Impression Suggestions

[decajun4513]

Hi all,

I've been reenacting for several years now and a recent event might be changing my future in the hobby. I had an accident recently where I compressed my spine, and damaged my sciatic nerve (I'm either in pain or have no feeling in my leg). The doctor has me walking with a cane for the time being.

I usually portray an infantry private, so I'm out of luck there for the near future. But the doctor told me that it will be at least 4 weeks until I can walk without a cane. And since I already have a pre-existing knee injury from playing ice hockey in college, my days of charging across a battlefield could be numbered.

So my question is this, if it does come to the point where I have to give up my infantry life. What do people suggest I look into as a new impression? I'm not really picky as to what field I get into, only that I stay with the military side of reenacting.

Thanks everyone for your help.

[yellowthornoftexas]

Re: Impression Suggestions

Artillery?
H/S
Al Martin

[Michael Comer]

Re: Impression Suggestions

There is a need for good male civilian impressions throughout the hobby also. And it can be quite enjoyable.

[yellowthornoftexas]

Re: Impression Suggestions

Only reason I said artillery, and re-reading my reply, I regrettably notice how 'short' it seems. Please allow me to clarify. We had an 'older' feller in our unit who was gitti'n long in the tooth and the life of an infantryman was wearin' him down. His joints were a achin somthin ter'ble and he'd 'die' early in the events. He went with one of our west coast artil'ry units to the 150th of Gettysburg and had a great time. Last year, it was jist he n I repr'sent'n Coy G, 1st Texas an' he was in sad shape. I tol' 'im, "Pard, go man the a cannon, they said ya can. they got an openin'." He was adamant about not wantin' to 'leave ya here alone 1st Sgt." Well, heck, no worries there, I fell in with another unit. I convinced him to go to the arty, lo an' behold'n, he broke out a brand new hand made uniform of the arty unit!!! LOL, he'd been plannin' fer ever, just was afraid of lettin the unit down!!!! He's happier now in arty, no marching around (out here in Cali, our fields are small and limited movement). He's a happy camper. So, if'n yer lookin to wanna be a 'soldier', I'd certainly look for an artillery unit that you can particpate in.

Semper Fi
al martin

[JLH]

Re: Impression Suggestions

The Marine Corps has left me without the ability to march. Therefor I'm in the Cavalry, which by the way is historically correct. In my research in the 8th Texas Cavalry I have found several entries where an Infantry man, due to battle field injuries, had enlisted in the Cavalry.

Artillery, as mentioned is another way to go as well as driving a Wagon.

Hope you heal up and get back to the battle.

[Tyler Gibson]

Re: Impression Suggestions

Period Artillery was more demanding than one might think from witnessing the usual funnel cake events, not that it is an unacceptable option for today's reenactor. For that matter, the same goes for Cavalry - Long days in the saddle on the move will test ones backside and lower back quick, fast and in a hurry!

For alternative impressions, I would look to the administrative side of the house, as it's often overlooked I think. VRC clerks, or just clerks in general working at HQ, accounting for reports, etc. Teamsters and contractors were also prevalent, if one has the means to do that impression up right. I think a VRC impression would be the ideal for what it is you're looking for, as they would have been thrust into that occupation by circumstances similar to what is keeping you off the field.

YMMV

[Ryan Thornton]

Re: Impression Suggestions

Following up on Tyler's suggestion, a teamster is a highly under represented impression. I listened to a gentleman at a Sully Plantation event many years ago who gave an excellent static display presentation of the duties of a teamster. He had no mules, only a parked wagon, but his impression was that of a teamster at the end of the day's march. His forage cap, blouse and trousers were worn and dusty and he looked the part of a "mule driver". His presentation was informative and entertaining and while he talked in third person this impression has lots of room for a first person presentation. Anyone own a wagon?

[Tyler Underwood]

Re: Impression Suggestions

Ok, I believe that I will hop on this train and offer up some advice.

First off let my say that I am sincerely sorry that an accident has left you unable to be a gravel agitator. I hope that you will still find a role in the hobby that you enjoy.

Secondly, having done mounted impressions, wagoner/teamster and authentic artillery and civilian, I can honestly say both a wagoner and artillery impression are more physically demanding than infantry. Trotting along beside a limbered gun, or rolling a gun in and out of battery would not do well on your spine, climbing in and our of a wagon or just riding on the wagon would likely leave you in far worse shape than when you arrived at the event. It would also likely have you wishing that you were back in the infantry.

I have never had a compressed spine and rode a horse but I would assume that anything beyond a walk would leave you in some sort of pain.

My best advice to you, would be put together a solid civilian impression. Focus on a period job that you know you can do that wouldn't bother your back. Get good at that job and provide historical interpretation for it.

JMTC