Winter Projects to Improve An Impression

[Bill_Cross]

Our esteemed moderator, Mr. Lamoreaux has wisely closed the thread on beeswax linings for canteens, for surely as much as could be said about the topic (and then some) has been said. But it got me to thinking about other "Winter Projects to Improve an Impression." While hardly exhausting the topic, here are three to ponder (besides doing some reading about the period and its material culture):

1.) Re-polish your buttons and brass with a cloth dipped in water and fire ashes: Brasso is a great MODERN brass cleaner, but THEY didn't have it. They made a slurry of water and ash, then a little elbow grease did the work. The good thing about this technique (aside from it being historical) is that it doesn't stain like Brasso does: when you're finished, the excess dries and then can be brushed off. A button-polishing jig helps keep the slurry off your clothes (see below).

2.) Carve a button-polishing jig (see above): this is a handy little thing to have in your knapsack for down time. You can buy them, but they're easy to carve out of any piece of flat wood. You need a hole for the button to go through (duh!) and then a channel so you can move the button away from the hole. The jig keeps the ash & water slurry off your clothes and makes the process neater.

3.) Refinish your rifle stock: The urethane finish on most repro rifles is wrong, and fixing it doesn't involve too much work. You need to disassemble your gun, then use wood stripper to take off the old finish. There are a variety of finishes to use, but Curt has a recipe I'm particularly fond of, and I'm hoping he'll re-post it here.

4.) Hand-stitch your buttonholes: if you have a commercially-made uniform item, for example, a Jargagin Federal greatcoat, it probably has machine-stiched buttonholes. While there was a machine patented at the time for doing buttonholes, the fact of the matter is that most buttonholes were hand-stitched. Machines were too expensive, and labor was cheap. That Jarnagin coat can be made a little closer to reality if you ditch the Indian Wars large eagle buttons and use the period-correct smaller eagles, close up the buttonholes so they fit the new buttons, then hand-stitch the holes. While it won't rival a Chris Sullivan or Chris Daley Federal greatcoat, it surely turns a sow's ear into at least a faux silk purse.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

All very good points Mr. Cross. I'll throw in for what its worth, the sheen obtained from period polishing with ash paste or brick dust is vastly different from modern polishes. It has a duller gloss that can readily be discerned as shiny but not overly bright. Bill Lomas of EJ Thomas Mercantile once found reference to leather buttonboards being made for polishing. It was basically a small leather rectangle about 5 inches long and 3 inches wide, with a hole and slot in the center, leaving a couple of inches top and bottom to still protect the cloth. Easier to make than a wooden one and much cheaper than the vendors (although NJ Sekela offers a fine one well worth the price).

[TB1861]

Learn to write cursive with pen and ink. You can buy the Spencer handbooks on Amazon and pen and ink can be found at any local Barnes and Noble. Much better than buying a font as you can use this skill in the field.

[Provost-ADC]

Get out the blacking ball and clean up your shoes.

[tenfed1861]

Study up on the politics of the era and also develop a first person persona.

[50th VA Corporal]

Oh, the winter doldrums...

I'll spend about 50% of my time caring for the gear. Treating the leather goods (twice); I already gave the muskets and the pistols their seasonal complete disassembly care; and paring out some of the material items.

More importantly I'll spend the rest of the 75% of the time (yea, I know I can't count) studying the manuals like I have done the last two winters. With battalion events only occuring four or five times during the season it just is not enough time to refine and totally understand all of the maneuvers and evolutions you do - especially if you have done it once or twice during the season.

I just ended my second full season as 1st Sgt and to be honest it was not until the last two battalion events that I finially felt I had the knowledge and confidence to provide the leadership entrusted to me on the field.

This winter is more so important with the battalion attending at least one national event - 150th Manassas. I am sure at the brigade level there will be logistically more room to do the larger movements and the expectation levels will be high.

Additionally there will be the need to more understand the battle itself in more than at a superficial level.

I believe that the best thing one can do to improve their impression, non-materially, is to learn, know, and execute the requirements of their impression position whether it is a private or a colonel. I find no valid excuse for a private to not know their manual of arms or school of the soldier. Those are the basic elements everything else on the field is based on and I do see a lack of it on the field by "tenured" privates.

[wheres_my_horse]

Lose some weight. Easier on me, my horse and I won't look like a brat in a wool casing.


And then not "find" it again.

[mexwarbob]

1. A few simple sewing projects-hankerchiefs, ration bags, drawers and even a simple shirt on the square can easily be done.

2. Go to the library and read-It's free

3. Learn how to make cartridges authentically-There is a plethora (I believe thats an animal in Africa) of sources that will give you instructions. It will give you an appreciation of what those ladies in the arsenals were doing.

4. Get some cheap plastic toy soldiers- make sure you have two colors and use them to visualize how formations and movements should look.

5. Winter is a good time to completely disassmemble your musket, clean it thoroughly and redo the stock.

6. A real good cleaning of the brogans and a light oiling greatly extends the service life.

7. Sit down and evaluate the past year. Think about the events you did, what you did right, what you did wrong and what can you do to improve not only your impression but also your enjoyment of the hobby. I do this after every event I attend and it really helps. For example, I keep an extra health insurance card in my period wallet in case I get injured on the field.

8. Learn and practice some basic fieldcraft skills. See if you can build a fire without matches.

Bob Gregory
79th NY

[bkylehand]

Why would you ever need to build a fire without matches. They were inexpensive and readily available.

[Bill_Cross]

Why would you ever need to build a fire without matches. They were inexpensive and readily available.
OK, I'll see your matches and raise you "wet wood and dead fall."

Let's see you make a fire in that, LOL!

[toptimlrd]

OK, I'll see your matches and raise you "wet wood and dead fall."

Let's see you make a fire in that, LOL!

Can I use a candle or are there pine trees in the vicinity?

[bkylehand]

I do not mean to get off topic here, but I know it is hard to build a fire when you are working in wet conditions but I promise you you'll find it easier to light wet wood with matches than it is to catch wet wood by other means.

I will say this field craft would be a great thing to work on during your off season if you have an off season. Try building a shebang, learn how to build a cooking fire, etc. But above all else one thing that will improve your impression and will make you more knowledgeable than anything else is reading, read original diaries, and reputable sources.




-user of books(the original Wikipedia)

[Rob Murray]

OK, I'll see your matches and raise you "wet wood and dead fall."

Let's see you make a fire in that, LOL!

That is a discussion in field craft. Something that can not be done in the privacy of your home.

[Bill_Cross]

That is a discussion in field craft. Something that can not be done in the privacy of your home.
As a dyed-in-the-wool campaigner, I revere field craft. But I think we should stow the funnin' on this subject unless one of you gents wants to start a thread on field craft, and stick to the topic at hand.

And that topic is things you can do over the Winter to improve your impression. Field craft is a related topic, but we're talking things that will make you a better-looking example of The Boys of 186X (and I don't mean getting a face lift).

Other ideas are:

1.) Visit some out-of-the-way antique stores and look for a period match safe, pill box, spoon or ink well;

2.) Remove the hat brass from your lid and melt it down for a paper weight;

3.) Bury all feathers and dead animal bones in your back yard;

4.) Look at some period photos and make sure your traps ain't draggin' around your ***;

5.) If you have a Federal impression, think about making an Issue Shirt from a pattern; if a Johnny, think about sewing a civilian-style shirt from a pattern or kit.

[toptimlrd]

Sorry Bill, when I see a fieldcraft challenge I simply can't pass it up.

A lot of good advise here. Let me add that you could get into some museums. Pictures are great but actually seeing the genuine article and comparing your stuff to that is a fantastic thing to do. Fortunately I live near a shop thaqt deals in relics so I am able to handle and compare my stuff to the originals.

I also cull local antique stores often, you can sometimes find wheat in the chaff. I've also found excellent older repops as well for a bargain.

Fieldcraft can be practiced at home too as long as you don't live in an apartment or condo. My Scouting experience (leader on several levels) hasd also been a great teacher. Boy Scout fieldcraft is often the same as was used in the 1860's. See if you can find old Boy Scout feildcraft books and there is some wonderful info in them.

Bill, I know you were being general in your reccomendation about brass etc. but just a reminder that SOMETIMES this stuff is OK for the right impression. I keep one army hat dressed for garrison type events where appropriate less unit designation which I vary if necessary.

[TB1861]

As Mr Cross is taking us on a stroll down memory lane reminding us all of advice from the late 70s and early 80s I thought I would assist him with an illustration for CCG Vol 11 Issue 2 November 1983:
http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=156&pictureid=992
Mr Brazil shared these items from his collection, A is wood and B is brass and the directions are almost obvious.

[Pvt. Sweetey]

I also had an idea, one could also take a piece of leather and cut a slit in the middle, insert the button through it how you would put a button through a button hole, and clean it that way? I can't help noticing that there is some space where the mixture of ash & water could go through. Of course, that could be fixed with something under the crevice but it may be easier and cheaper to do that. My 2 cents

[Scooby_308]

I also had an idea, one could also take a piece of leather and cut a slit in the middle, insert the button through it how you would put a button through a button hole, and clean it that way? I can't help noticing that there is some space where the mixture of ash & water could go through. Of course, that could be fixed with something under the crevice but it may be easier and cheaper to do that. My 2 cents


Refer to post 2. 8)

[Bill_Cross]

Sorry Bill, when I see a fieldcraft challenge I simply can't pass it up.
Trust me, as a campaigner, I value field craft enough that it should have its own thread.

Let me add that you could get into some museums. Pictures are great but actually seeing the genuine article and comparing your stuff to that is a fantastic thing to do.
There are a surprising number of local museums and historical societies that have the real deal. Ridgewood, NJ, for example, has its School House Museum which owns an original Federal frock coat as part of its collection. Most of this stuff is dying for attention, and asking to see it is often surprisingly easy.

Bill, I know you were being general in your recommendation about brass etc. but just a reminder that SOMETIMES this stuff is OK for the right impression. I keep one army hat dressed for garrison type events where appropriate less unit designation which I vary if necessary.
Garrison impressions are the exception to the rule. While there are occasions when brass is appropriate, most time it's not. The amount of brass (and bones & feathers) I still see at mainstream events is, well, cause for concern.

As Mr Cross is taking us on a stroll down memory lane reminding us all of advice from the late 70s and early 80s I thought I would assist him with an illustration for CCG Vol 11 Issue 2 November 1983.
??? But thanks for sharing that. The advice was good then (the 70s) and is good now. I don't go back in the hobby that far, so I guess some things never change. Helping out Bill Rodman at two mainstream events as his Provost, I see the need to reiterate this advice, no matter how old it is.

[Pvt. Sweetey]

Refer to post 2. 8)

Haha thanks! The one time I feel smart, geez.... :P

[TB1861]

I can't help noticing that there is some space where the mixture of ash & water could go through.
That leads you to another skill you can learn over the winter, how to use a clothes brush.

[Bill_Cross]

That leads you to another skill you can learn over the winter, how to use a clothes brush.
Tom's snarky reply obscures the fact that the ash-water slurry is both very thick and not likely to end up going through the slot, but that it simply brushes off when dry (unlike Brasso or other chemical cleaners which will stain and perhaps even ruin your duds).

And as has been mentioned before, the sheen is very lovely and not the bright, hard specular brightness of modern chemical cleaners. It also doesn't produce the white stains that can accumulate on brass cleaned with chemicals, so even if you neglect your brass for a season, it comes back to its original luster.

I am working on a kick plate for my front door, which was cleaned with Brasso the last time it was brightened up, and the stains are more than even several good workings-over with chemicals can get rid of.

[TB1861]

I see nothing snarky about suggesting that a person pretending to be a man of the 19th century learn a 19th century skill. If you prefer he stay ignorant than so be it. Yes it brushes off, you use a clothes brush to do that.

[mexwarbob]

Winter is a good time to get ahead on some items that are continually needed. When you are making cartridges authentically you will find it takes a little bit longer to make them. I have it down to about a minute. What I like to do is put a DVD on while I make them.
I will try to 40-50 at a time, which coincidnetally is about the length of an episode of Combat which I have been checking out through our library system.
I store them away until it is time to fill them. I then precut my packet sheets, fill ten tubes with powder, and then arsenal wrap and tie the packet. The packet then goes straight into a modern GI ammo .50 can for safety and storage. On the top of the can I have put a piece of paper covered with laminating paper. I mark the total number of packages in the can.
When getting ready for an event, I remove the number that I think I will need, adjust the total and store my event rounds in another ammo can that I use to transport them to events. I modified this can so that it is lockable. This system seems to work pretty well for me.

I also use the winter to get ahead on hardtack baking. When HH6 allows me to use the kitchen, I try to turn out 30 or so crackers. I let them air dry in a paper bag for about a week. Diligent yard sale hunting has yielded a few rubber maid bread storage containers. I fill these up and put them away so that I am ready for the beginning of the season.

I also will put up some salted beef which takes about a month to properly prepare.

Bob Gregory
79th NY

.

[LibertyHallVols]

Fieldcraft, schmieldcraft...
I'm going to practice smoking my pipe!

I'll probably annoy my pards with phonecalls, too.

And something that will be familiar to those who've followed Mess'r Barry's ramblings on my musket-based silliness:
The Money Pit II: Money Pit's American Cousin

[lincolnsguard]

Figure out how to stay at events for the full 36 hours, even if the weather isn't quite right.

[flattop32355]

Figure out how to stay at events for the full 36 hours, even if the weather isn't quite right.

Give your keys to the event sponsors.

[RJSamp]

5.) If you have a Federal impression, think about making an Issue Shirt from a pattern; if a Johnny, think about sewing a civilian-style shirt from a pattern or kit.[/B]

Sorry, my first person impression has never been as a tailor in my prior life, nor from my readings do I find many ACW soldiers trying this out in their spare time. i do find many mentions of having a tailor do this exact same work for a soldier, or receiving a shirt from home, etc. Making shoes, haversacks, knapsacks, knitting socks, shirts, a vest, a tent were NOT PEC skills for the vast majority of ACW soldiers.

[Bill_Cross]

Making shoes, haversacks, knapsacks, knitting socks, shirts, a vest, a tent were NOT PEC skills for the vast majority of ACW soldiers.
RJ, you are confusing your firper impression with things one can do in the off-season to improve one's overall impression. While there is some overlap, the purpose of this thread is to suggest things that would improve the latter primarily, as there are plenty of fellers here who never attend an immersion event.

Making a shirt isn't hard. THEY didn't do it for a variety of reasons, though there were certainly seamsters among them who earned extra $$$ doing tailoring.

If you don't want to MAKE a shirt, then by all means BUY one. But a little sewing can teach one an appreciation for the handicrafts of the era, and a decently-made shirt will bump up your Federal impression a ton. Photos of the dead at Gettysburg show them wearing the "itchy" shirt.

[NoahBriggs]

No snark. Just suggestions.

In addition to restocking your ordnance and commissary supplies, weapons and ordnance maintenance, I'd suggest taking some time to in-place-mosey to right about here (http://books.google.com/bkshp?hl=en&tab=wp), here (http://www.raggedsoldier.com/articles.html) or here (http://www.uttyler.edu/vbetts/).

The Google Books site has lots of period manuals on everyday topics - including, but never limited to -
carpentry,
farming/agriculture,
metallurgy, medicine,
bee-keeping,
mesmerism,
economics,
politics,
religion (if you can stay awake long enough to make it through the reprints of the hours-long sermons).
confections
natural philosophy (what Stonewall Jackson taught to bored VMI cadets, and every redleg should know)

Many of them have indexes so you can skip to whatever interests you the most. You can search by keyword as well.

Virginia's Verandah is a good site because the articles therein have "Cliff's Notes" style articles that explain basic nineteenth century cultural topics with which many of us should be familiar. They explain them in plain, basic English and cite good sources for further reading.

Vicki Betts has spent inordinate amounts of time wading through newspapers of the period and categorizing subjects, so we can read what the media was saying about topics during the time period.

More sites, of course, are available.

My basic point is that we should be familiar with the period in general. All of us are portraying people who grew up mostly during Mr. Jackson's administration (Tip: His first name was not Michael). We lived through (or served) in the War of 1812, Black Hawk Wars, Mexico, the Trail of Tears, the Tejas Tribulations, and expansion of slavery into the newer territories (to give a general idea; the list can and does go on). We did not grow up in a vacuum; these events affected us (men, women, children, pets and any hapless slaves onhand) and will have an immediate and long range impact on our lives and outlook on life. Grandpa might very well have been a Revolutionary War vet.

This does not include the numerous epidemics and pandemics that plowed through the Nation and rearranged the population and the economy.

Speaking of economy, what's in your wallet after the Panics of 1837 and 1857?*

Nope, you did not hear the thump of me flinging down a gauntlet in challenge. While I don't ask that you you write out a detailed biography, it's a good idea and something of a challenge to read up a little on antebellum history to give you a general idea of who you are and where you come from. Yes, it will generate a few more ounces of cerebral perspiration than what we might be used to, but it will help us in the long run.






_______________________
* My answer: I have no idea, because I have not sat down to read up on them in any detail yet.

[TB1861]

In that aspect you did an excellent job and gave people enough to ponder upon to keep them active through the winter. I would add that people should study Greek and Roman mythology and the Bible, they are referenced in so many period accounts and letters that a knowledge of them is quite PEC.

[NoahBriggs]

You have a valid point, sir. Time to "go Greek" - and not in the college sense.

[Regular DOC]

2.) Carve a button-polishing jig (see above): this is a handy little thing to have in your knapsack for down time. You can buy them, but they're easy to carve out of any piece of flat wood. You need a hole for the button to go through (duh!) and then a channel so you can move the button away from the hole. The jig keeps the ash & water slurry off your clothes and makes the process neater.

.

Also known as a Buffstick. Hence how the 3RD US got their nicknames of Buffsticks.

[Regular DOC]

1 Actually get my 1861 uniform together. Dark Blue trousers shoulder scales decked out Uniform Dress Hat.

2 Get a nice little collection of hat brass together(they really are not that pricey) to do the appropriate amount and particulars for the event(IE Time Place Unit) I am doing at the time be it none, some or all.

3. Get the mounting hardware resewn on my frock coat for the shoulder scales.

4. Get a good pair of white gloves.

5 Learn the particulars of dress parade again including the uniform requirements and my role in it as either of the impressions I do.

6. Once a week study the particulars on a common 19th century disease and its cure.

7. Take a basic study about the economic concerns of the day.

[Regular DOC]

No snark. Just suggestions.

In addition to restocking your ordnance and commissary supplies, weapons and ordnance maintenance, I'd suggest taking some time to in-place-mosey to right about here (http://books.google.com/bkshp?hl=en&tab=wp), here (http://www.raggedsoldier.com/articles.html) or here (http://www.uttyler.edu/vbetts/).

The Google Books site has lots of period manuals on everyday topics - including, but never limited to -
carpentry,
farming/agriculture,
metallurgy, medicine,
bee-keeping,
mesmerism,
economics,
politics,
religion (if you can stay awake long enough to make it through the reprints of the hours-long sermons).
confections
natural philosophy (what Stonewall Jackson taught to bored VMI cadets, and every redleg should know)

Many of them have indexes so you can skip to whatever interests you the most. You can search by keyword as well.

Virginia's Verandah is a good site because the articles therein have "Cliff's Notes" style articles that explain basic nineteenth century cultural topics with which many of us should be familiar. They explain them in plain, basic English and cite good sources for further reading.

Vicki Betts has spent inordinate amounts of time wading through newspapers of the period and categorizing subjects, so we can read what the media was saying about topics during the time period.

More sites, of course, are available.

My basic point is that we should be familiar with the period in general. All of us are portraying people who grew up mostly during Mr. Jackson's administration (Tip: His first name was not Michael). We lived through (or served) in the War of 1812, Black Hawk Wars, Mexico, the Trail of Tears, the Tejas Tribulations, and expansion of slavery into the newer territories (to give a general idea; the list can and does go on). We did not grow up in a vacuum; these events affected us (men, women, children, pets and any hapless slaves onhand) and will have an immediate and long range impact on our lives and outlook on life. Grandpa might very well have been a Revolutionary War vet.

This does not include the numerous epidemics and pandemics that plowed through the Nation and rearranged the population and the economy.

Speaking of economy, what's in your wallet after the Panics of 1837 and 1857?*

Nope, you did not hear the thump of me flinging down a gauntlet in challenge. While I don't ask that you you write out a detailed biography, it's a good idea and something of a challenge to read up a little on antebellum history to give you a general idea of who you are and where you come from. Yes, it will generate a few more ounces of cerebral perspiration than what we might be used to, but it will help us in the long run.






_______________________
* My answer: I have no idea, because I have not sat down to read up on them in any detail yet.



Add to that one learn about a 19th century occupation. What did you do Where did you do it? How much were you paid for it? With the exception of 16000 regulars everyone did something before the war other then be a soldier and would be returning to that occupation once the war was over. Even the regulars had a job prior to joining unless you were on your second enlistment it would be listed in the records.

[flattop32355]

Learn the bugle calls for the branch of service you most often reenact.

It's not that hard to do, it just takes some time and repetition. Lists of jingles to help with memory are available, or you can make up your own.

The longer ones have easily identifiable sections to them that make them easy to learn without knowing each note.

You can record them on a blank CD and play them in your car while travelling.

EVERY soldier, no matter what rank, knew the bugle calls by heart within a reasonable time. There's no reason we can't do the same over a year's time.

[Regular DOC]

Learn the bugle calls for the branch of service you most often reenact.

It's not that hard to do, it just takes some time and repetition. Lists of jingles to help with memory are available, or you can make up your own.

The longer ones have easily identifiable sections to them that make them easy to learn without knowing each note.

You can record them on a blank CD and play them in your car while travelling.

EVERY soldier, no matter what rank, knew the bugle calls by heart within a reasonable time. There's no reason we can't do the same over a year's time.

Outstanding point. Every Surgeon should know Quinine. Come and get your Quinine Come and Get your Quinine.

[johnduffer]

For that matter I've seen several accounts stating that horses learned the calls that applied to them.

John D

[AZReenactor]

Aside from my never ending sewing and research projects, I'm working on putting together the dressings for my Uniform Hat complete with correct soldered loops and leather thongs on the back of the brass so that it can be easily removed for polishing. I'm also working on some ephemera projects.

One side note, while frequently used in conjuction, buffsticks and button boards are not the same thing. A buffstick is actually a stick covered with leather for rubbing and polishing your brass.

[bkylehand]

Im kind of concerned that some guys on here think that cleaning their uniform is improving their impression..

[johnduffer]

I understand what you're saying Brandon, as a general rule most reenactors are way too clean, but there are numerous non-combat or non-campaign situations where it's less accurate to be dirty or ragged. Context is everything ( or at least a lot :) )

John D

[mexwarbob]

Learn to shave with a straight razor. I will do this at living histories and it is always a crowd pleaser; from stropping the blade to actually shaving with the cutthroat razor. I try to keep in practice by shaving at least once a week with my straight razor.
You can find razors at antique stores or flea markets for around 10 bucks; restoring the edge can be a little work but not too difficult.
Bob Gregory
79th NY

[AZReenactor]

I dunno, seems to me if your problem is having a uniform that is too clean, you may not be using it right. Or at least not getting out into the field enough. ;-)

Maybe it is my climate and use, or the units I portray but I find that uniform upkeep from darning socks, brushing out dust and dirt, repairing seams, polishing brass, oiling and re-blacking leather, is a never ending task. Authentic dirt, grime, wear & tear coupled with genuine efforts at upkeep and maintenance using period methods is about the best thing a fellow can do to get it right.

Authentic use and authentic maintenance go hand in hand for developing an authentic impression.

[Spinster]

Authentic use and authentic maintenance go hand in hand for developing an authentic impression.

I'd like to put this up in flashing lights please.

The army was not intentionally slovenly. There were numerous requirements for upkeep.

Folks who artificially age a uniform in an attempt to look Kewl, only look Foolish.

Real marching, real camp life, real fieldcraft, will put use on a uniform soon enough. My work basket is still full of the debris from In The Van, including a few pieces that came with a note "if these can be saved, thank you, and if not, cut them for mending patches"

[TB1861]

Soldiers were issued soap, expected to have brush and comb and the regulations called for short hair and washed faces. Wool uniforms not only keep you nice and warm all summer but dirt can be brushed off with the brush you are supposed to carry. Learning how to maintain yourself and your equipment in the field is a skill you can learn this winter.
If you are at a campaign type event then you clean up at night, if you are at a normal "reenactment' with the usual large tent city that is called a "garrison" type event then you should not only be clean but shiny and scrubbed.
The application of artificial dirt shows up in the hobby after movies, do you really want to base your look on what they do in movies?

[Bill_Cross]

Soldiers were issued soap, expected to have brush and comb and the regulations called for short hair and washed faces. Wool uniforms not only keep you nice and warm all summer but dirt can be brushed off with the brush you are supposed to carry. Learning how to maintain yourself and your equipment in the field is a skill you can learn this winter.
Good points! We tend to forget that battles were infrequent, and even forced marches rarer than lots of down time in between. Sergeants then were probably not all that different from sergeants now, meaning they expected you to keep you gear and gun clean and shiny.

But folks, we're getting off the topic here. The theme is suggesting some activities one can do in the Winter to improve your impression. Please keep your remarks to that subject, or else start a separate thread. Thanks in advance!

[Julio C. Zangroniz]

Mr. Bill,
I plan to give all my photographic cameras, and all my lenses, and all my filters, and all my electronic flash untis, and all my myriad other gear, a clean and thorough servicing so they can be ready to get going once the new reenacting season beings.
For somehow, I have been "bamboozled" into keep going for yet another season, somewhat against my will.
But hey, the country is at war, and we all have to make sacrifices.
Do you, then, have any suggestions specifically tailored to *my* requirements and needs?
For I like to listen to my elders..., old feller...
Julio

[TB1861]

Getting together with your pards and learning the proper way to care for yourself and your gear would be a good activity and is on topic Mr. Cross. While you are buffing your buttons you could also practice singing some period songs. Not just the standard military and patriotic ones but some popular music of the day and for the older guys some songs of yesterday.
Gear is easy, any **** fool with enough money can have the best gear, knowing about life in the 19th century is harder and is something you can do by yourself over the winter. Read books of the time not just books about the time. Find some period text books, long division while working the same was written differently at the time just as one example. Put adverbs back into your vocabulary, they are not that commonly used correctly today. Look around for some of the many, and I do mean many, articles on period slang and add a few to your everyday conversation so you don't sound so fake at an event.
Really look at the photos, notice how people sit and stand not just how to wear your gear. A good actor is wearing clothes, a bad one is wearing a costume.
Get a book on wagons and carriages, you could ask your library for this, and learn some carriage terms and be able to identify the different types. You know the difference between a Ford Explorer and a VW bug now you would know the difference between an Omnibus and a dog cart then. Go to some horse shows and learn some breeds and how to tell a good horse from a nag. Find a book on trees so you can tell the difference between a hickory, and an oak. Buy some chestnuts to eat they were once one of the most common trees in the US you would have eaten the nuts.
Buy a shovel and dig some ditches, develop some calluses and muscles and appreciation for the mind dulling hard labor most people had to live with in the 19th century.
Take riding lessons, other than some urban dwellers most people could ride just like most people know how to drive a car today. You don't need to be in one of the mounted services to want to know how to ride.
Write some letters, I mentioned earlier to learn to write cursive you can practice by writing letters. You can also learn how to address a letter, it was different then from now.
The more you know the more comfortable you will be in your 19th century self and the less contrived and false you will become. Once you have this level of awareness you won't be as likely to ask somebody in your mess that you are supposed to have soldiered with and possibly lived near your whole life "what did you do before the war?".
It isn't easy to make up for life experiences you didn't have but you can put some effort into it.

[Bill_Cross]

Do you, then, have any suggestions specifically tailored to *my* requirements and needs?
For I like to listen to my elders..., old feller...
Julio
Well, I know I'm too old to offer suggestions, but the first thing I'd suggest is a new hat.

[Blair]

This, in my opinion is not something as simplistic as a "new hat". But rather a hat that is historically and authentically correct as one's individual impression and as one's documentation might allow.
Clarifications of such simplistic matters as a "new hat" are imperative to time and place.
BTW, I love Julio's refferance to, "old feller", being one myself.

[JesseJames70]

How about learning some period songs? Or brushing up on lyrics to some songs that you kinda know. Another one I just thought of, make a haversack or two. One you can take up to the sutlers and quit carrying around those God awful platic bags in front of the spectators and the other to put your TP, wet ones and Gold bond in for your trip to the "blue room".

[hanktrent]

I plan to give all my photographic cameras, and all my lenses, and all my filters, and all my electronic flash untis, and all my myriad other gear, a clean and thorough servicing so they can be ready to get going once the new reenacting season beings.

And here I thought that "improving" an impression usually meant making it more accurate. Guess the word can be interpreted a lot of ways.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[bkylehand]

I wasn't saying that having clean gear is a bad thing, I do several garrison events every year. I was speaking more of people saying they were going to improve their impression by cleaning their brogans, or polishing their brass. That's not improving your impression, that's called maintenance. Honestly I don't always consider buying more authentic clothing and gear improving your impression either. Do some research and know your stuff, just because you can dress the part doesn't mean you can act the part. What better way to do this then actually know the feelings of the men you are portraying, and come up with something better to say in first person than "whatcha eaten there Billy Yank?"

[jeteeple2]

But what if you really dont know what he's eatin and it smells good? Maybe its somethin Ive never had before and I really want to get me some. Can I ask him then what he's eatin:lol:

[jeteeple2]

Dang it, now im hungry and my curiosity is all kickin in.

[Bill_Cross]

How about learning some period songs?
That's an EXCELLENT suggestion.

Remember, THEY lived in the pre-phonograph era and had to make their own fun. Music publishing was a HUGE business, and people would sit around their homes singing new and classic songs. So you'll see many period accounts of soldiers singing in camp or on the march (occasionally coming up with "rude" lyrics to popular songs or singing them "straight" but with a double meaning).

I myself never indulge in song, as doing so would quickly empty the event of all life forms. ;)

[LibertyHallVols]

There are a number of great CD's out there. While some might prefer period instruments, Bobby Horton's music is a great way to learn the lyrics and tunes to many songs. 2nd SC String Band, and a number of minstrel groups also have CD's out. If you have a long-ish commute, playing music in the car as you drive is a great way to learn.

[bkylehand]

hahaha, ok lets make an exception to what I said before. You may ask "Whatcha eatin there Billy Yank?" if what a federal reenactor is eating something that smells good, you've never eaten it before, and if your hungry.
: C ]

[jeteeple2]

Awesome!! Thanks Brandon. LOL. That was funny. :lol:

[1stSgt45PVI]

I was looking for some period correct "Dime Novels" or something similar. I own prob. 10 period newspapers and various books, but would like something small enough to carry in the haversack and read around the fire or wrap up for the boys @ X-mas.

[Regular DOC]

I had a brief flash of how to have some fun with the original question of making a better impression over the winter. Take your current political views(IE political party if you have one), your current occupation, and your current religous beliefs and through good solid research find the equivilent or closet to equal counterpart in 1860-65. Not only what it was but like for political party how it was recieved by the population and press same with religon for those who have a denomination(BTW reading some of the religous sermons from the period is absolute fantastic reading.) What was involved in the career closet to yours of the period. I am currently looking through many of the political parties of the time period trying to find something close to Libertarian. A fun search into the poltics of 1860 especially the election. It has given me a better understanding of the 1860 election and the termoil it as well as the other political action caused. Can't wait till I get into the religous beliefs of the period.

[hanktrent]

I had a brief flash of how to have some fun with the original question of making a better impression over the winter. Take your current political views(IE political party if you have one), your current occupation, and your current religous beliefs and through good solid research find the equivilent or closet to equal counterpart in 1860-65.

I did something like that for an event this fall, for the first and hopefully last time--trying to portray someone as close to myself as possible. It was a strange experience.

A pro-women's rights, pro-abolition, religious Free-Thinker, hydropathic lecturer and bookseller (closest I could come to historic interpreter and former publisher) was theoretically documentable, and oddly enough all the traits tended to cluster together, but not something you saw every day in the 1860s. Especially married to a Mormon.

It does give insight into differences in different eras, and points up the question of how much of "us" is due solely to the era we're born into.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[toptimlrd]

I'm taking this from many of the very good and very specific posts out there and make it much more general, how about simply spending more time in a library doing research about the era we portray period. I have several books lying about I need to get read and am doing so. Find those first person accounts, well documented histories, AAR's, etc. You likely have an idea of many events you want to attend next year, how about reading up on the campaigns and being able to discuss them with your pards as they happen to you.

Just wrapping up a very enjoyable book called "The Soldier's Pen" which is written around period letters written by the men who fought it on both sides. I have a huge stack still to go through after this.

[TheQM]

I've been in the Hobby for quite a while and my clothing and equipment shows it. I'm spending the winter bringing my "stuff" up to 1861 standards. Some of the items on the agenda: Repainting my painted cloth equipment, replacing the cover on my Federal canteen, reblack and oil all my leather gear, sew some black tape on one of my RD #2 shell jackets. I already have a nice new leather strap for my canteen. The old one gave up the ghost at RTM.

Oh yeah, lose thirty pounds and quit smoking! :)

[PMB1861]

This winter?...

Researching the War in Mexico... I'll be 40 in 2011 and figure that would be a good starting point for future First Person impressions for my age.

Next?...

Building on my Civilian Clothing... in April 1861 most of army were recent civilians. Every reenactor needs a set of civilian clothes appropriate to their chosen social class to go along with knowledge of the politics and a work skill.

Luckily for me, I can write so being a clerk is an easy thing for me.

[TheQM]

This winter?...

Researching the War in Mexico... I'll be 40 in 2011 and figure that would be a good starting point for future First Person impressions for my age.


Peter,

I guess that means I should start researching the War of 1812! :)

[Bill_Cross]

Peter,

I guess that means I should start researching the War of 1812! :)
Try the Revolution, Dude. ;)

[Spinster]

The question of When is Your War? is a broad one.

Some time back, I looked at the number of years I believed that I could do this hobby physically. I then reset my 'reenacting age', researched a life, built a new wardrobe to reflect that, and continue to implement that. The McGirth sisters will hold me well until I am consigned to the earth.

Being born in 1800 also makes it easy to do the math. The War of 1812 touched my life with violent force as a young teen on the Tensaw delta. Alabama statehood saw me married. I lost contact with relatives in the Indian Removal, but have enough white blood to pass. My sons died somewhere between Vera Cruize and Chapultepec. My daughters are grown, with children of their own. My nephews look after my financial interests. I am 'land poor' and it is rented out--cannot be disposed of due to constraints of state law designed to protect me. My husband is long dead from a hard farming life on the Alabama frontier.

As an older adult female in 1860, I've known the effects of war for most of my life. Growing up on this frontier, I've seen more of the elephant than the bulk of the soldiers have in 1861.

Its an interesting place to be, and makes me think a lot.

[TheQM]

Try the Revolution, Dude. ;)

Bill X,

No, I would have been born in 1795. The perfect age for a War of 1812 soldier. Me and Winfield Scott, perfect together! :)

[PMB1861]

Peter,

I guess that means I should start researching the War of 1812! :)

Not any stranger than me researching Methodist Circuit riders in Ohio in 1800 for the last Winter of '64. But then I was portraying an 68 year old who said he was 45 when I was 37.

[TB1861]

If this is 1860 then I am 100 years older than my father. Makes 40 when I spent the night on a peak in California surrounded by Mexicans rather than the 19 I was when I camped there for fun. This has always been a fun thing to trip up a reenactor, just ask them how old they are and follow it with when were they born. People forget to adjust for the event if they think of it beforehand at all. Asking about their address can be fun too. So two things you can do this winter is learn your proper home and military address and when were you born. Lot of world and local news didn't rise to the top for the history books and they are things you would have been aware of. But you would also know how many pounds of flour is in a barrel compared to pounds of pork, not many of us could shop for groceries in the period without looking like some kind of village idiot. Even if you are 16 going into 1861 you still lived a good part of your life as a civilian and should start your education there to improve your impression.

[TheQM]

Not any stranger than me researching Methodist Circuit riders in Ohio in 1800 for the last Winter of '64. But then I was portraying an 68 year old who said he was 45 when I was 37.

Peter,

We should have switched roles. I was 62 years old at the time and was portraying a 35 year old soldier. (Who died that spring.)

BTW, Winter of '64 is still one of my favorite events, ever!

[Spinster]

BTW, Winter of '64 is still one of my favorite events, ever!


Winter of 64 just keeps on giving.

I saw some cabin chinking from there, that became something else, walking around on a man last weekend, once the temperature dropped.

Then there were those ^&%$#@(*!!!!&^%$ (^&%$#@(*!!!!&^%$) Rain Barrels.

[Regular DOC]

When looking over a advertisement in a Harpers Reprint I noticed it was for something similar to roller blades. So that got me thinking what was the new gotta have in 1860 what was the Ipod or Kindle of the retail world at that time? Anyone have any advice on where to find research on consumer trends?

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

When looking over a advertisement in a Harpers Reprint I noticed it was for something similar to roller blades. So that got me thinking what was the new gotta have in 1860 what was the Ipod or Kindle of the retail world at that time? Anyone have any advice on where to find research on consumer trends?

The classifieds of any major period newspaper are loaded with items we've never thought about "them" having. Also, get yourself a copy of Mike Worshner's "India Rubber and Gutta Percha in the Civil War Era". That book is enlightening as well.

[1stSgt45PVI]

I am considering on portraying a worker of the Pennsylvania Canal System "Main Line Canal Eastern Div." or Clerk from Columbia, Pa.. During Early's march to Wrightsville, Lancaster and Harrisburg, Columbia was opposite the ending point of the Confederates march when they burned the longest covered bridge in the world (or so I'm told). I'm trying to research as much as I can about both, we also had several Iron Furnaces and Slag facilities as well which may be a possibility (although I'm not "buff" enough to be hauling ore). It definitely adds flavour to the whole experience, it also gives an opportunity to improve your impression via clothing, kit, fireman's badges, headgear etc.. You also don't look nearly unprepared as you would if you just say, "Um.. I'm a Pvt in the "blank" Co."

Best regards,
Zak

[Spinster]

Get up with Doug Oakes of the Living History Guild.

He's been doing the Canal Worker thing for a good while, and can point you to the cognizant stuff in the LOC

[1stSgt45PVI]

Thank you for that, there is actually a gentleman locally here in Pa. that does a Canal worker impression as well. On something completely different, anyone know where I can procure a leather neck stock? Early war... and It'd be a great "conversation" starter! I have used the search option and have read 4 diff. posts, but no info as on where to get 1, any Help is appreciated.

Thanx,
Zak

[Regular3]

anyone know where I can procure a leather neck stock? Early war... and It'd be a great "conversation" starter! I have used the search option and have read 4 diff. posts, but no info as on where to get 1, any Help is appreciated. Thanx,
ZakDell's Leather Works does a nice stock.

But speaking as someone who's done Regular infantry for most of the past 30 years, why would you spend $25 on an item that the original boys got rid of as soon as they could? :twisted:

[Regular3]

I would add that people should study Greek and Roman mythology and the Bible, they are referenced in so many period accounts and letters that a knowledge of them is quite PEC.When he was a boy and new to the hobby in the 1980s, my son carried and a copy of Bulfinch's "The Age of Fable" - first published in 1855 - and read it (and not just at events) until it almost fell apart.

[Regular DOC]

In that aspect you did an excellent job and gave people enough to ponder upon to keep them active through the winter. I would add that people should study Greek and Roman mythology and the Bible, they are referenced in so many period accounts and letters that a knowledge of them is quite PEC.


A little Shakesere can't hurt either. I can recall the tale of a Regular who was awoken one night to the voices of a drunk private and Sargent up around the fire one quoting Hamlet the other I believe MacBeth. That makes three enlisted men who knew enough of Shakespere to quote and know the difference.

[Artyman]

Yep, that's it! That's what my winter project will be. In fact, I'm leaving for Wartrace Tenn. on Friday soz' I can pick up some new stuff at Blockade Runner. I need some binoculars for my artillery impression, a large wall tent and tent fly to make the mainstream camp even bigger, a jean wool frock for a Christmas present for my servant boy, a wool great coat, some jean wool yardage to send off to the seamstress for a new artillery frock for me, and the guy coming along will get about everything he still needs for his cavalry impression, boots, gauntlets, saber, etc. A lady friend plans to ride along with us so she can get some of those lady geejaws that BR is famous for. I thus intend to spend the cold months completing my "get it" list, helping out some pards with filling out their "gotta have" list, and constructing many hundreds of my over engineered Sharps blank cartridges.

Spendin' Christmas at Colonial Williamsburg this year so I will stop at Winchester and get some more of those wingless German caps on the way home.

Then later after the holidays we'll run over to Gettysburg and see what trouble awaits in the shops over there.

I'm getting this stuff now because the event season consumed most of my excess cash with travel expenses, event fees, ammo obligations, rations, and such. I have gotten so used to spendin' that I ain't sure I can even sit still for a month without spendin! :)

I'm really really really thinkin' about lookin' into ordering a Williams Gun:rolleyes:. Yep, that's just what I need....another weapon that requires exotic cartridges!

This is the end of my second year back in the hobby. Not much of my stuff is in any need of repair or replacement yet. Most of it looks just beat up enough to be authentic. I started putting together the mental list of what I still want during last two summers and now that it seems that I am here to stay for a while I recon I can pick up these things with some reasonable hope of actually gettin' some good out of it all. I have all the gun stuff, all the uniform stuff, all the loner stuff for the new guys I recruited, all the personal stuff, and even some Yankee stuff, so now it's time for the frivolous stuff.

The RV will need a full clean out though.

Well, anyhow, that's my plan!

Harry

[AZReenactor]

The stock isn't a bad idea for a winter project with the sesquicentennial of 1861 coming up. With a little practice they are not that difficult a project to make. The trickiest part is wetting and shaping the leather to match the curve of originals. Wambaugh, White and Company (http://www.wwandcompany.com/index.php/fabrics-supplies/97-notions-and-supplies) sells small 5/8" buckles that closely match the smaller "suspender style" buckles I've seen on originals.

As to practicality regarding the discarding of this item. They were an official part of the uniform and something one would have to pay the replacement of if it were lost or discarded. Commanded by regulars and very much by the book in service, the troops of the California Column were issued them in 1861, although generously permitted to wear cravats in lieu of the stock on their 20 mile per day march from Yuma to El Paso in the summer of 1862, and even in 1863 inspectors noting their absence instructed officers on the procedures for procuring more. In discussing stocks over on the AC (http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?6913-Regulation-Neck-Stock) there were shared documentation of their use by a New York artillery unit in 1864. As with most things in this hobby research into unit, place, & time should be the deciding factor much more than individual reenactor's preferences.

[1stSgt45PVI]

Dell's Leather Works does a nice stock.
My girlfriend got me one from Dells for X-mas... was very happy w/ the result!
Thanx for the info!

[moconfed]

My winter projects?
1. Take the 6pdr apart (again) for further corrections including new cheekpieces, handmade bolts, linseed oil, and a fresh coat of green.
2. Look at the limber in disgust, brainstorming as to how to procure funds for a new set of wheels from Miller's, and try to refrain from tearing it apart for corrections as well.
3. Redeck the trailer to keep the above from skidding on asphalt on the way to an event!