Rudy McKinney began his “life in the 18th Century” as a military re-enactor of the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary War. Eventually, he brought his woodworking skills into the 18th Century. His research led him to build such items as tape looms, Jefferson writing desks, candle boxes, pipe boxes, gout stools, campaign chairs, candle stands, and Bible (or document) boxes. Although he continues in his role as a military re-enactor at some events, Rudy had added the role of woodwright to his repertoire. At colonial fairs, he educates the public on 18th-Century life and sells his wares from a reproduction 18th-Century canvas tent, while his wife, Pat, demonstrates weaving on the tape loom.