Widow Black Coffeehouse

Widow Black Coffeehouse The Widow Black Coffeehouse is a reproduction 18th-19th century English style coffeehouse. Open to reenactors & public alike, at events around the country.

Open to reenactors & public alike, the coffeehouse can be found at events around the country. We pride ourselves on providing all the same pleasures & entertainments found in a coffeehouse from the era, including period reading materials, news from around the world, games of cards & dice, period correct foods, especially coffee, tea & chocolate (food only available for event participants) and interesting individuals who happen to frequent the establishment for their own entertainment.

04/10/2020

Who misses playing whist at the Coffeehouse?

You are in luck! I'm hosting a NEW, online whist game, especially for reenactors and fans of Slightly Obsessed & the Widow Black Coffeehouse. Follow this link to our game TONIGHT (4/10) at 7:30 PM CST.

Never played whist, or don't remember the rules, no worries! This portal offers tips, card suggestions and an ingame chat so we can all learn, and relearn, together.

Can't wait to see you all there!

If you ever see me stumbling around...this is why!
10/16/2019

If you ever see me stumbling around...this is why!

07/27/2019
Who here agrees?
04/26/2019

Who here agrees?

At least if you use it that way, you DO feel better.

Nothing like the "discovery" of caffeine to get the day going, am I right?"Darstellung des im Kaffee enthaltenen basisch...
02/08/2019

Nothing like the "discovery" of caffeine to get the day going, am I right?

"Darstellung des im Kaffee enthaltenen basischen Stoffen und der beyden Kaffesäuren (Representation of the basic substances contained in the coffee and of the two caffeic acids)"

from _Neueste phytochemische Entdeckungen zur Begründung einer wissenschaftlichen Phytochemie (Recent phytochemical discoveries justifying scientific phytochemistry)_ Friedlieb Ferdinand Runge, 1820.

The real meaning of “impression”.
04/29/2018

The real meaning of “impression”.

Why do we use the term “impression” when talking about reenacting or living history?

When you say someone has a great “impression”, do you mean they look good, have nice clothing & gear or are they actually doing something?

Impression only implies the “graphic or pictorial representation of”. Not the skills, not the knowledge, just the look. Is it just a fancier way of saying “I dressed up as”?

Next time someone brags about a great “impression” try substituting “dress-up” in those statements. Because without the skills or knowledge to back up the clothing, are we anything more than 5 year olds playing pretend?

03/02/2018

It’s a correct long & low spout style too!

I love when pop culture personalities get the history of coffee & coffeehouses correct! Thank you Gentleman Jack Gallagh...
05/10/2017

I love when pop culture personalities get the history of coffee & coffeehouses correct! Thank you Gentleman Jack Gallagher for enlightening everyone.

More about Thomas Slaughter's 1692 coffeehouse for those curious:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Slaughter%27s_Coffee_House

in London. Opened in 1692 by Thomas Slaughter, it was the haunt of many of the important personages of the period. The building was demolished in 1843 when Cranbourn Street was constructed.

Coffeemill, 1700-1725, Bowes Museum.
12/30/2016

Coffeemill, 1700-1725, Bowes Museum.

Ever wondered why the Widow Black Coffeehouse's logo uses 2 faces? I chose the dual headed god, Janus, for the logo beca...
12/27/2016

Ever wondered why the Widow Black Coffeehouse's logo uses 2 faces?

I chose the dual headed god, Janus, for the logo because he looks both to the past & to the future. What better symbolism for a historical demonstration that strives to connect social culture of 18th century coffeehouses (the past) with modern love for the drink (the future)?

Janus was the Roman god of doors, choices, beginnings and endings. The first month of the year is called January after him. He is usually depicted with two

Tea Kettle on Brazier, 1775, MFA Boston
12/23/2016

Tea Kettle on Brazier, 1775, MFA Boston

Traveling coffee service, 1770-1780, Bowes Museum.
12/16/2016

Traveling coffee service, 1770-1780, Bowes Museum.

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Barrington, IL
60010

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