Children's Clothing
November 2024
November 2024
October was more tricks than treats and we are happily in the crisp embrace of November. In our household this begins the time for feasting, family, and heartfelt traditions. Being a family business, Samson Historical is a part of the family. Being able to set a Thanksgiving table with the same stoneware bowls and wine glasses that we curate for our customers creates a connection in our hearts between us and every family using one of these same pieces. The wide web of family continues connected by craftsmen and tradition. As we gather together as a staff and a family, please know we are thinking of the ties to our much larger historical family who makes the day possible for us. The family here has been busy preparing for the Black Friday – Cyber Monday weekend. This national event starts the Friday after Thanksgiving. You can see details on the special edition flier included with this News-letter. Pay particular attention to the new limited stock items that will be available starting Black Friday and not subject to further discounts, so do not wait to snag those.
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Noteworthy Arrivals
Part of the fun of preparing for Black Friday Cyber Monday sale is finally pulling the trigger on new items! While normally we would detail those here, the mystery must continue a little while longer. Some of these items are permanent additions to our catalog, others are only here for a short time. Make sure to review the BFCM special for more details. We build our offerings to fill your needs, please don’t hesitate to let us know what need we can fill in your kit.
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Churning Butter
Traditions build memories. A few years ago we started making our own butter for the table using the stoneware table top butter churn. Payton Samson (8) shares her thoughts below: Making butter is bonding time for whoever you’re doing it with, it might be your mom, your dad, your grandparents, the list can go on. When I made it with my mother we had so much fun and it tasted rich and creamy. The best part is, any age can make it! The feeling of having the butter I made on the table is so satisfying, like 1 million people giving you a loving hug. Sharing something you made with your family is an amazing experience.
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From the Vernacular
A season of warmth, comradery, and thanksgiving is upon us. To that end, as we study the literature of our forefathers it is helpful to know the sentiment behind their words, and how it might differ from what we mean today. The following terms are from the Samuel Johnson 1792 dictionary.REPA'ST. [re and pastus, Latin]
A meal; act of taking food.
Food; Victuals
THANKSGIVING [thanks and giving]
Celebration of mercy.
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This Month in History
It is well known and established here in the United States, that the National Day of Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. While Thursday is ideal for creating a long weekend, it does seem a strange day for an annual holiday. It may surprise you that we have George Washington to thank for the tradition, and that he had visions off patriots rather than pilgrims in mind.
In 1789, spurred by the motion made by Elias Boudinot, New Jersey member of the House of Representatives, a joint congressional committee compelled President George Washington to proclaim a national celebration of thanksgiving for the newly established American people. On October 3rd, 1789, in New York City, President Washington did just that.
“…Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be—…”
Washington lists many reasons for celebrating and giving thanks. Among them there is a recurring theme of peace and wisdom. Though it is notable that the thanks being given is not only for past blessings, but an appreciation for future guidance and maintained peace both inwardly and outwardly as a nation.
“…favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war—for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed—for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted—for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed…”
This did not set the celebration in stone. President Thomas Jefferson refused to dictate a day of prayer and thanksgiving during his term as he believed it a direct constitutional conflict. Then in 1815 President Madison proclaimed April 13th as the holiday that year. Another proclamation in conjunction with the holiday was not made until President Lincoln in 1862.
The following year on October 3rd, after 36 years of lobbying by a woman named Sarah Hale and a victory at Gettysburg, President Abraham Lincoln spoke into existence a National Thanksgiving Day celebrated annually on the fourth Thursday in November. The date was set unalterably in 1941 by Congressional Joint Resolution.
I urge you to view the rest of Washington’s speech available online through both the Smithsonian Institute or the National Archives.
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A Good and Honorable Service
A Good and Honorable Service We at Samson Historical would like to take a moment to thank the veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Each of you put your life on the line for a cause larger than yourself, not only for your families, but for strangers. But for your courage, bravery, and sacrifice, we as a people would not enjoy the life we know today. We offer you are sincerest appreciate and thoughts for yourself and the families behind you.
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Shop With Us
Shop with Us You are always welcome to visit us at our store front in person. If distance and time are a problem, all of our products are available via our online storefront. Give us a call with any questions, and we look forward to seeing you! Samson Historical 119 N Meridian Street |Lebanon, IN 46052 Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Physical storefront is closed Thanksgiving Day and Cyber Monday1 Response
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Also in The Red Lion News-Letter
October 2024
As the fall season wraps up, we find ourselves with mixed emotions. Our event schedule kicked off early this year, starting in July, and while it’s nice to wind down before the colder weather sets in, we do miss those crisp, cool evenings of camping. A heartfelt thank you to our customers for their patience when orders took an extra day or two to ship while we were on the road.
September 2024
While the first official day of fall is immanent, we are already in the “fall spirit” here at Samson Historical. Many of our favorite family memories involve waking up under canvas on a cool crisp morning with the smell of woodsmoke in the air. We attended the NWTA grand encampment at Fort Meigs last month. They had a wonderful schedule of events for the youngest of reenactors that our family very much enjoyed.
August 2024
August has flown by in a whirlwind of events and activity. We successfully completed the goal of being two places at once, in two different periods! The Samson family set up the store at Fort Niagara in New York for the Revolutionary War Weekend. We are happy to report the weather was warm but lovely and history was felt by all. At the same time, two of the Samson seamstress team, Kris and Molly, set up another store in the year 1812 at Old Fort Wayne in Indiana.
Brian Swanson
November 14, 2024
Just wanted to let you know I enjoy re