Work on the Fort Continues: Raising the Logs on the First Blockhouse | LIFE IN THE 1700'S |

Peter has a successful deer hunt. He mounts the antlers on the entrance gate to Kelly Station and butchers the meat.
He then welcomes Kevin Losereit to the fort and together they start raising the logs for the first of the two blockhouses.
Peter subsequently delineates the perimeter of Kelly Station and his friend, Ryan, provides immeasurable assistance by digging the trench that the palisade logs will be set in.
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Featuring - Peter Kelly
Cinematography - Catherine Wolfe
Producer & Editor - Catherine Wolfe
Contact Us: [e-mail]
SOCIAL MEDIA
Facebook - / the.woodland.escape
MUSIC
The amazing music in this episode is graciously provided by our friends, Richard Fortier and Al MacDonald.
#americanhistory #canadianhistory #1700s #pioneers #pioneer #fortification #forts #fort #blockhouse

[@Simon-talks]

I love Peter, Cathy and the Woodland Escape! Who’s with me??

[@LivingroomTV-me9oz]

For Canada! 🇨🇦

[@8626John]

For North America.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Wow, now that’s a flat compliment, thank you.

[@johannsutter4675]

Melvin Sutter from Germany😊👍

[@scottmcfarland2149]

Best content on KZbin imo.

[@Vikingwerk]

Fred is a good mascot. Recently discovered a small colony of burrowing owls not far from my home, they are comical little fellows.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Never actually seen one, but I can imagine how comical they might be.

[@glenmacneill6935]

Fort Kelly ... don't forget the Trading Post!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed but, it might be a year down the road.

[@terryfrazier2751]

Looks great, Fred is awesome my grandpa had a pet owl that he rescued. 👍👏

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It appears that Fred is turning into a pet.

[@elwoodtaylor1092]

Well its good to see progress at Kelly's Station, we may have to take-up arms and hideout there at some point in the future, and i must say that is some fine lookin venison you have there Peter,,, oh and say hello to Fred he sure is a fine feathered friend to have around the pond

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’ll be sure to pass on your well wishes to Fred.

[@PATCsawyer]

Whoa, you're going to need a lot of trees to make those walls. Will they all come from your property? Dan D. (PATC is my old trail club. I used to file all their crosscut saws.......)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Most I hope but, I’ll no doubt be buying a few.

[@SveninColorado]

Fred, the owl is a good mascot and portends well for Kelly Station! The Greek Goddess Athena has an owl as her familiar. "[The Owl] ... has been used as a symbol of knowledge, wisdom, perspicacity and erudition throughout the Western world." -Wikipedia

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do believe Fred will see this project through to fruition. Thanks for watching.

[@shawno3681]

That looks like some rocky ground.... good if you need stones, but looks difficult to garden in...

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It does take a few years of amending the soil but, it is quite productive soil.

[@sheilam4964]

What a treasure to have the Owl come and stay for a while.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Fred is indeed a wonderful addition to Kelly Station.

[@beverlymichael5830]

That was a nice buck. The meat looks absolutely fantastic. Fred is pretty cool. He has a great hunting place. I had to laugh at you saying looking at your birth certificate not enough time. I have to do that too. Things with life time warranties takes on a whole new meaning. This build is going to be fantastic. Had my coffee with you during the video.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks 👍. I’m pretty pleased with the progress to date.

[@frontierpatriot]

Looking great!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@BiornBear]

I always look forward to a new episode, you can’t make them long enough for me 😂. I watch even if they were all 2 hours long. I just absolutely love this kind of thing. The history and actually seeing it happen, love it and thank you.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Kind words, sir and I thank you. Next episode is a wee bit longer.

[@jamesellsworth9673]

We get a good idea of what it would take to build a fortification back in the day. Seeing you show real samples of work is good enough.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

They did have the man power that I’m sadly lacking but, still a huge undertaking.

[@jtsterry]

❤😊😊

[@sheilam4964]

"The names changed to the cultures they lived in." Great way to explain and describe the name changes, Peter.

[@moorshound3243]

Man oh man how I wish I had a cash to come over from England and help you build for a few weeks? Really love watching this project come together. Keep up the hard work. Love from South west Somerset.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You would be more than welcome at our fire. Thanks for the kind words.

[@johnclarke6647]

I have a flag at my house US and below that the US Marine Corps flag. I fly it on every national holiday, plus on the birthdays of my father and mother, as well as those of my wife’s parents.

[@2gpowell]

Hi, Peter! I always told myself if I was rich. I would build such a fortification around it! Can't wait until the final build is complete!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You and me both! I’m not rich but, I’m very, very determined!

[@robbullis5025]

Peter there is no same in using machinery when necessary. No fort was built single handedly. To do to the old way would take 50 men months.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do like doing stuff traditionally but, this job was out of the question. Thanks for watching.

[@earlshaner4441]

Good afternoon from Syracuse NY USA brother and everyone else thank you for sharing your live history videos

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks, Earl.

[@johnclarke6647]

Excavators really help, don’t they?

[@arleneisenberg5168]

Deer meat is tasty we always love it as a roast with carrots, potatoes,and onions or even as jerky, the fort coming along so glad to see new friends lending a hand.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is without our favorite meat. We have two in the freezer and one tag left for the muzzleloader season starting Monday. The help we’ve been getting exceeded s our expectation!

[@garyrichardt1496]

That looked like some nice venison I bet it will be tasty too and the construction looks to going well thanks for sharing.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is some fine eating indeed!

[@tropifiori]

Nice looking 4 point Peter. Did you use the Kibler? I hope you can get another for the freezer . The project is progressing nicely. Best wishes, Frank

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We are off to Manitoulin Island in the morning for another week of deer hunting … hoping for one more.

[@craigcook1571]

The way I look at using equipment to build what your building is that the people during the 1700’s would have used it to if given the option 🤣 Times a valuable commodity the older we get Peter Lol

[@Horsenb]

instead of having soldiers to do the labour he used a machine. good trade off I think

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I agree … I don’t have 400 Militia at my disposal, lol.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’m with you, Craig!

[@craigcook1571]

@@TheWoodlandEscape well you should have had more kids 🤣🤣

[@duanerogers1166]

I truly believe that the owl is one of the ancestors checking out your progress on the fort meaning what you're doing is blessed by the ancestors

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Love that, what a wonderful thought. I might just latch onto that one.

[@bilbobaggins7467]

Just don't denude the landscape..

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Essentially I will have cleared one acre when it is done. We are planting a few hundred trees in the spring.

[@marieleopold1625]

Careful about your 'opening shots' Emperor and Empress Kelly...as it makes for a 'grand slew of visitors for supper! And 'Fred' is no fool...you've a nice 'set-up' for him to; perch, observe and dip for dinner, yes, 'wise' indeed! Thank goodness you've found a man with a machine 4 your trenches, or your fort might have been only a dream. Good neighbor, that one! "Eight and a half miles can be covered in minutes in a car on an expressway, but what does a man see? What he gains in time he loses in benefit to his body and mind." (Dick Proenneke). Thanks 4 the update dear ones! Health and blessings. :) Keep 'racking' em' up Peter!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Dick was always a hero to me and his quote is certainly a honest and true be. “ Slow down you move too fast”. As to my friend that did the trenching, they don’t come any better.

[@douglasgatian1401]

Hey to Fred!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Fred says hey back, lol.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Wow you got rock! In my area of the Northwest Territory (S.E. Wisconsin), it was the end of the glacier travel. The glacier either gouged out deep kettles or dumped huge amounts of rock it had carried down from Canada. So we got rock & gravel too. They might’ve used a type of plow pulled by horse or mule or oxen to scratch out a similar ditch. So, be it. Without honesty, an entire show loses credibility and interest, so , good job .

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you.

[@rickcooper6817]

Thanks for the update, Mr. Peter. Kelly Station is going to be a magnificent place. Fred the owl will bring you good luck, what a beautiful bird.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I do believe Fred is doing just that!

[@victortuten4399]

Wish I was closer so I could help get those logs in place! It'll be a while before I can tackle another project though, just had some cancerous lymph nodes removed yesterday, that means more cancer treatments ahead. I was in remission for 10-12 years. Maybe this time around it'll be gone for good! I would even bring along my own draw knife I made from an old mower blade. Reuse and recycle as much around here as I can. You have a LOT of trees to fell my friend, please be wise in getting it done! We want you around to finish the project!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

So sorry to hear about your health issue … here’s to a clean bill of health.

[@dougtheslug6435]

Things are looking great in your little community. Now that's special making friends with an owl.....build him/her an owl house, feed him a fish once in awhile and he'll be your best friend and keep the pesky birds out of your garden and mice at bay.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

That's a great idea, might just do that.

[@richardofsylmar]

Kelly station is coming along wonderfully, thanks in part I’m sure because of the new mascot Fred. Thank you all so much.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

One log at a time and at some point there will be no more to raise.

[@ashleyanderson2859]

Appreciate your efforts and dedication! One log at a time. What a grand undertaking. Looking forward to the progress and also to see who might just show up to help with the build.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

One never knows who will be sharing my fire. The best part of our step back n time endeavour is the people we’ve met.

[@steveww1507]

Hey Pete only one complaint this video was too short I had to watch it twice . Wish I live closer so I could help but I m about 14 hour from the U.S. ,Canadian Boarder

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Next episode is a wee bit longer, lol. Appreciate your interest.

[@jamesvatter5729]

Barred owls are incredible.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Indeed!

[@JanTrewhitt]

It looks like you had a successful hunt, great. the antlers look mighty fine on the entrance to Kelly station. It's nice to have some help while you're putting up the station! Blessings.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks 👍. The help has been amazing … many hands make light work!

[@gailsgardenherbsmore1605]

Been catching up on some of your videos I missed. I'm so drawn to history and love the reinactments. I think your fort is awesome! I've only made small forts as a kid. You've gone big-time! Lol.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Awesome! Thank you! Some mind argue that I’ve gone mad rather than big time, lol.

[@ianandresen2326]

These videos always make me smile! Glad you got your deer! We do our pig next week when the temp dips abit more! Thanks

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

If you need a hand, let me know.

[@lawrencekeller6029]

Peter nice to see you have had a successful deer hunt. Cathy give us a 360 view of the forts layout. hope all is well you and Cathy are good 👍

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

We leave tomorrow morning for Manitoulin Island for round two of deer hunting.

[@ryanstottlemyer5698]

As always a fantastic video. Fred must know good people when he sees them.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’d like to think so, lol.

[@dennismac2939]

I really like Fred what a great mascot, your fort is nicely taking shape :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is coming alone, one log at a time.

[@mbr426]

Fred is smart enough to know that something magical is taking place in them there woods.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I agree … he is at the site most days for hours. Perhaps he or she is liking the process.

[@jackcook8613]

Looks like things are coming together. Peter, congrats on that nice buck.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks 👍. Coming along.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

Venison tenderloin?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

The best!

[@mikesherman4565]

Wow the fort is coming along gee I wish I was there to help did boonesbro start that way a little history maybe

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’ve planted the seed for another episode. Pretty much the same but, with a lot more hands.

[@kevin_outdoor_life]

Great progress since I last saw the fort. My family and I really enjoyed watching this latest episode.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is beginning to take shape. Thanks for watching.

[@larryreese6146]

Speaking of Fort building, a local fellow around here built a fortified house back in the latter 1800s out of huge oak logs. There had been a killing of a U.S. marshal. This Cherokee fellow was accused but refused to submit to the U.S. courts, feeling that he was only liable to tribal law. For quite a while he would either be warned by locals and be gone or he would fort up. On one occasion they tried to blast him out with a small cannon. The balls bounced off the walls. U.S. marshals finally blasted him out with dynamite. Thatcwouldnt have worked except it turned over a stove inside and smoked him out. Guys name was Ned Christie. Happy Thanksgiving, Peter. By the way, that owls a spy.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Crazy story, thank you for sharing.

[@larryreese6146]

@@TheWoodlandEscape from 1872 until 1912 119 federal officers were killed in Indian Territory. That is of the 211 who have lost their lives to date, more than half. The tribes had their own courts, capitals, system of laws, and peace officers. Their constitutions were set up like that of the U.S. and many resented federal interference. But it was a refuge for every outlaw in the surrounding states. To this date some of the older families in the area might trace an ancestor who landed here just that way. But most of the famous gunfights had more to do with jurisdiction than wrong doing.

[@jimf1964]

When I clicked on the link, I thought to myself that if I lived nearby, I’d totally go over and help, but now I dunno. You seem like a bit of a task master! 😀. IMO you never need to apologize for using some non accurate equipment, because no way was a large fort ever built by one or two people. The digger just took the place of a half dozen men. I wish you great success and joy on this adventure….snd hope the neighbours don’t think you’re too nuts.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Given my soil, Jim, I be thinking more like a hundred men with pick and shovels.

[@jimf1964]

@@TheWoodlandEscape Yeah, I saw plenty of stone, and not much dirt. I’ve dug enough to know that would have taken you a whole season. Glad you got the help.

[@seymourrivers6169]

It would be a great joy to see Fred in a future episode 🦉

[@davidwiser1113]

Yes! Let’s see if Fred remains and becomes a permanent occupant (Supervisor) at Kelly’s Station!

[@kingrafa3938]

How beautiful the deer meat you cut Peter.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

And darn tasty to boot!

[@lancehenderson7249]

Absolutely love your videos, thanks. You have Your work cut out for you. Keep your powder dry

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks 👍. A long row to hoe indeed. Watch yer top knot.

[@SweetClara99]

So cool you are doing this Fort Kelly!

[@milliebanks7209]

I'm with you Simon! Just one major problem and I hate it! I'm been subscribed for a long time but my most loved channel keeps getting lost I guess to the log what ever you call it. I have to find them the old fashion way but somehow I manage to find them! Wouldn't give up till I do! Have a good day!

[@Ilikeit616]

Howdy Peter That antler .... is it new ... meaning you just got it ? I assume so .... congrads big time .... Maybe you can hire one of those tractors that cut and delimb and cut to length ... they can do about hundred in a day easily. Still got that squeak on your wheel barrel ... drives me crazy LOL Good news .... you tube is letting comment to you now ! Still can not watch ......

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

What do you mean, I love the squeak, lol. As to a feller butcher, we’ll, that would be just too easy.

[@rickvandenheuvel]

Well Peter with all this fort business i just might have to get a passport and get up there next year! Maybe i can bring some help!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Help or not, Rick you’re always welcome at my fire.

[@jeffgrier8488]

It's great to see other folks show interest and chip in, things are looking good!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is indeed and we’ve be getting the odd extra hand on occasion. It makes a huge difference at the end of a work day.

[@kathywalker6915]

Now I want venison!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Pretty hard to beat!

[@will76888]

Great video! I'm glad that you have so much energy! A lot of work done, and much more ahead! We're pulling for you!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thank you so much! I don’t mind the work as I do have trouble sitting still. Having said that, this is a big undertaking.

[@blaigeard5423]

That looks so fun! I wanna help :(

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I’d not be turning you down!

[@blaigeard5423]

If you were close to Michigan, I totally would! I would LOVE to learn. Thanks for your amazing content

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Great video! i Love watching your videos. it is Very Interesting to me how our forefathers did and built stuff. :)

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hayward434]

Continuing to watch all your videos and enjoy every one. Wish I lived closer.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Maybe one day our paths will cross. We’ll make an effort to visit on our next trip east.

[@TomCramer-xu8tx]

Progress!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Coming along

[@bernadetteevans2]

I’m impressed with the progress! I would feel honored to be able to come help you both with the fort!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Love to have you.

[@rogerclyde2720]

Coming along well. Fred is cool.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

One log at a time my friend, one log at a time. Fred says to say hello.

[@thatsthewayitgoes9]

How’s Fort Wolfe Kelly coming?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Bit of a lull but, next week but things will be happening after that.

[@smoothvern165]

Great work on the fort and congratulations on getting the nice buck! Lots of delicious meals there!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks 👍. Got a second deer on Manitoulin Island and Cathy still has a tag left and there is a muzzle loader season opening a week from Monday. If you’re a hunter, I wish you well.

[@smoothvern165]

That’s awesome, man, and thank you!@@TheWoodlandEscape

[@donnanorman340]

The people who come and out and help, are the all volunteer and are they regular everyday people, or are they like you a period lover? Almost caught up.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

You’ve done a lot of viewing, lol! As to our visitors, a wee bit of both.

[@Kristy-k5z]

How long do you think your fort will take?

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It is my plan to have it completed by next fall, perhaps even by mid summer.

[@jackmrozinski337]

Thank you . Nice buck.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Thanks for watching!

[@kristyboyd4659]

You are an inspiration.

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

Flattered, thank you so much.

[@JamesSmith-is7co]

Great Progress!!!

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

It exceeds my expectation, sir.

[@dickdavidson3616]

Smart move with the trenching by machine! The saw horse could be stiffened up a bit with cross bracing. Love Fred❤

[@TheWoodlandEscape]

I thought so, can’t imagine how long that would have taken by hand.