shop.

Capt. M. Hickey in his new duds!

Miss Waterman was asked to step in as Miss Elizabeth Bennett for the photo op at the children's tea.

The Doctor sweat it out in his office doing medical demos for the benefit of the public.

The Glidden's found the carriages.

Mrs. May and her husband set up a lovely picnic in front of the house.

The Roberts girls all dressed up for the ball.

Friends of the RSATN Tom and Toni Tumbusch behind the house. They will be our dance callers at the ball in November

Cragfont Picnic Pictures

2011-07-13T17:27:00.000-07:00

Special Thanks to everyone who came out and braved the rain, and to Bill Glidden and Jim Gray for the pictures!

Cragfont Video

2011-06-26T22:30:00.000-07:00

Meet our Dance Callers for the Ball in November

2011-06-09T15:37:00.000-07:00

Tom and Toni Tumbusch are historic dance instructors, performers, and enthusiasts with a repertoire ranging from the Italian Renaissance to the Big Band era. If you’ve never danced before, fear not! Many of the dances Jane Austen enjoyed are easy to learn, and Tom and Toni make it almost as simple as walking.

Tom has taught English Country to dancers of all ages since 1988, and has written historic dance articles for Activate! magazine, a bi-monthly publication for elementary school music teachers. Over the years he has choreographed dance performances for Wright State University, the Ohio Renaissance Festival, and the Greater Dayton region of the Jane Austen Society.

Toni began dancing and performing historic styles in 1996, adding English Country Dance to her repertoire in 2004. A former member of the Forget-Me-Not Historical Dance Company, she has studied with Elizabeth Aldridge, Richard Powers, and Joan Walton.

Tom and Toni have taught together since 2005, hosting English Country, Swing, Lindy Hop, and other historic dance workshops throughout Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Louisville. They are both founding members of the Cincinnati Historic Dance Society and the historic costume fellowship Ars Historia, and are active participants in the Cincinnati English Country Dancers.

Get your tickets TODAY!

Naturalist Walk after report

2011-05-23T18:38:00.000-07:00

The group in the Rogan Cottage's kitchen.

We picked a shady spot near the cottage to picnic.

The General and Mrs. Jackson in the Parker Cabin

Mr and Mrs Glidden gathering their samples.

The General looks through the pioneer cemetery.

The Naturalist Walk in images

2011-05-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

December Event

2011-05-10T07:49:00.000-07:00

The Keeping of Christmas
at Rock Castle
December 3rd at 6pm

Come out and celebrate the season in Regency fashion with period food, singing, and games in the home of Genl. Daniel Smith, 'Rock Castle'. Costumed participants will be in the various rooms of the house with the focus being on the practice of Christmas festivities and customs from the period (and enjoyment).

All participants please bring:

• One period appropriate PIE, PUDDING or CAKE (meat, veggie, sweet etc.) or festive drink for the group and your assorted dishes and utensils.

• One short thing of the period to read aloud to the group, something appropriate to the Christmas season, or period appropriate holiday game for all to play.

Come dressed in your regency (1790-1820) finest and be prepared to enjoy yourself by candlelight!

Our October Event

2011-05-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Join us at Rock Castle as we memorialize our Friend, Businessman, Surveyor, Revolutionary War Veteran and State Senator, General Daniel Smith.

Wear your black arm bands & mourning clothes as we gather in the General's house for a recreation of an actual 1818 memorial service, then follow the funeral procession up to the Family Cemetery. We ask that costumed participants please bring flowers or other period appropriate memorial tokens to be left on the General’s grave.

Our event will be followed that evening by local storyteller group, “Explorastory”, telling scary tales of the Halloween Season!

The storytelling starts at 6pm and goes until 9pm with storytellers located at three different locations in progression, at the pavilion, in the cemetery, and the front of house.

Mourning dress of the 1790-1820 period admired,
but not required for this ‘open to the public' event.

Regency Masquerade Ball

2011-05-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

The First Annual RSATN

Regency Masquerade Ball

Saturday November 12

from 6pm - 10pm

The Pavilion at Rock Castle

All period formal dress pre 1820 admired, but not required for this 'open to the public' event. A prize will be given to the participant who is voted as having the 'Best Costume'.

Tickets $20 per person or $35 per couple

Purchase your tickets in advance by clicking the yellow button below!

ABOUT OUR DANCE CALLERS

Naturalist Walk Sneak Preview

2011-05-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

A flower from the front of the Rogan Cottage.

Looking skyward from the trail.

A stone wall that was near the spring.

The little creek that the spring feeds into.

Picnic at the Allée Part 2

2011-04-09T23:31:00.000-07:00

Picnic at the Allée

2011-04-09T18:21:00.000-07:00

The RSATN held their April picnic today at the Belle Meade entrance to Percy Warner park. Thanks to the thirteen fine folks who came out and helped make the day a success!

The Doctor and General Jackson play at 'Shut the Box' as Miss Jordan looks on.

The group engaged in conversation.

A look at the picnic fare...

The girls at Graces.

Miss Holmes engrossed in her book.

SAVE THE DATE

2011-04-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to a GARDEN PARTY at Rock Castle, the estate of Genl. Daniel & Sarah Smith on Sunday, August 28th of this Present Year.

There shall be food and drink under a great canopy tent beside the house, as well as games and merriment upon the grounds!

The focus of our gathering shall be light sports competitions for gentlemen and ladies with prizes. Practice and be ready to show off your skills at such Regency favorites as:

Tug of War
Graces
Blind Man's Bluff
Quoits (Ring Toss Game)

...and MANY more!

Participants may play any or all games of their choosing, regardless of their gender. There will be prizes awarded to the winner in each game.

All participants please bring:

-One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted utensils and dishes.

The dress for this event is 1790-1820.

Regency Nashville

2011-04-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

Key to number'd structures:
1.) Yellow Frame (Fr.) 2 Story
2.) Old Log 1 Story
3.) Market or Main Street, 40 feet long
4.) Courthouse
5.) Stocks
6.) Jail with picket fence
7.) Talbot Tavern Fr. 1 Story
8.) Old Yellow Fr. 1 Story
9.) Brick Store
10.) Stone Tavern, Captain Demumbrane
11.) Fr. Shop 1 Story
12.) McKane's House Fr. 2 Story
13.) D. Robertson's House Fr.
14.) Brick Store, J. B. Craighead, 2 Story
15.) Frame Store, William Tate, 1 Story
16.) Frame Store, D. Robertson, 2 Story
17.) Frame Store, James Jackson, 2 Story
18.) Frame Story, 2 Story
19.) Frame Tavern, Eakin, 1 Story
20.) Ferry and Keel-Boat Landing

Other points of interest from East to West:
Judge McNairy's (since enlarged)
McNairy's Spring
Cemetery
Sulphur Spring (Where Salt is made)
T. Napier, small 2 story Frame house on Cedar Knob
Dr. Henning's Home & Office, 1 Story Frame
Nashville Inn, Mr. Parker, 2 Story Frame
W. Tate, 2 Story Frame, Best house in town
D. Cross, Stone House, Former Fort
White Hall, Former Fort
Johnson's House, 1 Story Log

An Afternoon at Cragfont

2011-04-06T07:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday, June 26 · 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Cragfont Mansion

200 Cragfont Rd

Castalian Springs, TN

We shall have food, drink and merriment on the grounds of Historic Cragfont Mansion. There shall be a picnic near the garden or by the pond that will include amateur theatrics and readings. Each person in attendance should bring a brief thing to read to the group, a brief news article from a period paper, a bit from your favorite Shakespeare play, a sonnet, etc.

Lunch and readings will be followed by a tour of the home of General James Winchester, which was completed in 1802.

All participants please bring:
• One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted utensils and dishes.
• One thing of the period to read aloud to the group, something short.
• Cost per person will be $5.00, to cover the cost of touring the house.

Naturalist Walk at Bledsoe's Lick

2011-04-04T07:33:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 21 11:00am - 4:00pm

Bledsoe's Fort Park, Castalian Springs, TN

Come out and take part in a nature walk that includes a ‘nature scavenger hunt'. Teams must identify and gather a variety of samples from a pre-made list for fun regency PRIZES!

The time period for this event is 1790-1820.

Other items of interest in the area to Regency Ladies and Gents:

The Belote Cemetery (also called the “Pioneer Cemetery") is located along a section of Avery's Trace a few hundred yards southeast of the fort site and contains the graves of various early settlers in the Bledsoe's Lick area.

Nathaniel Parker’s Cabin, a typical pioneer log cabin, built in the 1780s.

The Cavern of the Skulls, a cave located a few hundred feet east of the fort site. 19th-century cave explorers reported the presence of human skulls in the cave, suggesting that the inhabitants of the Cheskiki Mound village may have used the cave to store
“trophy" skulls.

The scavenger hunt will be followed by a light picnic lunch on the grounds near the restored stone Irish Cottage of Hugh Rogan.

All participants please bring:
* One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted dishes and utensils.
* A small period appropriate basket or container to carry your 'specimens' in.

for more information about the Bledsoe Lick area, please visit:
http://www.bledsoeslick.com/index.htm

Oh you mean us?

2011-03-30T07:08:00.000-07:00

WHO ARE WE?

The Regency Society of Tennessee (RSATN) is a group for Gentlemen & Ladies that are dedicated to remembering and preserving the history, culture and costume of the 1790-1820 time period.

Through public and private costumed events, tours of historic sites, workshops and individual research, we endeavour to keep this fascinating time alive for ourselves and the public.

The RSATN is the Tennessee chapter of the Regency Society of America.

HOW DO I JOIN THE RSATN?

Great question! I have been asked this several times of late, so I figured it's on your minds... let's have an answer.

If you'd like to be a member of the RSATN, contact us (ahroberts4(at)yahoo.com) and let us know that you're interested so we can add you to our mailing list. This way we can contact you when something's coming up and you won't miss out on any of the fun stuff.

That's it... no money, no signing papers or forms... this is our hobby (and we're assuming it's yours too) and it's supposed to be FUN. To that end, we have attempted to make joining us for events as hassle-free as possible.

Occasionally there might be a fee involved in visiting a historic site, for taking the house tour for example. I personally have NO problem paying this sort of fee, as it goes to support a cause I believe in, the preservation of a historic site/structure.

Our only REAL request is that you are always 'working'.

"How" you ask? Whether that means working on your first person impression, working on improving your clothing, working on your knowledge of the period or working to bring ideas to the table for group events... we want to encourage our members to always be working on improving things for themselves and the group.

To this end, if you have a great idea for a regency themed event, please feel free to contact me at: ahroberts4(at)yahoo.com

Our goal is to offer a quality 'regency' group event each month. We understand that you are all adults with jobs and families and lives to lead, and might not be able to attend EVERY event. But it is our hope, that by offering an event every month AND with enough advanced warning before these events... you will be able to join us as many times as you are able over the course of the year.

Blind Man's Bluff

2011-03-22T08:38:00.000-07:00

Wondering what to do a your next event? Here's a thought, why not engage in the age-old game of Blind Man's Bluff?

Ladies playing Blind Man's Bluff circa 1803.

You remember how to play don't you? Blind man's bluff is played in a spacious area, such as outdoors or in a large room, in which one player, designated as "It", is blindfolded and gropes around attempting to touch the other players without being able to see them, while the other players scatter and try to avoid the person who is "it", hiding in plain sight and sometimes teasing them to make them change direction.

"Blind-Man's Buff", after David Wilkie, Paul Jarrard & Sons, London, 1820s

Blind man's bluff is ideally played in an area free of dangerous obstructions so that the "It" player will not suffer injury from tripping over or hitting something.

Miss Waterman, at the right with her hair shorn à la victime,
engages in a game at a timeline event.

This is an extremely simple, inexpensive AND period correct way to entertain guests at your next regency era event, the only prop required is a simple blindfold.

Dressmaking Workshop Success

2011-03-21T08:04:00.000-07:00

This weekend's workshop was a rousing success! Our attendees showed up prepared to learn and notebooks at the ready. We discussed dressing your regency character from the inside out, and from top to bottom. The guests were very curious, and fired question and question, eager to learn as much as they could. Topics like stockings; easy to obtain footwear; proper styles, colors, and fabrics for various ages, stations in life, and marriage status were covered.

Even the Doctor stepped in for a brief discussion about his suit of clothes for the very brave gentleman who joined our gathering.

Everyone left having gained at least one or two very important tidbits, and hopefully by the picnic we will be seeing some new gowns and fabulous ensembles! Thank you all again who were able to join, and we look forward to seeing you at the next one!

Be sure to join us for the next RSATN event... the April Picnic!

Jane Austen Festival in July

2011-03-04T10:48:00.000-08:00


The official flyer for the event created by the Doctor, see anyone you know? Click for a MUCH larger version

SAVE THE DATE

4TH ANNUAL JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL,

JULY 9 & 10, 2011

held at the 1790 National Historic Landmark,

Historic Locust Grove (www.locustgrove.org)

Louisville, Kentucky

New Events Planned

2011-03-02T18:41:00.000-08:00

Click image from much larger version

Naturalist Walk at Bledsoe's Lick

Saturday, May 21 · 11:00am - 4:00pm

Bledsoe's Fort Park, Castalian Springs, TN

Come out and take part in a nature walk that includes a 'nature scavenger hunt'. Teams must identify and gather a variety of samples from a pre-made list for a fun regency PRIZE! The walk will be followed by a light picnic lunch on the grounds near the restored stone Irish Cottage of Hugh Rogan.

All participants please bring:

One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted dishes and utensils.
A small period appropriate basket or container to carry your 'specimens' in.

Tour and Picnic at Historic Cragfont

Sunday, June 26 · 12:00pm - 5:00pm

Cragfont Mansion

200 Cragfont Rd

Castalian Springs, TN

We shall have food, drink and merriment on the grounds of Historic Cragfont Mansion. A picnic near the garden or by the pond that will include amateur theatrics and readings. Lunch will be followed by a tour of the home of James Winchester, which was completed in 1802.

All participants please bring:

One period appropriate food or drink for the group and your assorted utensils and dishes.
One short thing of the period to read aloud to the group, a brief news article from a period paper, a bit from your favorite Shakespeare play, a sonnet, etc. Something short.
Cost per person will be $5.00, to cover the cost of touring the house.

Come dressed in your regency (1790- 1820) finest and be prepared to enjoy yourself!

WHAT TO WEAR?

2011-03-01T07:21:00.000-08:00

Wondering what in the world to wear? Need help getting started?

There will be a Regency Dressmaking Workshop held on Saturday March 19th from 2 - 5pm. Bring your notepad and ideas for this instructional afternoon on what to wear and how to make it. Hosted in the home of RSATN members Albert Roberts & Maggie Waterman. Ladies AND Gents alike are welcome, light snack fare will be served.

Email Albert for event address and directions: ahroberts4(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Tavern Night

2011-02-27T21:12:00.000-08:00

All those assembled for Tavern Night at Traveller's Rest on Sat. Feb 26th.

A sampling of the food to be had in the 'Tavern'.

The Doctor attempts to win a game of 'Shut the Box',

while Tavern keep Mr. Allison looks on.

More gaming.

The exterior signage of the Tavern, put in place by Mr. Allison.

Our most recent event... a recreation of the Black Horse Tavern. A real tavern that existed in TN in 1808. RSATN member Brian Allison set up the room and acted as Tavern Keeper, and historic house Traveller's Rest allowed us to make use of the law office/school house building as the Tavern.

The illusion was made complete by period signage outside, a table of fine period food and a bar with all manner of drink. The inside even included a gaming table where we played a variety of period games from 'Shut the Box', to card games such as 'Punt', 'One and Thirty' and 'Beggar my Neighbor'.

Special thanks to Brian Allison and Tonya Staggs and Traveller's Rest for allowing us to have Tavern Night in such a lovely location. And special thanks also goes out to Mr. Bill Glidden, who took the majority of the event pictures seen here.

Picnic at the Allée

2010-12-30T09:03:00.000-08:00

Regency Picnic at the Allée

Nashville, Tennessee

Saturday, April 9th 2011

From Noon until ?

______________________

The RSATN is planning a picnic at the Allée, located at the Belle Meade Blvd. entrance at Percy Warner Park in Nashville TN.

Wear your finest Regency garb and be prepared to be transported to a more romantic time! Besides the lush costumes, fine company and food, there will be period discussion and other entertainments.

If you'd like to RSVP to attend, you can do so via the Facebook page dedicated to that purpose. Your attendance would be most welcome. Remember to bring one period appropriate dish.

JANE AUSTEN FESTIVAL 2010

2010-07-15T20:08:00.000-07:00

Members of the RSATN and the Georgia Regency Society met up for the first time at the 3rd annual Jane Austen Fest held at Locust Grove in Louisville KY.

Tons of photos and other media can be found on the JASNA Louisville Facebook page, or on the Graphic Enterprises news site.

Several of our members were even featured in the local Lousiville newspaper!

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

2010-06-29T18:08:00.001-07:00

3rd Annual Jane Austen Festival

July 10 & 11, 2010

10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. each day

Admission $10

Historic Locust Grove

561 Blankenbaker Lane

Louisville, KY 40207

502-897-9845

Regency Style Show, Regency Emporium, Four Course Afternoon Tea,

Grand Ball, Workshops, author Kim Wilson, “Tea with Jane Austen” “In the Garden with Jane Austen”

Sponsored by: Greater Louisville Region, Jane Austen Society of North

America

www.jasnalouisville.com

(to register and purchase tickets)

3rd Annual Jane Austen Festival, July 10 & 11 at Historic Locust Grove, Louisville, Kentucky

The 3rd Annual Jane Austen Festival will take place at beautiful Historic Locust Grove located at 561 Blankenbaker Lane, Louisville, KY

(www.locustgrove.org)

Inside the Visitors’ Center a Regency Emporium will feature booths with beautiful silk shawls, fabric, bonnets, jewelry, antiquarian books, and you can even have your silhouette cut! There will also be a fantastic Silent Auction with Jane Austen books, movie memorabilia and tea themed baskets and much more. The four-course Afternoon Tea will take place each day as well and is $20 per person.

“The Shoppes of “Meryton” include five new vendors who will participate in tents outside: Taylor Rose Historical Outfitters, Bells Mill Clothiers, Marquette Trading Company, Spencer’s Mercantile and Kentucky Fine Tea Ware.

The log and stone buildings on the grounds will host the Regency men’s club called the “Hellfire Club”, as well as 19th Century physician. Common Stock Entertainment will entertain young and old alike with shadow puppets, old-fashioned, kid-friendly peep shows, and other 18th century entertainments.

A couple opportunities for workshops include How to make a Tussie Mussie (a hand-held nosegay) $15 per person and Silk Ribbon and Surface Embroidery to make a Reticule. $25 per person. (complete descriptions at the end of press release)

Featured author this year is Kim Wilson, member of the Jane Austen Society in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She will speak about her books, “In the Garden with Jane Austen” and “Tea with Jane Austen”. Her talk, repeated both days will take place outside under a tent at 11 a.m. where she will sign and sell her books.

Other talks and demonstrations to be held under the tent include “Dressing Mr. Darcy” and the ever-popular Regency Style show. While a display of Regency fashion will be located in the Grand Parlor in the house all day both days.

Also, Ed Maedor, the creator of the fabulous bonnets worn in the new PBS documentary about Dolley Madison will speak each day and will have the bonnets with him!

A Grand Ball will take place on Saturday, July 10 in conjunction with the local English Country Dance Society at St. Andrew Episcopal Church. Advance reservation required ($20 per person) and not included with festival admission.

$10 admission to the festival does include admission to the ca. 1790 Locust Grove, a National Historic Landmark. For the last two years intensive research and restoration has completely changed the interior of the home to the period when Revolutionary War hero, George Rogers Clark, lived in the House, 1809-1818.

The Greater Louisville Region of the Jane Austen Society of North America (JASNA) was founded in July of 2007. They meet monthly at Historic Locust Grove. The Jane Austen Festival has become a very successful event with 1,000 attending from 15 states in 2009. For information about JASNA, visit www.jasna.org and to purchase tickets for workshops, the ball, afternoon tea and admission, visit www.jasnalouisville.com or call 502-239-8521, 502-417-9150.

How to Make a Tussie-Mussie
Variously called a “word posey” and a “nosegay with a message”, the hand-held, sweet-smelling tussie-mussies origins go back to the Renaissance but reached the height of popularity in the Victorian age when tussies were exchanged in lieu of written greetings.

Joan Burton, Master Gardener and member of the Kentuckiana Herb Society will discuss the history of Tussie Mussies, the Language of Flowers, and will give the participants an opportunity to make and take a Tussie Mussie from live flowers. Be thinking of a message that you would like to say in flowers to a special person. Participants are requested to bring utility scissors to cut floral stems. $15.00 per person, 15 participants maximum, Two classes, 3:00-4:00 each day

Silk Ribbon & Surface Embroidery to Make a Reticule
Learn how to embroider with silk ribbon and surface embroidery to create a reticule (Regency era draw string purse). Taught by Pat Judice of the Embroiders’ Guild of America. Kit will include instruction, fabric (choice of light or dark), silk and organza ribbon, crewel needle and yarn. Students will need to bring a 5” or 6” hoop, scissors and magnification (if needed).
$25 per person, 15 participants maximum, two classes, 10:30-12:30 each day

SUCCESS!

2010-04-18T16:31:00.000-07:00

The first gathering of the RSATN during their April picnic held upon the grounds of Traveller's Rest.

The first gathering of the RSA TN met on Sunday, April 18th at Traveller's Rest for a Regency picnic in the shade beside the house. There were fourteen guests in all at Mr. Overton's estate, and there was food aplenty, served in beautiful dishes on the side porch.

A sampling of some of the amazing dishes that were the centerpiece of the picnic.

The guests fill their plates.

The young ladies on their blanket enjoy some un-chaperoned conversation.

The guests all laid out under the shade of an obliging tree.

The three event planners enjoy a few moments in the house.

From left to right, Mrs. Staggs, The Doctor, Mr. Allison.

Graces in the garden.

The Doctor and Captain May demonstrate fencing on the front lawn.

Mr. Allsion entertains the ladies on the back porch.

Special thanks to all who attended and helped make our event such a success, and thanks also to the people at Traveller's Rest who allowed us to make use of the beautiful house and grounds for the picnic!

Views of Spring

2010-03-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

Recent images captured at Traveller's Rest, site of our first event coming April 18th.

There's still plenty of time to contact us to let us know you can attend!

Picnic Update

2010-03-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

So far there are 10 confirmed guests (and a few extra UN-confirmed guests) for the Regency Picnic to be held at Travellers Rest on Sunday, April 18th.

Wear your finest Regency garb and be prepared to be transported to a more romantic time! Besides the lush costumes, fine company and food, there will be period discussion and other entertainments.

If you'd like to RSVP to attend, you can do so via the Facebook page dedicated to that purpose. Your attendance would be most welcome. Remember that there will be a $2.00 grounds fee, and all that attend will need to bring one period appropriate dish.

RSA TN Picnic

2010-03-17T06:49:00.001-07:00

Regency Picnic on the grounds of scenic Traveller's Rest

Nashville, Tennessee

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

@ 12 Noon
______________________

Traveller's Rest is planning their very first Regency Era picnic.

I have been authorized by the powers that be to invite you to an intimate affair held on the immaculately manicured grounds of this historic home.

There will be a $2.00 grounds fee, and all that attend will need to bring one period appropriate dish.

You can find out more about Traveller's Rest HERE.