What a great idea there you two. We do similar things when we are out on site, and women go to us: What's it like to wear all that? Most of the time we come with extra dresses, and it's very easy to get some one decked out. They just love it, and feel very very different in the period dress.
When you dress up the students in just the basic kit, hat, jacket, leathers, haversack, canteen and rifle, they are amazed at how cumbersome the clothing and equipment are and just how heavy the rifle is. And remember, in most cases you don't have them put on the muslin shirt, vest, pants, drawers, socks and shoes/brogans!
Now add on a double bag knapsack or blanket roll with rubber poncho or gum blanket, extra socks, shirt, blanket, boiler, ax or shovel and this stuff gets heavy!
Most of the men are surprised at how heavy my 1861 Springfield rifle is, a bit over 9 1/2 pounds, and then I add my bayonet to it and it comes out to about 10 pounds. A modern M-16 only weighs about 6 pounds.
And when you show them how to properly hold and aim the rifle, they become even more amazed. Then tell them that boys as young as 10 years old or that women disguised as men used to march carrying it and then fire it in battle, they leave with a whole different view on the war and the men and women who fought in it. For the better I would say.
On the other hand, when I help my wife dress and get ready to be the camp cook, I cannot begin to imagine what women had to go through just to get dressed and do their 'chores!' And the 'equipment' the gals need to just cook in an authentic manner or to be a washerwoman, good grief!
But I admit, it is fun to dress up the public and let them get a very small taste of what it was like to at least dress up in a 19th century outfit.
Sincerely,
Unionblue
(Message edited by Unionblue on December 29, 2004)
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
I am about to embark on a new path in my reenacting career. On January 29 of this year, I will attend my first meeting with the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, a reenacting organization based out of the Ohio Statehouse.
These guys and gals have four, original brass Civil War era cannon, two six-pounders and two twelve-pounders, that are kept on the Statehouse grounds as displays and monuments. EXCEPT when the 1st OLA takes them out to reenactments, two events in the State of Ohio and two National events elsewhere in the country.
I was invited last year by a member to join the unit and become part of a gun crew! You cannot begin to imagine my excitement! I have been a PBI (Poor Bloody Infantryman) since becoming a Civil War reenactor and held every rank from private to Captain. Now to become a 'red leg!' I'll keep you all posted.
Unionblue
(Message edited by Unionblue on January 08, 2005)
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
Neil- you have now become part of the upper intellignace of the millitary at that time. Cannoniers were required to know how to read, write and do mathmatics. They took exceptional care in what they did, and how they treated their gun. Most slept by the gun, protecting it at night, and took great pride in every position they held.
So are you going to be powder monkey for a while, or are they putting you right up there on one and two? My brother's favorite spot is one. He's been there for the last 2 years. His group requires only experienced gunners to be on one and two.
Have fun and be safe and remember to always spong after every round!
I see trouble ahead for a guy who got C's in math and hated algebra!
I am pretty sure I will start at the bottom of the pile here, in fact, I will insist on it! As a former soldier, the big guns get a lot of respect from me and I want to be sure to learn all the safety and firing procedures before I do any other position.
Thanks for the info and encouragement.
Steven, ain't it the truth! I have had the big guns 'bark' up close a few times during major reenactments, the 130th Antietam comes to mind. I have seen and felt the concussions after taking a hit in front of them and thought the same was going to lift me right off the ground!
Take care all, and thanks for the comments.
Unionblue
__________________ "The American people and the Government at Washington may refuse to recognize it for a time but the inexorable logic of events will force it upon them in the end; that the war now being waged in this land is a war for and against slavery." Frederick Douglass
"Loyalty to our ancestors does not include loyalty to their mistakes." George Santayana
Gettysburg the Movie... one of the cannons actually shot down a camera helo (large remote control helo) so that concussion is nothing to laugh at.
A cannoneer who served under Sherman once made a comment that for the entire Atlanta Campaign he was never out of site of his gun and stated that his Rodman fired so many rounds that the rifling was almost completely shot away... you have certainly joined the "ranks of bronze." I'm reminded of a CW saying: "You can always judge a man by the color of his piping, Blue blooded American boys are the Infantry, Red blooded boys the arty and the cavalry... well you know what color their piping is!"
__________________ Few take the trouble to understand or to view the American scene with perspective. And we Americans love to find ourselves guilty of something. However, it is never I who am guilty, but those other Americans, the past or present government or the other political party. Americans almost never find other countries guilty. It is always ourselves or our fancied influence in other countries. Louis L'amour
My friends, this is why I love re-enacting and how rewarding it can be as a family hobby.
__________________ Few take the trouble to understand or to view the American scene with perspective. And we Americans love to find ourselves guilty of something. However, it is never I who am guilty, but those other Americans, the past or present government or the other political party. Americans almost never find other countries guilty. It is always ourselves or our fancied influence in other countries. Louis L'amour
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