Small Town Chronicles: Meet a Colonial Chocolatier from Almont

It may not be widely known, but both George Washington and I share an appreciation for chocolate. Recent information indicates that chocolate possesses certain medicinal properties, which alleviates my guilt when indulging in treats such as a Butterfinger candy bar. These facts were provided by Michael Lester, a 2014 Almont graduate, living historian, and chocolatier. Through my passion for history, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous fascinating individuals, including Mr. Lester, whom I met this past summer at a historical encampment. That meeting inspired the idea to invite Michael and his Chocolate Shoppe to the Almont Museum. He will do on Saturday, December 6 between 1 p.m. and 8 p.m. More on that at the end of this column.

When our conversation began, my initial question to Mr. Lester was regarding his precise role: re-enactor, interpreter, or living historian? Re-enactors typically focus on recreating specific historical events or figures, such as battles. Living historians, while similar in appearance to re-enactors, approach history with a scientific mindset—learning independently before sharing their knowledge. They research historical skills and serve as interpreters, guiding others through their historical journey by explaining their expertise. I like to think of them as Time Travelers who come to share their talents with us. Michael falls under the Living Historian category. But fortunately for us he is also a real live Chocolatier! To be precise, a Colonial Chocolatier.

Michael is a third generation Living Historian, carrying on the legacy of his grandparents, Bob and Patricia Lester. Bob’s close friend, Ron Miller, became like an uncle to Michael. Both Bob and Ron began their journeys as living historians in the mid-1970s, portraying various eras but sharing a particular passion for early French military history. After Bob and Patricia passed away, Michael paid tribute to them by assisting their friend Ron. Just out of high school, Michael started helping Ron set up his 1700s French and Indian War trade fort.

Over time, Michael sought something related to food that also held historical significance, combining his culinary education with his love of history. Through his research, he discovered that historical chocolate shops existed, but only in history centers—none at encampments. Michael explained, “The equipment was simple and basic, so chocolate was it.” His first setup as a Colonial Chocolatier took place in 2019 at a Lac Ste. Claire Voyagers encampment at St. Clair Metro Park. Since then, his display has grown considerably. He has attended 23 re-enactments, traveling as far as Pennsylvania and Canada.

What makes chocolate significant, particularly regarding its connection to Colonial America and the Revolutionary War? While I may not recount the story with the same expertise as Michael will at the Almont Museum this Saturday, I can offer a brief overview.

Our founding fathers didn’t have access to the luxurious chocolates, sea salt caramels, and truffles we enjoy today. However, they were conveniently close to South American cacao producers—much closer than Britain and its exports. Because cocoa beans weren’t taxed by the British government, Americans quickly started drinking chocolate beverages as an alternative to tea. After all, something had to replace those barrels tossed into Boston Harbor.

Even Ben Franklin sold chocolate from his printing shop in Philadelphia. By the start of the Revolutionary War, America had more chocolate factories than England. As Michael explained, most of these factories were located next to grain and wheat mills, and cocoa beans were ground during the spring and fall. George Washington became fond of chocolate and made sure his soldiers received it as part of their rations. As the war progressed and luxuries from Europe grew scarce, chocolate remained a reliable treat for the colonists. In fact, supplies became so limited that Washington sometimes paid his soldiers with chocolate bricks, which even began serving as a form of currency among the colonies—boosting morale and aiding the fight for independence from England.

Chocolate played a significant role not only during the Revolutionary War but also during World War II, boosting troop morale. American soldiers received Hershey chocolate bars and frequently shared them with children as they traveled across Europe. This act of kindness helped break down language barriers and foster goodwill among children impacted by the war. My father, Don, experienced this firsthand—a young French adult wrote to him five years after the war, reminiscing about the day he was given a Hershey’s chocolate bar by my father, then an American soldier.

You’ll learn more from young Mr. Lester and other volunteers, including two mysterious Time Travelers whose identities even Mr. Lester wouldn’t reveal to me. Like you, I’ll have to stop by the Colonial Chocolate Shoppe at 149 S. Main St., Almont, Michigan, on Saturday, Dec. 6 to discover who our mystery guests are!

The Colonial Chocolate Shoppe will be at the Almont Museum from 1–8 p.m. on December 6. Visitors can sample authentic colonial-era chocolate, and Micheal Lester will share insights into the process, role and history of chocolate in America. Adjacent to the museum, at Maria’s on Main restaurant, there will be a Santa letter-writing station and free ornaments for children to color between 4–8 p.m. Don’t forget to mail your letters in the special Santa mailbox at the museum! While you’re at Maria’s, you can compare contemporary hot cocoa with the colonial-era hot chocolate beverage. A museum volunteer will be available to discuss the history of hot chocolate and its impact on our colonies. At 7 p.m. the Holiday Parade begins, and you’ll have an excellent view of the floats and decorated vehicles passing by both buildings.

Contact Lynn at tct@pageone-inc.com