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STONE MOUNTAIN
HISTORICAL REENACTORS, INC.
JANUARY/FEBRUARY - 2003
NEWS AND INFORMATION
From the Executive
Officer
IN CAMP AT RUFF'S MILL
TO ALL THE MEN AND WOMEN OF
THE STONE MOUNTAIN HISTORICAL REENACTORS INC.
It was great to see all of you at the Christmas party.
Sometimes it’s nice to get together off the field, in a different
scenario. Hopefully, everyone had as good a time as I. A big thank you
(as always) to the ladies for everything they did to pull this party
off. They are truly the engines behind the
movement.
The votes are in….!!!
This year during the business part of the Christmas party,
elections were held (as it is every two years). When the votes were
cast, some of our Generals helped keep things honest by doing the
tallying, and it was much appreciated. One of the many things that has
made the 42nd Ga. so great, is the support and
encouragement the unit has always given to people in new positions. As
there are some big shoes to fill, we all look forward to nothing less.
The results are as
follows:
FIELD COMMAND
Captain - Rick
Fallaw
Lieutenant - Nils Ohberg
1st Sgt. -
Eric R. Beckmann Sr.
2nd Sgt. -
Scott
Kuehl
1st Cpl. -
Phil
Robertson
2nd Cpl.
-
Houston White
Q.m
Sgt. - Chris
Jones
EXECUTIVE
OFFICES
CEO -
Eric R. Beckmann Sr.
EO -
Cecil Haygood
Treasurer -
Ric Palmer
Some people began protesting the election results, citing
‘hanging chads’, but the disturbance was quickly quelled when the
Treasurer stated annual dues could be increased to
$5,000.00 per person to purchase a new electronic ballot box. The only
other shadow cast upon the elections was when just prior to taking the
vote for 1st Sgt., Ric Palmer stated the duties
of such position. The reality of these duties suddenly struck the
candidate, but before he could try and remove himself from the
balloting, the bargain had been struck. Comments of “This miscreant is
finally in our sights” could be heard coming from many.
I expect this year at Olustee, for us all to be ready with loud
voice for “The Shirt…The Shirt!!” Jim Mabe would, of course, be
directly followed by General Jesse and the usual incantations of “The Sword!!”
Congratulations to Barry Wilson, who was voted in as a member
of the 42nd during the business meeting. Barry has already
proven to be an asset to the unit, and we all look forward to many
campaigns with him and his family.
The event schedule this year is proving to be one of the most
exciting in a while, with some changes from previous years. Manassas
in Georgia, Gettysburg, and Munfordville are departures from the norm.
Please consult your event schedule for the dates, or our web site for
further information, which will be forthcoming.
Thank you all for the confidence you have shown in me in my
elected positions. I am open to, and strongly encourage, face to face
personal criticism in the performance of both my new positions with
the 42nd Georgia, as only with your help may I become
better.
YOUR OBEDIENT
SERVANT,
ERIC R. BECKMANN, SR.
2003 Campaign
Schedule
January 26
Drill - Stone Mountain Park
February 14-16
Battle Of Olustee (Max Effort) - Lake City, Florida
February 21-23 Battle
of Aiken (Optional) - Aiken, SC
February 23 Drill -
Stone Mountain Park
March 7-9 Battle of
Florence (Optional) - Florence, SC
March 21-23 Battles at
Manassas (Optional) - Manassas, GA
March 25-29 Federal
Event (Optional) - St. Simons Area, GA (contact Jim Keene for more
information)
March 30 Drill - Stone
Mountain Park
From the Captain
Gentlemen & Ladies of
the 42nd Georgia,
I hope that everyone is doing well and has
enjoyed the holiday season.
The call to duty will soon be upon us, beginning with our first
drill in January. It is
rumored that the Yankees are gathering in Florida, and we will soon be
marching there to meet them on the field of
honor.
I would like
to take a moment to thank each of you for your support in my new
position. It is a
big responsibility and I am equal to the task. I would also like to
congratulate the other officers and NCOs on their new positions. They are the backbone of the
company. A big thank you
is also in order for our retiring captain Ric Palmer for all of his
contributions to the 42nd Georgia. He has pulled “the wagon” for
quite a ways and has earned his much deserved rest.
We are embarking on a new era in the 42nd
Georgia. The command
structure has almost completely changed, with just two returning from
the previous field command.
With a change in command comes change in the way we do
things. The field command
and the executive board recently met to discuss ideas and map out the
plans for the year.
I will list some of the basic strategies:
1. Organized drills:
We will be planning the drills. The drills will consist of
artillery, School of the Soldier (manual of arms, facings, loading and
firing), School of the Company, adequate rest time, and learning
something new. Our goal
is start with the basics and build from there. Your NCOs will be
drilling the company as well as the officers. Also, the officers and NCOs
are in agreement on how to do things so that we can keep
continuity.
2. Following the by-laws:
We will be beginning with some of the basics, such as keeping
the anachronisms put away while camp is open to the public. Your NCOs will be policing the
camp and if they see something, they’ll ask you to hide it from the
public. Also, there
will be no smoking while in the ranks. This is both dangerous for you
and the others around you.
Eric Beckmann suggested this. He, as most of you know, is
also a smoker.
3.
Events:
The corporals will be contacting the membership a couple of
weeks prior to an event to get a head count. It is very important that you
respond. As we discussed
at the holiday party, we need to get adequate counts to our
quartermaster so we have the proper amount of food on hand to feed
everyone. Wasted food is
also wasted money. We
also need to help the quartermaster break down the company equipment
and get it loaded after each event. The NCOs will be preparing
duty rosters at events.
This will entail mess duties, water details, wood details,
etc. They will be keeping
up with who does what so that the load is spread around. If the duty is needed while
the camps are not open to the public, then all of us will be
participating.
4. Recruitment:
We will be setting up a recruitment table at drills and will
have information available at events. You are each encouraged to
talk to people and see if you can get them interested.
Your officers and NCOs will be working to make the
42nd the best that it can be. However, we cannot do it
without you. As stated
earlier, we, as a group, are committed to working together with each
other, sharing ideas, and making improvements where necessary. You are each encouraged to
contact any of us with any suggestions or criticisms. Also, squad assignments will
be made in the next few weeks as the membership roster is finalized
for this year.
That is about all I have.
Please remember that this is a hobby and a military hobby at
that. We are not
initiating any huge changes, just going back to the basics and adding
some structure. Above all
else, please remember why we are doing this, and have fun.
Your obedient
servant,
Rick Fallaw, Captain
42nd Georgia Volunteer Inf.
CSA
Drill Schedule for January 26,
2003
1:00 p.m. - Artillery
Demonstration
1:15 p.m. - Form
company - Changing command ceremony/announcements
1:45 p.m. - Rest
1:55 p.m. - School of the Soldier (Manual
of Arms, Facings, Musket firing)
2:30 p.m. - Artillery
Demonstration
2:45 p.m. - School of Company (NCOs drill
the company)
3:15 p.m. - Rest
3:30 p.m. - School of
the Company (Officers drill the company)
Preparing for Olustee
4:00 p.m. - Artillery
Demonstration
4:15 p.m. – Load cannon and drill
is dismissed.
We
will try to adhere to this schedule as best we can. There may be slight
variations, but the material covered will not change.
Rember in Prayers
Please remember Edward G. Head Sr.
(Gil Head's father) and his family in your prayers. Gil's father
is having some serious health issues. Any thoughts and prayers
will be appreciated.
42nd In Cyberspace!
Visit Our
Website Often!!
www.42ndgeorgia.com
DUES DUES
DUES!
Dues
are Past Due. They are due by the 1st of January but are
accepted late. Current
dues are $25.00. If your name is highlighted on the front of this
newsletter, then your dues are due.
Please remit your dues payment to the Stone Mountain Historical
Reenactors, Inc. c/o Ric Palmer, 2144 Starlite Way, Snellville,
GA 30058. Make Checks
Payable to Stone Mountain Historical Reenactors, Inc.
Submitted by Eric
Beckmann, CEO
This article originally appeared
in the June/July, 1995 issue of The Citizens' Companion (Vol.
II, No. 2)
How many times have you been with a group of living
history interpreters or reenactors and heard the expression "He's got
the 'look'?" Generally, that means the individual gives the appearance
of looking like he just stepped out of a period photograph and not a
merchant's catalog or movie set. Quite often you can't really put a
finger on what it is, but you know it's there. It could be the way he
wears his clothes, his mannerisms, or even his speech, but whatever it
is, many of us follow the previous statement with. "I sure wish I
could have the 'look'."
All is not lost, for there are many things one can do to help
achieve that "look" for yourself. These steps can he quite widespread
and range from the rather simple to the quite difficult to achieve.
However, there is one aspect of your impression that can be achieved
with a minimum amount of effort, and which will greatly enhance your
impression. Try this little experiment to see what your impression may
be missing. Place several photos of unhatted men at an event in period
dress next to photographs of 19th Century men and notice the
hairstyles. When laid side by side, the differences become quite
obvious. An overwhelming majority of the living history interpreters
and reenactors today do not have their hair arranged in a period
fashion. Perhaps subconsciously many realize their hair has not been
properly arranged, but fail to do anything about when it becomes time
to participate at an event. It should be at the forefront of our
thought processes, for how often do we peruse period images, and one
of the first things that catches our eye is the variety of hairstyles
men used in the Civil War and ante-bellum periods?
Typically there are two problem areas modern interpreters have
in relation to hairstyles One is the length, with the hair being too
short or too long. The second problem is that the hair has not been
properly treated. The first problem is somewhat a reflection upon the
most current hairstyles of today. It can be difficult to be stylish in
two centuries; however it is not impossible. Over the last few years,
the most stylish hairstyles have been relatively short. Conversely
hair of the ante-bellum and Civil War periods tended to be longer,
particularly on the sides and front portions of the head. Short hair
would tend to have been avoided if for no other reason than it was
commonly associated with Vermin infestation. The easiest manner to rid
the scalp of vermin during the early 1800s was to shave the head and
allow the hair to grow back. Obviously this process could take several
weeks or months to take place leaving one with short hair. Were one to
be portraying a properly dressed gentleman of the period it would
hardly be appropriate to have this malady afflicting oneself. While
photos of shorter hair do exist, the amount is fractional when
compared to other styles. With the intent to represent an average
person with an average hairstyle, short hair should be avoided.
Next is the issue of long hair. All too often in the reenacting
community we see menfolk with hair extending well below the collar and
oft times midway down the back or further. These locks of hair are
then braided, ponytailed, left flying in the breeze or arranged in a
variety of other fashions. Unfortunately these hairdos (or
hair-don'ts) are more appropriate for "1 Million Years B.C.," "Planet
of the Apes" or "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman" than they are for serious
historical interpretation. Literally thousands of images exist from
the period we portray, and the fact is, one would he hard pressed to
see such lengthy locks on any of the men. The practice of growing long
hair had gone out of style before the invention of Mr. Daguerre's
camera or the outbreak of the Civil War. The only individuals who
would still exhibit this length of hair would be the very elderly men
who had worn it long when it had been fashionable (Edwin Ruffin being
a classic example). To put modern perspective on this topic, is it
considered fashionable today to wear a lime green leisure suit to your
daughter's $20,000 wedding? It can be done, but fashionable it ain't.
Finally modern interpreters and reenactors do not put additives
in their hair. These additives usually take the form of hair oils,
Macassars, or pomatums and were used by almost all men during the mid
19th century. Observe the inevitable "wet look" in images. These are
indicative of the use of these additives. This also accounts for the
various "wings" "swirls" and "rolls" seen in men's hair. The hair oils
will make one's hair greasy and unmanageable giving your hair a
"tousled" look not unlike the hairstyle preferred by the great actor
Edwin Forrest. The Macassars achieve much the same effect but included
high doses of perfumes. These were supposedly imported from the Far
East and were considered an exotic hair additive. (As a side note, in
many historic homes you may see a small doily covering the back of the
furniture called an antimacassar. These were placed on chairs &c.
so that the greasy, perfumed hair of men would not stain the
furniture.) Pomatums were much thicker in consistency and were combed
into the hair to allow shaping. Pomatums were used to give the effects
seen in most images where the hair has features ranging from large
prominent waves at the forehead to sweeping "wings" on the sides. It
is important to remember that even though a particular style may have
been more common at a particular time, generally these styles are
appropriate for the whole era.
Now that we know what is missing from men's hair, how can this
be remedied? The first recommendation is to allow your hair to grow
out until it is almost collar length, with the hair upon the forehead
and the sides, from the temples to the back of the ears, as long as is
practicable. A little common sense and experimentation will guide you
as to the appropriate length. Find a photograph with a hair style you
would like to emulate, apply your chosen hair additive, and attempt to
shape your hair in that style. Remember, neatness was not always a
factor, and stray hair(s) are sometimes quite desirable.
Included below are some receipts, which have come from period
sources for these hair additives. Many other receipts do exist but
often include such products as spermaceti (a whale by-product) and
since ingredients like that are definitely unobtainable; those
receipts are not presented here. Most ingredients should be available
at a local health food store, which specializes in herbs &c., the
rest being generally obtainable at a grocery store. Also important to
remember is that in the early 1800s it was considered unhealthy to
wash your hair more than once a week. Consequently, some these
products may be slightly difficult to get out of your hair, and while
they are not inherently harmful, consult your store representative for
opinions on removal.
Hair Oil
1. Two teaspoons each
of castor oil, ammonia and glycerin; add alcohol enough to cut the
oil, and put in a four-ounce bottle half full of rain-water. Shake
before using.
2 tsp. castor oil
2
tsp. ammonia
2 tsp. glycerin
3 tsp. alcohol
2 oz.
Rainwater
Macassar
It is said to be
compounded of the following ingredients: To three quarts of common
oil, add half a pint of spirits of wine, three ounces of cinnamon
powder, and two ounces of bergamot; heat the whole in a large pipkin.
On removing from the fire, add three or four small pieces of alkanet
root, and keep the vessel closely covered for several hours. When
cool, it may be filtered through a funnel lined with filtering paper.
Whether oils are used or not, the hair ought, night and morning, to be
carefully and elaborately brushed. This is one of the best
preservatives of its beauty.
3 qts. common oil
1/2 pt. spirits of wine
3 oz. cinnamon powder
2 oz.
bergamot
3-4 pcs. alkanet root
Pomatums
1. Take one pound and a half of beef's marrow,
an ounce and a half of cinnamon, storax, calamus, benzene, and
Florentine orris root, each one ounce, and cloves and nutmegs, each
one rachm. Put them in a jar, cover it, set in a pot of boiling water,
simmer till the marrow is dissolved, and strain it while hot.
1/2 lb. beef marrow
7 1/2 oz. cinnamon
1 oz. storax
1 oz. calamus
1 oz.
benzene
1 oz. florentine orris root
1 drachm cloves
1
drachm nutmeg
2. Take mutton suet one pound and a half,
storax, calamus, benzene. orris root, cypress root, cinnamon, cloves
and nutmegs each nine drachms, simmer and strain as above directed.
1 1/2 lb. mutton suet
9 drachms storax
9 drachms calamus
9 drachms benzene
9
drachms orris root
9 drachms cypress root
9 drachms cinnamon
9 drachms cloves
9 drachms nutmeg
3. Mutton suet, two pounds, white wax, half a
pound, essence of bergamot and of lemon, each three quarters of an
ounce, oil lavender and oil marjoram, of each two drachms. Simmer and
strain as before directed. Pomatum, mixed with pearl white or
magistery, is said to turn the hair black.
2 Ibs. mutton suet
1/2 lb. white wax
3/4 oz. essence of bergamot
3/4 oz.
essence of lemon
2 drachms oil lavender
2 drachms oil marjoram
4. Get a quarter of a pound of hog's lard, and
three-quarters of a tumblerful of olive oil, about a tablespoonful of
castor oil, a dessert spoonful of eau-de-cologne, and a pennyworth of
gum; the hog's lard and the oil should be warmed a little, till the
hog's lard melts, then the rest may be put in. It should be allowed to
cool before use.
1/4 lb. hog lard
3/4
tumbler olive oil
1 tsp. castor oil
1 tsp. cologne
pennyworth gum (arabic?)
Many may balk at the idea of preparing your hair in such a
fashion, and consider it "unnecessary." Even the moderate authentic
will agree that at least a "cosmetic" appearance needs to be
maintained, and will tend to overlook certain things about a person's
impression if it "looks right enough to get by." Why let that attitude
stop with the coat, trousers, shoes, or hat? Should anything less be
expected from your coiffure? As with any historical pursuit, the best
manner to determine what is best for your hair style is to do your own
research and look through period images, woodcuts, and paintings. By
looking at these windows from the past you can gather ideas of what
would be an appropriate length and style for your hair. Combine that
with the proper additives, and you too can be well on the road to
achieving "the look."
Sources
and Recommended Reading:
Bryan, Lettice.
The Kentucky Housewife. Cincinnati: Shephard & Stearns,
1839.
Corson, Richard.
Fashions in Hair: The First Five Thousand Years. New York:
Hillary House, 1969.
Dalrymple,
Priscilla Harris. American Victorian Costume in Early
Photographs. New York: Dover Publications, Inc., 1 991.
Fisher &
Brothers. Fisher's Improved House-Keeper's Almanac and Family
Receipt Book. New York: Fisher & Brothers Printers, 1850.
Newhall, Beaumont.
The Daguerreotype in America. New York: Dover Publications,
Inc.,1976.
Sichel, Marion.
Costume Reference Vol. 6: The Victorians. Great Britain: Plays,
Inc.,1978.
Yale University Art
Gallery. American Daguerreotypes from the Matthew R. Isenbura
Collection. New Haven, CT: Yale University Art Gallery, 1990.
Receipts listed in
this article were taken from issues of Godey's Ladies Magazine
from 1850-1865.
Jon Isaacson has
been involved in 1840s - 1860s living history for several years, and
currently interprets the life of an itinerant minstrel performer at
various historic sites and events. Being a self-taught 1850s banjoist
using only period instruments and methods to ply his trade, Mr.
Isaacson incorporates his performances into spirited lectures and
discussions of antebellum period popular music and stage shows,
highlighting how they affect us today.
Subscriptions to "The
Citizens' Companion" are available at $20 yearly (6 issues)
from: The Citizens' Companion, P.O. Box 707, Marietta, OH 45750;
1-800-449-1865; fax (740) 374-5710; e- mail:
CampChase@compuserve.com
Ladies and
Gentlemen
As always our Christmas
Party was a great success, and I certainly
appreciate all of the goodies that everyone furnished for dessert with
our dinner.
Thanks again for your
continued support of our unit!!!
Debi Palmer
Half
Century!
I know this isn’t
mentioned as often as it should be but I wanted to mention that we
have two folks in our unit that will reach that “half-century” mark
this month.
Allan Bright and James Harper will both turn 50 during the
month of January!!
Congratulations
GENTLEMEN!!
News and
Information for the Ladies
The Society for Women and the Civil War
To the Ladies of the 42nd
Georgia,
Susan Jones and I were lucky enough to get to Secessionville in
Charleston, SC this year.
It is a beautiful place and puts you in the setting of the
Civil War. You feel as if
you have stepped back in time.
All of the sutlers were under the ancient oak lined
driveway. They have
started preserving all of the slave quarters. The ladies who weave the sweet
grass baskets were there and had wonderful baskets, although a little
pricey.
We attended the ladies social on Saturday morning. What a great job they
did. It was held in the
recreated Cotton Warehouse on the marsh. They catered all the food
which included flowers for each table.
The Ladies Home Guard put on a “spoof” skit involving Mary
Chesnut when she was watching the war from the rooftop of her home in
Charleston. It was
hilarious!
They also gave out 60 door prizes and if you didn’t get one of
those, they had baskets of twelve napkins, made of homespun, rolled
together and tied for you to get. So, everyone in attendance got
a prize.
In all, we had a wonderful time and can’t wait to go back. The 11th South
Carolina were thrilled we came, and really know how to make you feel
welcome. Hopefully, some of you will join us the next time.
Cathy Beckmann
Susan Jones
Stone
Mountain Historical Reenactors, Inc.
c/o Debi Palmer
2144 Starlite Way
Snellville, Georgia 30078
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