Civilian Impressions

As another season closes I would like to draw your attention to a few observations I have made over the last couple of seasons regarding clothing standards which I think have deteriorated to such a degree that I am filled with dismay. The problem seems to be mainly (but not exclusively) with the women and children of the society and it's not always the ''newbies' who are the culprits.

Despite several requests from Viv in past newsletters, I look around and still see short modern hairstyles on fill view, modem footwear with zips and designer spectacles, hair hanging down, fringes, girls wearing their skirts on their hips and bridesmaids dresses etc.

If you are portraying a Civil War lady and you have a modern hairstyle and have taken the trouble to wear the right clothes, then please do not spoil your impression by wearing you hair 'any old how', it simply does not work that way; you must hide it under a hat, day cap, net or bonnet.

Just take a look at old photos - the women in them always wore their hair long with a centre parting and confined in a fine hairnet, hat or bonnet (depending on age). This society has a high reputation and is being spoiled by people who can't be bothered to make an effort to look right.

It most certainly does matter when you have often very knowledgeable members of the public walking amongst our camps.

I have produced a document to help you portray a civilian impression called Guidelines for Portraying a Civilian Role, there is also a Code of Conduct document which I produced with the approval of the Board, both of these documents are available from me on request, or downloadable from the American Civil War Civilians web site campfollower.angelfire.com

In light of all the above observations please let's have a marked improvement next season after you have had all winter to read up. If you have any newcomers in your regiment then please advise them correctly.

Jayne Olden, Head of Civilians

The above article first appeared in the ACWS Newsletter, Autumn 2008