Ecole du Soldat (School of the Soldier) in Ste. Genevieve

Curious about how people in the past lived in this area? Ecole du Soldat features artisans and craftspeople of the colonial era demonstrating their crafts. Re-enactors will be present in the yard of the Felix Valle State Historic Site to demonstrate and talk about French Colonial and militia life. Frog talks on the history and life activities of the French Colonial period in the Mississippi Valley and Illinois country will be presented on Saturday morning 9:00-12:00 at the Orris across the street. Topics to be discussed include Portrayals of the Early French Inhabitants of the Illinois Country, Citizen Soldiers and the Military of Ste. Genevieve, and 18th Century Clothing.
Following the frog talks, back at camp Deb Cambron will demonstrate the use of indigo to dye fabric.  Also on Saturday, visitors may attend a public heritage auction at 2:00 of discovered ‘desirables’ – memorabilia, collectibles, ‘accoutrements’, utensils, and ‘watch’a-ma-call-its’. This will be a fully packed weekend of lectures, children’s activities, and camaraderie with plenty of things to do and things to see. This event is sponsored by Milice de Ste Famille.