1840’s re-enacting club holds arms and crafts show at the Sullivan American Legion

•March 19, 2025•

by D.M. Williamee

The Prairieland Frontiersman held their annual “Historic Arms and Craft Show” Saturday, March 7 and 8 in Sullivan at American Legion Post 68. There was much to see, from weaving and gunsmithing to jewelry and period clothing at the event. It was well attended; the American Legion Hall was packed with vendor tables selling their wares and sharing history.

Prairieland Frontiersmen, Inc., an 1840’s re-enacting club, is an Illinois not-for-profit corporation organized almost 50 years ago. The Club is not strictly a primitive Club, as buckskinners and “blue-jean” shooters are about equally represented. Only black powder muzzleloading or cartridge firearms are permitted to be fired on the range.

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The annual 3-day primitive rendezvous will be held this year on April 25th, 26th, and 27th in the Upper Kawskaskia Valley of the Illinois Territory. This is the Club’s big event for the year and everyone is encouraged to attend. Multiple matches will be held at the April event: Scheutzen, pistol, ladies rifle, ladies wood walk, novelty shoot as well as a traditional bow shoot, and a hawk and knife woods walk, with open range hours as well as prizes for each event and aggregate. Both primitive and modern camping facilities, firewood, and facilities are available. Traders are welcome to attend. Drinking water and trash not included.

The Club’s range is located in Central Illinois near Sullivan. on the north side of the Bruce-Coles road, 3.2 miles east of the intersection of Illinois Route #32 and the Bruce-Findlay crossroads. For more information, go to praarielandfrontiersmenn.com or visit them on Facebook.