War of 1812 Grand Tactical.

[The Major]

Dear Dawn,

Since you are an 1812er, I was wondering if you travel to events. If so, are you planning to attend the Grand Tactical in September? Or Mississinewa?

[dawnluckham]

I generally travel with a small group of seamstresses - sometimes 3 of us, sometimes 5 of us. Mississinewa has been on my 'wish list' for several years now and I'd really like to make it one of these years. Plans have not entirely been solidified for us yet. But this is a possibility this year.

The Grand Tactical in Maryland this year...I won't say it won't happen. It'd be a lot of fun and I truly miss that part of the world. I grew up in Washington D.C. suburban area. I haven’t been back in over 30 years. Do you think it’s changed much? ;D But Maryland is a long, long way from Ontario.

The thing is, we usually plan to participate as merchants when we attend events and taking stuff across the border is way more difficult than anyone would think. If we did attend either of these events it would just be to go…

At this point we are just planning to get together this week to discuss the season’s schedule. Our first event of the season is usually cold and rainy at the Battle of the Longwoods. This year May 3-4.

[tess]

Major,

I would love to read more on these events. Unfortunately, it would not be to attend, only for my enlightenment. Is there a site with information?

Dawn,
I lived years ago in Ontario. Even then, crossing the border could be frustrating. I can only imagine how difficult it must be now!

[The Major]

Hi Tess,

Sure, here is a sampling of War of 1812 events. There are many out there and I'll include a link to a list of events as well.


Dear Dawn,

That's too bad, I was wondering when we would cross paths in person. I'm sure it will happen sooner or later.


Here are some links that may be interesting:
www.jefpat.org/GrandTactical2008.htm
1812grandtactical.tripod.com/
www.mississinewa1812.com/
www.iaw.on.ca/~jsek/
www.cryslersfarm.com/

royal.scots.tripod.com/warof1812eventslist/

usforces1812.tripod.com/
1812crownforces.tripod.com/

[tess]

Many thanks Major. The Battle of Mississinewa appears to be the closest to my location (Louisville), however at 3 1/2 hours I don't think I'll be convincing the husband to make the trip!

All of the links were informative and, as always, your kindness in forwarding information is most appreciated.

[The Major]

Dear Tess,

If you could make it to Mississinewa, they hold a Ball every year on Saturday evening. It's a lot of fun!

[tess]

Ooooh, now a ball sounds more enticing!

Maybe by October I could convince some of my new JASNA friends (or some contra dancing friends) to make the trip!

I'll have to pencil it in on the calendar:)

October is also the General Meeting of the national JASNA in Chicago. It may be a busy month!

[The Major]

If anyone were interested, here is a picture (which can change in the future) taken at last year's Grand Tactical at Fort Niagara near Youngstown, NY. I know it's at a distance, but it's a nice picture. I'm the officer in the green uniform (it's a field and not a full dress uniform).

f9g.yahoofs.com/groups/g_20660360/.HomePage/__sr_/e626.jpg?grAeoCIBoAf0wxaD

[Mrs Parker]

Were I not an elderly matron. I would say, "Ooo! A whole regiment of soldiers!"

[The Major]

mrsp said:

Were I not an elderly matron. I would say, "Ooo! A whole regiment of soldiers!"

You can still say it, Madame. I know it would bring a smile to more than one or two soldiers. ;D

[Mme de Beaufort]

Ooo indeed! Those are handsome uniforms. Very dashing! Especially yours and the fellow up front with the cream-coloured trousers. I like those great-coaty like garmets, green with red trim.

[lauren]

I have to agree :-) I love those pictures. When do we get to see the pics from your phenominal ball :-)

[The Major]

lauren said:

I have to agree :-) I love those pictures. When do we get to see the pics from your phenominal ball :-)

Thank you, kind lady. I hope to have pictures soon. A few of the attendees have said they are sending me CDs soon. It could be awhile for the photographer's pictures. But I will post pictures as soon as I can.

[tess]

I have some practical questions about the GT and reenacting...

I have had a crazy idea of late about driving to the Grand Tactical in September. When I crunch the numbers, it seems possible; however I would most likely be attending alone. It seems like it would be a wash between doing a hotel and buying a wedge tent. I think it would be more fun to be there for the whole event, rather than driving in each day, but I have some questions.

1. Am I nuts to think I can carry/set-up a wedge tent alone. I have plenty of backpacking experience, but I'm used to light weight, high-tech gear.
2. Do you think there is enough to "do" for someone who isn't attached to a military unit or has no specific "connection" to the event??
3. If I buy a tent, would you recommend Panther Primitives? Should I consider a bell-back, or just the standard wedge?
4. What other "must have" gear would you recommend?
5. If I go alone, I can't figure out how to get dressed. I can manage my undergarments as they fasten in the front (sorry to speak of my unmentionables Major!), but all my dresses fasten in the back and I can't do them alone. I guess I could try to find a sympathetic soul in camp, but what if I can't? At best, I would be stuck in my tent until someone could help me dress I think.
6. Any other advice...?

I can't attend the JA General Meeting in Chicago and I really want to do something big. I was considering Mississinewa, but the GT looks so very cool with the tall ships and such.
There is a unit from Ky attending (2nd Reg. Ky Militia), but I don't know anything about them or even where in KY they are centered.

Any advice from you experienced reenactors would be welcome (Major...MissCredit... ).
Thank you!!!

[dawnluckham]

Tess, I think you can do this alone if you think you’d like to.

Yes, you can set up a small wedge tent alone, but I’d be very willing to bet you’ll find other’s in attendance very helpful and that as soon as someone realizes you’re on your own they’ll offer assistance.

I’ve not been to the GT so I can’t tell you if you’ll find enough to keep you busy. I would think that yes, you would.

Extra suggested equipment: small folding chair and possibly a table, bedding (if modern plan to hide it). A cooler with snacks and things – bring some fabric or a blanket to hide it too. A lantern of some sort and candles and matches. Cup, plate, utensils. A few emergency tools – hammer, work gloves, small flashlight. Washcloth, towels, toiletries, small mirror (if you want it). Make the towel and facecloth in a period fabric if you plan to hang it outside your tent to dry.

As far as dressing alone, why not make yourself some front closing gowns? We had a thread a bit ago where several front closing gown styles were suggested. (I’m sorry I can’t find it for you – I find the many threads a constant challenge.) Again, you’ll find fellow attendees very friendly and willing to help. In a pinch, throw a shawl over your shoulders and head out to “Spencer’s Mercantile” in the suttler area. Susan Spencer is planning to attend the event and she’s a very sweet lady who would be more than willing to help you fasten your dress.

[Mme de Beaufort]

Jul 2, 2008 16:16:34 GMT -5 dawnluckham said:

Tess, I think you can do this alone if you think you’d like to.

Yes, you can set up a small wedge tent alone, but I’d be very willing to bet you’ll find other’s in attendance very helpful and that as soon as someone realizes you’re on your own they’ll offer assistance.

I’ve not been to the GT so I can’t tell you if you’ll find enough to keep you busy. I would think that yes, you would.

Extra suggested equipment: small folding chair and possibly a table, bedding (if modern plan to hide it). A cooler with snacks and things – bring some fabric or a blanket to hide it too. A lantern of some sort and candles and matches. Cup, plate, utensils. A few emergency tools – hammer, work gloves, small flashlight. Washcloth, towels, toiletries, small mirror (if you want it). Make the towel and facecloth in a period fabric if you plan to hang it outside your tent to dry.

As far as dressing alone, why not make yourself some front closing gowns? We had a thread a bit ago where several front closing gown styles were suggested. (I’m sorry I can’t find it for you – I find the many threads a constant challenge.) Again, you’ll find fellow attendees very friendly and willing to help. In a pinch, throw a shawl over your shoulders and head out to “Spencer’s Mercantile” in the suttler area. Susan Spencer is planning to attend the event and she’s a very sweet lady who would be more than willing to help you fasten your dress.

I believe this is the thread you were referring to:
regencysa.proboards59.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=gowns&thread=568&page=1

[tess]

Thanks to both of you. I have enough of a plain brown material with a small stripe to make at least one drop-front dress. Thanks for that idea.

Is there a source where I can research camp accessories that would be period correct? There is a wide range of "things" out there and I'm not sure all of it is correct for 1812. For instance, the blue speckled enamel dishware, how early was that used (I'm guessing Civil War)? I don't want to spend money and end up being a Fast and Researchless Buyer!

Also, along those lines, most pictures of 1812 reenactments show ladies in dresses with a low-waist (natural waist). Is that because camp followers would have been wearing fashions from the last 10 years, not necessarily the "latest". When did the empire waist first appear?

I want to fit in, but also understand what was appropriate for the setting.

[dawnluckham]

Thanks for finding that for me Steph.


Tess, you’re right that there’s a lot of “stuff” out there that may or may not be ‘correct’. As far as enamel dishware goes, I don’t know, but if you have it already go ahead and use it – no one will look at you askance. I know that a lot of re-enactors use wooden and pottery bowls and dishes. I use a steel plate with a pottery mug, but I’m looking for a prettier alternative that’s sturdy enough to tolerate camping and packing etc. My mind keeps turning to Blue Willow china but I don’t think I’ve come across anything sturdy enough yet.

Please, please, please don’t fall into the natural waist petticoats thing!!! We in 1812 are STRUGGLING to do away with that look. You will be just fine and ahead of the curve if you show up in your high waisted gowns. The idea that camp followers would be 10 years behind the fashion curve is myth that’s hard to get rid of. In a world where a woman only had one or two dresses to her name, those dresses wore out quickly and she’d be sewing herself a new one within a year or two. Why would she make a new dress 10 years out of style?

By 1812 the high waisted fashion had been in style almost 20 years. It first became popular in 1794 or 1795. It was firmly established by 1800. There are some re-enactors that came to The War of 1812 re-enacting from the American Revolutionary War (1775-83) era and somewhere someone told them that the “common clothing” wouldn’t have changed during the space of time between these two periods. You can try to change their minds, but some people just don’t want to change. High waists were definitely what the common people were wearing in 1812.

[Miss Credit]

Hi Tess!
Sorry it took me a bit to get to this thread, I have been a bit swamped lately, but I would love to answer your questions and offer you some advice.
When you first start off reenacting it can be pretty overwhelming but you are doing a great job of educating yourself before getting into it. That’s probably the number one thing you can do before deciding to go to an event, especially one as big as the Grand Tactical.
Ok first off a wedge tent is not hard to set up and is not heavy at all. A wedge only needs three poles and a handful of stakes, for a wedge you need at least four stakes or at least five if you have a bell. The canvas alone doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs I would say and when kept folded up it is really easy to carry and lay out to be set up. If you are considering buying a tent I recommend either Panther Primitives or Tentsmiths. At Tentsmiths we use the 1812 US Army tents, they do not have a bell, but if you would like a bell go with the French 1750. Whether or not you decide to get a bell is up to you. With the bell there is a little more room to store equipment but if you don’t plan on making this a regular hobby I would not spend the extra money. Also if you decided to join up with a unit in your area they may have rules regarding the type of tent you can set up. In our unit we can only have wedge tents or a wedge with a bell, but as of late there has been some discussion on the accuracy concerning the use of a bell. The way I see it is they would have used whatever tent they could get their hands on, but anyways! If you do decide to buy your own tent do bother getting the mud flaps. They are an extra $35 or so and don’t really do anything useful, we call them mold flaps for a reason you know haha. Setting up a wedge is really easy as well but does require at least two other people to assist you, two to hold the poles and one to hammer the stakes. Most people, I have noticed, are nice enough to help out if they see you are alone. If not just ask someone, you will be pleased to find most are willing to help, if not you can sway them over with an offering of food or spirits hehe.
Secondly, there will be plenty of things for you to do there. Besides just walking around the vendors and watching the tacticals it is always fun to meander throughout the camps and meet new people. If you haven’t checked out the schedule yet you will be pleased to see they have some neat activities set up for the reenactors such as a sail on the Chesapeake singing chanteys and I think I read somewhere that they are working on activities or classes for civilians. I am not sure if they will have a ball or any sort of impromptu dance but after dark our group always sits about the fire singing loudly to period tunes, and you would be more than welcome to join us.
For “must have” gear I strongly suggest a canteen or a nice sized tin mug that you can carry a beverage in. As for plates and forks, you don’t really need them unless you plan on cooking or eating at a camp that will cook for you. Most places offer a free breakfast every morning before the location opens and a lunch coupon for the weekend. This means dinner is the only meal you need to buy or cook. If you have never cooked over a fire I suggest making note of close by fast food places on your way in that way you can run over quick for dinner. I suggest bringing a cooler to pack your drinks and snacks in, when you decide to start doing this regularly try and find someone to make an insulated wooden box to used in place of your cooler, then you wont have to hide it. You will want to bring bedding and maybe an extra blanket to cover up your modern items, you can also just tie your tent shut to keep people out, most people respect the closed tent policy. A lantern and some candles are a great idea for going to and from the potty at night, you can pick these up cheap at a bunch of places. You may want to invest in a small wooden stool, I know of a couple places that make them for cheap and they fold up small enough to store in a chest. When you start going around camps however you will notice the lack of furniture and find that most of us just sit on the ground, with this in mind be sure to pack gowns that you do not mind getting dirty or gowns of darker colors. Of course you will want to bring your clothes, some modern clothes, bathroom/medicine stuff, and sunblock is a must. Be sure to have a bonnet, flat straw hat or kerchief to cover your head with, not only is it period correct (ladies never go outside with their heads uncovered!) but it really does help prevent sunburn and there is a particular British officer I hear calls women harlots when they are seen in public without a covered head. So a list short and sweet of necessary items: Tin mug or canteen, cooler with drinks and snacks, bedding, clothes (modern and period) sunblock, toiletries, lantern and candles. If you are considering doing this more and more I can give you a more detailed list of what you will need and where to get it.
Now as I mentioned I would not bring a white gown or even a light pink or yellow one since you will probably be sitting in the grass a bit. When it comes to the issue of dressing it can be very difficult to dress ones self alone. There are several things you can do, go to the nearest flushie (flushing bathroom) and there you will find many women of the camps washing their faces and what not. Ask one of them to help you, I had to do this at Stoney Creek, you feel silly at first but the women always laugh and are more than willing to help. You can also switch the way the dress closes. The black gown that I wore for the fashion show closed at the back in the waist and at the neckline in the front. The trick is getting a long piece of thin ribbon threading it through the waist drawstring casing and this you will be able to grab and close yourself by tying it in the front with a bow. The neckline is closed in the front by making an opening in the drawstring casing right in the center and then threading it through. If that doesn’t make sense I can try to explain a little easier with some pictures. If neither of these ideas work you can find Susan Spencer to help or myself. Now that getting dressed is covered lets talk about what you are wearing. Dawn is completely 100% correct about the high waisted gowns I will check around my photos and see if I have any examples of the gowns some of our camp ladies were wearing at the last event if you would like to see some good examples. When you start going to more and more events you will notice that not everyone is as educated about the period or maybe they just don’t care to obtain that level of authenticity. I can find examples of upper, middle and working class garments and hopefully by seeing those you will not be discouraged in your high waisted gown at an event.

[tess]

Jul 5, 2008 17:19:29 GMT -5 Miss Credit said:

Hi Tess!
If you do decide to buy your own tent do bother getting the mud flaps. They are an extra $35 or so and don’t really do anything useful, we call them mold flaps for a reason you know haha.

The "do bother..." above is a typo, right? I think I understand you to say the mud flaps are NOT worth it. I'm glad you shared the advice regarding bell vs. regular. I had planned on the bell and the flaps, but this doesn't appear necessary.

I have the one darker green dress (posted pics recently). It buttons up the back, so I can't modify it but I'm sure I could find help dressing. I have material for a dark tan cotton dress with a small brown strip which is very "plain" and would work nicely for camp clothes. I also bought some light blue and lavender linen, but I think those would be too light colored to maintain a clean appearance. I have half boots for both dresses. Should I make a spencer as well? It will be Sept. in Maryland, so I'm thinking yes.

Tent Question: Will a 7' wedge pack small enough to be stuffed in a duffel bag and flown on a commercial airline? I was thinking of driving, but A) by hubby is hesitant for me to drive 11 hours alone, and B) a round-trip ticket to DC is only $200. Even with renting a car to drive to Jeff. Patt., it wil be a wash financially. The big concern is if I can take a tent as one of my checked bags. I wonder if I could UPS it in advance and pick it up there somehow...hmmm.

If you had to choose the Grand Tactical or Mississinewa, which one would you go to? I was assuming GT for the shear grandeur of it, but am interested in opinions.