Mistress Nan

Near the site of the former French fort, Fort St. Frederic, on Lake Champlain, the British had built works. In 1776, both lay in ruins. Regardless, Crown Point remained an important military depot throughout the American Revolution.

What better place to hold a promenade than at these spectacular ruins and this virtually untouched historic site? Crown Point played the host to a long-anticipated gussy event featuring the beau monde of the Northern Brigade and their guests.

In celebration of Sir Guy Carleton's glorious 1776 campaign down the Champlain, the Northern Brigade sponsored a special event in commemoration of the 225th aniversary of the campaign. Well supported by groups both local and from afar, the ruins were also the perfect place to pay tribute to Polly Johnson, who the same year embarked on her unfortunate adventures.

In order to pay proper tribute, the call was put out for another Polly Johnson day effort. Over the course of the year, many distaff members put months of worth of work into their kits and rewarded us with various new gowns including the organization's first travelling outfit and the KRR NY's first riding habit done in the regimental colours.

The gentlemen were certainly not prepared to let the ladies roam the ruins without escort and a number also made efforts to sport new suits and regimentals. The support from Crown Point Staff was impressive and the balance between male and female impressions were refreshing. The Doodles too were out in force and we were pleased that some classic American macaroni was served up with such leaders of fashion as Kelleher and Mistress Felshin.

So how did the day progess? The ladies began dressing at the Visitors' Centre at around 2. Like their sisters in the 18th century; not only did the ladies need assistance; they needed time. The whole process of dressing, ornamenting and finishing took two hours. The gentleman not needing near as much time dressed and gathered at the famous Dunning's tavern where they enjoyed Mr. Dunning's Madeira. To pass time; chocolate was made and delivered to the ladies by solicitous well wishers (who weren't at all interested in watching them dress) while they dressed.

At 4 o'clock, it was time to take air and the great parade of fine clothes proceeded from the Visitors' Centre down to the lake and through the ruins themselves. The ruins themselves, untouched in 200 years, formed the perfect backdrop for walking and exploring.

At the end of the stroll the party was treated to some entertainment as one of the foolhardy rebels dared challege the great Captain Cameron...

More scenes from Crown Point

A scene on the lake	Let us take the road....	Ruinous graces	More bad boys	Smart on parade
	Kady and the late Lt. Howse	View of the ruins	Vastly entertaining