Tips for the freshfish
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How to prepare for a reenactment
Help me out with this topic. I think that this information my be helpful to all of us. what do you think? Civilians, I know that you must have a different list.
Tips for the freshfish
How to prepare for a reenactment
Over the winter:
* Order replacement or new items for your kit between November and March
* Attend your unit’s meetings and drills
* Pay attention to possible new events for next season
* Think about what kind of events you enjoy most in this hobby
10-16 weeks before the event
* Attend your units meeting to get the official information on the reenactment
* Read the monthly newsletters to get the most up to date information
* Call your pard or a veteran in your unit to get his view of the event. What to expect at this event and get some general information. Ask questions. There are no bad questions.
8-10 weeks before the event
* Decide if you are attending the reenactment and notify your unit’s contact person for that event. If it is an out of state event , there may be early sign up sheets at your unit’s meetings and also payment dates.
* If there is one, Check the web site for the reenactment. Some event have very specific requirements and you should make sure that you will qualify for it. Ask the unit contact person if you have questions or may need to borrow some equipment.
* Mark the date(s) on your calendar and make sure you can take the time off.
* Purchase extra cartridges for the up coming event.
* Do you have camping equipment? Do you need to share a tent?
* Make known any medical conditions or concerns to the First Sergeant. If you have some, then purchase a medical ID tag
5-7 weeks before the event
* Check your equipment and make a to do list for the event
* Keep reading the newsletters and checking web site
* Keep talking about the event with other reenactors
* Think about ride sharing to this event
3-4 weeks before the event
* If there is a change in your status for this event notify the unit’s contact person ASAP
* You should also contact the First Sergeant if you are attending as he will need a head count for the event. Also, he will be making out duty rosters.
* If the company cook is providing meals, you should send him money so that you can enjoy them.
1-2 weeks before the event
* Keep the event contact & First Sergeant informed of any changes in your plans to attend
* If you need a ride you should have that taken care of by now
* Where is this place? Try Map Quest or look it up on a map. Plan your route. Safety, get as much information about the local area of the event as possible so you can find your way if you have too.
* Exchange cell phone numbers for communication AT, and TO & FROM the event
Days before the event
* Check & clean your equipment
* Purchase & Prepare period food
* Start packing your stuff and check off the items on your list.
* Travel as light as possible. Save the show & tell stuff for local living history events.
* Must pack: 1 roll of toilet paper, I gal. water, matches & paper, and some firewood. These thing can stay in your car just incase we need them.
At the event
* After set up, make sure the First Sergeant & NCOs knows you are in camp
* Be ready to assist with company gear and to do duties as soon as you arrive.
* Do not leave the company street with notifying an NCO.
* Be Safe. Remember you are reenacting a military unit. You can go to the sutlers on your free time.
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."
Tips for keeping warm
Tips for the freshfish
How to keep warm at an reenactment
Cocooning & Spooning
* slect a uphill slightly sloping site for your tent if possible. Also, this site should receive the early morning sun (Ha!) as soon as possible.
* After errecting your dog, place a rubber blanket on your sleeping ground.
* Then, place a ground pad (that can be covered with a heavy wool blanket) to keep you from lossing body heat to the ground on top of the rubber blacket.
* Then bring 2 other heavy wool blankets (or 1 blanket & a Greatcoat) to cover your body while you sleep.
* some would suggest adding another rubber blanket on to top to seal in your body heat.
* I would suggest that you bring at lest 5 pair of wool soxs as you may wish to change them twice a day. Also change (if possible) into dry soxs, shirt and underware before you turn in at night. Dry stuff next to skin will assist in keeping body heat.
* Spooning, an acient and honorable way for two or more soldiers to share their body heat.
So, enjoy the event weather or not for reenacting is mind over matter. If you do not mind (as you are having fun), then it does not matter.
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."
REENACTING ETIQUETTE
Guidelines suggest in the book "... A REENACTOR'S HANDBOOK":
* AUTHENTICITY
A unit must make the attempt to conceal modern materials. they need to be either covered/hidden by period items or removed from the site before visitor are allowed into the camp. A reenactor should be able to give the illusion of a civil war soldier/civilian to the public at the distance of twenty feet.
* PROPS
Most common soldiers did not carry: carbines, musketoons, shotguns, pistols or knives so reenactors should not for historical as well as safety reasons.
* REENACTING ETIQUETTE
1) While in period clothing and in public view, your speech (subject matter) and actions (manners) should reflect (to the best of your ability) the generally accepted social customs of the period.
2) There should be no hand-to-hand fighting, battle/skirmish reenactment, or living history scenario except those that are preplaned and agreed to at an event meeting with all units represented. No reenactor should participate in the scenario unless they are asked to be a part of it. Any scenario involving personal weapons, should be planed ahead of time and non-edged personal weapons must be unloaded.
3) No reenactor should touch, capture, or remove another reenactor's property without their permission.
4) No reenactor should ever take, capture, or remove another units' flag(s) at any time unless asked to do so by that unit.
5) No reenactor should ever directly aim his weapon at another reenactor. Always aim high, or to the right or left of the person.
6) Every reenactor should be aware of the "BURN ZONE" of at lest 30 yards. In that zone, no reenacting unit or individuals should fire their weapons at another unless the musket barrels are elevated extremely high above their opponent's heads.
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."
REENACTING ETIQUETTE
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."
Good tips, and thanks from
Good tips, and thanks from this very fresh fish. Hmmm... I never would have thought of bringing toilet paper to a reenactment. I did NOT have that packed for Montgomery.
Also: Have a full canteen and cartridge case at inspection! Thoroughly de-grease had have your weapon cleared (with caps) BEFORE arriving on-site! (Although I live in an apartment in town. I wonder if my neighbors would get excited if I was standing in the yard with my musket popping off caps.)
General Authenticity Guidelines
Federal Army: General Authenticity Guidelines
Fabrics: All uniforms must be of period styles and made from materials closely resembling period fabrics and using period tailoring as much as possible. All buttons must be appropriate for the period.
Headgear:
• Dark blue forage cap/bummer preferred for enlisted and NCOs. Hardee hats may be acceptable but check with your first Sergeant to see if it is appropriate for your unit.
• Hardee hats are preferred for officers, but correctly outfitted dark blue kepis or forage caps/bummers are acceptable
• Limited use of period-correct civilian slouch hats is acceptable (check with your First Sergeant) for other than formal situations such as parade.
Coat/Jacket:
• Dark blue wool sack coat (preferred) or frock coat for heavy artillery and infantry. Shell jackets for light artillery.
• Greatcoats are not usually allowed for scenarios between the months of May and August. September is permissible if there is a decent likelihood of cold weather.
Trousers:
• Sky blue trousers with proper suspenders for non-garrison enlisted men and NCOs. Non-garrison officers have their choice of either sky or dark blue.
Shirts:
• Shirts shall be of flannel, cotton, or linen-plain or of appropriate prints. Federal-issue shirts are highly encouraged.
Accoutrements:
• Leather goods must be of period specifications.
• Accoutrements must be black.
• Haversacks must be tarred black canvas.
• Canteens should be covered with jeancloth, satinette, period correct carpet scraps, or an old period correct blanket, although bare tin canteens are acceptable. The 1858 smooth sides can be dark or sky blue.
• Knapsacks are double bag Federal style
• All brass polished; US buckles, breast-plates and box plates.
• Sergeants and staff NCOs are encouraged to wear the proper red sashes when on duty.
Insignia:
• Hat insignia should be kept to a minimum. If used, brass
regimental numbers, company letters and Infantry Bugle shall conform to the scenario and impression of the event.
• Corps badges may be prohibited at certain events
• Brass harps may be prohibited at certain events
• Masonic badges should only be worn by brothers, and should be removable.
• Rank insignia shall be appropriate for the army and rank portrayed.
Shoes:
• Period correct leather shoes for enlisted men and NCOs. Officers have their choice of either Boots or period correct shoe.
Socks:
• Socks shall be of wool or cotton of natural or subdued hues.
• Athletic socks are not allowed.
Standard Uniforms:
• Only "standard" blue or gray uniforms may be worn. Zouave, U.S. Sharpshooter, Marine, Navy, Highlander, foreign observers, chasseur, militia, and other unconventional costumes are prohibited without prior approval from the Event Organizers.
Anachronisms:
• Obviously anachronistic items, such as (but not limited to) modern jewelry, wristwatches, &c. are prohibited.
• No ear rings or long, modern hair, such as pony tails.
Eyewear:
• If corrective lenses are required, contact lenses are
preferred. Period eyeglass styles appropriate to the early 1860s are
also permitted.
• Modern eyewear is expressly prohibited in all areas of the event.
• "Period" sunglasses are prohibited.
Weapons:
Rifle-Muskets:
• Infantrymen will carry 3-banded, muzzleloading,
percussion rifle-muskets or smoothbores.
• M1861 Springfield, M1853 Enfield, and M1842 conversions are preferred for all Federals, but not mandatory.
• No antique arms are allowed.
• Use of 2-banded weapons, Zouave rifles, Hawkins rifles, Kentucky rifles, Plains rifles, flintlocks, breechloaders, repeating rifles, shotguns, and other weapons inappropriate for the period and are prohibited
Bayonets:
• All infantry must have a bayonet that fits their weapon.
Pistols:
• Only officers and senior sergeants may carry pistols. Enlisted men and other NCOs shall not possess handguns. Pistols must be unloaded at all times.
Knives:
• Large sheath knives are prohibited.
• Small jack or pocket knives are permitted for carving.
Condition:
• Weapons must be in good repair.
• Weapons must have fully-functional half-cocks, with trigger pull within satisfactory range.
• Nipples/cones must be clear, secure, and intact.
• Barrels must be clean and free of rust inside and out.
• Persons who have fired live ammunition prior to this event must clean their weapons with special care to remove all metal fragments, rags, and residue.
• Inspectors' decisions are final!
Tompions:
• No tompions may not be allowed.
Cartridges:
• Ammunition must be made of white or off-white paper; no
newspaper, penny-wrappers, or staples.
• Paper wadding may be used, but no glass beads or anything that can become a projectile.
• Powder loads for rifle-muskets shall not exceed 65 grains maximum.
• Powder loads for smoothbores shall not exceed 100 grains.
• Powder loads for pistols shall not exceed 30 grains.
• Loose gunpowder is not allowed at the event and all cartridges must be made beforehand.
Swords:
• Unsheathed swords are not allowed when in close proximity to spectators or other participants.
Musicians:
• Musicians must be functional fifers, drummers, buglers, etc.
• All field musicians in each battalion will be grouped together.
• Musicians shall be prepared to perform normal camp and duty signals.
• Chief musicians designated by the event hosts may audition musicians and prohibit performance by those unable to meet basic standards.
• Decisions of designated chief musicians in such instances are final.
• Only period-style instruments shall be carried (bugle, drum, fife are preferred; brass instruments will be considered if correct for the portrayal and scenario).
• Only period arrangements shall be played.
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."
Hardtack ???
Hardtack 30 piece batch
1.5 Cups flour use unbleached or 'All - Purpose'
1/2 cup whole wheat or oat flour
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. bicarb. of soda
1 tbs. shortening (crisco) melted
1 tbs. molasses
1 cup water
MIXING
After mixing dry ingredients; add melted shorting and molasses. Then, slowly add water and kneading dough into a ball which should be the consistency of potter's clay. roll out to a rectangular shape 12" X 9" and about 3/16" thick.
CUTTING
Cut into a cracked 2 7/8" (3") X 3 1/8" (3") and about 3/8" (1/2") thick. Then poke evenly spaced holes through each square to allow steam to escape while baking.
BAKE
Bake in a 400* oven for about 20 minutes or until browned.
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."
Events Packing Checklist
Authentic Living History Events Packing Checklist
1 Knapsack: Black double bag Union style
1 or 2 Blankets 57"x 80": One good 5 lb., 100 percent wool blanket
1 Gum Blanket poncho style (46"x 70")
1 Shelter Tent with both ridge & support poles and pegs
1 Journal Book and Period Pencils
* Extra Pair of Wool Socks: it is recommended that all reenactors carry a second pair for warmth at night and for health purposes. Rule of thumb: A pair of wool socks for each day of the event with at lest one extra.
* Extra Drawers: One for each day of the event
* Extra Shirt: One for each day of the event
* Greatcoat: Leave the greatcoat home in warm weather and use the blanket.
* Small Towel: such as "Huckabuck" towels sold at Wal-Mart (unbleached, off-white, plain cotton towels usually sold in a pack of five for $5.00, in the dishtowel department). It is useful in washing up your person. Carry a bar of lye soap with the towel.
* Suggested Extra Ammunition: 1) Parades, 20 cartridges; 2) Encampments, 60 cartridges for the weekend; and 3) Reenactments, 180 cartridges for the weekend.
* Roll of Twine (String): About 20-30 feet of twine or hemp is for rigging up shelter.
* Extra Food: enough Food for the reenactment. Try to use period 'style' food such as beef jerky, hardtack, coffee, and fruit & nuts. May also have canned food such as beef stew & beans.
* Hygiene Items: wooden toothbrush & comb, baking soda for tooth powder, sunscreen, and Bug repellent.
* "Haversack Stuffers": Authentic "stuffers" include a tintype of your family, razor, religious items (rosary, scapulas, etc.), sewing kit, pipe and tobacco, pocketknife and other personal items.
1 Tin Dipper attached to the outside of the haversack.
1 Tin Plate
* Eating Utensils: A knife, fork, and spoon
1 Tin Mucket cup for cooking
2 or 3 Candles: One beeswax candle for each night & small candle holder
* Matches and Matchsafe
* Period style handkerchiefs
Cold weather OR Winter Quarters
camping may include:
* 'A' Tent for enlisted men or officers and Wall Tents for officers only. Only officers may have a fly and no tent with a fly is allowed on the company street except for the cook tent.
* Sleeping Bag: must be removed before camp is open to the public or covered with a blanket.
* coolers: must be removed before camp is open to the public or placed inside a period storage box, or covered with a blanket.
* Cot or air mattress: must be removed before camp is open to the public or covered with a blanket.
* period storage boxes: must be correctly designed and painted.
* and Canvas Stool: Oak with canvas seat
Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."