Knapsacks & Blanket Rolls Redeux

[Spinster]

Re: Lined Blankets

Mark, how heart rending---and a methodology that continues.

I've examined a Depression era quilt made with the piecing paper left intact--high quality rag bond used office paper, with bits of the letter still readable through rents in the fabric, and handled several others where the feel of the quilt made it obvious that paper had been left in.

Just as poignantly, my Father recalls his sisters sewing layers of newspaper together to augment bedding for his family in the early 1930's, as his crippled, widowed mother struggled to raise 8 children.

And, since on this rainy day, I'm actually making lined blankets, of drill and wool, thought does turn to incorporating a layer of paper as well.

Do the current Harper's repro's have the feel of the period ones? I've got a varigated stack acquired from NPS sites, somewhat the worse for wear after several years of jouncing about--might be an interesting use.

[Kace]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I am a knapsack guy all of the way. I have tried the blanket roll and just can't get it to feel as comfortable as the knapsack.

Kace

[ney]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

What was meant by wearing both knapsack and blanket roll? I have seen reenactors doing this, but have never seen any images of this practice.

That's a lot of stuff. I am prefer a knapsack myself.
Jake Beckstrand

[weed]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I use a double bag knapsack (Radamacker, boy does this date me) for Federal and a Mex War pack for Johnnie. Reason: a blanket roll cuts off the wind (air) to your head and makes it hotter. Also, it is easier to keep track of your personal stuff with a knapsack than a blanket roll. Sorry, I do not put my "haversack stuffers" (stupid farb sutlers) in a dirty haversack.:sarcastic

Weed

[Jim Moffet]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

Depending on the historical context of the event, I will carry either.

But sometimes history dictates a lot less. When the First Minnesota left Harrison's Landing on the Peninsula August 4, 1862, there wasn't room on the steamboat for the knapsacks. These were to follow on the next boat. The men landed at Alexandria, fought in the rearguard actions at Vienna & Flint Hill, waded the Potomac at Edward's Ferry, marched across Maryland, slept among the dead at South Mountain, fought in the West Woods at Antietam (loosing 100 men), buried the dead, forded the Potomac at Harper's Ferry, and went into camp on Bolivar Heights 22 September. That night they took a bath in the Shenandoah, boiled their shirts, and the NEXT DAY the wagons arrived with their knapsacks! Sgt. James Wright, Co. F, stated that the boys thereafter referred to this as the "Forty Days without Change of Shirt." I hasten to add, nor tent, gum blanket, blanket, socks, etc.

Jim Moffet
First Minnesota Volunteers, Co. A

[lawson]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I prefer the Bedroll. I know alot of guys who use knapsacks, and it has mostly resulted in sore shoulders and backs. Just too many knapsacks in my opinion. Read the accounts of soldiers ditching there's during long marches. There was a reason.

Later,

[pvtbordonaro]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

William,
I agree. Problem is, few reenactors know what a long march (in full marching order) is since few have gone more than five - ten miles at a time thus encumbered. It'd be interesting to outfit ten reenactors with knapsacks and ten with bedrolls, both being the same weight, and have them put in a good twenty miles on the road (not all that long a march during the actual war). I'd be willing to bet some of the knapsack-wearing boys would've switched to a bedroll by about mile ten. Of course, if you're only doing ten miles or less the knapsack probably is preferable since it does have other advantages, such as being able to carry more loose items more easily than in a bedroll.
-Joe Bordonaro

[20thmainer]

Quilts v. blankets

Can any one tell me the authenticity of using a quilt instead of or in conjunction with issued blankets in both a dog tent and campainger camps.

[JohnTaylorCW]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

This question comes up now and then: this is my copy of an OLD thread (2001?) discussing the question:

Feel free to chime in with additions.

TMDreb
Paper Collar

Posts: 7
(5/11/01 11:09:46 pm) What's wrong with quilts?
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I've been noticing a common thread while checking out unit/event authenticity guidelines, and that is the phrase "no quilts". What gives? I'd like to know why quilts are so maligned by authentic reenactors.
Scott McKay
High Private

Posts: 29
(5/12/01 8:36:30 am) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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Have you ever tried carrying a wet quilt?

Not only does it take forever (x's 2) to dry out, but the stuffing inside weighs a ton when saturated.

Having done alot of antiquing and shopping around for quilts in the past, I have personally found that in most cases, the only ones that look right are the originals. Which, are usually fragile. But I think the matter of getting water-logged and extremely heavy is enough to not want to carry them when on campaign.

Have you given the thought of using a coverlet? Eventhough originals are sometimes available (and not too exhorbitant in price), there are several souirces for good reproduction coverlets. And, when a coverlet gets wet, it doesn't weigh a ton (as compared to a quilt).

As every seasoned campaign soldier knows (then and now), when on the march, every pound (or the lack thereof) adds up.
CurtHeinrichSchmidt
Buck Private

Posts: 156
(5/12/01 10:36:15 am) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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Howdy!

Aside from their wet weather "unfriendliness," the biggest problem is a historical one- there is a difference between modern quilts and CW era quilts. Particularly, the mass produced quilts sold for $10 in vacant lots and gas stations... ;-)
I lucked into five or six pre 1870's, hand-sewn from scap material, family quilts when my wife's grandfather died. A number of them were used as under-mattress pads.
They ranged from like new to pretty shabby.
An historical quilt maker redid the stuffing and backing on two, making a full size and twin size qilt I used for my CS impression for a number of years. The ones that could be saved, were made into turn-of-the-century style "teddy bears" and distributed to family members so that the quilt and the family connection lives on.
As already said, they do not do well when wet or soaked, and are a very poor substitute for a good WOOL blanket both in terms of warmth when damp, and in ease of drying out when wet.

Heinrich
Scott McKay
High Private

Posts: 32
(5/12/01 11:24:40 am) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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A couple of years ago, I lucked out by finding a quilt in an antique shop in Morgantown, Kentucky. If this quilt isn't of an 1860's construction, it was done soon thereafter. The back is peiced together with seven different patterns of ticking (along with a nice tight blue checked shirting material). The front has a peiced checkboard pattern, done mostly with black and brown jean fabric (some of them patched...to indicate they were probably pants).

Another quilt I picked up at Olustee about 10 or 11 years ago... it is constructed entirely of red, white and blue flag bunting, and the fabric is definitely of a period nature... one side is of a checker board pattern, and the other side was done in a striped pattern that is broken up in thirds. The edge on both sides is trimmed with a 1 1/2 inch red border.

I don't know if the bunting quilt would be appropriate, as it may have been inapropriate to carry flag remnants in the ranks... but the other one sure would.

But, I don't carry it for the practical reason previously stated (the weight of it getting wet and the fragility of the item).
Susan Hughes
Paper Collar

Posts: 1
(5/12/01 11:37:27 am) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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I'll chime in and agree with Mr. Schmidt's comments on historically accurate quilts. Quilts are an incredibly complex subject that require a good deal of study before picking out one to use for a mid-19th century impression. Just like choosing the correct sack coat, or the correct knapsack - there is a good bit of homework to be done when choosing something brought from your pre-war civilian life.

(An aside here: after the event was over at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in 2000, I found in the "campaigners" area a really, really 1950s quilt bedroll. I checked with some of the folks who were camping in that area -- no one would claim it.... ).


Here are some places to start researching:

Barbara Brackman, Clues in the Calico -- an excellent study of mid-19th century quilts and textiles, including patterns and colors.

NOTE: I DO NOT RECOMMEND her QUILTS OF THE CIVIL WAR or CIVIL WAR WOMEN:Their Quilts, Their Roles and Activities for Re-enactors except for content material -- the quilts in those 2 books are modern-day interpretations of period quilts -- some of which are documentable and some of which are not. The text in those books are excellent, however, for putting quilts into context.

Bets Ramsey and Merikay Waldvogel - Southern Quilts is another excellent source.

Sandi Fox - For Purpose and Pleasure: Quilting Together in 19th Century America is another good source.

Check our museums which have quilts with a good provenance.

IN GENERAL (and speaking very broadly here): many of the patterns which we see most commonly today date from the 1930s - 1950s when there was a revival of interest in quilting. Patterns like Grandmother's Fan, Double Wedding Ring, and the like are far too post-CW for our use. Similarly, Victorian "crazy" quilts and tied quilts are generally speaking post-war. The "craze" of the 1950s was for appliqueed and embroidered quilts -- a technique that is found less often today than pieced quilts.

Bottom line: if you want to use a quilt (keeping in mind Mr. McKay's comments on the drying properties of a quilt), there's a lot of homework to be done before making a selection.

Susan L. Hughes
TMDreb
Paper Collar

Posts: 8
(5/12/01 7:50:22 pm) Quilts
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Truthfully, the reason why I was asking is that I already have a couple of quilts, and as I'm upgrading my impression, I was checking to see if it was a possible option to use until I found a suitable bank to rob so I can spend the money on an authentic wool blanket. The one I'm using is large, but kinda thin. I can wrap it around me, which is nice. It's mostly a light blue with a kinda fan or star shape in the center made of various colors, mostly green and yellow.

Phil

Cushwa Invincibles
An Ossifer

Posts: 203
(5/12/01 7:54:21 pm) Re: Quilts
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Phil,

Pat Kline has an option. The double woven civilian blanket is about $90. Less if you sew the center seam and edges yourself. Little Ms. Bev got hers for $45, and that's not bad for a first class blanket.

Your Pard,
Charles
The Rowdy Pards
TarHeel26
Paper Collar

Posts: 8
(5/13/01 1:02:00 am) Re: Quilts
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While cleaning out my attic I found a quilt and have verified that it is of 1860's construction but it has a number of tears, holes, and what looks to be dry rot. My question is, is there a way to repair this? Would it work to just put patches over the damaged areas?


Charlie Bush
26th N.C.T.
SparksBird
Fresh Fish

Posts: 18
(5/13/01 9:37:08 am) Re: Quilts
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I agree with Mrs. Hughes one hundred percent on the use of quilts. First, they are a very complicated item that would require a lot of research to find one that is period to the civil war. Second, from a curators point of view, why would you take one out onto the field? What is the difference between wearing an original uniform to reenact in or carrying an original quilt or coverlet? I would recommend a repro anyday. As stated earlier, Pat Kline offers some excellent alternatives. My wife has the pumpkin and green double woven blanket and she loves it!

Rick Musselman
Buckeye Mess
Susan Hughes
Paper Collar

Posts: 2
(5/13/01 5:27:47 pm) Re: Quilts
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A correction to my post above, and an addition:

I meant to say 1850s when referring to appliqueed and embroidered quilts, not 1950s. My apologies.

And to add to Mr. McKay's comment, we see far too few woven coverlets and carpets in use as coverings, especially among Confederates.

Besides the ubiquitous blue-and-white (usually Whig Rose pattern) woven coverlets, a typical household of the 1850s/1860s might have had numerous cotton warp/wool weft or wool/wool woven coverlets, in a variety of colors. Then there are the 3 and 4 color jacquard coverlets. Good and fairly inexpensive repros of these are fairly widely available (the jacquard being more expensive than the 2 color).

And we see too little carpeting in use -- venetian or ingrain being the carpet of choice because it was the "out-of-date" carpet in the household. In this case, reproductions are more expensive than finding an original in good shape. At the Heart of Country Antique Show in Nashville this past February, I saw probably a hundred coverlets and 40 pieces of ingrain carpet for sale.

As a museum professional, I must echo Mr. Musselman's comment about not using original textiles in situations where they might be damaged -- these are irreplaceable resources. However, in a static situation, and where the original is in good shape, and where there is little chance of damage by stress, water, &c. these can add a fine touch to an impression.

Susan L. Hughes
Capt King
Comrade in Arms

Posts: 71
(5/14/01 2:38:27 am) Re: Quilts
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No one here has answered the question asked. Once again I see that the problem is that everyone wants you to look like they want you to look and not the way one would have looked. Would a CW soldier have cared about how heavy his quilt was when it rained? No, he would have been damn proud to have the quilt in the first place when it was desperately needed. Could he have called up Klien's to order a new nifty one? No, he did not have that option. Where did a CW soldier in the South get a blanket when really in need? He would have brought it from home, had it sent from home or foraged a blanket from the nearest house which would have been a what? A quilt. While I agree with everyone that any quilt should be period correct, I find banning quilts at events distasteful. Is this what we are coming down to? Are we now not guilty of being the dreaded revisionists when it comes to what authentic is? I would venture to say that if a survey was taken at any time in the Army of Tennessee, one would have found around 50% of the men were carrying quilts. This also takes me back to my post about hats that had to be bound with ribbon, have a sweat band and a period correct liner, etc to be acceptable. Im sorry but the men used what they had which was sometimes nothing at all. Once again they could not run down to Dirty Billy, Clearwater, etc to purchase a new one just so they could fight. I want to challenge all here to not get too carried away with these lack of authenticity, authenticity standards and let's get back to what really was and not just what some of us want it to be. Look at your original photos again and ask yourself just what would original be? I eagerly await all responses.
Capt King, CoE 46th Tenn, "The Henry County Rifles"
KKransel
Paper Collar

Posts: 8
(5/14/01 7:34:53 am) Re: Quilts
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Before I got to Capt. Kings post, I was thinking the same thing. And that is, no one seemed to be addressing the question, addressing only the facts that a quilt gets heavy when it rains, or that no one makes a period correct quilt. Quilts proably didnt hold up as well as a wool or jean wool blanket, and wool blankets hold the heat in better when wet I believe, but did CW soldiers use quilts? I bet they did, altough I dont have the documentation right in front of me. To some soldiers, IM sure a blanket was a blanket if they really neede one. Maybe there is a market waitng to be tapped for period correct quilts. I wouldnt mind using one during the hotter summer months, plus a quilt is a bit lighter. If it gets wet, well, I guess I would just have to either put up with it or pitch it, depending on how much of a burden it would be.

KK
Cushwa Invincibles
An Ossifer

Posts: 207
(5/14/01 8:34:40 am) Re: Quilts
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Pards,

The original fellows didn't have to worry about whether or not their quilt or blanket was period correct, if you know what I mean. Some of the quiltphobia (and riflephobia) stem from issues relating back to more mainstream events. For example, on the rifle issue, the fellows in the 45th NY use Mississippi Rifles, and know what they are doing. Most events do not allow these weapons, under the usual assumptions of safety, etc.

The quilt issue is parallel in some ways.

How many of us have seen someone show up with a quilt that was obviously modern fabric? You know, like the infamous "puppy dog print" day dress from 135th G'burg? It happens. Banning quilts is a knee jerk reaction to the baaaaaad quilts that show up from time to time, but, within our segment of the hobby, there are people who not only possess proper quilts, but the knowledge to know the difference between correct and incorrect articles. So, how does one differentiate between the two at inspection time?

Easy question. Difficult answer.

More and more events are implementing a brief inspection upon registration. This is a good idea. At the same time, an argument over a piece of gear could devolve into a "yeah? oh, yeah?" situation. To borrow from a practice that was popular 12-15 years ago, one could consider a "proof book" for items beyond the norm, and a page for a quilt with a photograph and documentation should suffice. On the other hand, perhaps listing a handful of acceptable quilt patterns for an event (opening a can of worms), just as we do for uniform and equipment items would also be of assistance. Either way, there will be some exceptions and some character trying to find a loophole, such as seen at Outpost 2000, but I agree with the fellows who say we should see more of them, because that's an item the old boys indeed used, abused, and suffered from in '61-'65.

A few weeks ago, there was a thread about an unbound hat, and this follows along the same lines. In trying to filter out certain undesirable items, perhaps we have also filtered out some of the items we should be using.

Now, about those BaCoVa all-cotton throws folks are passing off as wool coverlets....

Your Pard,
Charles
The Rowdy Pards


Leatherstocking
Shirker

Posts: 23
(5/14/01 10:20:41 am) Quilts when wet...
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I'm not sure anyone has covered this aspect but not only are quilts HEAVY if they get wet they are miserable to sleep under. I'd argue that a decent wool blanket provides a lot more protection and warmth when wet and is possibly more durable.

To me a wet quilt is an uncomfortable,sodden,cold,mess- unless perhaps- it was made largely from wool bits. Given the choice I'd rather have a good wool blanket. Yet given the choice between a quilt and nothing I'd have to concede that the quilt would be my choice.

Matthew Nelson






CurtHeinrichSchmidt
Buck Private

Posts: 165
(5/14/01 12:07:36 pm) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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Howdy, Pards!

No?

RE: "...the biggest problem is a historical one- there is a difference between modern quilts and CW era quilts. Particularly, the mass produced quilts sold for $10 in vacant lots and gas stations..."

Short answer repeated.

The larger issue is not whether quilts were used by Confederates, but rather why the "hobby" throws the baby out with the bath water?
It is a reenactorism, that can be argued both ways, that we go about things by putting the burden of proof
on "why it is right" rather than "why is it wrong." Defending the use of an item, is kept from becoming a man-by-man, article-by-article, item-by-item court-case with empirical and prima facia evidence offered into the record as each man goes through the gate of a reenactment.
It is much, much easier, and faster, to make sweeping, generic, statements with "look alikes," products believed to have copied from original items by well-known, knowledgeable, and skilled craftspeople rather than ever hope to have an "inspector" with a wide-enough knowldege base to review and rule on any or all
articles anyone would be bringing to an event.
Is it right? No, not by a long stretch. Are sweeping generalizations correct? Although the topic for a longer debate, the short answer is "yes" because it facilitates the attempted "enforcement" of some form of "standards" without bogging things down.
At the 18th century events I held and attended, it was particpation by invitation, with each man having a
"manifest" of his clothing and gear, persona, research for the artifact copied and period aco****s of its use.
The manifest was illustrated by photographs. Clothing and gear was further inspected by two knowledgeable men, who then signed the cover page. Any member had the power to challenge any article
which prevented its future use until it was found to be documented.
It worked surprisingly well, but for less than 12 men. And would not work for any such thing as a reenactment or LH event.

RE: "...the problem is that everyone wants you to look like they want you to look and not the way one would have looked."

Precisely.
If everyone looked like Civil War soldiers looked, there would be no need for standards or discussions such as this. "Correctness" or "authenticity" is a modern invention designed to try to persuade people who do not
look like CW soldiers looked to look a little more like CW soldiers and not CW reenactors.
If we all just looked like CW soldiers... but since many do not, and do not care that they do not, since they are "in it" for things other than "history."

Capt King, Sir:

I am hardly an event host or sponsor, but if you want to fall in with me with your historically correct hat with its vestiges of what used to be there, and a historically-correct CW quilt, I'd be proud to march with you anytime.
But if I have to leave my ACTUAL CW era patchwork quilt at home to reduce the risk of 50% of fellow Confederates falling in around me with $10 gas station quilts, I probably would give up mine because when
everything is possible, nothing is probable.
And the rest is supposed to be history.
BIRD.

Heinrich
Known Quilt User Mess

I can't prove it, but I am sure the original owner of the "Pea Ridge" Confederate homespun blanket reproduced a while back from the Wisconsin Veterans Museum dumped that light-weight material "mosquito net" in favor of a quilt the first frosty night he shivered under it...
Capt King
Comrade in Arms

Posts: 75
(5/14/01 4:06:20 pm) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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Heinrich,
I respect your opinion and have learned much from your posts of the past. Once again I believe you have come as close to a correct answer as one can. I can defend my quilt carrying through original pictures as well as original letters that I have had the pleasure to view. Im sure you have had the opportunity to observe many yourself. The problem is that what one wants to do correctly, another wants to use the use of that item to back up their own use of an obviously non-period item. This calls for oversweeping rules and regs that affect us all. I guess the obvious question is, when does the rules and regs start to affect authenticity to the point of being non-authentic? I for one try to be as authentic as possible and that is why I frequent this sight so as to learn more and also find where to acquire the most authentic items available from great minds like yourself. As you know a lot of the southern soldiers fought and existed with just what they were lucky enough to find. This led to a more non-military look than the US regulars. It is a constant battle to try and convince others what is obviously not correct for an impression. I just am afraid that what I see happening is what I have to call revisionism in our hobby because of the ignorance of others. I once heard an old country song that said that even Jesus Christ would not be welcome in the modern day church because of the way he looked. Could it be that what we are facing in our hobby is the same? Even a real soldier would not be allowed to participate in our authentic events because he does not measure up to the authenticity standards set for the event? Just some food for thought.
Capt King, CoE 46th Tenn, "The Henry County Rifles"
CurtHeinrichSchmidt
Buck Private

Posts: 168
(5/14/01 6:19:14 pm) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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Howdy, Comrade!

I wholeheartedly agree.
I sometimes see the need for imposing standards (which should not be necessary if everyone followed history as closely as possible instead of following sutlers' row...) as a Frankenstein monster.
We create authentcity standards for the good or "reenactorkind" only to have it turn on its creator.

Heinrich
A B Normal Brain Mess
Hamfman
Paper Collar

Posts: 1
(5/16/01 4:35:58 pm) Re: What's wrong with quilts?
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I have seen the no quilt rule from time to time as well. I think the problem has been that people show up with a non-period quilt made for example by the Amish (Nothing against them). Perhapps including incorrect dimenisions, patterns, and fabrics. After all not everything they make is period. Also some of those quilts use printed fabrics. Im not saying they didn't have prints but there is a difference between what you find at "Cloth world" and an original quilt.
Another thought is that quilts are good to use for some impressions but maybe not the best for all impressions. While I would carry one without hesitation for my Missouri State Guard impression or perhaps my Missouri Confederate impression, I would never bring one for my 47th Missouri impression because I know they were issued army blankets.
I agree with an earlier post they are not the best to use in wet weather as wool does retain its insulation much better than a cotton quilt. In a rainstorm I would sooner turn the quilt into a shebang than use it as a blanket.
Speaking of printed fabrics Del Warren's wife (Del is a Sutler)did a book on period prints by era though, not by year. Based on my findings there were prints out there that would blow you away. I suggest a book, Jane Austen (1775-1817) ISBN 0-517-14255-4. On one of the first pages there is a picture of a patchwork quilt made by her. About 40 years before the 1860's but worth a look.
I am presently making a quilt based on an 1851 example I came across. Unfortunately I need to cut out 1070 triangles. I have been working on it for 3 years and it will probably take me another 3 years to finish cutting the triangles. I found it easy to find sources on historical quilts and found enough information to get started without too much trouble.
My advice for quilt fans is be mindful of materials, dimensions, and patters and know what to look for before you buy it.
Frank Aufmuth
cleaveland
Comrade in Arms

Posts: 55
(5/16/01 10:55:42 pm) quilts and guidelines
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hey, I would have jumped in sooner but I just got this damn machine fixed. my view of the original question is this. yes there where quilts around and they where used. but for me the question would be are they appropriate to the event and impression you plan on using it at. I imagine the in early war both sides had men carring them, as well as coverlets. then as the war progressed they would be less prevelant with the armies being better supplied. and yes I agree that they would be used as an alternative to nothing. but say at a mid 64 campaign event in Ga, I can't for the life of me see more than 1 man in 100 carring them through what was one of the rainest springs on record.but in the main I agree with the folks that say do your research and let the history dictate what would be common among the boys we are dipicting, even if it means getting strange looks from Everyone cause your covered in dirt and orange mud.

[DougCooper]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

I sent a PM to the poster on the many different quilt threads that come up under the search function. The thread from 2001 is a bit dated. We know today that quilts were in fact carried but the problem is their usage was more of a "blanket not available." I would imagine most of us today would agree that quilts have their downside in a downpour, but I have carried one where appropriate, specifically as a member of a Florida homeguard or a very early war CS volunteer.

Finnegan's Florida troops left the state in 64 for the trenches in Virginia and there are several refs to their shabby appearance, including quilts, from vets in the line. I will try to locate the one quote that is often used. No telling how long it took for Richmond to replace the quilts with blankets. When you think about it, this makes sense as the climate in FL is warmer and these troops were often supplied from home even this late in the war. Lots of beds had quilts on them.

Mike Anderson and Mrs Anderson are probably the hobby's experts on period quilts (and they make outstanding reproductions). They are writing a book as we speak and one portion will deal with the 100,000+ Sanitary Commission quilts that were produced to fill in gaps in blanket issue for US troops. They were often used as "cot blankets" in hospitals and such. Several survive and Mike makes an outstanding reproduction.

Your average authentic reenactor probably does not need to be told to leave the quilt and bring a blanket. But all of us have seen ratty wedding ring quilts or other modern patterns at events - I think the "no quilt" prohibition probably comes from wanting to halt this practice, esp as the number of folks who can tell a modern from a period pattern is tiny.

I cannot think of a time, accept perhaps a muster-in scenario or hospital scenario, where a US soldier would likely be carrying one. CS soldiers is another matter, and one can imagine times where the supply of blankets was scarce and quilts from home might have been seen. Heck, curtains, carpets and floor cloths were used, so quilts must have been in the mix as well.

That still brings us back to the problem of identifying a period vs non-period pattern. One idea might be to restrict them to "Mike Anderson made" or put the onus on the individual to bring documetation with them that said quilt is a period pattern.

But...bring a correct blanket in the car as a backup. :)

[Rebel Yell1863]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

I like the blanket roll, I roll my ground cloth and belongings up in it and I keep my pipe in the band of my hat. Leaving plenty of room for grub in the haversack. :D

[blt37thga]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

The cotton in a quilt will somehow draw the coldness to you.

Cprl Ben Taylor
37th Ga Co.i
Hgb

[DougCooper]

Re: Quilts v. blankets

For correct period quilts see here: http://www.skilletlicker.com/servlet...ts+and+Bedding

[ney]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

William,
I agree. Problem is, few reenactors know what a long march (in full marching order) is since few have gone more than five - ten miles at a time thus encumbered. It'd be interesting to outfit ten reenactors with knapsacks and ten with bedrolls, both being the same weight, and have them put in a good twenty miles on the road (not all that long a march during the actual war). I'd be willing to bet some of the knapsack-wearing boys would've switched to a bedroll by about mile ten. Of course, if you're only doing ten miles or less the knapsack probably is preferable since it does have other advantages, such as being able to carry more loose items more easily than in a bedroll.
-Joe Bordonaro

Good point the longest I have even worn my knapsack is about 8 miles. after the first 3 or four it didn't bother me so much, but I felt it the next day.

[Utah]

Re: knapsack vs. blanket roll

OK, I guess I'm a knapsack guy as well. Obviously the bedroll is much more comfortable to wear, providing you have just a rubber blanket and a single wool blanket (I've seen some fellows that look like their carrying an inner-tube). And the heat factor can be mitigated by wearing the rubber blanket on the outside (wool on wool is too much for me) and thus you are prepared for rain as well. But in the west sometimes events take place at altitude or a chily time of year (Jake can attest to that) or both making necessary a minimum of two blankets, oil cloth and rubber blanket. This is much easier to carry with a knapsack along with a spare shirt, nightcap and socks as well. And as noted by others, it is more convenient for use and keeping track of your stuff. Spooning is optional, I suppose. I like the look of a bedroll much better though, and at times will carry one when warranted.