Ok guys, so I'm back again with more questions...wahoo! I have mentioned before (or my significant other has) about attending Missionary Ridge in Nov. This is my first event, and while I am inclined to mainly stay in the shadows and observe, I really don't want to be a bump on the log. My question is, what do women do at these events..and how the heck do I get started? I have done my best to build my impression on refugees, however information has been scarce...or maybe I am not looking in the right places?

I do have a couple of books on loan that have been wonderful as far as an insight. But advice, and learning of experience from you guys would give me a much better picture I believe. I am guessing that this is going to require me walking up and just talking to people that I don't know...gaaaaa!  I tend to be a shy person in a social setting (but not when I'm working I'm weird, what can I say? ) so I know that this is going to hinder me just a teensie bit. Grrr.

I am curious to know what you guys did when you went to your first events? I thank you so much for all of your help!!
Thanks!!
Nikki
hisheart07@hotmail.com

Nikki,

I was hopeing one of the ladies would step up and answer your question, but I will give it a try. Basically, the short answer is, that depending on the event, you can do anything you wish. There are events where ladies wear fancy clothing and attend teas. There are other events, where women pick specific roles based on the scenario of the event and stay in first person for the duration of that event. There are also events where women pretty much hang around camp and chase their kids. Your first question should be "What do I want out of this experience?". Then look at the guidelines and rules of the event you plan to attend and figure out if that event meets your needs and objectives.

Remember, this is a hobby and is supposed to be fun.  

Ditto to Bill. I can only speak as a lone male civilian, and the dynamics are probably different for female civilians. And I don't know about that event in particular, but it sounds like there's not much individual contact beforehand. It's a lot easier at the kinds of events where you're given a role and integrated right in, with pre-event assignment of friends or family and things to do.

But if you're showing up cold, the first thing I'd suggest is try to look for people at about the same authenticity level you are, who are doing the kinds of things you'd like to do, and see if they need a helping hand.

It took me literally years to figure out how to negotiate the civilian world, avoid those who were hostile to what I enjoyed, and find those who liked to share the same thing. It's not easy.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@voyager.net

Ditto to Bill and Hank.  Basically it does all depend upon the individual event and those who attend it, as well as what you're looking for.  As Bill said, what is it that you want to get out of the event?  Figure that out and then figure out how to accomplish your goal.

I wasn't familiar with the Battle of Missionary Ridge, so I just Googled it, and got this website.  http://www.battleofmissionaryridge.com/info.html

There are no civilian rules and guidelines that I could see, yet they have a ladies' tea and evening ball event, so they're obviously expecting to have civilians present. I've always found that this means basically that it is a plan your own fun kind of event.  Try to find out who's attending ahead of time and see if any of them are interested in doing what you're interested in doing.  Personally, I like events that give the civilian a reason for being there along with something to do preferably both mental and physical.

The list of sutlers strikes me as a buyer beware, but you may find some decent items.  Whether you plan to ever step up to the immersion style events, you should still buy well.  Historically appropriate items may be more expensive, but you'll also usually find that they last longer and/or the seller stands behind his/her items.  Before going shopping make a list of what you're interested in purchasing and then inquire on the lists and forums as to what you should be looking for in that item.  What makes that item historically correct.  An important note is that not all sutlers are created equal, and many are just after the almighty dollar.

Just my thoughts,

Linda Trent
lindatrent@zoomnet.net

I was just over on Bob Szabo's forum, and there's a thread on this event.  A lady wrote in to Candace Rose who was inquiring for a friend starting out in the hobby about the civilian coordinator and a lady wrote back and said she's not the coordinator but she'd be happy to have others fall in with her rather large contingent of civilians.    

The thread is listed below.  You may wish to contact her yourself and see if she has room.

http://www.cwreenactors.com/forum/showthread.php?t=5255&page=2

Linda Trent
lindatrent@zoomnet.net

Thanks everyone. I've really appreciated all the adive and info you've given me. Hmm what am I looking to get out of my events....that's a hard question to answer. Mainly because while yes, I want to learn as much as I can about the scenario taking place, and the history behind it, I know that there is something a bit deeper I wish to get out of it. And as of yet, I'm not sure what it is. Does this sound terrible?   I think it's one of those things that will come with time. I do know that I will more then likely spend the weekend milling around, and looking things over, and talking with people.

I am a little wary of suttler row...I've heard so much of it...the good the bad and the ugly. But I've got someone by my side who can steer me in the right direction. (thank god for the boyfriend who's been doing this for 16 some odd years! )

Ahh..Linda..funny you should mention the thread Candace posted, yeah..she was posting that about me! They've all be VERY helpful as far as what I need for dress and things like that...hence why I posted the question on what they do...it's the only thing no one has talked to me about! Ahh here's to learning experiences!!

Nikki, dont try so hard, there really is no sense in stressing over a hobby, that defeats the purpose of a hobby in the first place. Relax and enjoy the weekend, trust me everything will fall into place.I think you will find that ladies will be ladies reguardless of what century it is, only the clothes and scenery will be a bit different.Just remember the K.I.S.S method and you will be fine. Oh and dont knock "slutler" row, some of the best funnel cakes I have ever had have come from there! -ELI GEERY  

--Last edited by plankholder on 2007-09-28 10:13:27 --

One word of caution: do NOT expect a man, even one with 16 years as a campaigner, to have the slightest clue about women's clothing needs for mid-century, or to be able to judge, steer, or otherwise advise merchant-row purchases.

Honestly?  I'd use this merchant row as a chance to take some snapshots of the wares, collect business cards, and evaluate your options for purchase AFTER the event itself.  Books are generally "safe" to purchase at events, but for everything else, just look and take snapshots and get business cards, then come on-line and share images (even without business identification) and get some studied opinions on whether or not those items would be useful long-term.  You'll save hundreds of dollars by NOT buying any clothing at an event.

I wont be steering her towards much of anything on sutler row(except the aforementioned funnel cakes), my job will be to hide the checkbook and credit cards, her impression is getting as costly as mine, and am a stitch counter! Thank you all for being so helpful to Nikki.

Ah, a gentleman who knows how to be helpful--hiding the money!  Good for you!  

To assemble an accurate woman's wardrobe is truly an investment... if one does not sew at home, it's easy to spend somewhere in the range of $1500 to $2000 to get a basic functional wardrobe up and going.  It's worthwhile to make every dollar spent a good investment, rather than one that needs replaced in a year.

Ah, don't let him fool you!! He's not only hiding them from me, but from himself as well. Haha..but you're right, it's better to build a good impression with the right materials..rather then spend the extra money later to correct what is wrong. I've been taking my time, and doing my research, and only buying what is necessary, and what is period correct.

Nikki,

Since I'm much more familiar with the Deep South circuit of events than most here, I took a moment to go over the sutler listing.

The Paper Lady makes well-fitting corsets for all but the most over-endowed, and carries many common sizes as a 'stock' item.  Her custom order turnaround is prompt, and in some cases she may give a trade-in value on a worn corset, depending on the condition of the parts.  Mary Whisant is really your only reliable maker at a Deep South event for a made-to-measure corset, as well as some hard to find sewing notions.

Lady in Black is good for vintage needlework tools.  Look closely in the small display cases very near where Miss Alberta is sitting.  That's where 'the good stuff' normally is.

The bulk of what you will see available are 'fancy dresses' rather than more accurate day dresses or work dresses.  

Not listed, but I bet she'll be there because it is close to her home in Boaz:  Sand Mountain Seamstress--a little battered A-frame tent with a small rack of men's and women's goods hanging out front.  She may have few things that appeal to you--but the real thing you want from her is a couple of sets of chemise and drawers in a good muslin, and some petticoats.  Then talk with her about a plain work dress, custom to your measurements (after your corset is fitted, of course).

Several dresses Lynn made for me a decade ago are still going strong after years of heavy wear and washing--despite the fact that I can't wear them anymore.  I put out a few that I'd kept for sentiment and hope that I might be that size again--I thought two good friends were going to get into a hair-pulling over them  

Much appreciated for you help and insight to the sutlers row. THANK YOU!! Now I know what to look for when I get there. That is some of the best information I've gotten!! I do want to invest in a good corset....I've been told a hundred times over that it's very much worth to spend the money on. And I've taken all advice on that to heart. I thank you again for taking the time to give me advice.
Most Kindly,