Period display ideas for agency reps at events

[Miss Elodie]

Greetings,

For the past couple of months a co-worker and I have been representing our employer, the Texas General Land Office--owner of all Texas military land grant records, Spanish Land Grants, and maps: political, military and property--at re-enactments and I want to make our booth and displays more period appropriate. In most cases we are outside, but in others, such as at an upcoming SCV meeting, we will be inside.

Can anyone point me in the direction of suppliers or, even better, "how to's" to create period appropriate versions of the following and anything else they might think of:

signage and banners, table and chairs, easels, display books, etc.

Feel free to contact me in case you are interested in the kinds of maps and military records we maintain. You can also check out my agency's website here: http://www.glo.state.tx.us/

Read about our Save Texas History campaign here:

http://www.glo.state.tx.us/archives/savetxhist/main.html

Thanks, I welcome any advice you have for me!

PS. We are in character/period clothes when we do this== we aren't sitting around in bluejeans!

[Becky Morgan]

Re: Period display ideas for agency reps at events

My first thought is of the Sanitary Fairs. I know I've seen LOC images of some of those, where respectable ladies are presiding over booths selling crafts and bake sale items.

[Miss Elodie]

Re: Period display ideas for agency reps at events

Thank you very much for that suggestion--I feel rather foolish for not having thought of the Sanitary Commission. Unfortunately for me, I have yet to attend an event where the organization is featured--the fact I am in Texas probably doesn't help.

Can anyone point me to images from events showing how the displays have been recreated? I'll also work to track down period photographs on the LOC.

By the way, if anyone reading this hasn't read co-founder of the US Sanitary Commission George Templeton Strong's diaries (tp://www.worldcat.org/oclc/1175398 ), they give an incredible view of life and culture in NYC in the years leading up to the war and, of course, his work during the conflict. They are highly recommended.


Thanks again for your help.

[Becky Morgan]

Re: Period display ideas for agency reps at events

Well, shavin's, the Quick Reply keeps crashing. Try these...
Here are some stereographs with good clear detail...

http://digital.nypl.org/dennis/images.cfm?rlin=NYPG91%2dF217&title=Stereoscopic+views+of+the+Metropolitan+Sanitary+Fair+and+other+exhibitions%2c+New+York+City%2e&classmark=MFY+Dennis+Coll+91%2dF217%2e&catnyp=b2744712

In this one you can see most of the merchandise...

http://digital.nypl.org/dennis/enlarge.cfm?&rlin=NYPG91%2DF217%20%20%20%20%20&id=13615&image_id=014F%20&type=F&title=Stereoscopic%20views%20of%20the%20Metropolitan%20Sanitary%20Fair%20and%20other%20exhibitions%2C%20New%20York%20City%2E&classmark=MFY%20Dennis%20Coll%2091%2DF217%2E&catnyp=b2744712&image=Blobaaa0265210246ec

[nick19thind]

Re: Period display ideas for agency reps at events

One of those old style desks perhaps? As well as authentic pens and paper to fill out your clients' applications.
If you have a van you could bring a larger office desk of the period (roll top, lots of compartments inside) or a secretaire (looks like a chest of drawers but the top drawer unfolds into a writing surface and like the rolltop there's compartments to keep your pens and ink. If you have a small car you may be better off with a campaign desk, these are about the size of the tray and the legs can be removed for ease of transportation.
You'll need a dip pen sometimes found at car boot sales or in antique shops, there may be sutlers who sell them. If you can't find one you could always get a quill pen or make one by removing the insides of a goose feather with tweezers and carving the tip into shape with a sharp knife. For an inkwell get a period ink pot (clear glass or pottery) and fill it with modern ink from your local stationer.
If you're feeling creative you could set up a large piece of slate and using chalk write (in Victorian copperplate) whatever you're advertising. Add a few flourishes if you want, maybe a Texas star as well. You could also print off posters using your computer and pin them to nearby trees.
You may be able to find maps and charts in antique stores or photocopy originals. A couple of period books would be useful as well to record your transactions.

[ElizabethClark]

Re: Period display ideas for agency reps at events

The difficulty with bringing out actual office furniture is that most events will be outdoors--and most offices were not outdoors. :)

I'd third the idea of looking to Sanitary Commision and Aid Fair booths. With Aid Fair booths, you get the "commercial pull for a good cause" aspect, with signage and flyers and speech-making.

What sorts of display materials do you need to provide for? Weighted stacks of tracts and pamphlets or information sheets could go on a draped table pretty easily. For chairs, I'd look at the short "director chair" styles--the folding wood and canvas type that shows up in encampment images of officers during the war (again, you'll find images on the Library of Congress site)--the modern director chairs aren't identical in materials or construction, but may suit the needs of the group without being obtrusive.

What about the "lemonade stand" sort of front, under a nice-size canvas fly? The same style of setup would work for indoors or out, which would be handy.