Joanne Williams
Editor

(Photo provided – The late Sandy and Richard Hennings were regular participants in historical enactments for years, including camps during Charlotte’s Frontier Days.)

 

“Bear” is an apt nickname for Richard Hennings – he is of formidable size.

But “Teddy bear” would be more appropriate. The gentle, local historian, is quick to strike up conversations, especially if they involve history, or the love of his life, his late wife Sandy.

Now, thanks to Sandy’s urging, he has something else to chat about – his new book, “Tales from the Corps of Discovery: 1803-1806,” chronicling the travels of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Hennings said he got the name Bear about 50 years ago, because of his size. It also fits his passion, historical reenactments, of which Sandy grew to love too. Together the couple made an 18-foot teepee that they set up at various events around the state. They also made many of the period clothing they wore. Sandy made a dress she eventually married Hennings in, in 1978. 

“She knew what I was doing when she came to me,” he said. He has been “involved in the world of black powder and re-enacting for more than 60 years.”

To add to their collection, they made three trips to northern Minnesota to purchase three authentic birch bark canoes, one of which was 26 feet long. He mastered muzzleloading, as did Sandy. Not only did they make their period clothing, Bear and Sandy also built several of the black powder firearms they used.

They camped about the country, joining other fellow historians, raised a family which included five children, 18 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. And now, a book.

Hennings has been writing since he was young, but this is his first book. “I want to get the story out there,” he said. “This is for her,” Henning said, referring to his wife. The finished book arrived the day after her funeral last February.

He wrote, “(This book) has allowed me to share my lifelong fascination with this remarkable chapter of American history.” It is a history he hopes more people, especially school children, learn. 

Together the Hennings started the Living History Camp as part of the Frontier Days celebration, but it was Sandy, through her hard work and dedication that made the event a success, he said. Hennings said one of the things that Sandy and he liked  to hear most from event goers was “my parents brought me here as a child and now we are bringing ours.”

In this 250th anniversary year of this country, Hennings urges others to embrace this nation’s history. His book is written as a collection of more than two dozen stories of the adventures, hardships and challenges Lewis and Clark and their expedition faced. He even chronicles a Michigan connection.

Hennings writes, “I hope these stories will captivate readers and inspire them to learn more about the extraordinary men and women who braved the unknown to expand the frontiers of our young country.”

So – quick quiz:

What are the full names of Lewis and Clark? 

Meriwether Lewis and William Clark

Why was the expedition so famous?

It was the first (by land) to explore the Pacific Northwest territory

Who authorized the expedition?

President Thomas Jefferson

The expedition, brilliantly captured in personal writings, was one of danger and the discovery of the beauty of this country.

Hennings book, published by Newman Springs Publishing, is widely available and is in the Charlote Area District Library’s collection, donated in memory of Sandra Lee Hennings.