Reliving the past

The past returns at the 11th annual Early American Living History Show this weekend at Springfield Oaks County Park.
Hosted by the Chief Pontiac Trail Boy Scouts, the show will feature Michigan reenactment groups from the Civil War, Revolutionary War, and French and Indian War eras.
Southeast Michigan was a key, strategic position in the French and Indian War of the 1750s, said James Schultz, history buff and owner of the Country Store on Main Street.
‘The British were very strong in Michigan, and the British wanted it,? Schultz said.
He will portray an 18th-century doctor, complete with uniform and medical gear, including scalpels, bleeder tools and basin, and quills. Despite the primitive medical technology of the time, he promises his exhibit won’t be too explicit.
‘I like to educate people, not gross them out,? he said.
He portrays a doctor instead of a soldier because he said he’s a ‘terrible shot? with a musket. Other reenactors will demonstrate musketry and other military gear.
Schultz has been a reenactor for the past eight years.
‘I went to the show and on a lark decided to get into it,? he said.
The show will be from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17, and from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 18. The park is located off Andersonville Road in Davisburg.
For more information, call Chief Pontiac Trail at 248-338-0035.