South Platte Valley Historical Society Society`````````````````````````````South Platte Valley Historical Society

Rebuilding the Past - For the Future

Last Update

May 14, 2013

Rendezvous

Historically, all of the American fur trade rendezvous' were held in present day Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho.  No rendezvous were ever held in Colorado, much less at Fort Lupton.  The purpose of the Fort Lupton Rendezvous' is to recreate the look and feel of the late fur trade era, rather than to recreate a specific event.  The Tallow River Trappers in conjunction with the South Platte Valley Historical Society holds three major rendezvous through out the year. These are Frozen Toes  at the end of February, Lancaster Restoration Rendezvous in late May, and Trapper Days Rendezvous the second weekend in September. The Hunter's Widow's Rendezvous follows the Trapper Days Rendezvous by one week.  

Starting October 2009, the TRT offered two new events, the Hot Iron Rendezvous and the Colonial Encampment.  The Hot Iron Rendezvous is a teaching/learning event, and the Colonial Encampment is for pre-1800's enthusiasts.  The Hot Iron event is not being held in 2013.  We are looking for a Booshway for this event for 2014.  

The lower portion of the Historic Park, along the South Platte River, is dedicated to rendezvous and primitive camping.  This area is partially wooded.  Water is available on site, as is limited firewood and "Hooters."  In order to protect the grounds for future users, above-ground fire pits are required for campfires.  An area is designated for "tin tipis" for those not wishing to go primitive. 

These Rendezvous are quite well attended, with 50 or so lodges for the Frozen Toes event, and as many as 80-90 lodges for the spring and summer events.  Traders and sutlers with wares ranging from fabrics, clothing, furs and skins, guns, knives, flints and food items are an attraction at the rendezvous, for both participants and visitors alike.  

Events and activities usually include blackpowder shooting,  knife and hawk throws, woods walks, and in some years have included trap setting and/or frying pan tossing competitions.  A potluck dinner is often the social event for one evening, followed by an auction to benefit the fort.  After dinner there is singing story-telling and making merry, or just sitting around a campfire, while quietly enjoying the companionship friends, the smell of wood smoke and the soft glow of the candle lanterns.   

The theme of these rendezvous in general is the Mountain Men and the Fur Trade.  There are no hard historical standards enforced for the rendezvous and parties representing F&I through the Civil War can often be found.  The rendezvous site is large enough that everyone can set up a camp that meets their own standards and be free to associate with the others as they will.  For many participants comfort is an important aspect, and it often seems that the rule for these folks is: "If it would have fit in a Dearborn wagon, they would have brought it."  One rule that is universally observed by participants is that if it is modern, it either stays inside the lodge, or is kept under a blanket.  Just remember, on questions about what is appropriate, the booshway is always right.  If you think you might be pushing the limit in some way it is wise to contact the booshway prior to the event.  Follow this link for a complete list of Rendezvous Rules.  

Beginners who are intrigued by living history, but not sure how to start, should feel at ease attending these events.  There are no stitch nazis and as long as it is apparent that the beginner is making an effort, they will fit in just fine.  

The public is always welcome to attend these rendezvous during the day.  However, after 6PM everyone must be in pre-1840's outfit.  

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