During the week, James Schultz wears a lot of different hats around Clarkston ? two are metaphorical, one is tri-cornered.
Most of the week he and wife Virginia run the Clarkston Country Store, which they have done since 1971. Their business is now the second oldest establishment in Clarkston still operating today.
Schultz also serves as chairman for the City of Clarkston’s planning commission.
The tricorn, Schultz’s triangle shaped headgear, comes into play in his spare time as he participates in reenactments of the French and Indian Wars with other members of the Massachusetts Provincial Battalion.
‘We zero in on 1755. This was the first world war ? the French and the English brought it across to the colonies,? Schultz said.
Schultz became a member of the Massachusetts Provincial Battalion approximately seven years ago. He chose the French and Indian War over other popular time frames for a litany of reasons. For one, he sought to avoid looking ‘scuzzy? as civil war reenactors are compelled by history to embody.
‘This group was very sharp looking as far as their outfits and as far as their drills,? said Schultz of his first impression of the MPB. ‘I didn’t want to carry a musket and they said ‘We need a surgeon.??
While some in the realm of reenactment pick actual historical figures to model themselves after, Schultz’s given name is intact on the battlefield. He has simply attached a new persona.
Schultz’s character, apprenticed under Frederick the Great, was lent to that ruler’s cousin, King George II of England. During his stay in Great Britain, Schultz studied with James Lind, where he learned how to cure scurvy, prior to being shipped to the colonies to provide support in the battlefield.
Since joining the group, Schultz has embraced his role as field surgeon. He prides himself on a historically accurate field kit, which includes hand forged iron scalpels with linen handles, fine-wax tailor’s thread for officer’s stitches, horse hair for grunts? stitches and a biting stick for those painful moments during operations.
‘They didn’t bite the bullet. That’s a legend. Bullets were too expensive. Plus if you swallow it, I’m out a bullet,? Schultz said.
Most recently, Clarkston residents may have spied Schultz at Springfield Oaks at the 10th annual Early American History Show from Feb. 25-26.
In his demos, Schultz strives historical accuracy rather than horrific scenes of simulated gore.
‘I want to educate you, not gross you out,? Schultz said.
Throughout the spring summer months, Schultz plans to attend more reenactments across the state and nation.
For anyone who would like join up with Schultz and his fellow reenactors, he welcomes those interested to stop by the Clarkston Country Store at 21 N. Main in downtown Clarkston.