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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Sept 24, 2010 10:53:15 GMT -5
Sometimes, finding ways to attract the males in our lives to the our interests can be a challenge. Activities related to this particular period are often very genteel and refined, and there doesn't seem to be many reasons to make any man want to participate in your Regency activities.
What ideas do you have to get your man involved? I think looking at the military history from the period would do it; get them interested in the weapons (swords, fencing, black-powder pistols, hunting, etc...)... I know these are my suggestions, and none of those necessarily worked for my husband, but I think it's mostly because there was no other gentleman there to introduce him to the more 'male-oriented' aspects of the period... nobody to go shoot pistols with, nobody to show him that yes, it can be fun for boys too. The men he did meet in our group are more geared towards the historic aspect of the reenactment, he needed to find someone to show him the guy stuff. My hubby isn't really much interested in history ... but if he could participate in things that most boys like... things that make loud noise, destroy things and set things on fire... well, he'd be all for that, I'll wager. Get him a cannon and he'll put on the cravat post-haste.
Do you have any ideas? Do any of our few male forum members have any special suggestions to make this period more appealing to the men in our lives?
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Post by Eleanor on Sept 25, 2010 20:59:13 GMT -5
As I've mentioned elsewhere, my beloved is very interested in the navy of the time period. Fiction as well as non -fiction, he loves the idea of it all. He likes wearing costumes, so getting him to wear period clothing is not a problem. But what is he to do at gatherings? I'm sure I could persuade him on occasion to take tea with the ladies, but to keep him interested, there will need to be more.
For you gentlemen out there, what sorts of things do you do? What keeps you interested? We are just getting a Regency group going here, and would like to attract men as well as women. What activities should we be thinking of to include the gentlemen?
Kindly,
Barbara
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Post by lastbloom on Sept 26, 2010 17:21:30 GMT -5
I'm fortunate to have a husband who has been reenacting since he was 15 or so, first Civil War and later WWII. He loves history and is not averse to dressing up in "strange" clothing. Our biggest problem seems to be the lack of events or groups in our area (Northern CA/Sierra Foothills); as far as I know there are no Rev War, Napoleonic, or 1812 groups in the area. The other problem is that my husband is a terrible snob about clothing and only wants to go to things if he can do it "absolutely right" -- nothing out of period, nothing missing -- and we all know how difficult it seems to be to find men's patterns.
I am very eager to hear everyone's thoughts on this subject in general, and hope we can help each other find some solutions!
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Post by lastbloom on Sept 26, 2010 17:28:27 GMT -5
But what is he to do at gatherings? Card games and games of chance were popular evening pastimes for gentlemen as well as ladies. It might be a very fun idea for an event to hold an "evening card party" (such as Emma Woodhouse organized for her father) with the goal of learning some period card games, which could then be played by any interested parties at future gatherings. Or, if your husband does not dislike public speaking and is portraying a naval man, he could entertain the company with an account of a battle he "participated" in (looking up the details of notable historic actions "his" ship had been engaged in)? |
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Post by The Doctor on Sept 27, 2010 14:32:43 GMT -5
A list of some of the 'manly' things we do or have done at our events: >Hellfire Club- since WHEN do gents need an excuse to get together and drink and smoke pipes and cigars? >Duel- I think I personally have taken part in like a half a dozen this year. Guys love shooting their pistols. >Fencing- after talking to the other local regency guys we discovered that we ALL had a little fencing in our background. It's fun, and great exercise! www.graphicenterprises.net/html/austen_fencing.html>Cards and Dice- Learn a game, it's easy. Then have the gents all bring quarters and gamble on them... VERY period appropriate. >Singing sea shanties or other period music- My character's background is Royal Navy, so I know tons of shanties. >Reading aloud- at our last tea, everyone was encouraged to bring with them something period appropriate to read aloud to the group. It doesn't always have to be poetry, I read the 'Band of Brothers' speech from Henry V. It was a big hit. |
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Post by iamdiverted on Sept 28, 2010 11:52:55 GMT -5
OMG, not to be to forward but the doctor is serious regency hawt! okay, i am being foward, but I can, kuz I'm married but that aside ~ Gorgeous George!
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Sept 28, 2010 12:02:06 GMT -5
"Forward" doesn't describe it... LOL... Easy girl.
I've already threatened to abduct him (and The Major too) for the sake of all our Single Regency Gentleman-deprived single ORS ladies.. but truth be told, I really, really just someone who is motivated to get men's activities going for our group here in Oregon... but I was talked out of my dastardly plan by Bill from ORS Cascades... he is needed where he is. ::sigh:: I just need to find a similar enthusiast over here to take up the role of leader of the Gentlemanly Pursuits division of our group. ::grumble:: and of course for the ORS single ladies to flirt with as well. It's a tough job being the grand tyrant sometimes.
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Post by lastbloom on Sept 29, 2010 17:11:34 GMT -5
Excellent suggestions, Doctor! I like the mix of indoor and outdoor pursuits, since cards or storytelling/reading don't always suit events held out of doors. Is it indiscreet to ask the nature of the disagreements that prompt your duels?  |
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Post by The Doctor on Sept 30, 2010 22:10:34 GMT -5
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Post by Mme de Beaufort on Oct 1, 2010 12:53:40 GMT -5
LOL, brilliant.
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Post by Eleanor on Oct 1, 2010 15:24:19 GMT -5
Doctor, you are an inspiration! (And really cool, too!) ;-)
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Post by lastbloom on Oct 1, 2010 16:48:49 GMT -5
Dear Doctor,
Your account of the duel on behalf of poor Miss Waterman was wonderfully compelling! I hope the lady has recovered her spirits, and I congratulate her on her good fortune to have such a protector!
I am enjoying both your diaries very much. I agree with Lady Barbara -- I"m quite inspired!
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Post by The Doctor on Oct 2, 2010 10:32:55 GMT -5
Ladies, I thank you. It is high praise to think that anyone would care to read MY pedestrian efforts. Miss Waterman's writings are much better, and more descriptive than mine.
The above listed activities are all fairly simple to arrange and set up. A few props can generally see to it that the activity is a success. A pair of pistols, a fencing foil, a deck of cards and so forth.
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Post by Heidi Hollister on Oct 6, 2010 1:41:58 GMT -5
Not every man is into the military aspect. My husband is excessively disinterested in my suggestion that he join a military unit in our Civil War life. He is willing to dress in funny clothes, but doesn't feel that there are people "like him" in the hobby. All he needs is a hook, something to make the Regency, or any other period for that matter, real, then I think he'd get into it.
Computers and Jane Austen seem to be at odds so far.
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Post by Eleanor on Oct 6, 2010 19:45:06 GMT -5
My husband is a computer programmer, so there are others out there like him! (At least, somewhat.) Is there a fictional character of the time he can identify with?
There's also the suggestions the Doctor made above-- fencing for sport or dueling, cards, or gambling. If you're in a rural area (or can get to one) he could even try a hunting party. If hunting isn't appealing, there is always just target practice.
What sort of things does he normally enjoy?
~B
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Post by amandamoose on Oct 12, 2010 16:57:46 GMT -5
My husbands is a character design artist for a computer game company and has designed tshirts for a couple online places as well...I'd love to get him involved with this but doubt it'll ever happen he'd never show his calves even if they were in stockings
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Post by The Doctor on Oct 12, 2010 17:11:06 GMT -5
...he'd never show his calves even if they were in stockings  Click to enlargeWear boots! It's what I do... and it allows a gentleman to hide unsightly calves, ankles, &c. and are all the fashion amongst the upper circle sort. Computers and Jane Austen seem to be at odds so far. My husband is a computer programmer, so there are others out there like him! I work in a computer lab all day with high school students... I know what it is to have one's day job be at odds with the Regency era. What I really love about the hobby is that there is plenty to do for one with an industrious mind... and most of it can be done without carrying or discharging a firearm. |
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Post by The Major on Apr 12, 2011 11:26:33 GMT -5
In addition to the good suggestions already posted, you should watch 'Regency House Party' for ideas. Although, I will say that some of the things they present and do probably would not be well received by the sedentary gentlemen. At least one of the things involves what today would be considered a blood sport (wagering on bare knuckle boxing). Some require athleticism and much exertion which leads to sweating. And yet another one or two would not be permitted by the ladies of today, I believe the Doctor mentioned the ‘Hellfire Club’ and then there is the secret society club that was shown in the Regency House Party  Another sport that gentlemen often engaged in was single stick. I believe I described this here in postings past. But this probably would not be well received by the modern gentleman as it involves the victory going to the gentleman who inflicts first blood of his opponent. I suppose padded gloves and fencing masks could make it a bit more tame, the gentlemen would have to be with honor and call when scored upon. Let me know if you want more information. Besides some of these things, many of the games of today have their origins in history and are quite appropriate for the regency period with a few modifications. Or if in advance agreed to be acceptable to all could be done as modern but with regency decorum and spirit. One of those things is trap shooting. I know, I know, not every modern gentleman has a flintlock fowler like The Major. This is one of those things that if agreed to could still be done with regency decorum and spirit. Those that have flintlock fowlers could use them and those with modern fowlers could use them and give handicap to the flintlocks. And you would not want to shoot at glass bottles or balls and spread all that glass about. So when we’ve done this, we have used modern clay pigeons with modern throwers (hand throwers still preferred if you have a valet or servant to do the throwing). And of course you have to have the place for it. A farm or large enough acreage in a rural area is required. Or there are some country clubs or shooting clubs that could accommodate both a regency picnic and the shooting event. It is worth looking into. Along that same line is archery. It was fairly popular amongst gentlemen (and some ladies) and can be done in authenticity fairly easily. Target shooting with rifle or pistol. Some of the other suggestions I have seen here are very good indeed. They had bowling in those days that we call lawn bowling today. Which was very much like Bocce Ball. We simply play bocce ball. Croquet was very popular (I have a wonderful set that is fairly close to authentic, as you can get without spending several hundred dollars more that the couple hundred the set cost me), all you need is a good lawn for croquet. My green, although just a few feet on the tight side in size, when it was in good shape, saw many a spirited game of croquet. But alas, with my lack of health in the past couple years, the green has been neglected and may take me a year or two to get back into shape once I get started. If nobody has a fairly level and smooth lawn that can be mowed short, some golf courses have practice greens that they are willing to rent for a few hours and can also accommodate some sort of regency outing. I’ve done this but without the full blown regency outing, a putting green is absolutely the best place to play croquet. Most actual croquet courts are at private clubs and may or may not be able to accommodate you. The other suggestion of badminton is also appropriate. I have not done full research, only enough to know (enough to get me in trouble  ) that forms of it have been played for several hundred years, and I do not know the full game and rules of the regency period. I have been told that playing our modern badminton is almost always acceptable. My only suggestion would be to not purchase a cheap Walmart set that looks hopelessly cheap modern, but to get a decent set that will hold up, and either look alright or be such that it can be made to look acceptable. And of course, some of the old standby activities are good also – cards, gambling, staging duels, hunting parties, fencing, although very authentic most gentlemen of today do not sing but for those that do…please keep it tame with ladies in ear shot. Sorry this is so long, hopefully it will glean some help. Cheers, |
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Post by The Major on Apr 12, 2011 14:06:41 GMT -5
Another thought occurred. What about fishing? I'm not familiar with what types of fishing and venues (lakes, streams, rivers, oceans, etc) are in your, et al, area(s), but this is a possibility. There is information on the web about period equipment and such. It then just depends on what works for what venue. But most venues should be able to also accommodate other regency activities as well. In my area, natural lakes are scarce, but many reservoirs also have public parks. Or if you are lucky enough to know someone with a private lake or fishing stream/river access and a bit of ground...
The equipment I have used is simply a Willow tree sapling. I like to cut one that is about 8'-10' in length. It can be used green, but I like to either harvest one in the autumn, or late spring and then let it cure for a few months. Your gentlemen will want to experiment with what size works best for where and for what kind of fish they are after. Since I do not have the talent to make the correct line, I usually...ahem...improvise and use either modern monofilament or some type of fly fishing string. Then it's a matter of bait, lure, or fly fishing. There are also places that some period tackle can be purchased such as hooks at Jas. Townsend.
Part of the fun is the research. Determine what direction to go with it. Then building the kit. And then the best part, for the gentlemen and the ladies, having an event to allow them to try out fishing regency style. And who knows, if they are successful, the fruit of their labor can be then be enjoyed by all as part of the event meal or such.
Just...ahem...food for thought!
Cheers,
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Post by lastbloom on Apr 12, 2011 15:14:10 GMT -5
I believe a friend of mine gave her husband a lovely period fishing kit and a book on technique purchased from Jas. Townsend & Son a year or two ago. The gentleman was so good as to put the pole together to show me, and fortunately they have a great tall ceiling -- the pole was easily 10 feet long! Here's the link to a complete kit, and I was mistaken, the pole was 14 feet long! jas-townsend.com/product_info.php?products_id=943My own husband showed me a very interesting article in this month's issue of Guns & Ammo magazine, featuring a Georgian "greatcoat" flintlock (they test fire it and everything!). The article is called "Turn of the Screw" and is written by Garry James, with great photos b Lynne McCready (Guns & Ammo, May 2011). I thought it might be of interest to the gentlemen on the boards, and it is a nice example of a magazine, aimed at "modern" men, featuring something related to our era. |
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Where so many hours have been spent in convincing myself that I am right, is there not some reason to fear I may be wrong? ~ Jane Austen 
