Graphic Enterprises - Home of The Pioneer Times a Web News site about  Re-enacting and Living History

Re-Enactor of the Month

by Jim Cummings

We are preserving living history today so that the past will not be forgotten.
Jim Cummings

To nominate a re-enactor of the Month

To See Other Past Re-Enactors of the Week

Mike Rumping

I first met this ``gentle giant" of a man at a re-enactment last spring at Grassy Run in southern Ohio. If you could not see him in the crowd you could find him through his robust laughter.

And if you have ever had the opportunity to talk to him you will walk away with more knowledge than when you arrived. And he always make you feel important - he is a  re-enactors re-enactor.

The re-enactor of the month for January 2005 is MIke Rumping of Bethel, Ohio. Mike is  a member of Grassy Run in Southern Ohio, the Boonesborough Militia .

Mike has been married to his wife Nancy since 1969 after only a 10 day courtship. They have three children, Shannon, Shawn and Matt and 5 grandchildren.

Who says you need a long courtship to be happy for the rest of your life. Nancy is the chinking, the glue that keeps Mike focused and grounded. She is also his inspiration in life. By talking to Mike and Nancy you can see the deep respect, understanding and love they have for each other and the fun they have in re-enacting.

You don't ever have to worry about starting a conversation with Mike Rumping. He always gives more than he takes.

He loves to talk history, firearms and pioneer dress. He especially likes to see young re-enactors getting involved. He always has the time to teach, instruct and guide the youth and adults who show an interest and a desire to know more. Mike spent a number of years at a southern Ohio Police Academy as a firearms instructor.

He is an avid black powder shooter and shot his first flintlock in 1959. And from what I've seen pretty proficient at it.

Don't get me wrong, he doesn't brag about it but he will show you. Rumping is also an avid long bow shooter He makes his own bows and arrows. Note: Mike has made bows that would make your mouth water.

And if that's not enough he makes all his own leather projects, bags, belts, quivers, moccasins and leggings.

In addition he makes powder horns, some of which are very articulate and very fine in detail. After seeing them I think they will be museum pieces one day.

Mike also collects antique pen and folding knives.

Now you would think all that alone is enough to make Mike Rumping our Re-Enactor of the Month and it is but there is still more to Mike.

When you are in the company of Mike and Nancy Rumping and you mention Simon Kenton - ``Katie bar the door". Mike's ears  perk up and he looks around to see who mentioned Kenton.

He is a Simon Kenton aficionado. He doesn't claim to know everything about Kenton but you could sure fool me. Mike loves Simon Kenton. A word of caution if you bring up the subject be prepared to stay and talk for a while.

When you walk away I guarantee you will know something about Simon Kenton that you didn't know before. You will have been ``Mikamized" on Kenton.

The Rumpings are so into Kenton that they have worked up a first person presentation of the Kentons. It tells of Kentons's life from a young man to old age. There program lasts about 45 minutes and is well worth seeing. 

Betsy and Simon Kenton aka Nancy and Mike Rumping

A page from his journal  - 18th century style

Now if you have never been in front of an audience, believe me it is not easy to do. But the Rumpings have overcome the butterflies and taken their presentation on the road. There presentation is very well received and they have been asked to do encore performances. They have appeared at Boonesborough, Blue Licks, Caeser's Creek and Long Run. This year they  will appear on Friday night at Manskers Station.

There is still more to tell on Mike Rumping than there is space. I haven't even touched on his artwork (Yes he is also an accomplished artist.) So if you would like to see more photos and see some of Mike's artwork and powderhorns check out the extended article on Pioneer Times Multi Media  CD Rom - January edition.

For more information on Pioneer Times Multi Media Click Here.

Photo Gallery of Re-Enactments and Living History Events

All material contained in this site is © 2003-2005 Graphic Enterprises.