An Impression question.

[Yellowhammer_Possum]

Pards and Pardettes,

I'm thinking about getting back into reenacting after a 10 year hiatus. Only doing 1 or 2 events a year, just to see old friends that I haven't seen in forever. I'm older and fatter than I used to be, so I was thinking about doing an 1864-65 Homeguard/Militia/Conscript/Reservist impression. Here's my thoughts.

Rich plantation owner impression, one who dodged the draft by paying off the Confederate Government

An Arsenal/Mill worker, one who's skills were more valuable off the field than on the field.

Wounded Veteran, one who is unfit for active duty.

 

[Rusk County Avengers]

Sounds good to me. If I were to build such impressions:

Draft Dodging Plantation owner- single breasted frock coat with a vest, trousers all of high quality and tailored, (not off the shelf), and in hot weather forego the frock coat with a linen sack coat to stay clean.

Home Guardsman- Standard citizen sack coat and trousers of jean cloth, satinette, or plains cloth, (idea being an average poor citizen or farmer). If armed a muzzleloading double or single barrel shotgun with a pouch and so on. Unless your portraying a militiaman Home Guard that got old muskets or pikes.

Arsenal/Mill worker- Same as Home Guard unless you want to wear period overalls.

Wounded Veteran- Same as last two except maybe a kepi or or Army used slouch hat.

I'd say the best place for building any of those impressions would be South Union Mills:

South Union Mills

Excellence in Authentic textile recreations and straw hats

southunionmills.com

Always good for someone to return to the hobby!

 

[Mrs. V]

Would you be "regimentless" then? Or is there an outfit where you could just do picket duty and not necessarily be on the battlefield?

I do a civilian impression, because my talent is acappella music. I entertain troops, walk the camps and I do have a small display. I'm loosely attached to a regiment, in that I paid dues, and I pay for meals. It's kind of the fall back, if there is no lodging in the area..I actually don't mind tent camping..not a fan of the porta pot though!

 

[Seduzal]

I have no clue! Maybe I can get you some help.. paging @captaindrew

 

[captaindrew]

Sounds like more of a civilian type impression, I'll second @Rusk County Avengers recommendation of South Union Mills, they have a good selection of what you're looking for and their quality is good. If you're looking for something custom made check out Andrew Kasmar at https://www.facebook.com/BeauregardsTailor/ He's made some pretty cool civilian stuff if you scroll through his page. For a good hat go to Avery Miller at https://www.facebook.com/GooberGrabberHeadwear/

 

[Seduzal]

Sounds like more of a civilian type impression, I'll second @Rusk County Avengers recommendation of South Union Mills, they have a good selection of what you're looking for and their quality is good. If you're looking for something custom made check out Andrew Kasmar at https://www.facebook.com/BeauregardsTailor/ He's made some pretty cool civilian stuff if you scroll through his page. For a good hat go to Avery Miller at https://www.facebook.com/GooberGrabberHeadwear/

Thank you for replying.

 

[Yellowhammer_Possum]

I think I'm going to do an arsenal worker impression, overalls, cravat, workman boots, etc.

Who makes a good Mechanic's Hat now-a-days? Dirty Billy?

 

[captaindrew]

Dirty Billy is still around.

 

[Lampasas Bill]

I hope you can find a good source for overalls of the civil war period. Just stay away from overalls with rivets, they didn't come along until long after the war. Best of luck.

 

[frontrank2]

How about an impression of a newspaper ( cringing right now ) reporter, or if you have some artistic ability a sketch artist? But I do like your other ideas.

 

[Rhea Cole]

How about an impression of a newspaper ( cringing right now ) reporter, or if you have some artistic ability a sketch artist? But I do like your other ideas.

Go to the Bohemian Brigade site for artist illustrates & writers.

 

[rebracer]

Home Guard would be very interesting in my opinion.