First Step
|
|
|
The first step is to contact one of us. You can check out our schedule and meet us in person at any of the events. Seeing us in person is the most helpful and informative way to learn about what we do and who we are. You can watch us in action, visit the camp, and inspect the uniforms, arms, and equipment. We will demonstrate how the items are worn, what the equipment is for, give hints on where to buy items. We may even have extra items for sale at a really cheap price. If you can’t make it out to an event, then give one of us a call or send us e-mail. Maybe we can arrange a time and place convenient to both of us were we could meet and talk about the company and reenacting. You can do lots of Internet research, learning how the units operate and where to buy items, but the best way is to just come to the campfire and chat for a while.
Once you have met us and decided that reenacting is the new love of your life, your next step will be to start gathering up your equipment. We strive to authentic but we are NOT stitch counters. That means we don’t expect or require your buttonholes to be hand sewn at seven stitches to the inch. However, your uniform jacket, trousers, shirt, shoes, hat, leather gear, rifle, bayonet, canteen, haversack, tent, and anything else you chose to wear or show MUST be an authentic, not exact, reproduction of what was actually worn or used by a typical Confederate soldier between 1861 and 1865. One term you’ll hear over and over again: “Farby”. That means, “Not period” or “Not authentic”. Examples: Levi Jeans, modern combat boots, hunting boots, Velcro, snaps, zippers, wristwatches, modern glasses, (the key word here is “modern”). THAT is “Farby”. You’ve probably seen it at some reenactments. The guy is wearing a great looking gray or butternut uniform coat, weather beaten slouch hat, wool trousers….and black leather LL Bean work boots with steel toes and rubber soles. Someone asks, “What time is it?” and he pulls back the sleeve of his tailor-made Richmond Depot Shell Jacket to consult his Timex Ironman® with Quartz movement, 100 lap, day/date display, five alarms, memo log, backlight and 100 meter water-resistant chronometer. We want to avoid those things. Which is another reason it is good to join us around the campfire or visit in person with one or more of us before you start spending your hard earned money. Cost. It ain’t cheap. But it won’t break you either. There are many places to buy items and at the end of this article you’ll find links to several. If you can sew, or know someone who can, that will save you a lot of money—perhaps even earn you some money because we are always looking for someone with sewing skills. Patterns and material can be purchased and you can put together a complete uniform at a significant savings. Leather gear, shoes, and other equipment is available at a variety of qualities and prices; you just have to shop around. Just about everyone in our company has a favorite sutler from where he buys his items. We’ll be glad to tell you what we paid, give our opinions on quality, and probably have a few extra used items for sale ourselves.
Re-enacting may be defined as organized groups of folks who, on various occasions and over weekends throughout the year, get together to re-create the atmosphere and living conditions (as closely and safely as possible) of the men who fought in the campaigns of the War Between the States over one-hundred thirty years ago. For each re-enactor, the motivation to participate varies. You may have an interest in history and want to experience first-hand how life was lived in those years. Your interest in history may be enlivened by the knowledge that you had an ancestor who fought in the War Between the States. You may find that your enjoyment lies in camping out and eating meals cooked over a wood fire, and smelling the acrid smoke of gunpowder when the cannons roar. Your interest may lie in portraying either a historical or fictional persona of someone who lived - or could have lived - during the War Between the States, known as a "first person impression". Or you may simply re-enact because it's something new and novel, and it looks like a great deal of fun. Whatever the motivation, re-enacting is an exciting and consuming hobby. We do not suffer the painful separation from home, loved ones, and friends as those men did. We are not plagued by disease as they were, and we need not go hungry or even endure inclement weather as they did. We have the luxury of returning to the present century any time we choose to do so. But re-enacting brings us closer to the way those men and women of the Victorian era lived and the way the men fought, and gives us a clearer understanding of the causes for which they contended. Re-enactors are a diverse lot: warehousemen, mechanics, nurses, welders, doctors, fencemen, engineers, salesmen, housewives, lawyers, draftsmen, factory workers, students, oil field workers, miners, deliverymen, and many other professions. We all have one common bond, though: an interest in life and events during the War Between the States.
Re-enacting is the way we are able to gain a personal experience of the way our ancestors dressed, ate, sang, played, camped, marched, slept, and waged war against one another in one of the most defining periods of our nation’s life. It is the way we go beyond the starkness of words on a printed page or the superficial gloss of the movie industry’s depiction of those days and those people. Through re-enacting we not only learn more accurately about life then, but our efforts enable spectators to glimpse a bit of that life when they tour our camps and watch our mock battles. It is one way we can touch the past, and the past can touch us. And it is a way in which we make the declaration that those men - more than 600,000 men North and South - did not die in vain for their causes, and the millions of men who fought for both sides are not forgotten. The past becomes more real and alive to us than ever. There are essentially three types of events in which you will have the opportunity to participate: re-enactments, tacticals, and living histories. Each has its advantages and appeals, and all have aspects in common with each other. A re-enactment is commonly a weekend-long event which includes camping, cooking over a wood fire, drills and skirmishes (the latter are normally scripted); a Saturday night social event which may be a communal meal and perhaps a cotillion, ball, or dance; or maybe just a lot of socializing throughout the camps and sitting together singing, playing period games, telling stories and getting to know each other better. Re-enactments are public events that usually commemorate a battle or skirmish, although that is not always the case. Frequently, re-enactments are used to financially aid a park, museum, or historical site, and they are often sponsored by historical societies or municipalities. Most events begin Friday afternoon or evening when re-enactors start setting up their equipment, and continue through Saturday and into Sunday afternoon. It may include living history demonstrations, drills of the troops, and scripted battles that often look - and feel - very real. While all participants may do either a military or a civilian impression, some adopt a "first person" impression, adopting the persona of a person who did -- or could have -- lived during the event being re-enacted. A weekend event may include tenting with your Company, drills on the cannon, skirmishes or mock battles, singing, a Saturday night dance or ball or cotillion, visiting the sutlers (merchants who cater to our hobby), cooking over wood fires, perhaps a brief Sunday morning "period" church service, and whatever else you may wish to do in your spare time. Often there will be one or more types of demonstrations. Cavalrymen demonstrate their riding skills, sometimes shooting at targets while riding past them, or fighting with swords while on horseback. Artillerymen drill for the benefit of smaller groups of folks, explain the various parts of the piece, and sometimes fire the cannon for the spectators. Infantrymen execute their marching formations and drill, and sometimes let kids handle their rifles or try a bite of hardtack (a hard piece of leather-tough cracker made of flour, salt, and water). Medical demonstrations explain the period state-of-the-art medical implements and medicines, and sometimes graphically portray field surgery with men "injured" during the skirmishes. There may be a ladies’ tea or social at an event. Sometimes the ladies give exhibitions of the clothing (including the many undergarments) worn by women of the Victorian era, discussing jewelry, personal hygiene, the fabled sign language of the fan, etiquette, mourning, and family matters. You may see a woman working on her spinning wheel, at her loom weaving cloth, candles being dipped, cloth being dyed, food being cooked over a campfire, or any number of necessary daily tasks being accomplished. At various events, there may be displays of the undertaker’s craft and supplies, a duel, mock court martials and even executions by firing squad or hanging. Some events have demonstrations of children’s activities of the period, including playing ring toss, mumblety-peg, battledore and shuttlecock, marbles, hand shadow puppets, hoop, and many other amusements. Mostly it is just a lot of fun for the entire family, and a window into our past. Although re-enactments take place throughout the country all year long, most events in which 5th Company will participate as an organization will exclude mid-May through mid-September to avoid suffering in the extreme heat of our Southern climate. Our participation in events as a group is generally limited to those within fairly reasonable driving distance. Most events begin on Friday evening with the erection of tents accurately styled after the originals, and events commonly end early Sunday afternoon. We dress the entire weekend in accurately-styled uniforms made of materials which are reasonably historically accurate, and modern anachronisms are hidden from the view of other re-enactors and spectators alike. In this fashion we keep ourselves as much as possible in sight of 1861 - 1865. The second type of event, a tactical, is normally closed to the public and revolves around the battle or skirmish concept, often based on a battle or skirmish which occurred during the War Between the States, and is scripted only in the very broadest sense of the term. The fighting may last all weekend, and the outcome of the battle uncertain to the end. Exceptions to the historical norm may be allowed so that we can play "War" more fully, such as letting enlisted men on the cannon use pistols and carry rifles. Rules of engagement are usually strict, including the prohibition of non-scripted hand-to-hand combat and the taking of another company’s flag or flags. The public is not often invited to these events because there is so very little that they could see from a single vantage point out of our way that it would only be frustrating for them and an annoyance to the re-enactors to have spectators present. Strictly speaking, a living history encompasses both re-enactments and tacticals. Within re-enacting circles, though, the term "living history" denotes a third specific event type. It will rarely have any sort of battle or skirmish, or even any gun firing other than perhaps as a salute. The primary focus of a living history is to display to the public the manner in which folks of the period lived and worked, often with an emphasis on "first person" impressions. As an artillery company, we occasionally have the opportunity to fire a cannon as part of a living history demonstration. Although not included in this grouping of events, from time to time we have the opportunity to participate in a live fire in which we actually load solid shot into the cannon and shoot at targets. Those occasions are normally competitions, too, in which artillery companies compete with other artillery companies (and infantrymen compete with other infantrymen). Live firings sometimes take place as part of one of the three types of events mentioned already, and sometimes constitute an event of their own. If there is only one common thread to these three different types of events, it would be this: that in all we do, we strive for reasonable accuracy in portraying life as it was during the War for Southern Independence. We are as much living historians as we are anything. Our hobby is fun, but there are times when there is an air of solemnity about it, too, when we find ourselves standing on sacred ground where men who first wore the uniforms of grey and blue suffered and died. Spectators have a reasonable expectation of our comporting ourselves properly and giving them a glimpse of history that will make history seem so ." But when the battle is over, the dead rise up and walk when the commanding officers cry "Resurrect!".much more real, vital, and relevant to them. Our portrayals seek to make each type of event a real form of living history. Unlike our forebears, no one truly dies in our battles or skirmishes. To enhance the feel of realism about what we do, some may be selected to "die" at appropriate times and others may choose to die. This is desirable when clearly there would have been fatalities under the circumstances in which we find ourselves. So we "die." But when the battle is over, the dead rise up and walk when the commanding officers cry "Resurrect!".
What Do I Need First?
That is not as simple a question to answer as it may appear. Most of the equipment you will use the first few times out will probably belong to other people in The Washington Artillery, and what you need may even be affected by the specific event you will first attend with us. The list typically begins with items which are most difficult to obtain from others, such as footwear and period eyeglasses. For your first event, you need only bring yourself, a cooler with ice and drinks (and food, unless you want to participate in our Food Committee), possibly a stool or chair to sit on, a sleeping bag or cot and blankets, and - if possible - either a pair of brogans or artillery boots by the time of that event. Bootees (often referred to as brogans) or boots are the one item in least supply as surplus in anyone’s outfit, making them the hardest items to loan to someone new to the hobby. The likelihood that your shoe size will match that of others in The Washington Artillery who may have an extra pair is slim. However, we may have some options or suggestions that may get you into a relatively inexpensive pair of bootees (brogans) or boots. You will also want to obtain a canteen fairly early in your re-enacting life. Let our officers know which of the next events you will be attending so they can collect equipment and clothing from within our group to outfit you for your first event. There will be room for you in someone’s tent, and somehow we will gather together enough clothing so that you look right for your first event. It can become an expensive hobby, mainly because you tend to buy what you want after you have bought what you need. Most of us have far larger "want" lists than "need" lists. For your first event it is best if you let us lend you clothing to get through the weekend before you make a heavy investment. Re-enacting is not for everyone. Don't cheat by looking ahead to see where the prices are. Over a period of time, you may find that you have a fair amount of money wrapped up in this hobby. There are some ways you can reduce the amount of money you have to tie up in re-enacting with us (refer to our "Re-enacting Tips: Equipment" section to see ways in which you can save some money). But re-enacting will cost you a fair amount if yours is a military impression. That's the bad news. But there's good news, too. Before you panic, remember this: you have six months in which to show that you are making a reasonable effort toward getting your complete Washington Artillery uniform, and a full year in which to obtain the equipment you will need as a member of The Washington Artillery for the Confederate impression; and you have a year-and-a-half from starting in with us until you have to have the complete Federal uniform. You do not have to obtain all of the equipment before you attend your first event with us. What we expect is that you will make reasonable progress toward obtaining your equipment, demonstrating that you are making a reasonable effort during your probationary period with us (the first six months), and that your equipment will be within the guidelines set by our organization. Also, lest you panic when you see the prices, keep in mind that the estimated prices listed here tend to be on the high side, and some items listed are optional. The question of cost will vary according to a number of different factors. First, if you purchase all of your goods ready-made versus sewing and making them yourself, the cost will be higher than for someone who is able to make most of their own goods. Sometimes used goods are available, either from other members or sutlers (the merchants who specialize in supplying goods to re-enactors), which might mean a substantial savings. Ask around before you make your first purchases. You may find that you can easily make some items, such as shirts or camp furniture, but that it is prudent for you to buy your wool uniforms from a sutler or used wool uniforms from someone in 5th Co. You will not need everything on the list today. In fact, there are a number of items on the list which are optional that you may never need, but may simply want to have. Plan for the next event you believe you will be able to attend, for there is nothing gained by buying equipment now which will not be useful to you until three months from now when you really need other items between now and then. For instance, if the next event you plan to attend is one in which The Washington Artillery will be dressed out as a Federal battery, you may want to focus on obtaining the footwear and the Union forage cap, and perhaps the pants if you are able to do so. Concentrate on those items which will serve you best most immediately and which will be most difficult to borrow from someone within The Washington Artillery. As with any area of life, you must be judicious and careful in choosing not only the goods but even the merchants who supply them. Speaking with the non-commissioned and commissioned officers of The Washington Artillery to learn their recommendations of sutlers and sources is a primary way to locate the right sutlers. Members have had good experience. Use this as your guide in locating the items you need.
We prefer that you use C&D Jarnagin out of Corinth, Ms. to get your uniforms through. Order your C.S. uniform first then go get your Yankee Note: things like shirts, Boots ect. will cross over so no need to buy those things twice.
Confederate Federal (C.S. Shell is Richmond Gery) Vest $50-80 (Cadet Gery) Vest Uion Issue $ 50-80 W.A. Kepi $ 45 - 135 Forage cap or Kepi $ 21 - 70 Eyeglasses with Rx lenses $ 50 - 175 Socks $ 6 - 15 Suspenders $ 10 - 22 2pc Belt $ 18 - 32 Belt $ 10 - 18
Haversack $ 11 - 35 Poncho $ 35 Tin cup $ 4 - 15 Tin plate $ 1 - 8 Utensils (set of 3) $ 5 - 30 Tent $ 60 - 350 Camp stool $ 8 - 80 Camp chair $ 15 - 350 Lantern $ 16 - 45 Duster $ 85 - 180 - Not needed - pr ices are approximations and they assume that you will purchase the clothing rather than sewing it yourself.Most of the wools are available within a price range of $10 a yard (for lightweight dark blue wool, as used in making the Federal shell jacket or forage cap) to $32 a yard (for the most expensive sources for Richmond grey wool). Wool will most typically cost $16 a yard to $23 a yard, depending on the source you use. A shell jacket will require somewhere around 2 1/2 to 3 yards of wool, and the distinctive Washington Artillery uniform will require approximately 4 1/2 to 5 yards of 58" - 60" wide material for both trousers and the Richmond Depot jacket. Buttons for the Federal uniform cost 60˘ to $1 per button, while the authentic cast-brass pelican buttons for the Washington Artillery uniform cost approximately $1.85 per button (and the stamped version of the pelican button, when available, is about $1 per button). 5th Company - Washington Artillery members should refer to the Recommended Sutlers Links for further source information.
Keep in mind that many items are used for both Confederate and Federal impressions. For instance, the same shirt, socks, boots, poncho, duster, greatcoat, and suspenders would be used for both impressions. You would use the same tin cup, plate, utensils, lantern, and tent, regardless of whether you were Confederate or Federal. Be mindful of the fact that not all items are required, but some are more a matter of convenience and comfort (such as the greatcoat or poncho or lantern). While this list contains some optional items, these are by no means all of the optional items you may want to buy. Many folks go through a period where they want everything, eventually acquire most everything they wanted, and then find that they have a lot of things they rarely use because they are too troublesome to pack or set up, or they just didn’t need it after all. Others, particularly those with families (and especially with younger children) may find that they will want or need a number of items that a single lady or gentleman re-enacting with us would never even consider. Decide for yourself the level of comfort you will require, or the particular needs you may need to meet, and proceed with caution from there. You can develop your own approximation of costs for a civilian impression by looking through the remainder of our "Tips" section, and referring to various sutlers' catalogs.
Please feel free to Help us out, so we can keep History Alive !!
|
