BELLETRE
French and Indian War French Marines
About Belletre
Based out of the Detroit/Southeast Michigan area, Belletre is a French and Indian War reenacting society dedicated to the preservation and education of the mid-18th Century military and civilian life. We are a non profit organization through the state of Michigan. Our member base is diverse ranging from Public Servants, School Teachers, Musicians, Businessmen and everything in between. Our historical impressions are just as diverse. We primarily portray French Marines from the era but we also feature all aspects of life for a colonist of the time period. Since our unit is not limited to Military impressions, our group is family friendly, meaning adults of all ages and their children--and grandchldren--can take part together. The passion for history is our primary driving force!
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Joining
At Belletre we are always on the lookout for men and women of all ages to join us. We must remind you that we are a historical group and not a "fantasy" based organization. Our goal is to educate people about military and civilian life in the mid18th century, thus we try to keep our camps and equipment as authentic to the period as we can.
Some of our members attend only a few events each year, and some attend many. Some stick close to home, and some undertake interstate travel. The level of your participation is up to you. We ask our members to attend at least two events per year, and pay a very modest household dues. We also encourage you to attend at least one of our 2-3 meetings per year, including our annual Twelfth Night dinner.
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If you are interested in joining, try visiting our camp at one of our events (see the "Home" page), and we will give you a good idea what this hobby is all about.
Upon joining we will do our best to teach and mentor you in everything you need to know to be a proper French Marine (or civilian)! We occasionally have extra uniforms or clothing to lend to new members, but we ask that you acquire your own clothing and equipment within a reasonable amount of time.
Our Equipment
All of our uniforms and gear are privately owned and maintained by each member. Though some equipment is available commercially, many of the items we use are produced locally, often by our own members or reenactors from other groups. Our member base includes seamstresses, leather workers, wood craftsmen and more. We can point you to some great resources for obtaining clothing and equipment.
Some items may be acquired used, or you may attempt to create your own items (from approved patterns or plans). BEFORE you buy or make anything, please consult a member of our authenticity committee to ensure you end up with gear appropriate for the period and our unit.
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How much gear do you need? The minimum would be a set of authentic clothing (either military or civilian) including shoes, and some minimal camp gear such as dishes, stools or chairs. Once you have attended an event or two, you can decide what else you may need. Some members own historical tents for sleeping (you don't have to) or storing gear, sunshades, cooking equipment, craft or trade equipment, and military weapons.
All of our cannons and muskets are legally owned and operated. We DO NOT tolerate illegal weapon possession or unsafe operate of equipment in our unit. Safety is a priority for our group and all equipment is operated with appropriate training and supervision.
