Suzanne Thomson on Portraying Historic Figures, Outdoor WIlderness Ladies, and Historic Trekking
Suzanne laughs as she realizes her shelter is facing directly into the prevailing wind and is preparing to take it down, restructure it into a diamond, and reposition it toward the southeast.
After much trial and error Suzanne has found carrying her bedroll high on her shoulders over her pack makes it more comfortable when traveling with all her gear.
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This week we’re joined by Suzanne Thomson. Suzanne is known for her portrayal of “Mad Anne Bailey” at living history events all over the United States, but during a year without events, she’s been able to focus more on her organization, “Outdoor Wilderness Ladies”. We talk about that and more on today’s episode of the Muzzle Blasts Podcast.
Suzanne got started in living history by attending local muzzleloading clubs and rendezvous. Being a long time hunter with modern arms, Suzanne loved the competitive muzzleloading aspect of these events, but also the friendships in the evening around camp. Once she was hooked, Suzanne got a hold of a Thompson Center Renegade to shoot with. Her love of muzzleloading changed how she hunted as well, with her Renegade replacing her modern arms to bring more of a challenge to the hunting season.
As living history took up more and more of her free time, Suzanne took interest in the “School of the Longhunter” program at Prickett’s Fort. There she was inspired by author Mark Baker to dive deeper into the history of the United States and the people that started it. She left the School of the Longhunter with an armful of books and ambitions to share the history she loved with as many as she could. Suzanne loves the historic portrayals done by John and Carol Jarboe, Steve Caudill, and Mel Hankla. She would strive to bring a similar quality to her efforts.
Sometime later Suzanne found Anne Bailey. Anne was born in Liverpool, England in 1742. Anne’s story resonated with Suzanne, you’ll find many parallels between them as well. Listening to Suzanne describing how and why she connected with Anne Bailey’s life is something special. In one form or another everyone that loves muzzleloading connects with its history here in the United States, but Suzanne has a truly special connection to our nation’s history.
*Suzanne misspoke when she said Anne rode to Fort Lee to get gun powder, Anne rode to Fort Savannah and returned to Fort Lee. She also implied Gallipolis was in Virgina or West Viginia. Gallipolis is located in Ohio. Suzanne did not mean to insinuate in any way that it was Mark Baker was the famous guy who uninvited her on a trek."
In an effort, I think Anne Bailey would appreciate, Suzanne has started the “Outdoor Wilderness Ladies”, a small organization dedicated to making historical trekking accessible for women of all ages. Suzanne prepares a variety of treks for different skill levels and spearheads the event to show women that they too can mount expeditions like Anne Bailey herself all those years ago. With the help of dedicated craftspeople and businesses in the living history community, Suzanne boasts that she can outfit just about anyone for a historic trek into the woods. In the age of “hashtag activism” in the outdoor industry, Suzanne is one of the few who is getting her hands dirty helping people get comfortable with the skills of our founding mothers and fathers.
If you are interested in portraying a historic figure, historic trekking, or just want to hear someone passionate about sharing her love of history, this is the episode for you. We can’t thank Suzanne enough for taking the time to come on our show. We’re looking forward to seeing her adventures continue.
In our interview, you’ll hear Suzanne talk in more detail about her gear, but for those looking for a written reference, we’ve added some details here.
Rifle by Homer Dangler, it weighs 7lbs
Pack by Shelly Gier, all loaded it weighs 13lbs
Bedroll, oilcloth, blankets weigh 13-18lbs
This commissioned cup specially by Lisa Jo Crews includes a famous quote from Mad Anne Bailey and nests perfectly inside a tin kettle.
Sara Boyd made the flat day horn Suzanne carries in her coat pocket to avoid the strap of her full size powerhorn. Knit hat by Grace Welch and knit stockings by Karen Hainlen. Rifle by Master Gunsmith Homer Dangler.
To follow more of Suzanne's work check out these links below
OWL: http://www.outdoorwildernessladies.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/MadAnneBailey
https://www.facebook.com/MadAnneBailey1791
And to get in touch with Suzanne, email her at
MadAnneBailey@gmail.com
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A special thanks this week to the guys at Primitive Pursuit for sponsoring the podcast! Primitive Pursuit was founded in 2017 to be an outlet for learning experiences as a traditional bowhunter.
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