We are people with an active interest in the old American West, mainly the period from around 1840 to 1890. And we really mean 'active'; at every opportunity we will dress as authentically as possible and head off to a roundup or a re-enactment event. Since 1995 we used all our holiday time travelling to various parts of the UK to take part in shows or roundups. We're fortunate to have a couple of  Old West towns near us - see Deadwood and Laredo  In 2005 we became members of Laredo Western Club, and nowadays we spend every other weekend there, where we are fixing up the School House.

The Old West

When we say "Old West", what do we really mean? Well, different things to different people seemingly. To many the phrase brings to mind images from old Hollywood films, of the good guy in the white hat defending the timid town folk against the bad guy and his gang. Others will recall a film about a wagon train bringing settlers across the prairie to a new beginning in unknown lands, facing hardships along the way but always confident of a safe arrival. Some would see the cowboy in batwing chaps, six-guns blazing away, stopping a stampede. All these mental images form a legend that has grown over the years, about a relatively short period in American history. For our purposes, we define the Old West as the period from around 1830 to 1890, encompassing the discovery, settlement and 'civilisation' of the region west of the Mississippi.

Re-enactors

In general terms, old west re-enactors across the world endeavour to discover as much as possible about the period, the actual historical events, the people, the politics and the social life of the time. An immense task to undertake, considering the era  concerned  was a time of great changes to the whole American nation. The aim then is to use that knowledge  to re-create particular moments of the past, whilst educating and entertaining people, and to help keep alive the indomitable 'spirit of the west' that we so admire. Not as daunting as it sounds, because the re-enactors are people who have an abiding interest in the west and thoroughly enjoy what they do.

The dedicated Old west re-enactors endeavour to wear authentic period clothing. Intent on portraying historical accuracy, they will painstakingly research the particular garments that will help them create their character as accurately as possible. Many re-enactors make their own clothing from historical references, right down to using authentic antique sewing machines or by hand-sewing with period-correct dyes and trimmings. In a warm summer, these guys deserve credit for keeping their cool while demonstrating historical authenticity in woollens and leathers.

This Website

This site is not intended as an Old West reference point, there are plenty of places on the web to find information. Rather it's a portrait of Judge and 'Hot Kettle' Alice, who we are and what we do. There's loads of photo's, please allow time for them to download. We hope you enjoy looking at our world.