New to the Hobby

[23rdIllinoisIrish]

Re: New to the Hobby

Also, my husband was looking into purchasing some trousers from Stony Brook, but was kind of disappointed when he saw that they weren't on the Approved Vendor's list. Are they still authentic, or must we purchase trousers somewhere else?

Chris' trowsers are top notch from my perspective. Please be aware that the majority of his trowsers are made from Woolrich material which is not 100% wool but an 85% wool 15% nylon blend. I do not have experience with the civilian trowsers, which are made from Woolrich, but his federal trowsers are incredibly durable and look incredible. Chris is very up front about the material of his garments and the material is durable but if you want 100% wool, ask him for custom options or look elsewhere.

Also try:

http://www.crchilds.com/

http://www.bentart.com/

or see if someone has Family Heirloom Weavers cloth (S&S Sutler, Needle & Thread, the Buy, Sell, or Trade forum)

Hope this is some help.

[Hank Trent]

Re: New to the Hobby

Where would we be able to buy shelter? Would we just use the same as the military? Or is there something bigger we can use?

If it's an event where you have to carry everything, bigger is not necessarily good. :) As Elizabeth says, if you're planning for a specific event, the organizers can give you an idea what you might need.

If you're also buying with the idea of getting something that will do for as wide a range of events as possible, one way to start is to think about what type of situation you'll be portraying most often and what they could have used. If they wouldn't have had a military tent at home or any way to procure one, you wouldn't either, and most average rural citizens in the east or south wouldn't.

However, most farms would have had something like canvas or oilcloth to use as a wagon cover, and that's one simple generic solution that would do for many situations, if you're portraying a situation where you had to leave your home quickly.

We purchased some brown oilcloth by the yard from Panther Primites (I would not recommend them for tents, but their oilcloth wasn't bad) and sewed the panels into a rectangle, which can be used for a groundcloth and/or shebang-style tent, and isn't too heavy. It's not 100% waterproof, but will do. Don't know if they still sell it, but also check the Skillet Licker and other approved vendors for painted cloth or oilcloth. You want oilcloth that's cotton treated with oil and wax, not anything vinyl or plastic or course. Lightweight canvas, untreated, will also do for overhead shelter, as long as it's tied to trees or rigged at an angle to shed water.

The "research articles" link at the top of the page will take you to some articles on camping and cooking for the military on campaign, and many of the techniques are similar for using civilian items at events where camping is expected.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[amontalvo915]

Re: New to the Hobby

Thanks for all the help. My husband and I are going to purchase some groundcloth material and make our own little shebang tent as did Mr. Trent. We both really appreciate all the help. I am going to be civilian and he has decided to be a Union soldier. Are there any good reenactments left for both civilians and military to enjoy, or are the events you listed earlier good for both? Also, where is a good place to purchase a good sack coat, on a tight budget? Also a musket?

Thanks again,

Ashley Montalvo

[Hank Trent]

Re: New to the Hobby

He could get by with just a military gum blanket and share with others to make a shelter, and the oilcloth would do for you, but don't forget that at most history-heavy events, if he's military, you wouldn't be sleeping together, so would each need to plan separately for shelter. Well, unless you're portraying that kind of woman providing those kind of services to the army. :D

I am going to be civilian and he has decided to be a Union soldier. Are there any good reenactments left for both civilians and military to enjoy, or are the events you listed earlier good for both?

I'm sure there are others upcoming, but alas those are all I've been paying attention to because they're what my wife and I are attending. Hopefully someone else has others on their radar, and can chime in here.

The events I listed would be good for both, though for most of them, you two would probably be portraying strangers and might barely see each other over the weekend.

Probably too soon, but in a week and a half, there's October 1862 http://www.chesapeakevolunteerguard.org/ If you get the okay from Laura Anders, civilian coordinator, you could both join our little civilian mini-group and both of you be together. Military clothing would be okay for your husband for this particular civilian impression (long story) and if any of my stuff would fit, I could loan him things to finish out what he needs and we could share shelter and blankets too. Send me an email if you think you could make it.

Also, where is a good place to purchase a good sack coat, on a tight budget? Also a musket?

I'd say the best place is right here in the classifieds, purchasing used items.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

[amontalvo915]

Re: New to the Hobby

We may be able to make it to the event.

Mr. Trent-

I will be contacting you via e-mail about the details. Also, thanks again for all of your help!

Ashley Montalvo

[fifth zouave]

Re: New to the Hobby

i have been reenacting since 2011 on the mainstream and recently been going over to the best side into campaigning and immersion started with the endview event in 2017. wows glad i did the switch and still learning the ropes.