31st PA - woman in camp photo

[lhsnj]

Camp of 31st Pennsylvania Infantry near Washington, D.C..(1862?)

http://memory.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3g00000/3g07000/3g07900/3g07983v.jpg

SUMMARY
Woman with sleeves rolled up holding basket, posed in front of tent with a soldier (possibly her husband) and three children, other soldiers in the background.

CALL NUMBER
LOT 4172-C
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I was going back through my Civil War Times Illustrated, and the August 1999 issue was dedicated to women and the war. One of the articles was by Vickie Wendel and was about "Washer Women." This photo accompanied the article.

In the meantime, our unit is working on having our own unit drill and related civilian COI to help our younger members think of ideas for them to try or explore. The idea of a laundress came up and I posted the photo for our membership to view. One of them asked about the kids in camp and another asked why we assume she is a laundress?

It is labelled as a group of the 31st PA, and according to a quick search they were in/around Washington in 61-62. So I thought that she may be the wife of the soldier in the photo. She may be a laundress, I think there is a washboard and soap to the right of the children. It is also neat how the boy has a matching "uniform" to his father(?).

One of ladies in our group made an observation about the basket she is holding that it might be more of a "market type basket" rather than a basket meant for laundry.

Just curious as to others thoughts are about this photo..

Thanks

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

The greatest pottery image there is. Nine or ten clear cut examples in one place.

The 1850’s Persia pattern octagonal ironstone compote is the best of the lot. And the gaudy pitcher at the far left isn't too shaby .

[ElizabethClark]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

Looking at the son, I don't see a mini-uniform. I see a very common boy's coat style ("roundabout), and a boy's cap--normal, non-military boy's clothing.

Before using the image as a reason to have women doing things in camp, it's important to note that this seems to be an image of a static military encampment, not a campaigning encampment. If the event scenario is of an over-wintering bivouac in Washington, and the unit being portrayed hailed from close enough to Washington to make family visits a possibility (such as if the portrayed unit is the 31st PA, and *one* fellow has a wife and three kids...), then the option for family visits at least exists. If the event scenario calls for skirmishes with the "enemy", that sort of eliminates the whole circumstance of this particular photo.

That baby? I suspect that's a little boy. The side-part is one common feature of little boys; girls most often have a center part, as his sister wears. I always want to wrap Sister and Bitty Boy in a shawl when I see this image. Mom has a jumper, Dad and Brother have jackets... and Sister and Bitty Boy have open necklines and short sleeves.

(I think it's the washtub, soap, and board to the side that convince people she's a laundress.)

[lhsnj]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

Looking at the son, I don't see a mini-uniform. I see a very common boy's coat style ("roundabout), and a boy's cap--normal, non-military boy's clothing.

Before using the image as a reason to have women doing things in camp, it's important to note that this seems to be an image of a static military encampment, not a campaigning encampment. If the event scenario is of an over-wintering bivouac in Washington, and the unit being portrayed hailed from close enough to Washington to make family visits a possibility (such as if the portrayed unit is the 31st PA, and *one* fellow has a wife and three kids...), then the option for family visits at least exists. If the event scenario calls for skirmishes with the "enemy", that sort of eliminates the whole circumstance of this particular photo.

That baby? I suspect that's a little boy. The side-part is one common feature of little boys; girls most often have a center part, as his sister wears. I always want to wrap Sister and Bitty Boy in a shawl when I see this image. Mom has a jumper, Dad and Brother have jackets... and Sister and Bitty Boy have open necklines and short sleeves.

(I think it's the washtub, soap, and board to the side that convince people she's a laundress.)

Thanks for the response. I do not wish to use this image as a reason to fill a camp with women and children. When I originally typed up my message I was going to put in the note that I do realize this only represents a moment in time.

Thanks for the comments on the boys clothing.

Our units COI/Drill will be taking place as a static camp. But the main thrust is to help the younger members find something that interests them and help them to explore it.

Thanks

[Tabbico]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

This image is in our local high school's history text book!!

What has always intrigued me about it is that the woman appears to be wearing something akin to a sweater.

Polly Steenhagen

[Vuhginyuh]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=576&highlight=sweater

[ThehosGendar]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

She sure is wearing a sweater, and a bit tattered, too. She's also got a knitted bonnet, as well!

This is one of my fiancée's favorite images. She's got it framed and hanging in the dining room!

[Jen McGarrahan]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

I love this picture, my husband and I have spent hours looking at it and discussing it. So much to be seen, if you really look. Thank you for posting it.

[Rob Weaver]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

That sweater is great, especially with the snags and tears. As I understand it, sweaters were associated with sailors. Here's a garment that will keep you warm even when it's wet and give you almost unrestricted movement of your arms. They were, as a fashion accessory, a fairly new idea; college students playing football wore sweaters as part of their rudimentary protective gear. I've never seen another clear picture of a woman in a sweater, which may suggest the rarity. She is, however, doing housework, and comfort may be more important that fashion in this instance.

[Clarkbowman]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

For the most part I would agree with Elizabeth, Winter camp yes. The picture is a great one full of items to look at, the pottery, broom, the ladies sweater and so on. As for the boy I do think it is a kepi and not a civilian hat, the coat I have no idea, here is a closser look,


I have also added a link to another image taken just before or after the one here. You will see several items moved and a new bunch of men in the background Posted it on our site to keep from eating up space here so I could keep it larger for all to see.

http://forrestsescort.com/images/01666u.tif

[ElizabethClark]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

Mr. Bowman, don't forget to configure your signature file to add you full name to each post, or else type it in.

The area of boys' caps is one that needs more research--I've not tried every style, but I would not be uncomfortable suggesting that a military-styled cap may be an option for a young lad, without actually being military issue (and thus government property).

[GreencoatCross]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

Is it just me or does the woman's knit garment look like it has a full-front opening like a sack coat? It looks like it has frayed tape trim down the front, a button towards the bottom, and a buttonhole at the top. Kind of looks like it's pulled way over for a better fit.

We know that knit sack coats were produced, and there are several images of such garments (see the LOC images of the 7th NYSM)...maybe she's wearing an "Aspinwall" as issued to the 7th and other NY regiments.

Brian White
Wambaugh, White, & Co.

https://www.wwandcompany.com

[DaveGink]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

Here is a litle larger, clearer version. I also believe that is indeed a kepi on the boy with the puppy.

[Jed Millet]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

Here is a question:

Did the Federals have nine button front shell jackets with epaulets?

I always assumed this photo was labeled incorrectly, when I've viewed it before. I have always liked this image, as well, my wife and children find it intriguing.

The sweater and bonnet are great, and as my wife pointed out, she does not appear to be wearing a corset.

- Jed

[ElizabethClark]

Re: 31st PA - woman in camp photo

There is more softness in the bust than is normally found with a baleen or steel-boned fashionable corset, but soft, minimal support is entirely consistent with light corded or quilted stays (which are also used for hardworking situations), so I'd lean toward "nonfashion support" rather than none at all.

Her jumper neck does look pulled over a bit, doesn't it? I've not magnified it enough to see any long vertical folds or lines that holler "placket" to me, though.