Society for Creative Anachronism Recreates Medieval Times

For those interested in the period between 600 BC and 1600 AD, there is a group in Boundary County whose sole purpose is to encourage knowledge of medieval times, and have fun doing it.

The Society for Creative Anachronism is a non-profit organization that provides the opportunity for people to learn skills and customs consistent with this period.

“What we do is creatively cause a time rift,” laughed Katie Hubbell — also known by her SCA name of Aella Satinlock — the group’s chatelaine or public relations officer. “We are a group of fun, interesting people who have a genuine interest in learning about the period. It’s very educational to see how things were done back then.”

Hubbell said that the group holds several events each year. At each event, participants dress in authentic medieval garb, speak as the language was spoken, exhibit the courtly manners common in the medieval period and participate in different authentic activities such as sword fighting, dancing, singing, storytelling, brewing, archery and rapier competitions.

Each event may also include Arts and Sciences classes to teach Medieval skills such as costuming, leather work, or cheese making. The group strives to make every activity as historically accurate as possible.

Hubbell said that several daylong feasts are held during the winter months, but that there are many more events during spring, summer and fall.

When warmer weather hits, regular fighter practices are held for those who want to learn medieval fighting techniques, rules of combat and weaponry.

Katie Hubbell Of The Society For Creative Anachronism

Hubbell said that any interested person is welcome to attend any of the events or feasts, and that membership is not necessary. SCA provides clothing for people to borrow who do not have access to making their own authentic garments. There is a small fee for non-members to attend the events.

“We try really hard to make it easy for people to participate,” said Hubbell.

According to Hubbell, two men who were history buffs in 1966 thought it would be fun to have a big party centered around a medieval theme. They invited all their friends and asked them to come in clothing accurate to the period, to attend a medieval tournament. They named a king and queen for the day and had so much fun that everyone wanted to do it again.

Hubbell said that they kept organizing events, and the idea expanded as more people became involved and started to invite more of their friends. Eventually the idea shifted from just organizing events to becoming an educational body. A non-profit organization was created and today there are over 30,000 SCA members worldwide divided into 19 kingdoms.

Boundary and Bonner counties are considered to be the Shire of Pendale, part of the Kingdom of AnTir, which covers Washington, the Idaho Panhandle, a portion of British Columbia and Oregon. Hubbell estimated that there are 40 active members in the Shire of Pendale, but 100-150 non-members regularly show up to participate in events.

Some group members also go into classrooms in full regalia and do demonstrations. Hubbell said they try to bring history alive for schoolchildren.

Members of SCA are welcome to create unique alternate personas and take on the attributes of a character of their own creation. Hubbell said that she created her character, Aella Satinlock, who is a mixture of Amazon and Celtic traits. She also created a convincing back-story to explain her heritage. Her character is a merchant.

“This can be a hobby,” said Hubbell, “but it can also be a very important part of members’ lives.”

Hubbell stressed that the medieval values of courtesy, respect and good manners are an integral aspect of SCA events. She said that there is a very respectful, chivalrous attitude toward women and that all people are treated with friendliness.

“We don’t tolerate people being unkind,” she said. “It’s so great for children to see adults with good manners. To me, being a member of SCA has meant increased self-confidence, community and personal growth. I have made so many friends and learned a lot about this amazing period. You grow in so many directions.”

For more information, go to the Society for Creative Anachronism’s website at www.sca.org. Follow the links to the Kingdom of AnTir. Hubbel can also be contacted at 267-1706.