What guides your impression?

[Johnny Lloyd]

To all:

For me, I'm more apt to do impressions that are more "job based" rather than blue/gray based. In this, I mean if there is a specific duty/job involved with an event because I want the experience. That's just me, though.

Some people like to play either blue/grey and that decides which side they will be on at an event... some like either side, but specific duty guides which impression role they will play.


So... what guides your impression at an event? Blue/grey, unit portrayal or special job duty you would like to experience?

No wrong answers here, just wanted to gauge the community's response/feelings. If your response does not appear specifically on the above poll, no problem... vote closest your feelings and write why you feel that way below! :)

Choice rules:
1) If you like being blue or grey or civilian at an event, then A would be likely
2)If you don't care what side you are on and you are interested in the experience, then choice B might suit you
3) if you like to do a certain impression of a particular unit then C might be a good choice for you

Civilians:

The question isn't designed for civilians (sorry- mea culpa), but you certainly can vote the above closest to what you feel. Some people like being civilians (side based- choice A) Some like the experience/job of being a civilian (Choice B)

Choice C might not apply to civilian impressionists because there really isn't a civilian equivalent.

Which is your favorite? If it is not listed, then vote the closest you feel.

Thanks- Johnny Lloyd

[AZReenactor]

Re: What guides your impression?

My answer wasn't one of the options but my primary impression is guided by local and regional history. I do an awful lot of presentations at museums, state parks, schools, etc. and the connection to local sites and history opens a lot more doors than a "generic Civil War impression would" as well as provides an impetus to continually do further research since more local sources and resources are near at hand.

I especially like being able to do events and activities where I get to walk in the actual footsteps of the men I am portraying as I explore the wide open wilderness areas of Arizona. The opportunity to present lesser known history or to stir up preconceived notions a little when talking with the public and other reenactors is also a bonus.

[Malingerer]

Re: What guides your impression?

I'm with Troy on this one. Any opportunity to do an event on original ground automatically moves that event high on my priority list. Often, these events are living historys and that tends to dictate what my own impression will be - there's often only one option. If the event offers more than a single unit option, then I usually go with whatever unit interests me the most.

[Abrams]

Re: What guides your impression?

I am brand-spanking new to this hobby. I chose to first build a Federal impression, as I am from Edwardsville IL, and would likely have been one of Grant's boys had I been living then.

After some research and guidance, I decided the 50th Illinois would form the basis for my impression, as they participated at Shiloh, an event I wished to participate in, and were referred to as "the blind half-hundred" and I wear glasses, heh.

At this point, I do plan to create a Confederate impression, so that I may participate in future events that do not need yanks.

As to my "job"? I am too new to have one that I can do reliably, so I guess I will be a teacher-turned infantry private until I develop more skills.

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: What guides your impression?

I guess I don't understand the question. Are you asking about impressions related to events I will attend (will I be "US" or "CS" and XYZ event? ...or will I be a civilian or do a specialty impression?). Or are you asking "just generally"?

Speaking generally, I don't have "an" impression. I try to have sufficient clothing and gear to allow me to build impressions to suit the events I attend.

[JordanRicketts]

Re: What guides your impression?

Speaking generally, I don't have "an" impression. I try to have sufficient clothing and gear to allow me to build impressions to suit the events I attend.

I would have to agree with Mr Wicket none of the categories really fit me very well...

Jordan Ricketts

[Cfarrell]

Re: What guides your impression?

Well I'm with Troy and John on this one. The question was a little difficult for me to answer. I would click on one then change my mind and have to click on another. I finally chose one, but it wasn't really what I use to choose the types of events I attend.

First of all my impression is mainly judged by my local. I live in Texas so my impression is normally Trans Miss. The unit I'm a member of is the Texas Ground Hornets and the main impression of the Hornets is the 15th Texas Co. A. So because of where I live and the unit I belong to my impression is normally already determined. From time to time the Hornets will venture beyond and portray another unit, but for the most part it is already set.

Personally though...here lately I've been extremely interested in unique or different impressions. Of course I always love portraying a Texas unit since I'm a born Texan. I do from time to time enjoy putting on the blue, thought I don't get much of a chance to wear it down here. I, like Mr. Wickett try to have enough clothing to be able to do just about anything I need...civilian, reb., fed., or what ever else there is. I don't mind from time to time to have to get a new piece of clothing.

But all in all when it comes down to it where ever the Hornets go I'll follow.

Regards to All,

[Matt Woodburn]

Re: What guides your impression?

My impressions are guided - no, regulated - by the event guidelines of the events I choose to attend.

As an example for this year: W64 will be 151st N.Y. Infantry during the time frame of February, 1864 in winter quarters at Brandy Station, Virginia. I could not go to this event with my impression as early war, 2nd Michigan Cavalry in Mississippi. Unless I was willing to be asked, no, demanded to leave the event immediately.

So impressions are guided by event organizers.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: What guides your impression?

Clarification:

Specifically, what drives your interest in doing a particular impression? Example: I know some people that sign-up to be blue because that is their favorite side and that drives their impression they want to do - if there are any openings in blue/gray at an event. I personally don't care what side I do at an event, but I look for specific experiences I want to do or I think will be fun to do. (pioneer, signal corps, etc.)

Some people do only one particular unit impression because it is their best (5th NY Zoaves, etc.) and they have the best equipment for it based upon research. Some people like to portray their ancestor's actual unit and that drives their interest/impression...

Mr Wickett- based upon your input above, you might be an "experience"-based impressionist
Mr. Farrell- you sound like a possible "blue/gray"- motivated impressionist.
Mr. Woodburn- you might be an "experience"-driven person from the above
Mr. Ricketts- not enough info for me to tell ;)

Thanks -Johnny

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: What guides your impression?

Hallo!

A tough one for me as well... and pretty much as already shared above.

However, there has been a "evolution" down the Path.
When I was new, I (and friends) just wanted to "do Confederate" and picked "a" unit to "do."
As we shifted to the right on the F/M/C/P/H/A Paradigm and EBUFU events, the "messes" we belonged to researched and developed the "impression" for the event- which changed by event and changed U.S. and C.S.

However, if given a choice when being one of those "picking an impression" for an event, we prefer to select one from the history of the battle for a number of reasons that perhaps start with the remembrances and research into the unit and individual men- but do not end with being on the same ground and/or marching the same routes, or encamping on the same camp sites, etc, etc., (or prefer to join in in those units when invited).

Curt

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: What guides your impression?

OK, with that clarification...

I guess I like "building" the impression more than "doing" the impression because of what you learn in the process. Having the uniform and accoutrements for a given impression, to me, are simply the vehicle that let me attend certain events. At the event, I'm not generally "more jazzed" because I am portraying "Unit A" instead of "Unit B". When I am at an event, I am generally interested in immersing myself in the impression (whatever it may be) and having a good time with friends I don't get to see all that often.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Re: What guides your impression?

However, there has been a "evolution" down the Path.
When I was new, I (and friends) just wanted to "do Confederate" and picked "a" unit to "do."
As we shifted to the right on the F/M/C/P/H/A Paradigm and EBUFU events, the "messes" we belonged to researched and developed the "impression" for the event- which changed by event and changed U.S. and C.S. - From Curt

So, Curt, from your original "I wanna do blue/grey" driven impressions, you might have converted to an "experience"-oriented person in the hobby??

Just an observation, but I noticed in my journeys in the hobby that Mainstreamers tend to want to "do Confederate" or "do Blue" but eventually branch-out when they want to learn about various experiences and units in the War. Personally, I can safely say I am no longer JUST a "grey-driven" reenactor because I want to experience "other peoples' shoes" in all sides of this fascinating conflict.

Caveat to the above: This is not to say you are a "Mainstreamer" if you choose choice A on this poll, but many 'Streamers perform this progression in their impressions im my opinion and experiences... as did I. ;)

Thanks- Johnny

PS- BUT, I'm still a Southerner at heart always... LOL :p

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: What guides your impression?

Hallo!

2)If you don't care what side you are on and you are interested in the experience, then choice B might suit you

So, Curt, from your original "I wanna do blue/grey" driven impressions, you might have converted to an "experience"-oriented person in the hobby??

Hmmmmm. I suppose. But it is not a "linear progression."

My family and wife's family history is 30-some Federals, no Confederates.
I started out Federal because the only "recruiting flyer" at the local blackpowder shop was for a Federal unit.
After several years, two of us "split' to "go Confederate" for something different for the 125th Anniversary Events. A mutiny that destroyed that unit, led to a five year absence away in the 18th century.
A return to the Civil War went federal, but after three years went away from a unit concept to a mess concept that did event-specific U.S. OR C.S. impressions.
And it has been that "way" for the past eight or nine years or so.

Personally, thanks to a college professor that taught not by events and dates but from how events affected everyday people in their lives and occupations instead- led me to want to explore and study history not from grand events, important names, and momentous dates, but from the cosmic events in everyday ordinary lives. So the "Detailed Minutae of Everyday Life" of the common soldier (civilian) took over. And the "mess" and EBUFU event/impression specific model took over and has dominated ever since.

Plus, thanks to the that college professor... I have always been interested in trying to "understand" the less or unpopular poistions and "losers" in wars or issues such as the American Tories in the Rev War, or WWI Germans, etc., etc.

Curt

[Parault]

Re: What guides your impression?

Mr Lloyd

I for the most part look at the variables of the event. I can go as they say "either way" here in the Trans-Mississippi area of operations. I prefer going gray,however,I will do what it takes in order to secure a pleasurable experience for both the people that participate,as well as myself. As far as protraying units, I don't have any specfic units unless I traverse the Mississippi and head into the eastern region of the U.S. in areas of Virginia,Maryland, & Pennsylvania. This would be in a domain where I would prefer being the unit for my home state that was in the ANV.
I have in the latter part of 2007 initiated my studies into the Embalmer/Undertaker impression of the 1860's. I find it only appropriate since it will be my main income in the short future.
IMO I find people that prefer one color,or one impression everytime limit the "experience" of an event.

[Milliron]

Re: What guides your impression?

I started out wanting to do Federal only, as I am an Ohioan and had relatives who died at Andersonville. However, very quickly I became enamored with the bewildering variety of Confederate impressions, the folks who did them, and the events they sponsored. Now I'd say I'm about split down the middle. Now generally my choices are made on the event, the units being portrayed, and what organizations are portraying them. I tend to like to do early to mid-war AoT troops and late-war Western Federals, but I have impressions that will cover many ranges, both Federal and Confederate. It really depends on the units being portrayed and whether I feel a particular connection to them.

Most recently, I'm really jazzed about doing some Trans-Miss Confederate "regular" troops. Something I've never done before, and more interesting to me than Federal troops of the same theatre.