How do you motivate others or improve the hobby?

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

I think you nailed it square on the head, but I have one thing to add.

Everybody in this hobby, farbs and campaigners alike, is into it for a different reason. Some guys are into the fire arms drill or tactics. Some guys are into the campaign lifestyle and uniforms and equipment, while others want to get away from the wife and kids, go out with the boys and drink cheep beer out of the can around the campfire.

I try not to bash or make fun of farbs, and I also do not try to change them. I find than being friendly and leading by example is the best way to go.

[tomarch]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

Roger that Bob. When I first started in the hobby, I was in a company of guys who "were all green alike". We were all farbs of the worst sort starting out, but we had a large percentage of guys with good attitudes and only a couple of the bad. The result? Those of us who wanted to advance, kept getting better and better and the few bad apples stayed put and are at the same level today after17 years (and now far,far away from the rest of us... )

[JimKindred]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

Greg,

The problems you have identified have been around since I started reenacting in 1975 and unfortunately I believe are just the nature of the beast. We have made great strides in equipment and uniforms but the average reenactor has remainded the same.

I suppose this line from the Last of the Mohicans sums it up best.

"Chingachgook told me, Don't try to understand them; and don't try to make them understand you. For they are a breed apart and make no sense."

:)

[Hiram325]

Getting Restarted

I was very active in reenacting from 1984-1993 and was out of the life for the last 10 years. The reasons for that are not material to my current situation, which is that I'm going to come back in. I disposed of nearly every piece of gear I owned, so I'm starting from scratch, as it were. my question is this: What are currently the best sources for uniforms, accouterments, weapons, camp gear, etc? When I was part of this thing of ours in the past, Jarnigan, Quartermaster Shop, F. Burgess, and a few others I cannot recall were where the well equipped authentic equipped himself. Also, this time I'm only doing two impressions, that of Confederate infantryman and Federal infantryman. I never had a problem switching sides, so to speak, I have documented ancestors who fought on both sides. Anyway, advice and pointers from those currently active are most welcome. I have no preconcieved notions of what constitutes "hardcore" or "mainstreamer", I just want to purchase the best I can afford, and get back into one of the most enjoyable pastimes I've ever experienced. One other thing, our kids are now grown and gone, so my wife will be joining me in the field for the first time, in as authentic a way as may be possible. Any pointers about female items would also be most welcome. Thanks very much, I.S. Baker

I.S. - I moved your question here because the Feedback section is for posts commending specifically on the website. Also, you need to sign your full name to all posts. - Mike Chapman moderator

[1stSgt9La]

Re: Getting Restarted

Dear Sir,
Glad to hear your getting back into the hobby! As far as recommendations go for where to get your gear, check out the links page on this website, any of the people under vendors are great sources to get you restarted on the right path. I highly recommend C.J. Daley, Jersey Skillet Licker, and Missouri Boot and Shoe for uniforms and accouderments (both Federal and Confederate). I also recommend Orchard Hill Sutlery as a general line for things like personal items and Family Heirloom Weavers for things like Shirts and Blankets. I have ordered goods from all these places and have been greatly satisfied with the results (still waiting on the Missouri Boot and Shoe stuff though). Like I said though all the vendors on this site are great. As far as weapons go there are two sources on this site however I have not purchased from them so I really can't say. I hope this gives you at least some advice, I'm sure there will be more posts coming to give you some more info. Best of Luck!


Respectfully,
Patrick Hilt
1st Sgt. 9th Louisiana
Volunteer Infantry Company E
Miliken Bend Guards

[BishopLynch]

Re: Getting Restarted

Robert
Here are a few sites to get you started.

Charlie Childs : www.crchilds.com
Pat Kline: www.Familyheirloomweavers.com
Brian Merrick: www.cornerclothiers.com
Mike McComas: www.confederate-tailor.com
C J Daley: www.cjdaley.com
Jersey Skillet Licker: www.skilletlicker.com
Tim Welch: www.Ldhaning.com
Bob Serio: www.missouribootandshoe.com
Ben Tart: www.bentart.com
Tim Bender: www.benderhats.com

This should get the ball rolling. Keep in mind there are quite a few others, but these will be a good start.

[SCTiger]

Re: Getting Restarted

Mr. Baker:

Where do you live? Also what level of authenticity are you looking for? Sounds like you have a great attitude so welcome back. Email me or any of the AC moderators with questions if you are unsure. The sharks and bears are extremely hungry and will bite at any mention of non-authentic reenacting. So avoid the pitfalls and the fresh meat experience. Email is the way to go for the retread or the c/p/h newbie.

Greg "Cousin It" Deese
ga_deese@yahoo.com

[flattop32355]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

*Sigh*

I realize that the AC forum is specifically for the progressive/harcore/campaigner crowd, and I have no problem with that. As a basic mainstreamer who just started reenacting six months ago, I come here to learn and occasionally contribute what I can in the discussions.

Would it be at all possible to please stop equating the terms "farb" and "mainstreamer" as synonymous? One is a derogatory term. The other expresses a view of how far down the trail someone's impression has come. To me, they are totally different terms.

Please keep in mind that the goal of many p/h/c folks is to make accurate impressions the norm for the hobby, in effect turning yourselves, at that point, into (shudder!) the mainstreamers of the hobby. So please tread lightly when abusing such terminology, as you may well be wishing it upon yourselves at some future time.

I wish to issue a gentle challenge to each p/h/c here who happens to run across me at an event, no matter where or when: Come up to me and say hello. Inspect my kit and accoutrements. Let me know where you believe they are all-wrong, decent, pretty good and excellent. Comment on how I performed in drill, in the camp and in the field. Being a TUG (tubby, unbearded guy; pun intended), I know I need to loose the weight, but that will take some time. And realize that, beyond the reenactments, my services are being offered to schools, scouts, etc. to further the historical education of adults and children. And I do it well.

I am not an idiot, a moron, or a malcontent. I am not a farb. I am a mainstreamer civil war reenactor, proud to be a part of my unit whether it be on campaign or representing the era's soldiers at the most unaccurate event on record so that someone can catch a glimpse of what those men were like. I respectfully submit that I do not deserve to be mocked.

[SCTiger]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

Bernard:

A. No one was mocking you. If my thread had resembles another discussion, its merely coincidental.

B. All mainstreamers are not farbs. A mainstreamer with the right "attitude" be welcomed to any authentic event if he/she wanted to learn. Re-read my post.

C. So what was the purpose of your post? Did you post on the right board?

No one was calling anyone a moron, malcontent, TUG, fat, farb etc. If you feel slighted I am so sorry. It' a discussion, not an indictment.


Greg Deese

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

I have been involved in the scouting program for over 15 years now. I have found in that program the key is attitude. A couple good attitudes and few good "people" sometimes goes a very long way. Whether that attitude is in planning quality events or putting authentic impressions together. It carries over even to "fresh fish". If the standard is quality gear and a good time...then the pressure is off the newbies to buy crap. My unit has done a great service to me in not pressuring me to get gear, and encouraging me to buy the right stuff the first time. Having a set unit willing to loan gear for events helps alot. ATTITUDE is key, and in the end we all need to be firm in our reasons for being out on the field.

Paul B. Boulden Jr.

RAH VA MIL '04

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

Bernard

Based on everything you have said, I would say you are a "progressive". The "mainstream" is the exact same as it was when I sarted in this hobby as dismounted cav in 1989, and it will be the exact same when I retire from this hobby.

I kind of look at the mainstream and people that are progressives (IMO we are all progressives) as Chevy or Ford people or Democrats and Republicans. One may think the other is wrong or right but infact they are different sides of the same coin.

I would not be caught dead swilling moonshine at a ball or Blastin a dammed Yank in some county park, but there are people out there that would not pay over $60 for a sackcoat, sleep in the rain, or think Firper is goofy. To each there own.

[RyanBWeddle]

Re: The biggest roadblock to authenticity...

Complacency and a unwillingness to improve. That is the true roadblock(reenactors or progressives/authentics alike.)

So in the end, the biggest roadblock to authenticity is: yourself. Only you can improve.

I've said it hundreds of times - You can't save the hobby, you can only save yourself.

[Hiram325]

Re: Getting Restarted

Pards: Thanks for the prompt replies to my post, if this first day is any indication of the volume of replies to come, I should have plenty of current information to guide me. In answer to the 1st Sgt's question, I live in So. Florida, so I think units of any authenticity level are going to be few and far between in my area. I would be willing to join a unit from out of the area if there are units that would have a member from out of their home area, or I would be willing to start a new Company of an existing unit, if necessary. As far as the level of authenticity I wish to pursue, I want the most authentic uniforms and gear I can afford. I was not a farb back then, I have no intention of being one now. Are Jarnigan and The Quartermaster Shop considered unauthentic nowadays? Just asking, back in '84 when I first got started, they were both highly regarded. I appreciate the help and guidance, it is my intention to field a first class impression.
Isaac Shelby Baker IV

[Hiram325]

Re: Getting Restarted

My apology to the 1st Sgt, it was Mr. Deese who inquired as to my location.
Isaac Shelby Baker IV (Ike)

[JimKindred]

Re: Getting Restarted

Ike,

I sent you a private message with some suggestions regarding your gear and uniform. You can access it under the welcome by your name at the top right corner of the page.