AUGUSTA — To commemorate the Year of the Fort, people can explore the S & W Howard Store on Saturday, Aug. 20, at Fort Western through artisan demonstrations during the day and an evening at the S & W Howard Store & Tavern at 16 Cony St.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Fort Western Museum. When decommissioned in 1767, Capt. James Howard purchased the Fort Lot for $500, according to a news release from the museum. While he continued to act as the land agent for the Kennebec Proprietors, his two youngest sons, Samuel and William, operated the S & W Howard Store.
People can spend the day at the S & W Howard Store, see the account books, learn the history of the fort, and watch artisan demonstrators making some of the products listed. During the day, regular hours for fort tours will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; normal admission rates will apply.
From 6 to 9 p.m. the S & W Howard Store & Tavern will host a ticketed event costing $100 per person. People with tickets can spend the day for free. Each patron will receive a S & W Howard Store & Tavern Tankard, hand-made by Sprinkle Pottery in Texas, which reflects archaeological examples found in the Fort Western Archaeological Collection. They also will receive one shilling and 12 pence to use in the purchase of a drink and to participate in period games of chance, including dice and card games, and board and lawn games.
Winners will place their name on prize baskets to be drawn hourly. Patrons also can use their coins to pay to place other guests in the pillory. Those placed in the pillory can pay the fine to get out.
Entertainment will be provided and a light repast of cheese, bread, sweetmeats, and seasonal fruits will be served.
For more information, visit oldfortwestern.org, call 207-626-2385, or visit Old Fort Western – Augusta, Maine on Facebook.
Check out other upcoming area events!
Send questions/comments to the editors.
