Just
as military members are required to meet authenticity standards, so too are the civilian
members required to maintain an authentic appearance. Because there are so many
variables in appearance and dress, we would rather not list absolutes, but instead give a
general guide. Civilians should present a "period" appearance, free of
21st century anachronisms. Their clothing and accessories should meet the acceptable
documented styles of the 1860 - 1865 time period. If you have any question about
what is acceptable, please speak with your Civilian Coordinator or the MG Civilian
Coordinator or MG Assistant Civilian Coordinator. They will be happy to help you.
While
compliance with authenticity standards is a requirement of membership, we would hope that
all members would continue to strive to improve the authenticity of their presentation as
more information regarding 1860's life becomes available.
Examples of
Unacceptable Anachronisms:
Modern
eyeglasses or sunglasses, wrist watches or modern jewelry (other than a simple engagement
ring or wedding band)
Any nail
polish, heavy makeup, modern hairstyles or hair ornaments
Sneakers,
ballet slippers, sandals, "Chinese" slippers
-
Un-natural hair colors
-
Piercings beyond the normal
pierced ears
-
Tattoos should be covered
from public view
Mifflin Guard
Civilian Camping
The Mifflin
Guard is a family oriented organization, however, at the same time we strive for that
"true camp experience". Therefore, our civilian members camp only in the
area designated for Mifflin Guard Civilians. At most events this camping area is in
very close proximity to the military, but not close enough to interfere with the authentic
military camp set up. As with Civilian dress, there are also some guidelines to keep
in mind while camping.
First and foremost -
FIRE SAFETY:
We ask all
civilians in our camp not to use straw around the tents or fire pits. There used to
be a widespread practice of insulating the tent by surrounding it with straw.
Unfortunately, at the Neshaminy event in 1998 (I think it was 1998) there was a fire in
which six civilian tents and all of their contents were lost. Thankfully, there were
no injuries, however the potential was there. This fire may have been caused by
children playing with straw near a fire pit and dropping it, causing fire to travel right
up to the tents. For this reason, we have decided not to use straw around the tents
or fire pits in the MG Civilian camp.
Now, on with the
guidelines...
Furnish with
wooden furniture (non-period folding chairs or tables are not acceptable)
Period
lighting for after dark. Wooden candle lanterns and candles are available through
period sutlers. Oil lamps are also acceptable. Please no battery operated
lights or modern lanterns
Period cooking
and eating utensils, i.e. cast iron cookware (preferably plain with no brand names on
top), silverware or wooden/bone handled eating utensils and dishes (no paper plates or
plastic utensils), fabric napkins, etc.
Conceal
non-period coolers, food containers and snack packages with some sort of period-looking
cover
Trash bags and
containers are necessary but must also be covered (and elevated if possible - we are
usually where there could be animals!)
If your tent
will be open at times during an event, all non-period items must be concealed from the
public inside as well as outside of the tent. If you cannot conceal, please keep
your tent closed from public viewing
Propriety in
Camp
There are a
few guidelines that we do keep during events. These are for the benefit of all in
camp and should be adhered to at all possible times.
All civilians
should be dressed in appropriate period attire by 9:00 am (unless the event opens earlier
or event rules dictate 24/7 dress)
All civilians
are to remain in period attire until they retire for the night
Appropriate
period dress is required - covering all underpinnings
Hair should be
appropriately dressed or confined
Avoid modern
slang terms and modern conversation in the presence of the public (i.e. computer
discussions and email)
Civilians
should not enter the Military camp without an escort and a specific purpose
-
Children are most welcome
in the Civilian Camp but should be limited to the Civilian Camp and
should not be visiting Military camp
-
Children are the
responsibility of their parents unless prior agreeable arrangements have
been made
-
Children should have period
style toys and games to occupy them (instead of plastic modern ones).
If this is an issue, the Civilian Coordinator does have some period toys
to loan. (Arrangements must be made in advance as we do not carry
them to all events.)
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