Perhaps the easiest way to get started in the rendezvous game is to attend a rendezvous that is open to the public. These events will have certain days and hours during which they will admit “tourists” who want to come out and see what a rendezvous is all about. Historically correct clothing is usually required to participate in any of the competitive events, but there is no dress code required to visit the camps or the traders and merchants stores.
Tourists shoppiing a traders store
Two such events which I am aware of are Christmas at Old Fort Parker and the Fun-Day- Voo. (See the events and rendezvous list.) An open to the public event is a great place to observe the many activities that take place at rendezvous and ask questions about the different types of clothing, camps, and gear you will see. Most rendezvous people are happy to help newcomers. They will show you their gear, answer your questions, and discuss what they are doing if you will display a modicum of manners. Meal time isn’t the best time to visit and remember, the tents, shelters, and tipis you see are people’s private dwellings. Always ask permission before entering.
A long row of traders tents is typical at larger rendezvous
There are usually traders set up at the big rendezvous and they will have clothing and other items for sale. This can be a good place to purchase your first pieces of rendezvous clothing or the patterns to make your own. Keep it simple at first. You can quickly spend a bank roll of money for a full set of buckskin clothing but it isn’t necessary nor always desirable to do so. A drop sleeve shirt, a pair of fall front trousers, and an inexpensive pair of moccasins are all you really need in the beginning. Once you have a basic set of clothing you are set to attend a typical pre-1840 rendezvous.
Hstorical clothing offered for sale in a trader's tent
It isn’t necessary to camp out on your first few rendezvous. You can walk in for the day’s activities and retire to the comfort of your home or motel afterwards. Some rendezvous will offer an area for motor homes and camping trailers (referred to as tin tee-pees) separate from the primitive camp. You will need your own primitive container of drinking water and eating utensils (should you be invited to share a meal.) A large tin cup and a spoon will serve well as a basic mess kit.
A vendor selling beverages at an open to the public rendeavous
Very few of us start out with all our camp equipment and gear being one hundred percent historically correct. That is a goal we are constantly working toward and improving upon. However, it is important to keep items that are not correct to the time period hidden and out of sight. Folks put a lot of time, money, and effort into creating the illusion of living in an earlier time. Don’t spoil the effect with clothing and equipment that doesn’t belong.
Your rifle will likely be the most expensive piece of gear you will own. You don’t need to own a rifle to go to rendezvous, but eventually you may want to participate in the shooting events and games. If you already own a traditional muzzle loading rifle give some thought to the time period the rifle belongs in and match your clothing and gear to that time period.
A fine custom flintlock rifle can cost thousands, an over the counter percussion half stock rifle can be purchased for a few hundred dollars. Used rifles can be purchased for less. Before you make that investment go to some shooting events and look at what others are shooting. Ask questions. Express your interest in getting your own rifle and someone might let you shoot theirs. You might find someone there who has a rifle they are willing to sell. Give it some thought and seek advice before you purchase your first muzzle loading rifle. You will be happier with your purchase over the long term.
After the rifle, your shelter will be your next largest expense. A simple, low cost and correct shelter is the lean-to. It can be rigged from a white canvas tarp or a white painter’s canvas drop cloth treaded with water seal. A lean-to does not provide as much privacy as a tent and isn’t as weather tight but it is easy to set up and quite comfortable in all but the wettest weather. Many of us started out with an inexpensive lean-to until we decided which type and size tent we wanted. A lot of us who started with lean-to shelters like them so well we still use them.
A tent or tipi is a sizable investment. Like the rifle, it pays to ask questions and look at what others are using before you decide to purchase. You will need to consider how many people will be camping with you, how much comfort and privacy you need, and how difficult the tent is to set up. You may also consider whether or not you want to haul two dozen 24 foot long poles and 300 pounds of canvas to a weekend rendezvous.
Rendezvous re-enacting is an enjoyable hobby that can be shared by the entire family. A large and enjoyable part of it can be the research and learning about the history of frontier America. This seems to be a never-ending process that increases both our knowledge and appreciation of our ancestors as we develop our camps and personal portrayals. How you get started isn’t really important. The important thing is to just get started. So come on in, the fun’s a-waitin’.