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The following rules were given to the Frontier families upon their acceptance to the project.
 ll participants agree to live as closely to the
pioneer lifestyle of the 1880s as possible. This
includes the wearing of clothing, the preparation and
consumption of foods typical of the era, use of period
equipment, and contemporary work routines. Wherever
possible this lifestyle will be directed by the
participants themselves. If persistent difficulties
occur participants may seek advice from Frontier
House consultants, normally via the postal service
or, in urgent cases, via telegraph.
In certain circumstances consultants will visit
location to assist with complicated/potentially
dangerous activities. However, should you have any
anxieties about other activities that may occur where
we do not anticipate the attendance of a consultant
please alert a member of the production team as soon
as possible.
1. Communications With The Outside World
To maintain
authenticity we will make outside communications
consistent with the 1880s. This means use of the
postal service, which will operate from the store. Any
modern communication devices, such as mobile phones,
must be surrendered at the exchange of clothing. Mail
arriving for participants will be held at the store
until a participant makes collection. Incoming
packages may be opened to ensure the contents are
consistent with the period.
2. Visitors From The Modern World
To make travel
arrangements at this time was rare, as transport was a
complex and timely affair. Therefore we do not
anticipate contributors receiving numerous visitors
throughout their stay. Visitors who do come will be
accommodated, entertained and fed at the participant's
property and expense. We ask that visitors respect the
project and surrender all modern devices such as
mobile phones, radios, contemporary media, and modern
day foodstuffs. They will be asked to wear clothing
that is sympathetic to the period dress worn by
participants. All visitors will have to sign a release
permitting their visit to be filmed and included
within the program.
3. Working Collectively
Many accounts of this period
record how part of homesteading life revolved around
assisting neighbors at important periods -- like
roofing a house or raising of a barn. Bartering of
goods or services was a common occurrence too. These
activities are encouraged. However, it must be
remembered that the primary goal of each household was
to work toward their own future, particularly in
preparing for a potentially harsh winter ahead.
Therefore we do not encourage a communal approach to
the "Frontier House" project -- such as the combined
use of labor to prepare just one kitchen garden or the
nightly preparation of a single evening meal for all.
4. Children & Potentially Dangerous Activities
Children
were entrusted with much larger responsibility in
homesteading days but we must be extra vigilant about
their activities in our project. We have not grown up
with a 19th century mindset where living with hazards
was second nature. Therefore adults must oversee any
potentially dangerous activities their child will
perform. If children are found to be taking on
potentially hazardous activities unsupervised the
production reserves the right to end the participation
of that particular family.
5. Finance
Each family will be given an individual
budget at the start of the project. This will be
worked out by our historians based upon research of
families moving out west in the 1880s. From this a participant
must manage his or her own affairs; what to buy and when.
Equally, a barter system will operate in the store
whereby goods may be traded rather than bought. (For
example the store may offer credit for fresh eggs,
bread, dairy products, fish, and vegetables. A participant may
also trade homemade produce like jams, craft objects,
and newly made clothing at the store.)
The store may also be able to offer an advance
particularly if a participant wishes to purchase an expensive
commodity, like a plough or sewing machine. To take
advantage of this a security on the loan will be
required. For instance the rights to a valued
possession like a horse. The storekeeper may demand
payment on an outstanding loan at any time.
6. Period Medicines / Cures
In minor cases of medical
need a participant may feel free to utilize the various supplies
offered by the pharmacist. These have been researched
and sanctioned by our medical advisor and are usable
at the recommended dosage. Herbal remedies from
locally gathered plants are not recommended without
prior advice from our medical expert who can be
contacted via the postal service. In severe medical
cases all rules are suspended and immediate assistance
should be sought by alerting a member of the
production team who will arrange a visit from the
doctor.
7. Leaving The Project
Anyone is welcome to leave at
any time. We sincerely hope this will not occur but we
will not prevent anyone's departure if they choose to
depart. Our only request is that, should the
circumstances arise, a decision is made in a rational
manner and in consultation with the production team. A
decision to leave should be communicated with the
video diary camera. We will assist with all departure
arrangements.
8. The "Emergency Box"
We will provide each household with an emergency box.
The full contents and use of which will be explained
during the safety induction. Use of the emergency box
is left to the discretion of each participant. We ask
that should any participant require use of the
contents of the emergency box, a video diary record is
to be made outlining the reasons for use. The
"emergency box" is sealed and should only be opened at
moments of genuine concern.
Contents of the "Emergency Box"
- Emergency Medical Supplies
- Emergency Communication Radio
- Fire Extinguisher
- Bear Repellent "Pepper Spray"
- Emergency Lighting
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