Calabashes - A gourd container

 

When carrying water from point "A" to point "B", in an 18th century manner, we have numerous options. Tin, leather or wooden canteens are super popular. But what if a more "rudimentary" or just cheaper solution was required..? Well, here's a doozie..with a fair amount of provenance. The gourd. Or as somtimes listed as "calabashes". Easy to grow, reasonably durable, and the internal "meat" is consumed.

Shown below is a 1730 painting of a Frenchmen. Not in North America, but there is a fair amount of written text from our colonies speaking of them. Even a 1775 account of William Calk telling of a horse gone rogue, smashing three of their "powder" gourds. Yep, utilized as powder storage. And why not..?? Airtight and waterproof when not compromised.

In 1740, outside of Philadelphia, at the William Harrison House, a "calabash" that holds better than a Jill, and pear shaped. Tipped with silver and a silver screw with a cork set in it for the top"...kind of fancy for a gourd..!

John Lawson, on his trip to Carolina in 1709. On the natives usage of gourds for maple syrup production. "The Indians tap it, and make gourds to receive the liquid........   " . These make excellent vessels for Native or woods impression. Not fancy, but super practical.

These make water storage about camp a snap. Proper and inexpensive. And as mentioned before, pretty durable. Line em' with beeswax as a pitch if you must. Paint them if you wish.

They are a really good solution to a water vessel when just starting out. Or even 25 years down the road.