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A look past a teepee to some tents, and to the large
parking lot where those wishing to travel back in time could leave their
modern cars. |
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A pair of eccentric French trappers amble along the street
of tents. With no real civilization in the area, these men dressed as they
pleased, setting their own fashion. |
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Obviously checking to see if his scalp was still attached.
Though Indians and trappers sometimes had their differences, there was no
real organized hostilities until the French and British began to use Indians
against each other, and against the colonists, and other tribes. Thus began
hatreds and atrocities that were remembered and pursued long after the wars
between england and France were ended. Early relations were generally good,
with the two cultures freely trading and marrying. |
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A large old tree acts as a centerpiece in a clearing
surrounded by tents. For several days, these tents, and scores like them,
will be home to hundreds of visitors in period costumes, trying their best
to live like the trappers of hundreds of years ago. |
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This couple obviously put considerable effort into cutting,
painting and constructing this large teepee. As a reward, they will spend
the next several days in comfort, and relative luxury. |
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Living the part, these men are gathered to relax in the
late afternoon sun, after what was presumably a very busy day. In the old
days, trappers would gather to enjoy talk, food, and the only human company
they would likely have until the next rendezvous. They might talk about fur prices, good trapping areas, fellow trappers
who disappeared, the attitude of the Indians, or any number of other important
things. |
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This is pretty representative of how a trapper would
have set up his home while attending a rendezvous. Note the firepit, and
the iron pans hanging by the grill. |
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Couples and individuals begin to settle in towards the
end of the day. For these people, this is home. The rest of us have to settle
for motels, or public camp grounds. |
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The women lying in front of the tent seem to have had
all of the fun they can handle for one day. The man seems unsure of what to
do, with no women awake to do the work. |
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This log cabin is not all that it seems. It is a prefab
unit, which the campers have set up on the spot. The whole family is gathered
on the "porch", and seems engrossed in conversation. |
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These campers ham it up for the camera. |
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This covered wagon was not really a fixture during the
Prairie DuChien Rendezvous. They did not make an appearance until the frontier
had long since passed the Mississippi. |
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Left:
A look up one of the main streets of the camp. A variety of accommodations
can be seen. Most are authentic to some degree, though many represent differing
time frames.
Below:
A woman's work is never done
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This tent contains a shop selling scrimshaw, and pioneer
style clothing. |