Sharon Ann Burnston

This is Sharon Ann Burnston at her home in Epsom, NH. Sharon is an 18th century celebrity: she is one of the experts on women's historical fashions and wrote the book Fitting and Proper; she is also the designer of the Mill Farm patterns for 18th century clothing (available through Burnley and Trowbridge); and Sharon is one of the leading contributors and moderators of the 18CWoman group list. And beyond all that, she is a fun and interesting lady, very warm and very kind. She helped me considerably before even knowing me, in helping me get ready for Battle Road. When I met her at Battle Road, she greeted me with a huge hug, which I've learned is typical of this great lady.

Sharon invited a few of us up to her home to learn some 18th century hearth cooking. This was in exchange for volunteer time at a place where she volunteers nearly every weekend during the summer, the Daniel Webster Birthplace.

So Sue Rowell, Sandy Cheney, and I all convened at Sharon's house to learn to plank a fish, as well as to cook ho-cakes, vegetables, and an apple pie at an 18th century hearth. To cook the planked fish, Sharon bought some salmon and her husband, using 18th century style nails, put a load of nails through a board and around the edges. Sharon then soaked the board overnight to make it inflammable. We stuck the salmon onto the nails, skin side out, and then tied it down using the nails around the edges. Then we propped the board near the fire, and cooked it for about an hour (rotating it to keep it even). Here we are when it was done, proud cooks of a planked fish.