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BS: Re-enactors?
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Hobie Date: 12 Jan 01 - 03:40 PM thank ya wolf gang |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Hobie Date: 12 Jan 01 - 03:40 PM thank ya wolf gang |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Irish sergeant Date: 12 Jan 01 - 10:49 AM Harp Girl: Even though this is an old thread, Women do this also and the reason I do it is to demonstrate the history of it not only the glory but the accompaning horror as well. Kindest reguards, NEil |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Wolfgang Date: 12 Jan 01 - 05:21 AM And go there for a really old thread. Wolfgang |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST Date: 02 Nov 00 - 07:13 PM I was in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. That was enough for me. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Ely Date: 01 Nov 00 - 07:49 PM My brother is a sincere pacifist. He insists that the best way he knows to teach somebody to hate war is to tell them all the bloody details of a battle. He loves the history and he likes the guns as a part of that. But he's not a gun-nut. Of course, some of them are--but there are all kinds of approaches to every interest. My mother quilts, so she made him a cot-sized (long and narrow) "memory" quilt. I think the pattern is an adapted Underground Railroad, with a Union star at one end. She replaced the center parts of the blocks with white rectangles and had people write advice to him on it in permanent ink. It also includes part of a period letter from one of our ancestors and a line from the book/movie _the Friendly Persuasion_ (about Quakers during the CW, since we're Quakers). There are lots of different things that can come out of reenacting besides accumulation of firearms. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Kim C Date: 01 Nov 00 - 05:52 PM Harpgirl, living history is a way for us grown-ups to play pretend with much better toys than the kidlings. Kidlings play war, too, even without anyone to show them. And it is a way of life. There's a lot of people in this world, when their electricity goes off, they have no idea what to do so they sit around and whine about it. Me and Mister, we fire up the woodstove, get out the Aladdin lamps, put batteries in the radio and keep on going. Living history prepared me for that sort of thing. I figured if there really had been a Y2K crisis, all us reenactors would just pitch tents in a field somewhere and carry on, while everyone else commenced with a gnashing of teeth and tearing of hair. Not only that, I have learned more about American and world history than I ever did when I was in school, and I was an honors student. Louis L'amour once wrote that history wasn't just about dates, it was about the People and how they felt, what they said, what they did... and that's the truth. Living history gives you real connections to those people who have gone before us. I can't tell you how moving it was to stand on the front lawn at Mount Vernon and look across the Potomac River, and think, except for that airplane overhead, I'm Seeing What George Washington SAW from his Porch!!!!! George Washington HimSELF stood on this very grass and looked at this very river!!!!! It's also given me a lot more respect for people throughout history who have sacrificed much for something they believed in. Beat that with a big stick. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,MV Date: 01 Nov 00 - 10:42 AM My husband and I are Civil War reenactors with Missouri Brigade Medical Service, a recreation of a Confederate medical (obviously!) group. We find the living history aspect is fascinating and both enjoy giving presentations to groups of all ages. Our "specialty" is Civil War dancing (my husband and I used to belong to a CW dance troupe) and we love to teach/demonstrate period dances. As a dulcimer player, my own particular pleasure is to play tunes of the period and share information about the music and instrument. My "first person" interpretation is based on a real woman who lived in Missouri and whose home and descendants I've visited. Having had access to letters and personal family anecdotes, etc., I find this a most interesting way of interpreting history. My husband and I have served as tour guides at a state park in Missouri until we got really busy with reenacting and my current project is "building" a display of herbal medicine illustrating the usage of the times. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: The Walrus Date: 01 Nov 00 - 09:38 AM Mousethief, I do remember meeting a group of people from Thameside in Manchester who had formed a sci-fi group which they described as "pre-enactment" - does that count? Walrus |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: mousethief Date: 30 Oct 00 - 05:57 PM You know, if we're going to have any re-enacting of WW3, we'll have to do it BEFORE the war. Are there any groups that do this? How can I join one?
Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,winterbright Date: 30 Oct 00 - 05:54 PM Bravo! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Naemanson Date: 30 Oct 00 - 05:16 PM Not all re-enactors are recreating the battles and fighting times. But, having said that, you cannot get away from the basic element that defines us as yet another animal in the kingdom. Humans like to fight. The competitive element of the blood begins to boil and then we have to butt heads and thereby choose a leader. It is there in all elements of our lives whether it is on the battlefields of France or in our own coporate offices. We will know we dragged ourselves out of that animal need when the bombs cease to fall, the guns are all rusty, and people learn to live in peace under their umbrellas. Why the umbrellas? Because the mess made by flying pigs is far worse than that made by birds. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Ely Date: 30 Oct 00 - 04:15 PM "It's not a hobby, it's a way of life." Smile when you eat that hardtack. ;) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Liz the Squeak Date: 30 Oct 00 - 03:25 PM Gervase, I've made cassocks for church, fiddly buggers aren't they! My record though are traditional handmade Dorset Buttons - ranging from 48 for a set of cards for a City and Guilds exam made in 24 hours, to what could possibly be the biggest ones ever made, at 3 inches diameter! LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Gervase Date: 30 Oct 00 - 05:40 AM Bugger, dropped me cookie in the clarts. I was that guest. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST Date: 30 Oct 00 - 05:03 AM Liz, ever counted the number of bloody buttons on a 17th Century cassock? Imagine doing the best part of 200 buttons and buttonholes by hand! Took me bloody ages when I was about 19, but it made me the man I am today (blind, with swollen fingers and a yearning for zips and velcro!). And, Fibula, for most living history devotees, the maxim is "give me authenticity or give me death". As Lynn states, its only by wearing the clothes in the way they were worn, eating the food, sleeping on the bedding and - just sometimes - enduring the lice, ticks and other parasites that allows us fully to connect. That said, there's a fair number of tossers in all re-enactment groups whose sole aim is to get as pissed as possible and have a punch-up, but they're the minority and in some parts have almost died out - perhaps to be replaced by the authenticity pedants... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Bluebeard Date: 29 Oct 00 - 09:07 PM I happen to have a fascination with the 19th Century. My wife reckons my re-enacting friends and I very likely lived through the period in a previous life. Been a Civil War period re-enactor since 1991 with the American Civil War Historical Re-enactment Society based in Southern Ontario. Members portray, as accurately as possible, a Southern unit..10th Louisiana, two Federal impressions, 49th New York and 10th Iowa and our artillery group swing both ways. We also have a medical group and several civilians. Playing music around the campfire led to three of us becoming an active band playing music of the time and also 1840's and 1850's. Going down to play at Fort Branch, North Carolina next weekend. We just don't re-enact war but the whole time period. Research and authenticity are important and it's a great feeling to teach a group of kids their own heritage through Living History. And it is SO much fun ! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Liz the Squeak Date: 29 Oct 00 - 09:03 AM It's not all blokes either, I was surprised at the number of women involved, and even now, my best friend dresses up in woollen gowns and trudges round Warwick castle, but she does it for the living history kick - her job is in museums, and she arranged several of these days as part of her job. Eventually she got involved with it herself, and got me involved as seamstress.... English Heritage are particularly pedantic when it comes to their re-enactors clothing, everything has to be authentic. Ever handstitched an entire wardrobe?? LTS |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Banjer Date: 28 Oct 00 - 04:38 AM My unit is the 1st Pennsylvania Light Artillery, U.S. or the Rockbridge Virgina Light Artillery, C.S.A. We are equipped to either impression. Have been reenacting since 91. We keep the cannon in the garage, much to the amusement of our neighbors. I take historical accuracy seriously and maintain an authentic camp when in the field. LEJ, I undersatnd your thoughts. We have done reenactments on a few actual battle sites and considered it an honor to be able to tell the story of those who were actually there. It has a different feel when portraying a battle on the very site that it took place. Incedently, we portray the units of family ancestors. My wife's ggguncle James W. Butler signed up with the 1st Pa Vol Inf at the age of 17 in 1861 and served with various units till he retired in 1899, a 38 year veteran! There is allegedly a family member on my side that served with Rockbridge. I have seen his name on rosters but have yet to determine exactly how he fits in to the genealogy. I believe he, like our Union ancestor, will turn out to be a ggguncle. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,Lynn T Date: 27 Oct 00 - 02:40 PM Agreed, Lindsay! There is something really connected about making a pouch with tablet-woven edges that looks and handles just like the example found in the 1400's London mud, or making a gown dyed with the same dye/mordant recipe cited in the 1350's guild records that hangs and makes the wearer stand just like the image in the Duc de Berry manuscript miniature, or cooking a dinner using the foodstuffs, menu and spice combinations specified in le Menagier de Paris to support a particular balance of humours. It says we've "done it right" , at least this little piece, and gives a deeper insight into how people really lived then, day to day. "Living history" is the right name, not "reenactment" -- I want to know how they did it and how they lived it! Lynn |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Uncle Jaque Date: 27 Oct 00 - 11:37 AM It's one thing to READ about History... quite another to LIVE it! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,Ole Bull Date: 27 Oct 00 - 10:32 AM Our crew, 22 Va Vol., began CW reenacting some twenty five years ago. We often brought the banjos and bluegrass to the campfire nightlife. Authenitcity is often reserved for military matters. We decided to change that. We now do the "Ethiopian Serenaders" instead. http://www.monumental.com/sanfords/reconst.html Besides we're too old and fat now to run around a confederate "militubbies." Living History is more of an education for the participant. On the field amid the smoke and noise one acheives insights not often recognized by the one viewing from the ivory tower. Not to mention what I have learned about American Music! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Gervase Date: 27 Oct 00 - 05:17 AM Andy, It is indeed the great Jon Price from Lord Saye andSele's, now soberly senior in the archaeology faculty at Durham (where Alastair is currently cataloguing the theology library...don't ask). As for the more general question of why re-enact, the point is two-fold and contradictory - to connect and to escape. To connect to the people who actually did such things and lived through events and experiences that, for many, mean little other than "boring bloody history" (Which is why, rather than re-enactment, many now prefer the term "living history", and in 90 per cent of events today, that has little to do with warfare). To escape because, for me, galumphing around the English and Scottish countryside when little more than a teenager in pursuit of booze, ballads and bawds was little short of bliss! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,mousethief (at the library) Date: 26 Oct 00 - 07:14 PM It needs but one foe to breed a war, not two, and those who have no swords can still die upon them. --Tolkien
Alex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: pict Date: 26 Oct 00 - 06:58 PM Harpgirl there wouldn't be many voting against war if their country was attacked by a foreign force intent on destroying it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Lindsay Date: 26 Oct 00 - 11:46 AM Well, I can't speak for all re-enactors, but I participate to teach. Most of our enactments are done in camp with everyday activities. When we do school days, we teach history, clothing, weapons, some manual of arms, women's life, ... etc. Our battles consists of tacticals, though we hope to do so recreations in the future. Again, it is to teach by showing what happened. We attempt to be as accurate as possible, down to the trim and buttons on our clothes. BTW, I have no interest in actually fighting (I don't even do paint ball). One of the demos that we do ends with the moral to the kids "If you don't want to die, don't start wars." The graphical display should show the effects of battles. Fortunately, we're able to walk away afterwards. Lindsay |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,Fibula Mattock Date: 26 Oct 00 - 07:38 AM Right - I'm curious! Most of the research I'm doing hinges on reconstructions (computer) of archaeological sites/artefacts, and I'm interested as to WHY you like to re-enact, military or otherwise. There are a great many challenges in attempting to portray past events/places, not least the level of detail and the accuracy of sources required, and I was also wondering how you feel about the re-enactions you do - how and why are they historically "valid"? Do you aim to be realistic, or is it the spirit of the thing that matters? |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: harpgirl Date: 26 Oct 00 - 07:30 AM ...Personally, I am grossd out by the concept of re-enacting war battles! Why do men want to replay war and killing? I note that it is mostly men doing this! Let's re-enact the important activities women! Healing the wounded, voting against war, and stopping the destruction of the environment! |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: AndyG Date: 26 Oct 00 - 06:31 AM Well, well, well, :)
Gervase,
Is "Jon Price" the Jon Price who was CO of Lord Sayes ?
(If you're still in contact with Dave McLoughlin I'm not surprised about the effects of the gargle ;-) )
I only sing at the local folk clubs nowadays, (Cambridge).
I'm still small tubby and bald, and possibly recognisable.
AndyG |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Gervase Date: 25 Oct 00 - 10:55 AM Almost certainly - though the gargle's dimmed me brain over the years, and many of the memories of old mates from those days have blended into a uniform mass of damp wool, ullage and stubble! I'm still in touch with Dave McLoughlin, Jasper and Alastair from Blackwell's Days, and with Andy Robertshaw (now terribly pukka as education officer with the National Army Museum). In fact, if you click here and call up the 1999 excavation, you'll see how we've aged not at all gracefully! Wheresabouts are you singing these days? I tend to go to Sharp's at Cecil Sharp House on Tuesdays in town, and to hit the various festivals as and when I can (with Sidmouth and Towersey unmissable). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: AndyG Date: 25 Oct 00 - 09:32 AM Well Gervase we probably new each other.
AndyG |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,Lynn T Date: 25 Oct 00 - 09:01 AM I was originally active in SCA from about 1974 (Pennsic V was my first Pennsic, and if you remember the "Quality Shoeleather" beef jerky that Marion used to sell from Battlefield Bakery, that's me) to whenever that Board of Directors flap was -- was that 1990 or so? then dropped out for a long time. I've only recently been getting back in, first as kitchen staff/spare alto, then someone inveigled me into going to Pennsic last year, and I so enjoyed the classes that I went back this year, even teaching a few. Now I'm freshly hooked on lampwork glass beadmaking and a form of 14th-century tablet-weaving used to finish fabric edges -- so I guess I'm back in again, though I haven't formally rejoined. You're right about the high proportion of flakes and dilletants in SCA, but there're also a lot of intense quality workers too; SCA was a good place to grow up, tolerant of a wide range of skill levels (technical and personal), but with resources eager to help anyone interested in learning. I'm in the Navy, and SCA and the folk community provided my support net as I moved around the world. Why did I leave, besides the politics? While I enjoy researching and making things like costumes, woodwork pieces and foodstuffs, it got real boring to actually dress up and attend events; I'm still not interested in sitting quiet and watching a bunch of fighters whale away at each other all afternoon. The kitchen is a much better place for me -- and we sing while we work. Lady Lilliane de l'Aleyzanne Willow, Manche, Pearl |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: The Walrus at work Date: 25 Oct 00 - 08:26 AM Manitas, The Citte of York was, I think, after my time. When I was in, we used to drink at "The George" in Southwark and later "The Anchor" (also Southwark)(there was also a pub in Victoria, but I can't remember the name as I only went there once or twice). Stragely enough, i got recruited at a singing session in a pub too. ;-{> Regards Walrus |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: manitas_at_work Date: 25 Oct 00 - 08:15 AM Walrus, Did you ever get down to the musters at the Cittie of York in Holborn? I used to go down with my mate Tom Gilmour. A few Civil War types used to drink in his local, the Dock & Duck at Palmers Green which is renowned as being the centre of the universe, and got us involved. Let's see, there was Martin Brain, Keith and Alison, Nell and her hubby and Ali Scott. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: pict Date: 24 Oct 00 - 11:46 PM No the Wallace clan trust for Scotland is Glasgow based.I don't think the Braveheart Trading Post has anything to do with them.The Wallace people have done a lot of T.V stuff and film stuff and are a registered charity.The original people involved with the Wallace actually made a choice of lifestyle as in plaiding up and staying plaided up,researching,and attempting to create modern equivalents of,historical ways of life in order to let people experience more closely the day to day life of their ancestors.They spent a lot of time on the land and would arrange excursions to the hills for unemployed people,doing music and dance,claymore and spear training,horse riding,even teaching basic Gaelic and so on most of the people I knew who were involved were very committed to it. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Wavestar Date: 24 Oct 00 - 09:56 PM Pict, you're the ones with the Braveheart Trading Post in Edinburgh, down by HolyRood on the Royal Mile, aren't you? My (not really friend but) aquaintance Vicky does stuff with them, from St. A's... -J |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: pict Date: 24 Oct 00 - 07:51 PM I used to be involved with the Wallace clan trust for Scotland you may have seen them in the film Braveheart.We used to go to various re enactments generally in England and team up with some Irish guys from Dub then we'd batter as many Englishmen as we could free from any possibility of prosecution unfortunately the English sussed us out and that brought that entertainment to an end:( |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Old Ark-ey Date: 24 Oct 00 - 07:29 PM I started singing traditional stuff at the Ark coffeehouse in 1969. I started reenacting the CW in 1992 w/a Union unit & the F&I/Rev War period in 1996 w/a civilian militia unit. And yes, I actually really shoot the frontstuffers as well as fire blanks with them. I've reenacted on original ground on numerous occasions. I personally consider it a great honor to do so and know many other reenactors feel the same way. I will also own up to quietly going off by myself on original ground to chant the Prayer for the Dead or the Prayer for Sudden Occasions (an Episcopalian prayer for a military death from the Soldier's Prayer Book, c.1861). |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Irish Rover Date: 24 Oct 00 - 04:12 PM I do all from 1650-1860 I was last years chief of Clann Wolf (scots reenactors) have done bucksking and civil war 79th Cameron highlanders. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: The Walrus at work Date: 24 Oct 00 - 01:17 PM Gervase & Manitas, Both Blackwells? I'd better confess and make it a hat trick ! Gervaise, you and I were in at about the same time (just think if a "more-than-rotund" musketier)<1> Manitas, I think we may just have missed each other (to be honest, I can't quite remember when I left, I seem to recall that it was a fairly gradual affair as other matters took precedence. Good Luck Walrus <1> If it helps, walrus isn't a name, it's a description. T |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Irish sergeant Date: 24 Oct 00 - 11:41 AM Lonesome EJ: OUr outfit (Company A, 12th United States Infantry. Does two events annualy on actual battle fields. One Elmira is on the battle field for NEwtown during the Revolutionary war. The other is Cedar Creek, which I'm sure you're familiar with. My view is it helps the spectators go away with a better understanding of what the boys and men who fought the Civil War went through. I feel we honour their sacrifices by keeping the memory alive of the great things they did. Hopefully, that explains my position on it. I like to think that they are looking down saying that at least someone remembers. Kindest reguards, Neil |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Manitas Date: 23 Oct 00 - 04:17 PM Hey, Gervase I was in Blackwell's (ECWS) just a couple of years after you. The last event I went to was a pre-Whitehall parade drinkup on the day LTS and I got engaged, that was in 1990. Liz refused to join a Royalist regiment and I thought I ought to cut down on my social life. As I was only in the regiment for the music I didn't miss it much. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Wavestar Date: 23 Oct 00 - 03:21 PM Tim Jennings - You aren't by any chance Tim Jennings the storyteller who used to tour Vermont, are you? If so, I remember you! If you're in Ealdormere, as well, I have a friend who does Bardic stuff in the area, although he's based in Skeldergate, he was at the recent crown tourney... -Jessica |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Melani Date: 23 Oct 00 - 01:42 PM My children and I do Renaissance Faires, and we are about to do another Dickens Faire as well. At those two I pretty much play myself, 400 or 150 years ago--since I've got my kids with me, I have to play a mother. We also did a Gold Rush Fair a few years ago--I loved that! I had a great story worked out about following my wandering husband to the gold fields and going into business with his other wife, whom he had also deserted. It was designed to explain why my business partner (who was actually my real husband's first cousin) had the same last name, but she was Mexican and I wasn't. Unfortunately, the Fair bombed and I never got to use the story. I became "Mistress Sam" at RenFaires after the Tolkien character, because of my habit of carrying tons of stuff with me everywhere I go. When I started doing 1901 sailor with chanteyranger, I decided to make all my living history names Sam for simplicity. The women in the topsail crew are supposed to be disguised as men, though we certainly don't seem to be fooling anyone. When asked, our captain said emphatically that there were no women on board--but "we've got some funny-looking men." So we have become the Sisterhood of Funny-Looking Men. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Hollowfox Date: 23 Oct 00 - 01:15 PM No problems from my end, Lindsay. there are a few genuine reenactors in the SCA, by your definition, and they are part of the reason I put up with the rest of the bunch. Welcome, Tim, hope to meet you sometime at an event. If there are anough of us at any one event, maybe we could have a 'Cat collegium. (Did they know about catfish in western Europe in the Middle Ages?) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Gervase Date: 23 Oct 00 - 10:39 AM Back in about '75 I briefly joined the Sabre Society, a Napolenoinic Group, but quickly moved on to the Sealed Knot in Sir Ralph dutton's Regt, based in Oxford. Thence to Sir Marmaduke Rawden's in the ECWS and then, for some time, Sir Thomas Blackwell's (until around 1985) Since then, other than a couple of visits to events, bugger all. It was largely the music that got me into the re-enactment business, and I found that more and better music was available elsewhere... At the last ECWS do I went to we were shushed out of the beer tent for singing, and surrounded by sad sods who seemed to want to duscuss nothing more than comparitive mortgage rates. O tempora... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Lindsay Date: 23 Oct 00 - 09:24 AM At the risk of being blasted, I thought this thread was asking about reenactors. While I have nothing against the SCA, reenactors tend to recreate (or reenact) a specific historical period (or person). In that process they try to be as accurate as possible requiring documentation for each item they use. They research speech, social attitudes, clothes (down to the buttons, materials, and thread used), songs, cooking utensils, housing. If they cannot establish a primary sources of information (documentation or studies dating back to that period) they don not use it. Having stood on my soapbox long enough, let me say that I have enjoyed playing with the SCA'ers and am active at our local Renaissance Festival (I portray a Bavarian knight as a paid entertainer). As to being a reenactor, I portray a Private in the 42nd Highland Regiment (aka Royal Highland Regiment or Black Watch) in the French and Indian campaign of the Seven Years War, circa 1758-59. Please feel free to visit our web site at http://www.highlandregiment.org for pictures. Private Michael Lindsay |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Peter Kasin Date: 23 Oct 00 - 03:08 AM Welcome to the Mudcat, Tim Jennings. -chanteyranger |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Troll Date: 22 Oct 00 - 11:12 PM Hollowfox. No. I'm from Trimaris. troll |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: GUEST,Tim Jennings Date: 22 Oct 00 - 08:37 AM My first post here. I am an active member of the SCA up here in Ontario, and have been since 1992. I specifically like it for the music (the Ontario regional group - Ealdormere - is very musicaly inclined). Nice to meet you all:) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Peter Kasin Date: 21 Oct 00 - 11:37 PM Once a month the National Park where I work holds a living history day. We strive to turn back the digital watch to 1901, and re-enact life aboard a square-rigger, a coastal schooner, and a ferryboat. We have a number of loyal volunteers who have gone through a docent training program, and have worked on developing characters. A few of the Park Rangers, myself included, are involved with this program. There is a sail furling demonstration, complete with a ship's master barking orders to a mate, who in turn barks orders to a crew, there's a cook in a working historic galley, several other characters - and I do mean characters - and demonstrations. I play a fiddler and chanteyman (how did you guess?) aboard the square-rigger. I first called myself "Matthew Robertson," a composite figure denoting an American born man of Scottish ancestry who learned fiddle from his father. One day, another re-enactor introduced me to visitors as "O.K. Pete." It sounded like a name from an old hollywood bad western at first, but when I thought about it, it made sense. Sailors were often nicknamed by other crew members, so I changed my character name, and made up a story about how when I first worked aboard a ship, I was given my first command from a mate, and instead of answeing "Aye!" I answered "O.K." I got a rap on the head for it, and forever after, the crew called me "O.K. Pete." |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Hobie Date: 21 Oct 00 - 09:26 PM I got involved in buckskinning in about 94 got tired of sitting around drinking and throwing tomahawks and got in volved with other people- now mostly i protray a muscisian/scholar in the mid 18th to early 19th. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Ely Date: 21 Oct 00 - 08:22 PM My brother got us into American Civil War reenacting in 1991 (13th United States Infantry, Company A--"First at Vicksburg!"). He and I were also part of an Explorer Scout troop that did Texas Republic (1836-1845) stuff. He's also done some World War I and World War II on his own (hoopskirts are bad enough--I'm not dying my legs and drawing stocking seams up the back). I've faded out of it--I'd like to keep it up but college interferes with my traveling freedom. Besides, there just isn't much to do if you're a girl and the rest of the Ladies' Auxiliary are only there to make sure their husbands don't buy any more guns. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Hollowfox Date: 21 Oct 00 - 05:21 PM One nice thing about the SCA is that it's not tied exclusively to warfare. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: wildlone Date: 21 Oct 00 - 03:45 PM Lonesome EJ, I have taken part in a few battles on original sites, I usually try to talk to members of the public that come to these events and explain what life would be like at the time. As for play acting in this country the various groups on the whole are very serious in what they do and have been instrumental in setting up monuments on various sites. I think the most atmospheric site I have been to must be Roundway Down near Devizes where the Parlimentary Cavalry on being driven of the feild of battle jumped a hedge to find a 100 to 200 foot drop on the other side, a contempory account stated that the locals could here the cries and moans coming from the mound of dead and dieing men and horses for many days and that they would not go near for years as it was haunted. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Hollowfox Date: 21 Oct 00 - 03:17 PM I've been in the SCA, to a greater or lesser extent since 1979. Troll, are you Lord Ian MacIan from Ostgard? My sympathies, Clinton Hammond, I have a similar problem around here. Maybe it's endemic in Midrealm and formerly Midrealm groups. I always thought that the SCA was where science fiction fanatics joined, on the deluded assumption that they were getting a life. Actually, regarding folkies and SCAdians, I've always found the SCAdians to be rather dull and predictable in comparison. If you can make it down to Aethelmarc War Practice next May, or Pennsic War in August, let me know. Lady Tuiren de Childgrove |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Timehiker Date: 17 Oct 00 - 11:02 PM I started out with an 1870's Cavalry unit in 1979. Got into the 1830's fur trade/rendezvous for a while. Then I joined the Napoleonic Association in Europe around 1984. That's when I started really getting into the historic music end of it. Back in the States, I fooled around with the Civil War folks long enough to learn that that era isn't my cup of tea. Then I started researching the American colonial period and Revolution. I started doing living history demonstrations for schools, boy scouts, and the like. Now I'm retired from the Army and belong to both a French and Indian War militia, and a Revolutionary War regiment, Preston's Augusta County (Virginia) Rangers, and the VIIth Virginia, respectively. I also belong to the Coalition of Historical Trekkers. I'm currently finishing up a degree in history and work at a living history park, The 1611 Citie of Henricus, site of the second successful English settlement in America. I work in both the Powhatan Indian Village, and the English Citie. I guess you could say I'm in it up to my neck. Take Care, Timehiker |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: kimmers Date: 17 Oct 00 - 10:40 PM I was involved in the SCA from about 1988 to about 1991. I gave it up partly because of time, partly because I never was comfortable in my persona, and partly because our local chapter was just a little too strange for me. As of this summer, I have become involved in Civil War re-enacting and this suits me much better. I enjoy the American folk music and the educational aspects (and the funny clothes), and my husband (usually an utter pacifist) gets a kick out of playing soldier. I never ever thought we'd have a firearm of any kind in our house... |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Lonesome EJ Date: 17 Oct 00 - 10:00 PM I am curious about how re-enactors feel about re-creating battles on the original battlefield. This aspect of re-enactment bothers me a bit when,for example,individuals play-act war upon fields that,I feel,were consecrated by those who actually fought and died there.This is common in my country during battle anniversaries of Civil War engagements. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Charcloth Date: 17 Oct 00 - 08:54 PM I do pre 1840 type stuff but I am not associated with any group. I dress as a Scottish emigrant & also have been doing somee Ren. type events. My partner & I perform mostly period material for these events. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Wavestar Date: 17 Oct 00 - 08:38 PM I'm another SCAdian, and my persona is Iscah de Merlis, a Venetian merchant's daughter from late 1400's, mostly involved in Bardic and cooking. I also do LARP, occasionally, but it's not really re-enactment of anything except insanity. Clinton Hammond, where in Canada are you exactly? I'm being nosy, and feel free to PM me with the answer, but I know several people involved with the SCA near Toronto, and they might be able to get you involved with some more, umm... less Star-trek like? But I prefer groups that take themselves less seriously, myself. -J |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Rollo Date: 17 Oct 00 - 07:25 PM Sometimes I have the feeling expecially the Viking Reenactors here in Germany are just insane, and the MiddleAges groups shelter a lot of maniacs, too. They don't take it easy enough. To let go Jesus in order to worship old Thor, and this in ernest... or to hack each other with steel axes and afterwards proudly tell that only the helm prevented them from losing their nose after fumbling a clash... or to draw the blade and attempt to run down another juggler because he seemes not "original" enough, but tried to have commercial success... Such Scenes seem only too common with certain groups. But there are others. I enjoy having historical scenarios in LiveActionRolePlays, we allready had some Viking LARPs, MiddleAges Tournaments, a Musketeer Live, and next summer we will have our first Western Live. We handle polstered "plastic" weapons, but it's okay for me. Also dear friends of mine have founded the Reenactment Group "Keines Herren Knechte", performing a german Late Middle Ages Pikes and Artillery lance. I like to spend time with them and I hope to attend service as a chaplain for them next season. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Rex Date: 17 Oct 00 - 05:21 PM I take part in events from the fur trade, the Mexican-American War, the War between the States (so as not to be confused with other civil wars), the indian wars and the end of the 19th century. Military or civilian. I do wood working and metal working trades and or course the music that makes it all complete. Rex |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Naemanson Date: 17 Oct 00 - 03:04 PM SCA in 1983 and 1984. Loosely associated with buckskinners since 1992. Military re-enactments are too regimented and I have a deep seated aversion to wearing anything resembling a uniform. Love to visit them though. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: wildlone Date: 17 Oct 00 - 02:59 PM Joined the Sealed Knot in 1969/70 Sir Alexander Pophams regt as a pike man later musqueteer , In 1972 the Roundhead Association split with the SK, regt changed to Sir Nicholas Devereux's regt. I left for a while and rejoined Sir William Sydenhams regt as a Pikeman later Ensign, I now belong to the 23rd Royal Welch as a pioneer. Also Hon member of the Chepstowe Garrison and St Pierre houshold. I love living history and have taken part in most periods events. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Clinton Hammond2 Date: 17 Oct 00 - 02:53 PM I'd be involved with the SCA if the local chapter wasn't full of losers and goof-offs... These people make Star Trek fans look like Gap commercials! Maybe one day I'll live in a big enough centre to have a good SCA group to join... I really miss the feasts... {~` |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Cobble Date: 17 Oct 00 - 02:38 PM Cobble and I were involved with the Sealed Knot ( English Civil War) from 1975-1989. They were great times and we sill have cotact with great friends we made. Mrs. Cobble
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Jim Krause Date: 17 Oct 00 - 02:26 PM I got started as a Union cavalryman with the 4th Missouri Volunteer Cavalry, Co. C from 1986-90. Dropped out for a few years, then discovered I missed the smell of campfire smoke, singing around the fire, and all the tall tales. Got involved with Friends of Fort Osage about '94 and have been having a good time there ever since. Fort Osage is a pre 1820 frontier military/fur trade fort on the Missouri River. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Uncle Jaque Date: 17 Oct 00 - 12:56 PM Fifer, 3rd Regiment Maine Volunteer Infantry Field Music (Fife & Drum Corps). Active (less so recently) since 1991. I also serve as occasional unit Armorer / Ordnance Pvt. with Co. "A" of the 3rd, our primary Infantry impression. During downtime, I serve as informal camp Minstrel with banjo, guitar, and tin whistle. |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Irish sergeant Date: 17 Oct 00 - 10:35 AM I've been involved in Civil War re-enacting since 1995. I re-enact as a Union Infantryman with Company A, 12th United States Infantry. I don't recreate an actual historical figure from the regiment, rather I portray an Irish born career soldier. Kindest reguards, Neil |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: jeffp Date: 17 Oct 00 - 10:29 AM I did American Civil War from 1983 to about 1991, all of it as a Confederate infantryman, most as chaplain. jeffp |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Kim C Date: 17 Oct 00 - 09:47 AM Mister and I have been Civil War reenactors since 1995, have done some 1840s and "pre-1840" as well. :) |
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: Troll Date: 17 Oct 00 - 09:31 AM I'm active in the Society for Creative Anachronism.As Ld. Iain MacIsaac MacIain, an 11th cent.Scot/Norse from the Hebrides and Western Scotland (Alba) I am one of the oldest active fighters in the SCA. At present I also have an alternate persona, (only for wars) Ion Thalassios, a warrior of Sparta. I've also done CW, Rev War, WWII, and 1740 Spanish in Florida. troll
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Subject: RE: BS: Re-enactors? From: John P Date: 17 Oct 00 - 09:17 AM I was in the Society for Creative Anachronisms from 1981 until about 1986 or so. That's also when I first got into traditional folk music, so most of my early influences (Alan Stivell, John Renbourn, Malicorne, Steeleye Span, Kornog) were supplied to me by people in funny costumes. John
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Subject: Re-enactors? From: The Walrus at work Date: 17 Oct 00 - 09:03 AM A quick question. How many 'Catters are/were involved in Re-enactment/Living History? What period(s) are you involved in? I suppose I'd better start the ball rolling:- I started in the Napoleonic Association back in 1974/5 and was a regular member until about 1985 then became more "loosly" involved until about 1995. I spent a few years of the early/mid 1980's in the English Civil War Society. Since 1984 I've been involved with the Great War Society, more L/H than Re-enactment. Anyone else? Regards Walrus |