By Christine Vincent
On Thursday evenings, Hoquiam Timberland Library patrons returning to their vehicles in the parking garage may feel as though they’ve been transported straight into a “Doctor Who” TV episode. Entering the garage, two masked fighters in medieval garb can be seen engaging in heated sword combat. The concrete walls and the modern cars form the kind of anachronistic backdrop typical of the popular time travel TV show.
However, the group of people who meet weekly at the library need no TARDIS. They recreate their own medieval world right here in Hoquiam. The 10 to 12 participants — both adults and children — represent a household in the Kingdom of AnTir — one of the 20 established kingdoms recognized by the Society of Creative Anachronism (SCA), which is an “international non-profit organization dedicated to researching and recreating pre-seventeenth-century European history.”
Within each individual kingdom exist smaller units called baronies. In the Grays Harbor region, SCA members are considered a part of the Barony of Glymm Mere, which stretches from Olympia to Grays Harbor. The barony consists of smaller groups called households that practice activities on the local level.
Households within SCA meet at barony or kingdom events where they may compete in or enjoy medieval arts and skills such as sword fighting, horse riding, music, garb making and dancing, to name a few.
Hoquiam household founders Heather Demore and Blaine Hebert had been attending SCA events for many years before they decided to start a household of their own. “A friend took me to an SCA event in 1999,” says Heather, “I was hooked immediately and have been ‘eventing’ ever since.”
After years of involvement with SCA, Heather and Blaine decided to start a household of their own. In order to become an official SCA household, Heather and Blaine were required to compose a charter and have at least 4 to 5 paying members.
The Hoquiam household represents a 14th Century German coastal village community named Waldhafn, which translates to forest haven. Heather assumes the position of Olga Worden, port master of Waldfhafn, and she is assisted by Constable Jean Pierre — known in real life as Blaine Hebert, head of the fighters of the Red Watch. The fighting men and women include Kalen Riddle who, at 6 feet 9 inches, is a fierce looking but friendly fellow. Heather’s 16-year-old daughter Grace rivals Kalen in fierceness and in combat. Grace has been attending SCA activities with her mother since she was 4-months-old. She chose the name of Wolfa Sevear and her combat moves show she is not a beginner.
The village of Waldfhafn is currently harboring a pirate ship. Katie DeGregg, in the persona of Molly MF Nailo, is second lieutenant and boson of the Miss Grant. With her parrot, Chloe, on her shoulder, the blonde pirate makes it known that she is a privateer with a letter of mark by SCA Baron Olf. Miss Grant is authorized to hunt down enemy ships. In case of capture, her crew cannot legally be hung as pirates. Katie’s 7-year-old son Damyen has joined the Waldhafn fighters. As Knifefoot, Damyen displays some nifty moves in sword combat with Wolfa Sevear. All combat is taught by Constable Jean Pierre who is a certified senior marshal of youth armored combat and rapier fighting. Jean Pierre has been trained by SCA with an emphasis on safety.
Currently the village of Wolfhafn practices youth armored combat, adult heavy sword fighting in full armor, rapier fighting and garb making. People with new skills to share are always welcome. The village meets Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. at the Hoquiam Timberland Regional Library, located at 420 7th Street.
For more information about SCA in Grays Harbor, call Heather Demore at 360-268-3609 or visit SCA online.
If you are interested in becoming a Waldhafn villager, just drop in any Thursday night. Attendance is free. A paid membership includes officer rights and the right to participate in combat.
