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Posted by on Feb 27, 2012 in Costume related | 0 comments

WOMEN IN THE WAR OF 1812 talk May 7, 2012

What was it like to be a woman during the war of 1812? On Monday, May 7, the Town of York Historical Society invites you to the Meeting House at Riverdale Farm to hear Susan Spencer answer that question. Ms. Spencer’s illustrated talk will follow the business portion of the Society’s Annual General Meeting.

Women played many different roles during the War of 1812. Taking care of family and possessions while their men were away was easier for officer’s wives than for those of farmers who joined the militia. A certain number of soldier’s wives, some with children in tow, followed the men from camp to camp, supporting the troops as laundresses, seamstresses and companions. Other women were stationed in forts and garrisons doing the cooking and cleaning. Each had a vastly different experience and all their stories deserve to be told.

Susan Spencer is the proprietor of Spencer’s Mercantile in Hamilton. As a camp outfitter for military re-enactors, she is intimately familiar with the daily lives of soldiers and their families and the material goods they required to survive. She will place the lives of women during wartime in the greater context of feminine life during the Regency period in the British colonies. Samples of Spencer’s fascinating inventory will be available for purchase.

The Town of York Historical Society is proud to join in the bicentennial celebrations of the War of 1812. Any proceeds will help to support Toronto’s First Post Office – a museum and National Historic Site. Dating back to British colonial times, this building is one of few left standing from the old town of York. From this communications hub on Adelaide Street East, the Society continues to tell the history of the town of York and early Toronto.

Date: Monday, May 7, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. Where: Riverdale Farm, 201 Winchester Street.

Cost: Free for TYHS members, $10 for non-members. As space is limited, please RSVP care of Toronto’s First Post ffice, 416-865-1833 or tfpo@total.net.

Call to RSVP care of Toronto’s First Post Office:  416-865-1833 or tfpo@total.net

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