Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

[BrianHicks]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Mr. Watson,

my problem isn't just one of equipment, but one of distance! There's only one 'campaigner' style event out here on the West Coast that I know of, and haven't managed to make it out to that one yet due to time constraints, school, etc. I'm putting an event on the East Coast on my calender to make sure I can plan properly for it, have money for a plane ticket, etc.

If you are looking for events in the next year or two, consider these:

2008:
When: May 30 - June 1, 2008
Where: Pickett's Mill Battlefield, Dallas, Georgia
Who: John Cleaveland, Coley Adair, Tripp Corbin

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10120

--------------------------------

Marmadukes Raid 1863

When: Sept. 26-28, 2008
Where: South Eastern Missouri
Why: Do something different.
Who: Frank Aufmuth, Silvana Siddalis, Anna Allen, Terry Sorchy

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=10287

----------------------------------

Camp Morton POW Event. Oct 10-12 2008.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12596

----------------------------------

2009:

Bummers. Sherman's March From Atlanta to the Sea.
Nov. 13-15 2009.

http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?t=12544

http://www.bummers09.com/

-----------------------------------

If you start planning now, you should be able to block out the dates on your calendar, and start planning for the airline tickets or organizing a car pool. I know we had several Californians at Banks Grand retreat this past March.

Having participated in a few of the 'Oakley Tacticals' out there, I know how you feel about wanting to experiance a good Campaigner type event.

Hope to see you in the ranks at one of the events lisetd above.

[Mtn.Guerilla]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Pards,

I'm a relative newcomer to this hobby of ours (three years in now) and at the beginning, in my heady rush to gain a uniform, bought a mainstream 'package deal' off a sutler to remain unnamed. I had no clue that there were different vendors and differing quality of gear. Imagine my surprise when I found out otherwise! But I have since been doing my best to improve my kit and become better then the 'streamism that is the norm out West. Made sure to get my blanket, shoes and other accoutrements from good vendors and started doing my research, carrying in all my gear, etc. etc.

Now I'm in the process of replacing the mainstream gear I already have, looking for a good hat, blouse and shirt. I strive to perfect my impression, though when I look at some of the requirements for events in the Events Folder, i sometimes wonder if I showed up as I am now, would I be turned away? As a 'fresh fish' to c/p/h looking in, it is rather intimidating. But, on the other hand I hear all about how people are generous and helpful to those showing up with some sub-par gear and it helps get rid of some that trepidation.

This forum and the folks on it have been a handy resource, even for a lurker like me, with the links and other information they willingly to provide to those like me. I am hoping to make it out East for an event sometime in the next couple years and maybe meeting some of you folks face to face. You guys are a big help :) Without this forum, I think I may not have ben able to get beyond where I was when I started.

a big "Thank You" to you all,

Emilio, I'm right there with you brother. This being my third year in the hobby , I've dealt with many of the same obstacles, gear etc. But the AC really helped me start out on the path I wanted to go down, when I got into the hobby. As far as quality gear, a great source for research, and connecting with the right groups and events . I also understand that it can be intimidating, but once you "work" your way thru the hobby and get in with a good group of guys, it's a blast.

[milo1047]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Mr. Watson,

Thanks for the advice! I need all of it that I can get, what with being a fresh fish and all. :D

Mr. Hicks,

I'm already clearing space on my calender for Bummers: Sherman's March. I figure it'll give me the most time to plan, improve my kit, do my research, and save my money. I eagerly look forward to the experience!

Eric,
It's a tough boat to be in, isn't it? ;) I love this website and am heartily thankful for it's existence.

thanks to you all,

[jacifus]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

As someone who is a veteran reenactor, but trying to become as authentic as possible, I can tell you from my experience, that it is very difficult sometimes to get the correct information. I am in the process of putting together a new Trans-Mississippi impression, and since that is mostly composed of civilian attire, I am cautious about what I buy, and it seems that some sutlers out there will tell you anything to make a sale! I use "Echoes of Glory" as a starting point, but the book doesn't seem to have much out there for my impression. I think that some in this hobby give up from pure frustration...........

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Jacifus-

I think it is rather easy to get good 1st account research on the overalls of a battle/regiment/campaign. That stuff is easy. What devils me, and I think anyone, is when looking up specifics and details for a specific aspect of your impression. (See also subjects like: English leather/mess tin frequency-of-usage in the Confederate Army... or facial hair-how often seen or not seen on your average soldier?... Official Issue -items: How often used vs. private purchase/scavenged-from-war-dead-items usage)

Think: To your average Barnes and Noble afficionado, books of that "boring, limited scope" just don't sell, so why bother...? You have to look for books that are firsthand accounts written with academics in-mind and books like that can be hard to come by unless you spend hours in archives or in libraries.

That's where a forum like this is helpful, so we can come to a general concensus on each of our research findings. Good educated, open-minded discourse with fellow researchers always helps one in the proper direction or at least an idea of where to try next for information.

To me, there is always someone that knows more than myself and I love to engage those people with the right questions as to where I personally should look next for information.

Always your comrade -Johnny

[cannoneer]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Being a "fresh-fish" with almost one season under my belt (which is most likely farb) I have stopped my buying and am reading and searching out answers to my questions of what is right and what is wrong. The last thing I want to do is flush good money on the wrong gear that will wear out in one or two seasons.

Artillery seems to pose a challenge with less popularity. I have a stack of reading before me at this time. Hard tack and coffee is the next one in line.

I have seen that the recruiting in the mainstream world is in overdrive as the units I am in are mainstream. I plan on changing my affiliations when I get my kit closer and find a artillery unit in my area.

I try to keep from dreaming that I can turn my primary unit from the world of mainstream. It is hard to do.

[KarinTimour]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Dear Mr. Jacifus:

You wrote:
"I can tell you from my experience, that it is very difficult sometimes to get the correct information. I am in the process of putting together a new Trans-Mississippi impression, and since that is mostly composed of civilian attire, I am cautious about what I buy, and it seems that some sutlers out there will tell you anything to make a sale! I use "Echoes of Glory" as a starting point, but the book doesn't seem to have much out there for my impression. I think that some in this hobby give up from pure frustration."

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a vendor and I reproduce period knitwear. Personally, I won't "tell someone anything to make a sale" but I know that there are some vendors who will. None, I hasten to add, from my fellow "Approved Vendors."

Echoes of Glory can be a good resource with regard to many items, though I have heard that there are some points in that book that have been superseded with subsequent research.

In terms of "giving up in frustration..." some of us view the search for the research, documentation, originals as "the loving of the game." The hunt itself for just the right whatever-it-is can be fascinating -- and it's amazing the treasures that can be found in tiny history house museums and local historic socieities.

Perhaps it would be useful to you to post the specific points that you're having difficulty confirming about the civilian gear that you are seeking. There are several on this list whose main impression is the Trans Miss, and they may have more specific references to share.

In addiiton, there are some here who have done extensive research on civilian gear. One of my particular "stumps" (mind you, not saying that you're saying this, but a comment I've often heard) is "well, it's a civilian item, so there is no documentation available, you can use anything." Depending on the item in question, this can be far from true -- but because the researchers are working in the civilian area, military reenactors may be unaware that these resources exist.

Hope that's helpful,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Going to Cedar Creek? CJ Daley will have a fine selection of my hats and scarves!
Altantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[Charles Heath]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

I think that some in this hobby give up from pure frustration...........

A man in your part of the Republic of Texas would do well to hook up with the Texas Ground Hornets, and if your interest in the Trans-Miss is way to the north in the borderlands, a conversation with members of the ATM or Holmes Brigade should cheer you right up. The good news is this forum has a wealth of Trans-Miss members, and you are close to a fair number of them.

[jacifus]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Dear Mr. Jacifus:

You wrote:
"I can tell you from my experience, that it is very difficult sometimes to get the correct information. I am in the process of putting together a new Trans-Mississippi impression, and since that is mostly composed of civilian attire, I am cautious about what I buy, and it seems that some sutlers out there will tell you anything to make a sale! I use "Echoes of Glory" as a starting point, but the book doesn't seem to have much out there for my impression. I think that some in this hobby give up from pure frustration."

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a vendor and I reproduce period knitwear. Personally, I won't "tell someone anything to make a sale" but I know that there are some vendors who will. None, I hasten to add, from my fellow "Approved Vendors."

Echoes of Glory can be a good resource with regard to many items, though I have heard that there are some points in that book that have been superseded with subsequent research.

In terms of "giving up in frustration..." some of us view the search for the research, documentation, originals as "the loving of the game." The hunt itself for just the right whatever-it-is can be fascinating -- and it's amazing the treasures that can be found in tiny history house museums and local historic socieities.

Perhaps it would be useful to you to post the specific points that you're having difficulty confirming about the civilian gear that you are seeking. There are several on this list whose main impression is the Trans Miss, and they may have more specific references to share.

In addiiton, there are some here who have done extensive research on civilian gear. One of my particular "stumps" (mind you, not saying that you're saying this, but a comment I've often heard) is "well, it's a civilian item, so there is no documentation available, you can use anything." Depending on the item in question, this can be far from true -- but because the researchers are working in the civilian area, military reenactors may be unaware that these resources exist.

Hope that's helpful,
Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Going to Cedar Creek? CJ Daley will have a fine selection of my hats and scarves!
Altantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

My apologies Maa'm:

I was referring to sutlers NOT listed here......
I have only recently made the "jump" from mainstream, and there ARE some unscrupulous sutlers in that area :)

Jaye Curtis
12th Texas Infantry

[CSARebel54]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Well I am now just getting back into the hobby after 4 years being out (got side tracked with another hobby after an injury at a LH event). At the time I was borrowing clothes from a friend of mine in an authentic unit and I am now working on getting my kit together through research and a lot of reading on this forum. Looking forward to getting back into it because I have really missed being into this.

[KarinTimour]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Dear Mr. Curtis:

Welcome to this end of the hobby/lifestyle/obsession/whatever you call it! Please don't worry that I took offense as a vendor, personally, I"m far more interested in having satisfied repeat customers, than in a fast sale someone will regret later. Don't assume that anyone who calls themselves "authentic" is automatically to be trusted. Take your BS detector into all transactions, ask for documentation of any claims a vendor makes -- when you ask someone who truely loves making this stuff, you do risk learning far more than you want to know! I enjoy talking about socks and knitted stuff, documentation, construction, etc. and will sometimes start a reply with "how much time do you have for the answer?"

I'll add my endorsements to Mr. Heath's (not that it's needed) and urge you to hook up with the groups he's listed. Many of them are extremely generous with help and are always looking to improve the appearance and the representation of men from the Trans Mississippi. One word of warning: I wouldn't necessarily leave a chicken, pie or watermelon unguarded when they are rumored to be in the immediate vicinity.....

Warm welcome to you!

Karin Timour
Period Knitting -- Socks, Sleeping Hats, Balaclavas
Going to Cedar Creek? CJ Daley will have a good selection of my sleeping hats and scarves
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[BenjaminLDavis]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

After being out for about 6 years I attended my first event, a mainstream one. To me it seems like the ranks have thinned some, units that used to be huge were nothing but a handful now, and loads of new faces were around with a few of the same old ones. It seems there were more Mainstream/Progressives 6 years ago... There were more campaigners in general 6 years ago. It seems now there is a bigger divide, more mainstream types being even more ridiculous and very authentic folks only doing authentic events. All those who were in what I saw as the middle, seem to have picked a side.

I recently attended a mainstream event, for three reasons: it is a sentimental favorite,
having been my first event; it is close to home; I needed to get out and wear the wool,
if only for one day. And I talked another feller into going, and he went, for much the
same reasons.
While I did perhaps make some difference (one feller is hopefully going to order a
quality Kibbler pack, another had parched corn for the first time, all heard a few
songs they might never have heard otherwise,) it was a jarring experience. I had
previously attended Fort Pulaski, Shiloh and Vicksburg, and the feller with me had
been to the last two, and we had forgotten what an event like this can be like.

While we may not have the numbers at authentic events, the quality of the
participants, both in attire and attitude, more than make up for massive
formations. It will be a while before I again sojourn in the land of the local event.

A word to Mr. Curtis: should you ever order anything from the esteemable
Karin Timour, you have my personal word that you will not be displeased.
I have both a Balaclava and a pair of Wisconsin pattern Shooting Mittens
made by her hand, of the highest quality, and she goes out of her way to
make sure they fit you perfectly!

[pvtbigbottom]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

well, I've been around re-enacting now for about 5 years, but within the last couple i've become serious about becoming more authentic. I've distanced myself but im starting to get the "itch" again so im in the process of getting all of my kit in order.



Respectfully,

[Charles Heath]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?

Chris,

For a fellow who lives less than six hours from beautiful metropolitan Newfane, what a shame it is not to see your name amongst the 63 already on the registration list for Winter 1864. Data as of 26 Oct 07.

[csuniforms]

Re: Authenticity Levels: Progress or Decline?-Research

Hello, In the world of Civil War Living History one has to understand that each day NEW PEOPLE come into the hobby. I myself mentally often forget this reality and find to my disbelief, not wanting to go over and over again those bits of research I have studied and learned over the years. BUT! I MUST! How often do we see legitimate posts where individuals state that they are just getting into the hobby and need information. We (some, not all) read these posts and to ourselves mutter, "can't this guy just buy a copy of CRRC or type in knapsack or blouse or Richmond Depot jacket in the SEARCH section of this forum, or just Gooble Confederate soldier accoutrements on the NET and dig in?" We know where to look and we know how to search and we know the people who do the searches, but we forget other people dont and for them EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, is new and has to be learned. Some, not all again, want folks to do their own research and find out on their own which item or garment is authentic and which is not. Which garment or item will pass inspection and who is doing the inspecting and what facts do they wish to share or are to busy to get involved? Just think about it--- and come to the same conclusion that we get FRESH FISH everyday who dont know the difference between a .69 box and a .58 caliber box-- or jeans cloth from brushed wool. Sometimes THEY have to be taken by the hand and lead them to the water... will they drink is up to you and them.

Tom Arliskas
CSuniforms