Folks,

After reading a thread elsewhere here it was mentioned how dificult it is to find a good source of basic information for new folks in the hobby. Obviously it can get old for some to answer the same basic questions over and over again which makes me ask this: would a re-enactors primer be something that many may find useful? If so what format should it be in (print, on-line, etc) and what broad topics shouldbe covered in it. I would love to hear from everyone on this both the seasoned re-enactor and the new person who is still loking for basic information. How basic should it be, etc. I really am thinking about putting something together and would love to hear ideas.

Whatever form it takes, it would be nice to have some "definitions" to help new people navigate through uniform terminology.  Wool colors, jean, various types of jackets and head gear could be explained so the new member would have some notion of what that terminology means.  

--Last edited by Curtis Makamson on 2008-09-18 08:16:56 --

As that new reenactor of whom you speak, I think something online might be most helpful. It would be a living document, in that it can be revised easily, plus, it would be more accessible to the hayfoot, fresh fish, greenhorns who are thirsty for any knowledge available.

Just my two cents and other's mileage will vary.

Thank you to those who responded (and keep responding).

Here is what I've decided to do, over the next several months I am going to try and put together a series of videos that will walk someone through the basics. I am still working on the outline but in essence I am planning on taking someone through the three M's (material, man, method) and uploading them to the web. I will admit that the quality of video may not be super professional but I will give the best information I can. Some of the videos will include these topics as well as others:

How to start in re-enacting
How to research your impression
How to do first person impressions
What to look for in equipment (Curtis, this will be where I cover much of the terminology you indicate).
Basic drill (manual of arms and possibly some troop drill if I can arrange it)
etc.

Although I will be directing this at all types of reenactors from the staunch mainstreamer to the most accurate campaigner, I will be doing this from the approach of being as authentic as possible regardless of what level you wish to participate in. All of us owe it to the men we represent to try and emulate them to the best of our ability.

My goal is to offer these on the Internet for free at home viewing as well as to offer them on DVD for a nominal cost. I'm not promising anything as of yet but will keep everyone informed as things move forward.  

--Last edited by toptimlrd on 2009-01-19 15:54:54 --

Will be glad to see what you have done and pick up some pointers and ideas.  It is great that you are taking this on.

Robert,

That would be very gracious of you. I very much look forward to viewing it. And, at risk of sounding like a dufus, that sort of unselfish help is true mentorship and will be appreciated by many.

Thank you.

…………………….
Robert,

In your information please include a blurb about the cost of “horse gear” for a cavalry impression.  This is not just stuff for the reenactment.  That costs plenty.  I’m more concerned about other items.  Trailers, a vehicle capable of pulling it, feed, taking care of footsies and toofies, stable fees (if not kept on your own place,) would be included as essentials    Horses are money and time sponges.  They will absorb bunches of both.  The idea is to inform the prospective member up front about additional costs associated with mounted cavalry.

Curtis Makamson

Quote :

Curtis Makamson wrote : ……………………. Robert, In your information please include a blurb about the cost of “horse gear” for a cavalry impression.  This is not just stuff for the reenactment.  That costs plenty.  I’m more concerned about other items.  Trailers, a vehicle capable of pulling it, feed, taking care of footsies and toofies, stable fees (if not kept on your own place,) would be included as essentials    Horses are money and time sponges.  They will absorb bunches of both.  The idea is to inform the prospective member up front about additional costs associated with mounted cavalry. Curtis Makamson

Just curious..what is an estimated yearly cost for a cavalry impression assuming you own your own horse with all the costs mentioned plus medical costs etc....

Marc, the best case scenario is you have a good pasture of ample acreage and don't have to buy hay from fairly early in the spring to early winter.  If you can plant some grass that grows in the winter that will take some load off of the feeding bill. We are talking about the deep South so frost comes late and winter comes even later, if it comes at all.  Depending on the horse and it's activity....supplemental grain of some sort (you can go with the less expensive feed or expensive better grain, additional supplements cost more.)  The amount of feed will depend on the horse's size and activity level.  Depending on circumstances, getting feed delivered can be a pricey proposition.  Keep a mineral block available.  You need to get this feeding cost from someone in the northern realm where winter is a more serious affair than it is off down here along the Gulf Coast.  Yearly shots and Coggins’ test can be had for about $50 if you are blessed with a country vet that is not trying to get rich at your expense.  It could be more, maybe a whole lot more.  Hoof trimming can run anywhere from $25 - $40 as needed per horse.  It will depend on who is doing the trimming and how much trimming there has to be done.  Vet bills for any injury or illness depends on the problem, the vet, and what is charged for those services.  If you have your own good pasture and a horse that never has a problem, you might be able to get by with a $100 a month.  That would be on the low end.  The high end can get out of sight.  It's hard to put a set figure on it as so many variables enter into keeping horses.  A worse case scenario is horse keeping expenses can go through the roof, especially if you have a horse but not a place of your own to keep it.  My riding days are done.  My horse days are done.  At one point I thought the horses owned me instead of the other way around.  

--Last edited by Curtis Makamson on 2009-01-28 08:56:00 --

Thanks Curtis,

I started out many many years ago in the artillery and that is not cheap, now add at least 4 horses to pull one gun...no wonder there is very little horse drawn artillery..the cost is just too much. A few years back the ole 83rd in conjunction with the Potomac Legion did a large LH at Gettysburg and a fine group of fellows from Alabama came up with horse drawn artillery and it was a very fine show. Cannot remeber the units name anymore, but they did both Union and Confederate.

Curtis,

I have to calim complete ignorance on the cav side (,most of artillery as well). Perhaps as I get closer to starting the project, you and I could talk.

I'm assuming you are focusing on the military side? If the citizen side is of interest my website might be of help. It is focused on Texas; however, there is enough general information that it can apply to other areas.

http://www.geocities.com/txcwcivilian/