KINGSTON TWP. — A historic camping and shooting event at The Lands at Hillside Farms last weekend brought history enthusiasts from all over the country to Northeastern Pennsylvania to participate in a living history that included authentic tents, tools, utensils and guns from the 1700’s.
To recently retired John Brylinski, the event was all about the Revolutionary War, its weapons, ammunition and lifestyle.
Equally important to Brylinski was a chance get to meet other like-minded history buffs.
“Some who were here were very interested in the French and Indian War from that time period,” he said.
Brylinski, who traveled from Layton, New Jersey, to attend the event, found out about it on Facebook.
“Facebook makes it possible to stay in touch with people from all over the country,” he said. “And now I have the time to travel to these kind of events.”
Jim Dietrich, of Flushing, Michigan, easily rattled off the different types of guns used in the shooting part of the event.
The “shoots” included the use of novelty targets such as lollipops and match books, a challenging mountain men shoot and paper targets.
When asked why he traveled such a great distance to attend the event, Dietrich, also recently retired, said simply, “Because I can.”
Brylinski said many who attended the event were interested in the Pennsylvania Long Rifle, a weapon first produced in the 1700s which could shoot farther and more accurately than previously used weapons.
“It’s purely an Americana art form,” Brylinski said of the gun’s craftmanship,”The carvings on the rifle are amazing. They reflect unbelievable talent.”
Both Brylinski and Dietrich were dressed in period costume with Brylinski saying he was wearing an “eclectic mix,” and Dietrich describing himself as “more colonial.”
For Brylinski, even the food was consistent to the history of time period.
“I brought venison jerky and apples,” he said.
Mike McAnney, a volunteer, said he thoroughly enjoyed manning the event from the arrival of attendees on Friday night to the shooting portion of the event on Saturday to Sunday’s final goodbyes.
“We were also here for over a week setting up,” he said. “But the participants provided all the historical elements of the event — the tools, utensils, clothes. It was a very rustic setting.”
McAnney said the event, in its first year, is anticipated to be held every year and is expected to grow.
“It went really well,” he said. “We’re hoping next year will bring more people out for the event and we’ll have more activities. We look forward to expanding the educational part of the event and seeing growth in regard to camping.”
Guy Kroll, Director of Volunteers and Special Events at Hillside, oversaw all aspects of the event with a great deal of energy and effort.
He lauded volunteers who assisted him in setting up the targets, overseeing the shooting event and providing general support to attendees.
When asked if the event would be held every year, he said, “We’re certainly hoping it might become an annual tradition.”
