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Perryville Battlefield Living History Program
“On the Farm - A Kentucky Horse Sale”
June 19-20, 2008
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A living history weekend dedicated to the horse culture that flourished during the second half of the nineteenth century in Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region. “On the Farm” will be an educational experience for each participant as well as an interactive experience for the visiting public.
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Kentucky over the last 200 years produced some of the greatest thoroughbred, standardbred and saddlebred horses in our country’s history. Kentucky’s horse culture still thrives and this year Perryville’s On the Farm program will be dedicated to interpreting to the public the importance the horse in Kentucky culture.
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The race horse Lexington c 1860 Click Here to learn more about this famed horse
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Horse Sales and Burgoo
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Kentucky’s horse culture is deeply rooted and has been a viable industry within the Commonwealth even before statehood. The industry thrived in the state supplying the nation with a large percentage of horses. The Civil War disrupted this industry as Kentucky suffered from warfare’s continuous drain on the state and its resources. During the American Civil War many prominent horse breeders removed their stock from the state and shipped them north. Valuable livestock was taken by guerilla raiders that were pillaging the countryside. Several famous race horses and valued breeding stock were stolen and either ransomed back to the farm owner or “ridden to death.”
Saratoga, New York began to rise in prominence as the horse industry shifted north. Horse sales, racing and breeding became a prominent industry in many northern states; however, the manner in which these operations were carried out differed from the traditional Kentucky methods that were employed before the Civil War.
After the war ended, horses were returned to the Bluegrass; however, the horse industry was forever changed. After the close of hostilities many prominent horse breeders hosted large sales and races at their estates throughout Kentucky. One of the most prominent horsemen in Kentucky was Alexander J. Alexander, who owned Woodburn Farm in Woodford County, Kentucky. Mr. Alexander’s sales were legendary and attended by everyone in the countryside. These horse sales were the first of their kind and they established the spring sale season in Kentucky. This spring sale season still exists today in the Bluegrass as the Keeneland Spring Sale. The following exert describes Woodburn Farm’s 1869 spring sale:
“The sale took place in a beautiful grove carpeted with the richest blue-grass. All around in every direction the ground was covered with conveyances of every description, and moving throngs of people, intermingled with whom were to be seen a large number of fine equine stock, mostly young colts, each led by its appropriate groom.
As usual this sale was largely attended by gentlemen of wealth and distinction, breeders of fine stock, sporting gentlemen, gentlemen of the press, and in fact, persons of all classes, from all parts of the country from New York to Texas. Quite a number of the ladies also graced the interesting occasion with their charming, civilizing and refining presence. The number of gentlemen from other states was unusually large. Among the distinguished personages present were Gen. John C. Breckenridge, Gen. Custer, Hon. G.W. Woodward, of Pennsylvania; Gen. Harding, of Tennessee; Col. M.H. Sanford of New York; Col S.D. Bruce, of New York: Charles Lloyd, Esp., of New Jersey; Hon. T.J. Megibben, of Kentucky and a great crew of others, too numerous to mention in a brief resume like this.”
These events were very much like bazaars. The sale incorporated many different aspects. Racing, eating, gambling and everything concerned with a bazaar atmosphere. One of the most important feature of these events was the “burgoo” cooking. The “Lexington Herald” describes the burgoo and the “burgoo king” that was highly touted by the visitors at Woodburn Farm.
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“Almost always an occurrence at these sales was the presence of caterer Gus Jaubert and his bountiful burgoo… Gus was recognized as the ‘Burgoo King,’ the originator of the conglomeration. When it was just a ‘watery Welsh Soup’, it was introduced into Virginia by the colonists and came to Kentucky with the pioneers. It was in Kentucky that it was developed into a rich consistency and given a wonderful flavor.
A ‘Richmond Register’ article described Gus Jaubert as ‘the prince of expert burgoo makers’ and declared that he had been making the soup since he was a boy, improving it all along the way. He was the cook for General John H. Morgan’s brigade, and it was here that he had made use of all the foods he could find to combine in a soup somewhat like his burgoo. It was an emergency provision for the army.
Gus could make one thousand gallons of burgoo at a time as one of his kettles had a capacity for seven hundred gallons while the other held three hundred. The article declared that it would have been impossible to feed all the people at ‘Bluegrass farm and stock sales’ any other way. Burgoo is always served on the most hospitable scale, for when it is done it is poured from the kettles into clean tubs, and each person, armed with a tin cup and spoon, proceeds to help himself, drinking as much as he likes, with never a one to say him nay.”
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Impression
Historic impressions are to be maintained throughout the entire event.
This event’s impression will be civilian and U.S. military only and semi-immersion. All participants are encouraged to do first person, but may develop a third person conversation with the visiting public. This will allow the visitor to better understand the scenarios. Interaction between guests and participants is highly recommended.
Opportunities to Participate
Civilian and military participants will portray visitors to a large “Bluegrass Farm and Stock Sale.” Scenarios will include a mock horse auction, horse races and a horse show with prizes awarded.
Each gentleman will be assigned a persona and allotted funds for the weekend. These funds will be used to purchase horses, participate in racing and other scenarios. Ladies will also be assigned a persona however, those who intend to invest in horses and horse activities will need to have a gentlemen agent present to purchase horses. You may request an alter-ego of a certain social status; however, once slots are filled we will assign the alter-egos on a first come – first served basis. .
Ladies are encouraged to attend the auction and races. Ladies who are properly mounted or have a driving cart may participate in an organized ride by the Crimson Ladies Riding Society
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Additionally, food items and hand work will be exhibited and judged for prizes.
Although this is not a county fair it will be very much a bazaar atmosphere so merchants and entertainers are welcome.
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Private Racing on Horse Farms
“Three separate stakes, producing eight heats warmly contested by fine racers, rendered the sport excellent, while the absence of that noisy, disorderly element usually noticeable in the crowd attendant upon a public race course, rendered the large company present the most agreeable we have ever met upon the turf. The pic-nic feature of the day; the open hospitality of those gentlemen who provided basket dinners; the temperate flow of exhilarating beverages, and the convivial spirit of the whole company contributed much to the social enjoyment of all. Not an unpleasant circumstance marred the pleasure of the day, and every one returned refreshed by the excursion, and with kind words for the liberal enterprise and public spirit of their host.”
“At 11:00 o’clock, the bell was run to call the contestants for the pic-nic states to the starting point.”
The “pic-nic stakes” consisted of men on foot racing for their choice of the picnic basket.
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Available Impressions
These are some suggested impressions: farm owner, breeders, farm managers, grooms, stable boys,artists, trainers, horse agents, jockeys, farmers, ladies riding club, visiting guests.
You will receive information on your persona before you arrive for the event either via email or postal package. Participants will receive the living history packet at registration.
Standards
The following rules and standards will be closely observed during the living history event.Accomodations
- All camping will be in the Living History Area.
Shelters may consist of period canvas tenting. Temporary wooden structures are permitted and encouraged. All structures must be in a manner consistent with mid-19th century building materials.
- No anachronistic items may be visible at any time during the program.
- If you wish to stay in a hotel you may contact the Danville Boyle County tourism website at www.danville-ky.com
- Scenarios will not be contained within the camping area. Be prepared to walk. If you need conveyance please let event organizer know and we will see to your needs.
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Clothing:
- Civilians must wear apparel, including head coverings, made by period pattern and construction techniques, of material like that available during the mid to late 1860s.
- Cotton, wool, silk, or blended cotton dresses are acceptable. Absolutely no skirts with white blouses and/or jackets are allowed. Mismatched skirts and bodices are only appropriate for exceptionally poor or servant impressions.
- Period correct ladies millinery including “high fashion” bonnets are encouraged.
- Collars and cuffs with dresses please.
- Absolutely no modern undergarments or modern clothing beneath period attire – please wear period correct undergarments.
- Modern stockings and shoes are not acceptable under any circumstances unless they are constructed in such a way as to pass for period shoes.
- Men should not appear in public without vest or coat. Sack or frock coats in appropriate materials are acceptable. Jean cloth, kersey, linsey, broadcloth, satinette material is suitable for men’s attire.
- Period correct men’s stiff brimmed hats or caps only.
- Neckwear should be appropriate to the period and worn in the correct way.
- Period appropriate children’s clothing only. No modern footwear.
- Children should not be dressed in military uniforms. Military influences can be reflected in children clothing, but miniaturized uniforms are prohibited.
- U.S. military officer impressions are acceptable. No Confederate impressions - the war is over.
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Personal Appearance:
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Edward Troye
In 1831 a young Swiss immigrant stepped onto American soil bringing a talent that would impact the world of the American Thoroughbred. For forty years Edward Troye painted America's most distinguished horses beginning with Medley, Sir Archy and Trifle and finishing with such notables as Kentucky, Lexington, and Longfellow. Troye's career began in a day preceding the age of photography so now his paintings allow us perhaps the only visual record of our early foundation sires and mares, those legends whose names fill the pedigrees of our more familiar champions. Troye became known for his faithful renderings; his patrons appreciated his artistic attention to an animal's conformation and coloring. These were horsemen intent on establishing and preserving the bloodlines of their cherished livestock.
At the same time America's first magazine of sport began. The American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine primarily devoted its pages to the turf and to its thoroughbreds and Edward Troye's paintings became engraved frontispieces for twenty-one different issues. Troye's art served as a marketing tool for magazine and horseman as the Turf Register spread his work across the country.
Troye's dedication to preserving images of American livestock did not stop with our earliest thoroughbreds. Arabians, jacks, trotting stock and Shorthorn cattle stood amid landscapes on Troye canvases. He also painted a series of landscapes depicting the Holy Land.
Source - Bloodlines.net
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Custer’s description of Woodburn Farm
“The limits of this communication will not permit me to enter into a detailed description of the princely estate comprised in Woodburn Stock Farm, embracing as it does four thousand acres of the richest and fairest soil in the world, with its trotting stables and exercising grounds at one point, its stables and walks for runners at another, while midway are to be found the immense stables and pastures of the fine herds of short-horn cattle and Southdown sheep.”
Custer’s description of the great horse Lexington
“As his groom drew back the bolt and opened the door which admitted us into the distinguished present of this famous horse, we involuntarily felt like lifting our cap, and with uncovered head and respectful mien approach this great steed as if we were in the sacred presence of royalty.”
Source – Lucas Brodhead by Jonelle Fischer
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- Hairstyles for women should have a center part without bangs. Modern hairstyles must be disguised with appropriate head covering. No “snoods.” Please no hairdressing in public.
- Men’s period correct hairstyles and facial hair only.
- Modern makeup and nail polish will not be allowed.
- Only period eyeglasses or contact lenses are allowed.
- No modern jewelry or pocket watches.
- Please remember to adjust your impression to the social status that you are attempting to portray.
Generalities:
- All participants (including children) must remain in period correct clothing during event.
- Infant necessities such as bottles and diapers must be kept from sight.
- No modern toys.
- Children must be attended at all times.
- No anachronistic items may be visible at any time during the event.
- All furnishings, cooking items, utensils, bedding, and food containers must be of appropriate period type, material and style.
- These items are strictly prohibited: cell phones, cigarettes, and electronic gadgets such as radios and CD players.
- Please keep cameras concealed during the event.
- Event coordinators and park staff will be responsible for enforcing these standards and may at anytime ask participants to leave if they are not following the above written guidelines
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Principal Activities:
- Horse Auction
Mock horse auction, you may bid on and purchase horses at this auction.
- Horse Races
Several horse races will occur and authentic prize purses will be awarded.
- Kentucky horse shows are a tradition and the earliest one in Mercer County, Kentucky occurred in 1824.
- Presentation and judging of period food products.
Period correct foods will be exhibited and judged for taste. Prizes will be awarded.
Pies will be auctioned and all funds will go toward museum interpretation at the battlefield.
- Presentation and judging of period hand work.
- Period correct hand work will be exhibited and judged. Prizes will be awarded. Hand work will be auctioned and all funds will go toward museum interpretation at the battlefield.
- Burgoo Cook
Bring a tin cup and a spoon and eat all you can.
Saturday Evening Dance and Social featuring the Allendale Melodeons
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Registration Information - Click Here
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