Female Civilian Equipment and Behavior Guidelines

Welcome to the Shelby County Aid Society. We are the civilian side of Crew 862; our military side is the 13^th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, Company C.

These guidelines oar an overview of what you will need to participate in a re-enactment. Please consult the members of the group before you purchase anything; you may save yourself from costly mistakes. More detailed descriptions are available for the various items – at this point we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by information.

As a Venture Crew, we are members of the Boy Scouts of America and abide by its policies. These policies include no smoking and no drinking – by both youth AND adults. More details of our policies are available from the members of the group. All members are eligible and encouraged to participate in any and all of the Venturing activities sponsored by Northwest Suburban Council (www.nwsc.org).

Our goal is to learn how to look and act accurately. We are always looking for ways to improve.

We believe our guidelines are important because they save time and money – both yours and others. Purchasing and/or making appropriate clothing and supplies saves you from costly mistakes and the frustration of having wasted your efforts.

Secondly, we value other people’s time and money. Visitors pay to spent time at a re-enactment. They assume that we know what we are doing and that we are providing accurate information. It is our obligation to fulfill that expectation. If you go to Disney World, you expect to see Mickey Mouse. If you go o a Civil War re-enactment, you expect to see people in fairly accurate clothing who are pursuing fairly accurate past times.

General Guidelines

All fabrics should be 100% natural; cotton, linen, silk, wool, or blends thereof. While synthetics may look accurate, they do not allow the fabric to breathe and they trap your body heat. Synthetic fabric is also dangerous around a fire because it melts to your skin, causing worse burns.

No make up is allowable except perhaps a light coat of foundation. Nail polish must be removed. All tattoos must be covered over. Sunscreen is highly encouraged, as is insect repellent. Any unusual hair dye must be fully covered by a period bonnet.

No modern electronic devices such as cd players or Gameboys are allowed.

Modern beverages must be consumed in period cups (and poured out of sight). No sunglasses are allowed. Modern eyeglasses should be replaced with period-look of contacts as soon as possible.

Clothing

This very general list is meant as an overview. More detailed descriptions are available. Do not purchase anything without guidance from the group!

Underpinnings

	Chemise - white cotton
	Corset
	Drawers - white cotton
	Modesty petticoat (worn under the foundation petticoat) white cotton. For cold weather, can be of wool, wool flannel. or even knitted of wool.
	White cotton stockings
	Flat elastic garters
	Corded petticoat

Add Ons

	Hoop Skirt of cage crinoline
	Over petticoat – white cotton
	Additional sets of chemises, drawers, and stockings

Shoes

Supportive plain “granny” or ankle boots of black leather, with square or rounded toes. These should be as plain as possible and have a low heel. They should lace. Quick laces are inappropriate, but can be clipped off by a shoemaker

Daywear

	Wash Dress: A simple calico cotton dress with a jewel neckline, 2-piece coat sleeves or bishop sleeves. & dropped armscythes, ending a few inches off the ground. The bodice should fit snugly and be of the same material as the skirt. The waistline sits approximately 1” above your natural waist.
	Younger teens should wear a dress that reflects their age, with shout sleeves, a boat neckline, and a shorter skirt.
	Apron: A cotton or wool pinner apron, fastened with straight pins to the bodice of the dress. It is recommended that is not coordinate with your dress fabric.
	Collar and cuffs/undersleeves: White cotton, basted to the wash dress

Headwear

A slat or corded sunbonnet

Outerwear

Shawl: wool, fringed. A simple 60” square is appropriate

Jewelry

	Gold is the preferred metal
	Girls and young ladies most frequently wore a locket at the throat. Women most commonly wore a broach.
	Pocket watches are the only watches allowable
	Earrings must be of the fish hook/French wire variety
	Multiple piercings and piercings other than in the earlobe must be removed or covered.
	Diamond solitaires or modern jewelry is not appropriate

Hair

	Should be center-parted and gathered smoothly back along the sides of the head. Bangs need to be smoothed under the top of the hair
	If you wear a hair net (Scunci wave net), your hair should be properly dressed under it. Colored polyester snoods are not allowed.

Other Accessories

	Wrist length gloves
	Fan
	Workbox or workbasket with appropriate hand sewing supplies
	(very optional) Parasol – not of polyester or Battenburg lace

Medicine

Please bring all of the medicine that you require. Prescribed medication should be kept in the container with the prescription label. Disguise the bottles in a cotton poke sack. The adult leaders must be made aware of all medications you have with you.

Camp Gear

Nightgown

	Undertarp or pad for your bed
	White cotton sheets
	Wool blankets
	A modern sleeping bag or air mattress may be disguised under period gear

PLEASE NOTE: Flames are not allowed in the tent! If you need a light in the tent as night, please use a mini-mag flashlight and be very discreet. No flames in tents is a strict BSA policy. Candles may be used under the tarp.

	Plate – tin, pottery, or china
	Cup – tin, pottery, or china
	Flatware - tin or silver
	Personal towel – can be made of huck toweling