Posted on 09/28/2005 9:38:12 PM PDT by snippy_about_it
Interesting point. I wonder though if the South had won if folks still wouldn't overwhelmingly want to portray Southerns? Something romantic about it that is more than just being underdogs. Who knows? What the heck, if the South would have won we probably wouldn't be here on FR. :-)
Good morning Valin.
Good morning feather.
Not sure if I will be. I've been moving around some and family problems (death of my grandfather) kept me from reenacting since 2004. I've done some classroom presentations, and a little WWII, as well as some old west, but the traveling required for me to get back together with my pards in the MIB has been a bit harsh lately. I hope I'll be able to shoulder a musket again sometime.....I miss the smell of black powder in the morning.....and the hardtack, bacon and disgustingly strong to lethal coffee we get in our camp.
Faj an bealac! Carry on.
Snippy, Some National Park sites that do living history events also provide volunteers with everything needed to portray events. Fort Scott Kansas only requires that if you wear glasses that they be of the sort appropriate to the period. Everything else right on down to shoes, hats and gloves are in the wardrobe room for checkout. Of course, you will want to have your own undergarments. If you have never worn a corset, (I haven't!) you will want one thats fairly comfortable if possible. 19th Century womens clothing can be simple or very complicated. Its up to you and what you are portraying. You need only contact the sites in your area to find out whats available. They love volunteers.
The food is usually really good unless your in the infantry and even then it depends on how well the commisary is stocked. Some of the guys are very good at cooking. What with the fresh baked bread and vegetables I actually eat better when I'm on a re-ennactment than when I'm back in fast food land.
We had some great sleeping weather here last night. It got down to the lower 50's.
We have rain in the forecast for tommorow and Saturday.
How's it going for you?
Hey EGC. Your weather forcast sounds just like ours. It's been hitting 50's at night and low 70's daily. Tonight rain is due in and tomorrow's high only 68.
The new pup is running us in circles!
Wow, thanks Lee. I always heard it costs and arm and a leg to get all the gear. I didn't know they might have some for you to use. I really must look into it.
Hey Sam, wouldn't that be a kick, what a way to spend our vacation or a couple days off!
Your welcome Snippy. The most expensive re-ennactment gear for Civil War is portraying Cavalry and artillery. A good mount that isn't gun shy and is trained in Cavalry manouvers dosen't come cheap and is expensive to maintain properly. Some artillery outfits are called 'Flying Guns'. They have four mules or more to pull the cannon and limber to different positions on the battlefield at a moments notice. Two men ride the limber. One drives and the other hangs on. The rest are also mounted. Very expensive but if you love mules thats what you do. The uniforms, clothing and gear for infantry can be accumulated for around $1,500.00. It's a good idea to buy the best you can when you can and follow the advice of more seasoned re-ennactors in making selections for your impression. Nothing is more derided or looked down upon than the 'farb'.
I suppose Revolutionary outfitting would be more expensive but I haven't done any of that. I'd like to but here in Missouri it was coonskin hats and buckskins for britches in the 18th century.
You might find that an occassional weekend volunteering at some historic site is really fun and relaxing. You'll meet some very fine people and learn too. If you like it then it might be a good idea to get in touch with a seamstress who makes period clothing with the appropriate fabrics, dyes and buttons. There are many such artisans around who produce both civilian and military goods. One such is a business in Virginia called Blockade Runner. They are on the web. The one her close to me is called James Country, also on line. Take a look.
I enjoy reading the presentations. Makes me feel like I'm a part of it.
Diesel? Wasn't he the guy who made the first candle?
Hi miss Feather
Thirty-eight years ago today, my enlistment ended as I saluted the OOD and the Colors and crossed the brow for the last time. Looking back at one of those days of old...
Hi Dave.
Hey Dave, where's the one of you getting ready to dive for repair work? You shared it with us once but I can't find it.
Thats real nice looking Snippy. If you dressed up like that you had better keep an eye out for 'skirt lifters'. I bought a shell jacket and some other items from them. Top notch in every detail and reasonable in price too.
You mean this one?
What you say about our rural areas is sad but true. The heartland's rural areas and small towns are being depopulated.
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