Civil War Reenacting

Streetsboro Bicentennial

Hi Sis,

Yesterday, the kids and I went to the Streetsboro Bicentennial. Kate told us about the event, last week while we where at Hale Farm. It was a smaller event, with a artillery group, and a small camp set up for some soldiers. There were actually about an equal number of people dressed in blue and gray.  Here is the Union soldiers set up.

And, I am excited to say that Grant didn’t cry, during any Boom Booms! He held my hands over his ears instead, and watched. So, maybe we are past the scary boom booms!

There were not many ladies. There were a few in the artillery group, and two that had a very nice wash station and quilting set up!

My children were the only children in period garb, but they still had lots of fun! They shared their toys with visiting children. I think I may have found my impression… period toys! I love seeing the kids light up as they see their first buzz saw, or play graces to graces. I need to add more toys to the kids collection, so more kids can play! As I go to more events, I have more things I want to add lol. Like a more period water solution, vs. hiding water bottles in my bag.

When we arrived, I made the kids graces to graces set. I totally, cheated! I took an embroidery hoop and wrapped it with some silk yarn, that I had left over from trimming your coat. Then, I cut dowel rods in half, to use for the catching sticks. My makeshift game idea worked, and the kids played with it more then any of the other toys… outside of, unfortunately, the flute. lol

Me with that bag, that I am always carrying. I made this bag randomly this year, and now I carry it around everywhere! We should make one for you, it is the perfect size!  I need to make a few drawstring bags to put inside of it, to hide away food, diapers, and other things. Having bags within a bag, is actually super practical for organization too!

I also, got to wear my Indian Sheer, that I refitted earlier this week! While playing graces to graces, I stepped on hem, and ripped the skirt right out of the waistband. I was happy, I brought my sewing kit, and I quickly put it back on. One of the fellows asked if I could darn his sock, so I want to look into darning! I remember looking into it before, and thinking… Should I  just replace a heal, or re knit the toe instead. lol. But, it would be fun to give it a try.

The event was very nice. I got to meet more fellow living historians of course, talk about sewing, period games, and the event outside of the living history was awesome too! The kids and I had our very first dip and dots! We drank some very crunchy lemonade, and enjoyed the petting zoo and play ground. The event was two days long, but we only went on Saturday, and left right before the ran started! It has pretty much poured ever since, so we didn’t go back today. I think fall is making an early arrival, I’m already starting to see the leaves change color on some of our trees. I’m not ready for summer to go yet, snowbelt live sure makes me appreciate the warmer months even more. 

Love,

Jamie

A Short Visit

Dear Sis,

We decided to come, for a short, but very enjoyable four day visit.

We went to Red Oak Town for the very first time. We had the pleasure of meeting a few awesome fellow historical crafters, but didn’t actually spend much time chatting. It was crazy hot and rainy, we never really settled in, and my kids had an epic meltdown with every cannon “Boom.” But, the town was really neat! I wish I had gotten more pictures. But, my hands were always full of a bag, snacks, and water, or a screaming kid. 

Grant – not hiding how he felt. Look at the dry ground, can you believe it rained multiple times that day?

It was so hot, that we ended up stripping the kids socks and shoes off and letting them run in bare feet. Poor little Grant had a mild heat rash on his chest when we left. I definitely, need to make him a sheer dress! We decided to stop for some much needed ice cream.

The kids had a blast going to play grounds, playing with each other and the neighborhood kiddos. They didn’t have as much fun when we dragged them around shopping, but I now have a long dress (that isn’t historical lol) to wear to this summer’s weddings.

We didn’t have much time for crafting. But, you got got close to finishing William’s Civil War outfit, and I worked on your linen traveling bag. Hopefully, I will finish that soon!

We also did a stinking cute cousin photo shoot for the grandparents.

Love,

Jamiegoof

U.S. Grant Birthplace Bicentennial

Dear Sis,

Here is a photo dump from a wonderful afternoon at the bicentennial celebration of the birthplace of Ulysses S. Grant, the Commanding General of the Union Army that accepted the surrender of Robert E. Lee, ending the United States Civil War in 1865, and our nations 18th president, who lead post-war reconstruction efforts. 

It was hard to choose just two pictures of Eve! She still looks lovely in her sheer dress from last year. We just had to lengthen it a bit by adding another flounce to the hemline.

I love how natural this shot of William looks.

Tiny Toddlers: Charlotte’s new yellow dress was a hit and Grant was adorable in William’s hand-me-down frock with a tuck added to shorten it a bit since William was a bit taller at that age:)

Your new bonnet goes so well with your Fashion Plate inspired Daydress!

This is a great picture of the kids and one of your newest pattern creations Crochet Carriage Bag from Peterson’s 1858.

The fashion bonnet you made for me goes so well with my silk daydress. All it lacks now is so self-fabric buttons down the center front and collar and cuffs. Then I’ll have a frame for the brooch you gave me! Thanks for all your help making my first silk daydress look complete:) Your finishing touches make all the difference!

Our first event of 2022 was wonderful! I can’t wait for the vintage ball game next weekend:)

Love,

b

 

Battery Hooper 2021

Dear Sis,

This was William’s very first event… some years ago. It’s such a wonderful family friendly event held at Battery Hooper Park and hosted by the James A. Ramage Civil War Museum!

This year Mama Jenn and her family were able to join the fun. It was nice to see all their costumes come to life after a full month of sewing:)


Charlotte, Cooper, and Evelyn


Mama Jenn, Carter, and William

Brandy, Charlotte, Evelyn, William, Grant (behind William), and Jamie

Wrapping Bandages at the Field Hospital

William and Charlotte

Evelyn, Jamie, and Grant

Brandy, William, and Charlotte

It’s wonderful to finally have sheer dresses for summer impressions! Thanks for all your help sis!!!

Love,

b

The Maple Syrup Festival

Yesterday, my good friend and I attended the Maple Syrup Festival with the 63rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.  We where dishearten to see that some of our fellow civilians where not able to come, but had a wonderful time meeting new people, knitting, strolling around the vendors, and taking a hike in the woods. 
 
Because it wasn’t exactly appropriate for young ladies to hang around a military camp, we always try to bring something to look our part.  So, we loaded up a basket with some home baked bread, hard boiled eggs (from my own hard working biddies), and fruit for the soldiers.
 
I don’t have many civil war recipes, so I was happy to find this one on the blog “The World Turned Upside Down.”
 
The rolls where a little bland, but I was pleased with the taste and texture.  It seemed to go well with the soup the camp cook made, as there was little left.  I will be sticking with making rolls in the future, as I have noticed people seem hesitate to cut into a loaf of bread, and rolls do not go stale as quickly. 
 
While there, I finally finished an orange wool sontog for my friend…just in time for summer. LOL.  It is the overly represented basket weave pattern.
 
Here it is on my friend and model Kaela.  She is very handy with a sewing needle, and made her entire outfit herself including her all her undergarments, work dress, apron, and bonnet.
 
Front
 
Back
 
What I would change:  The front panels should be wider.  This can be fixed with blocking.  I also think the back would look better shorter, with a band to keep the back from moving.
 
The day was very windy, so we had to pay a lot of attention to our fly away clothing.  A good gust untied my bonnet, and sent it souring.  And some of the ladies had their skirts flip up a bit.  Thankfully, my hoop kept everything hidden, but it sure did make walking a challenge here and there. LOL. 
 
Me
 
Originally published: here
 
Written by: Jamiegoof