Historical reenactors will gather at Proving Ground Farm West Saturday, June 25, through Thursday, June 30, for the annual Friends of the Old Northwest Primitive Rendezvous. The farm, owned by Seneca Conservation District, will be home for the week to living historians from Ohio, Michigan, Indiana and neighboring states as they gather to live in their canvas tents for a week, compete in black powder shooting, primitive archery and tomahawk and knife throwing as well as handle daily tasks such as cooking over campfires and practicing a variety of skills.
Featured events vary by day, but the entire camp will be open to visitors 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Visitors can enjoy the scent of campfires, shop at period stores, ask questions of the participants and learn about history. Depending on the time of day, visitors might hear the sounds of a muzzleloader competition, watch people taking part in primitive archery or tomahawk-throwing competitions or listen to educational seminars.
At 11:30 a.m. Saturday, an educational program about primitive firearms is to be presented by Melvin Rowe, of Kentucky. At noon on Tuesday, Pat Stephens, of Toledo, will present an educational program, “1794: Anthony Wayne’s Legion at Fallen Timbers.” The presentation reviews the history surrounding the Battle of Fallen Timbers, which took place in present-day Maumee.
On Wednesday at 11 a.m., visitors can watch rendezvous participants take part in Highland Games, a rendition of Scottish contests in which men wearing kilts and women compete in various contests of skill and strength such as the caber toss, the sheaf pitch and the haggis toss. The games are coordinated by Kim “Hawk” Trytten, of Cincinnati, and he opens them with bagpipe music.
Admission to the event is free, but donations are encouraged.
Proving Ground Farm is at 5670 E. TR 138, Republic, OH 44867, which is about 8 miles northwest of Tiffin turning east off of SR 101.
For more information, text Vicki Johnson at 419-601-2495 or email vicki.dte@gmail.com.
