Attending my First Event

[CWLady]

Ladies,
This weekend I will be attending my first Civil War event as a spectator, and I would like to know if anyone from here is going. I want to get a chance to talk to some campaigners who may attend, because I am also interested in authenticity and staying away from the farb. (I know this event isn't on the list for authentic events, but it's early in the season and less than an hour from me, so it's great exposure.) Also, does anyone know what civilian oriented sutlers will be there? I want to look at dresses and corsets.
By the way, I am reading "An Introduction to Civil War Civilians" and I am amazed at the difference in attitude and values between the 19th and 21st centuries. I love the book because it gives me a portrait of how people in this era acted, and what they valued- something that was vague in my prior period.
I'll be there all Saturday and hope to meet you!
Rebecca

Welcome to the Forums!
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We'll look forward to getting to know you!

Regards,
Elizabeth Clark, Homefront Co-Moderator

[KarinTimour]

Advice for Rebecca

Dear Rebecca:

Welcome to the hobby, and thank you for your post asking to connect with people who will be attending Neshaminy. As Mr. Chapman has noted, this event is not one of the ones where you are likely to run into very many authentic impressions. I would STRONGLY advise not buying anything there.
It is extremely common, especially for civilians, to buy their first outfits, spending hundreds of dollars, only to realize very shortly that practically all of it needs to be replaced, with the first outfit considered a total waste of money. It doesn't have to be that way -- a few of us have listened, researched, asked questions on forums like this one and the civilian board of cwreenactors.com and learned enough so that our first buys were good ones.

While Mr. Chapman's note implies that a lesser level of authenticity holds on the cwreenactors board, this is less true on the civilian board than it is on the military one. Most of the civilians here post there as well. When I started reenacting, I was all alone, as you are -- I didn't have or know someone in reenacting, but met people through the reenacting boards. It is possible to start and start well this way -- but you must take your bullsh@t detector with you. Take no single "expert's" word for anything -- not even mine. Ask mutliple people, especially once you have seen their impression. Ask everyone for their documentation. People who care about documentation can tell you where they got information and back it up. People who don't care about documentation will get all defensive and attack you. Pay attention when this happens. Don't try and argue the point. Smile, nod and wander away at the first opportunity.

As a new reenactor, you are likely to base your purchases on what the vendor tells you, and what you see around you as the "norm." I don't know how much money you are planning to spend equipping yourself for reenacting, but I can tell you that even the best vendors of women's clothing carry clothing that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. And the bulk of the money in civilian reenacting is in the hands of the less authentic civilians. Just because it is sold in a "good vendor's" establishment does not mean that it is right for your impression -- and all but the very few carry a wide range of things to appeal to a wide range of tastes and impressions.

A properly made cotton dress (I'm not even addressing a silk one, because that's not my impression) is going to run at least $250-$350. I don't know about you, but when I started I wasn't willing to risk paying that amount of money for something that I was thrilled with at first, doubtful about by the next event and ashamed to be seen in by my third event. I simply don't have the resources to be storing $350 mistakes in the back of the closet. This is a very common experience for most civilian reenactors, for precisely the reasons you list -- we get excited, we read a bit and scope things out on the internet, but it's really hard to get an idea of what a dress will look like from an electronic picture of it hanging on a hanger, or even on an maniken. You want to feel the material, try it on, etc.

I don't know where you are in your process as a beginning reenactor -- you mention you are enjoying "An Introduction to Civilians" -- I'd recommend another book by the same author as an excellent investment that will save you literally hundreds if not thousands of dollars -- "Who Wore What." If you don't already have a copy, the vendors at Neshaminy are likely to have copies on sale. The book is filled with pictures of ordinary people. Take it out, find a good location where you can observe the people passing, and compare them to the pictures in the book. Do the passers by look like ordinary people who actually work in those clothes? Or do they look like people wearing costumes? Look for the people who look like they stepped out of the 1860s, and are about to step back. They are the ones you want to imitate. You might not be able to make the distinction among the reenactors at Neshaminy -- but if you saw a more authentic event, you would be struck with the difference in "look" immediately.

Here are some unsolicited thoughts on clothing for you to consider -- again, perhaps you have already realized some of these points, hopefully some will be food for thought:

1. Your clothing choices are dictated much more in the 19th century by your age than they are in the 21st. At Neshaminy you will see people over the age of 22 wearing white blouses and skirts. You may be tempted or advised to start by using a blouse from your current wardrobe and making or buying a skirt to go with it. Don't do this, even if you are under the stated age limit. This is a fashion for young, fashionalbe urban women from Charleston, Philadelphia, New York, Richmond. What type of events are you planning to attend in the future? Why would a wealthy, pampered young lady from a wealthy family be doing at such an event? There are some authentic events which will allow this impression in limited circumstances, but they are rare. Also, the 19th century blouses and skirts are made in a markedly different way than modern blouses and skirts (location of shoulder seams, buttons, collars, etc.).

2. An ill fitting corset can make reenacting an absolute misery. A corset that fits is a joy forever. If you are extremely minimally endowed, you may be able to find a sutler-row corset that fits you. If you have much of a front at all, it will be vital that you have a corset custom-made for you, and there are several corsetieres who can make you a wonderfully fitting corset and mail it to you, based on the measurements they require. I (and nearly every other woman in reenacting) have heard numerous corset horror stories -- and I've seen more corsets mended/altered with duct tape than you can imagine. I think that poorly fitting sutler row off the rack corsets are one of the most common reasons that many mainstream women delay getting dressed out and hang around camp in sweats or shorts for as long as possible.

3. It is extremely important to have your corset be among the first items you buy -- because your dresses must be fitted to you wearing your corset. Wearing modern undergarments under period clothing is immediately obvious to everyone at an authentic event. Buying a dress before you have a corset and proper underthings is a recipe for having a dress that never again fits you right. The corset and petticoats change the contours of your body to such an extent that you might well have to have your brand new dress extensively (and expensively) altered to even come close to a period fit.

4. The bodice of your dress should literally fit you like a second skin. In order to get this type of fit, which was not just a "high fashion" idea, but what ordinary women achieved on a regular basis, you first need to have a full set of undergarments, so that you can either try on a ready-made dress wearing them, or be fitted for your custom-made dress or dress pattern wearing them.

5. The fabric of your dress is a vital issue -- solid colors are mostly a losing proposition, unless you are planning to buy a silk dress and be an upper class impression. Solid cotton dresses will fade unevenly, show every spot or stain forever, and quickly look tatty. Picking out a period print is something that takes quite a bit of training to learn -- and there have been a number of discussions on this board of which books made for quilters can help to train your eye to be able to choose those. A woven (not printed) even check plaid is your best bet for a cotton dress to begin with.

6. If you can sew, Past Patterns patterns has a gathered bodice pattern which is worth the money in terms of well drafted pattern pieces, good documentation and well written instructions. Another option is to go to one of the better dressmakers and have them fit you for a bodice muslin, which becomes your personal, custom-made pattern.

7. When you are Neshaminy, look at what people are wearing and doing. Who seems to have the clothing and activities that are closest to period clothing and activities? Whose clothing and activities seem to have nothing to do with the 1860s? At this stage of the game (your first reenactment) you may not have the "eye" yet to pick out the differences. Take pictures of the best impressions you see. Save them and when you find a mentor, show them to her. She will be able to help you pick out what are the best aspects of each of the better impressions you've seen.

My first event was a similar type of event -- and I attended as a spectator with the same motivation -- I wanted to see what was on offer, and finally meet some real civilian reeenactors. Lucky for me, there were no vendors selling anything that could vaguely be considered civilian.

A word of advice for getting a better sense of what is more authentic -- Faith Hintzen is organizing some of the civilian impresisons for an event at Fort Delaware for Memorial day weekend. If you are close to Neshaminy, you're probably pretty close to Fort Delaware as well.

Hope that's helpful,
Karin Timour
"The Stories in the Socks" Conference on Women and the Civil War, Richmond, Virginia, June, 2004
Period Knitting -- Socks, Camp Hats, Balaclavas
Atlantic Guard Soldiers' Aid Society
Email: Ktimour@aol.com

[markmason]

Re: Attending my First Event

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your new hobby.

Now, I do recall seeing a post reply to your questions informing you ayour question of this nature would be better off posted at www.cwreenactors.com..that's unfortunate to say the least. WHERE DID THIS POST GO?

Dear Mr. Mason,
Occasionally, mods do go in and edit the content of a thread, combine threads, etc--as in the case of the Bagpipes discussion this past winter, which was not suited to the Military forums, but in an altered form was suited for Citizen's area. A similar process was used here, to streamline the content.

Regards,
Elizabeth Clark
Homefront Co-Moderator

[CWLady]

Re: Advice for Rebecca

Karin,
Thanks for the advice. I was reenacting the Revolutionary War for a year, so I know to take mainstream sutlers with a grain of salt and that it's better to dress authentically at the start than to remodify your kit. I was one of the lucky ones who did the reading BEFORE I bought the stuff. As a result, I dodged many of the newbie pitfalls. I also have "Who Wore What". Very good book. Since I'm 20, I'm in the youngest age group. I bought "Textiles for Early Victorian Clothing" as well. Good reference. What I want to do at Neshaminy is get my feet wet and take in a mainstream event. I hope the weather cooperates.
Can't wait to meet you all!
Rebecca Smith

[KLCoombs]

Re: Attending my First Event

Hey Rebecca! Welcome aboard! While Neshaminy is a less than authentic event (to put it mildly), I know of some authentic civilians in my own unit (to which Karin also belongs and which you've expressed interest) who are going for old times sake whom you might look out for: Stacy Hampton and Cheryl Parlati. If you email me at ms4tune@aol.com I'd be glad to put you in touch.

Some good vendors actually DO go to this event, although I don't know who's going this year. Mac McIntosh, an antiques dealer who is one of THE most well informed people I know on period material culture frequently goes. He's a great source for buttons.

However, assume that most vendors will be selling total drek, or more confusingly, a mixture of the good, bad and the downright farby.

When you're starting out, you REALLY want to shop with a mentor. And there's no substitute for research. There are some good informational links on my unit's website: http://www.agsas.org that you might find helpful, and I'd also strongly recommend Elizabeth Clark's website. In her "Aunt Maude's compendium" section she's got a lot of great advice for beginning reenactors.

Hope this is helpful. Welcome aboard -- and don't forget to sign your posts or they'll get pulled. The easiest thing is to set up a user profile with your signature done automatically. Click on "user CP" to do this.

Looking forward to meeting you soon!

[CWLady]

Thank you!

First I want to say THANK YOU for the all of the help and assistance I recieved at Neshaminy. Thank you to Stacy and the rest of the ladies who were making doughnuts. I'm glad I did my reading, because there was A LOT of farb. If I hadn't read "Who Wore What", I may have bought a snood... and been farb right off the bat. There were a LOT of them! However, I bought patterns for a chemise and drawers and will buy a corset when I have the money. (I found one sold by Abraham's Lady that fits me beautifully.)
Now, in the absense of a snood (which, though not correct, is a good way to tame your hair), what do I use to hold my hair? I was considering putting it into a low bun and using hairpins. My hair is relatively short... shoulder blade length.

Rebecca Smith

[HOG.EYE.MAN]

Re: Attending my First Event

"I'm glad I did my reading, because there was A LOT of farb. If I hadn't read "who wore what", I may have bought a snood... and been farb right off the bat. There were a LOT of them!"

Ahhhhh... Farbs everywhere!!

You mean you're still here after attending your first event and you're going back for more? ;-) Yep, you're hooked!!!

You just stepped in quick-sand Rebecca...

Welcome aboard.

[Drygoods]

Re: Attending my First Event

Hello,
would someone please expand a bit on the where and what about the two books, Textiles for Early American Clothing and the Civilians book? I'd like to know who wrote it and what does it cost so that I can order some from Borders.
Many thanks for your time.
Judith Peebles

[Spinster]

Re: Thank you!

Now, in the absense of a snood (which, though not correct, is a good way to tame your hair), what do I use to hold my hair? I was considering putting it into a low bun and using hairpins. My hair is relatively short... shoulder blade length.

Rebecca Smith

Part your hair in the center, smooth it back to a bun at the nape of the neck, utilizing whatever hair glue works best for you--in this time period, dirty hair works best, but if one can't stand going without washing it from Sunday till Friday to get the very best in reenactor hair ;) , one sometimes must resort to other products.

Make the bun with hair pins--though you may also utilize a well anchored "rat" to add fullness if your hair is fine or short. This can be made with false hair or hair from your own brush wrapped in netting. Small plain metal combs will also aid in holding the bun in place--while tortise-shell or gutta percha combs were more ubiquitious during the period, adequate reproductions are difficult to find.

Sufficiently oily hair will stay in place by itself, but you may have to add an extra layer of protection by using a "hair net"--the very fine, near to invisible nets once used in these parts by cafeteria ladies for sanitation. You may also then place a decorative net made of soutache or ribbon over the back of the head, before topping the whole thing with a proper bonnet, be it a spoon bonnet or a slat bonnet.

Do check the various free patterns and instructions in Mrs. Clark's site--you'll find several items that you don't need to purchase a pattern for. She also has excellent camping advice. Her booklets for sale will give excellent instruction in fitting of bodies and making skirts and petticoats. Period construction differs from modern in a number of points, and you will increase your comfort and look greatly by adhering to period techniques.

Make several sets of chemise and drawers, and a corded petticoat while you are saving up for your corset. (We tried to make one, and did get it finished, but the main thing we learned was to let a professional make a corset).

Good fortune to you in you time travels.......

[CWLady]

Re: Attending my First Event

[QUOTE=Drygoods]Hello,
would someone please expand a bit on the where and what about the two books, Textiles for Early American Clothing and the Civilians book?
Judith, I ordered mine from Amazon. An Introduction to Civil War Civilians could be appropriately categorized as a companion to "Who Wore What". Probably the best look at the daily lives and mindsets of these people I've ever seen. After reading "Civilians", I developed a more rounded picture of a mid 19th Century American, which will help develop a persona.
"Textiles" gives you a good feel for the fabrics of the period- there's swatches of modern equivelants inside. I have it's sister "Textiles for Colonial Clothing" and there's a third that deals with fabrics of the Federal period.
Rebecca Smith

[Drygoods]

Re: Attending my First Event

Probably the best look at the daily lives and mindsets of these people I've ever seen.

Well, I still feel the best way of getting to know their 'mindset' is to read exactly what they read. Read old books, magazines, newspapers, almanacs, and even the pamphlets. Finding these things isn't hard if you are willing to narrow you search to the period of their time and are willing to poke around stores with used goods. Used bookstores, secon-hand stores, ebay, or even sites online will have historic editions of any subject out there, or for sale.

At any rate, I will look forward to reading the other two books that you mentioned as I think it good to find new sources and know what other folks are thinking. Again, many thanks for the tips.

Mfr,
Judith Peebles