Fur traders rendezvous in Nashua

Old Bradford Rendezvous celebrates second annual event

By Amie Johansen | amie@charlescitypress.com

 Today marks the beginning of the second annual Old Bradford Rendezvous.

The Old Bradford Rendezvous began when friends of Chickasaw County Historical Society Board Secretary Chris Bottorff were looking for a place to camp.

“I have some friends that are rendezvous-ers,” Bottorff said. “I said come visit us and camp. They liked the campsite and the area.”

Bottorff explained “rendezvous-ers.”

“There are groups of people that actually dress up in the period as fur traders in the 1600-1700s,” she said. “Rendezvous-ers come and set up the camp and tents.”

Rendezvous-ers and vendors will set the tone for an 18th century experience.  

“We have campers coming out and vendors will have things to sell like jewelry and lanterns and things that they would have used when the fur traders were going in the 1600-1700s,” Bottorff said.

There will also be activities and games showcasing the various forms of early entertainment.

“(We have) hatchet throwing,” Bottorff said. “My daughter did it last year. The people showing how to do it were very patient with her and got her to hit the stump.”

Attendees will also learn the different ways people were forced to be resourceful.

“We have a rope maker, he’ll show you how to make ropes and for a small few you can make your own piece of rope,” she said.

The Old Bradford Rendezvous will provide a true “rendezvous experience.”

“The term rendezvous means ‘get together,’” Bottorff said. “The fur traders were all out collecting their pelts and they would rendezvous … where they came together to meet and sell their wares and talk and gossip and get together.”

The Old Bradford Rendezvous begins today at 9 a.m. and will continue until 5 p.m. The event will continue through the weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Old Bradford Pioneer Village Museum. For more information visit www.oldbradfordvillage.org.