camp stools

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Before I begin,I want to acknowledge the fact that this topic has been discussed repeatedly from time to time and I have read many of the posts and comments made previously on other substitutes(the ground,a log,etc).
I have an old folding canvas stool of an unusual design that I am thinking about reproducing and want to get some input from more educated individuals than I.
stool 1.jpgstool 2.jpg
This design is similar to a patent by Nathaniel Johnson ,filed on July 2,1861 no.32698 except his stool had only three legs. Would a design such as this have been used in say a garrison type setting?

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Strange?! 90 views and no comments! The reason I am looking to recreate this stool is because this stool is extremely light and compact. It could actually be rolled up in a bedroll and strapped to a knapsack very easily. Also it would help to eliminate the much hated two piece deck chairs amongst our unit's camp.

[Ross L. Lamoreaux]

I don't believe that its strange at all that nobody has commented, as I believe for once that people have refrained from comment because either they don't have an educated answer or just want to avoid commentary that has often led to the comments from other past threads about finding a log, sitting on a gum blanket, etc. As for this particular style of stool, I have never seen an original dated to the period with 4 legs. My personal conjecture, for the 1 1/2 cents its worth, is in a garrison setting, one would something a little more secure with some substance to it. A four leg dining room chair or any number of other type chairs previously discussed in prior posts and shared images. Having sat in chairs like yours in other settings, I found myself sitting on the ground for comfort and leaving the stool in the car. We find ourselves back to "what would they do?", and I find it difficult to believe that a hardened veteran soldier on the campaign would take the time and effort to carry a stool or chair, no matter how light. From a modern marketing standpoint, you probably do have a market with some reenactors when given the choice to bring your type stool over a large wooden slat chair, but I guess I'm a part of the marketing group that still prefers the known entity to the unknown. Since you are soliciting opinions, mine would be to not add to the current inordinate number of reproductions not copied from a known original item and stick to the known.

[Micah Trent]

Haven't really seen a stool made that way, but if you were to use it, I would suggest more in a garrison setting. Personally I would not want to carry it around with me in my knapsack or bedroll, but again that is just me. Other then that, I agree with what Ross stated above.

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Thank you,sirs, for the polite and intelligent responses. As I stated earlier I am merely looking at other options than the deck chairs now being used that can easily be transported and tucked away when not in use. Many of the small mainstream events I attend are quite honestly lacking in decent firewood to be used for a campfire much less seating. I have been studying the patent that N. Johnson had and may attempt to make one of that design instead.

[Spinster]

A 3 legged version is easier to make, and level, than a 4 legged version.

This design was commonly fashionable in the 1920-30's, and is a fine example of why many of our camps do an excellent job of reenacting the migrations of Dustbowl era farmers.

Really, if you want a seat for garrison settings, get a comfy straight chair that's been in the barn awhile. If it needs a new bottom, the splint will cost no more than $20 and a couple hours with a bucket and a pair of pliers.

[Ala-Sippi Rifle]

Thank you,Mrs Lawson for your reply. I have enjoyed reading many of your posts since joining this forum and hope to see you at the BGA Shiloh. I would prefer a nice straight back chair but with two sons and their gear coming along as well it gets a little crowded in the "wagon". I am ashamed to say that I've gone as far into the "deep end" of mainstream as I care to (trailer full of camp stuff,wall tent,fly,furniture) and now am trying to wade back into the shallow and lighten the load before I drown.

[Spinster]

Tie em on the back. Mine match the paint job on the chicken crate.


Or you could get you one of these to haul the boys on.

[TheQM]

Mrs. Lawson,

We use those racks to haul dead deer, not reenactors!

[Spinster]

Yankees.

Deer should be dressed and roasted on the spot.



I really need to get out there and unpack that thing. I use about a dozen truck straps, and pile it high. The van seats seven, with poles on top, or straight down the middle of the inside.