Christian Comission wagons

[SheZab]

Hello all,

I am a civillian reenactor who is pursuing a Christian Commission impression. My question is, does anyone know of any photographs or documentation of Christian Commission members using wagons, gigs, buggies, etc.

I am interested in portaying an aid distributor. I own two mares who drive and I'm trying to decide where to go as far as a vehicle. I use a cart for training which cannot be used in the field because it is far too modern. If anyone has photographic evidence or documentation of what kind of horse drawn vehicles that were used I would greatly appreciate it. I don't want to buy a vehicle that doesn't have documentation of being used.

Thank you for any help!

-Rachel Zaborowski

[yeoman]

Re: Christian Comission wagons

Yes ma'am, here are a few images from the LOC, Library of Congress web site, that may be of
help to your given purpose. The one wagon looks pretty much what was used in the field, canvas cover, stenciled title and all.
There are also similar threads listed at the bottom of this page.

[Lewis Robinson]

Re: Christian Comission wagons

The Christian Commission also worked hand in hand with the U.S. Sanitary Commission.

[celtfiddler]

Re: Christian Comission wagons

You may want to contact the Christian Commission museum in Gettysburg. Their website is www.usccgettysburg.org

[SheZab]

Re: Christian Comission wagons

Thank you all so much!

I have a line on a Meadowbrook I can borrow for events, but its more of a civillian gig than anything that would be used by an organization.

This helps a lot... thank you.

[crabby]

Re: Christian Comission wagons

I don't mean to sound like a boo bird but I would like to point out several things.

* Note that the majority of figures in the above photos are male. So you will need a "token man" with you to meet historical accuracy.
* The wagons are big heavy freight wagons, not a light one horse vehicle.

When you talk of borrowing a Meadowbrook, I assume it looks something like this? If so it is blatantly modern, from the vinyl seats to the rubber bound wheels. Be prepared to keep the seats covered at all times and muddy up the wheels so the rubber is not so obvious. And what about your harness? Is it leather, bio-leather or nylon? And if it is leather are the fittings brass or chrome? Also will you keep your horse on a picket line at night or take it back to where the trailer is parked? If the former do you have period correct buckets and leather lead rope and headstall? Another big question, is your horse a period breed or can it pass as one?

If you think the answer to these questions is "But, no one will know the difference" you are way off. Plenty of folks will notice and know the difference! There is a lot more involved in reenacting with a horse than finding a general impression that you can fit into, such as the Christian Commission.

And if you do manage to pull it off correctly.... my congratulations to you. It is a heck of a lot of work. I've been there and done it. :wink_smil