The Art of Historical Re-Enacting - Part 2

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Mar 21, 2001

I now take you onto Part 2 of Beth's experiences as a re-enactor.

Dateline - March 12, 1993

Preparations are being made for the new 1993 season of 1812 historical re-enacting and historical living. This Saturday the first of two sewing bees will take place. What we hope to accomplish at this sewing bee is the completion of at least one 'Empire' style dress for each lady attending. The 'Empire' style of dress was the predominant style for women of all classes in the early 19th century. The type of material and accessories used would vary with the dress's purpose. Sheer fabrics, such as fine cotton or muslin, were used for fancy dress and heavy cottons were used for everyday wear. The 'Empire' has an extremely high waistline, narrow fitted back and a skirt that is columnar in shape.

Each year, at this time, preparations always include lining every child up and taking new measurements for clothes that have to be made. This really shows you that these kids must grow overnight!! Once measurements are taken, the clothes from the previous season are looked over and we try to salvage what ever we can. Thank goodness most of the bonnets and caps still fit from season to season.

The next step for me this year is to finish compiling my 1812 cookbook that I will take with me camping. Cooking over an open fire provides an 'unique' dimension in meal preparation. Along with compiling the recipes, I have started to test some of them on my family using my 'modern' equipment (stove, oven, etc). I am happy to say that the testing of homemade Grange-style bread was a huge success.

Well, I must go for now. Next month I will be finishing off with the preparations and hopefully we will be ready to start with our first event in May.

Till next month, Beth Mitchell

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