HOOP-LAH
There has been some "Hoop-lah" going
around in the reenactment community about several subjects. The Duchess
feels it is time that she address these problems. This page will
be an on-going project to vent feelings and try to resolve conflicts.
WOMEN IN CAMPS
During the Civil War
Officer's Wives---Those who could afford
to travel.
Refugees---Those who were burned out
or moved off their homesteads and needed to follow the army for protection
and income from work as a cook, laundress etc.
Prostitutes---Women with no other source
of income took on the oldest profession.
Religious Orders---Sisters who were
not cloistered in a Convent. (Note: As I understand it, the Catholic
Hospital at Vicksburg, MS. has been sold or merged. This was the
home for the Sisters of Mercy who were heralded as the "Angels of Mercy"
for their unending work during the Civil War. The remaining Sisters
are being relocated to other areas.)
Telegraphers---I have just been informed
of their involvement in camp life. As I receive documentation on
this, I will post it.
The Commissions--Such as the Sanitary
Commission and the Christian Commission. Sometimes these groups arrived
with their personal wagon trains full of donated and purchased supplies
before the government. (Note: Check the Newsletter page in
1863 for the Sanitary Commission report.)
WOMEN IN CAMPS
During Civil War Reenactments
Reenactments are to educate the public.
The public does not stay all nite at an event.
Civilian Camps were displaced persons from
burned out towns.
Refugee Camps were displaced persons who followed
the armies for income and protection.
Public hours at events will find my ladies
at The Ladies' Parlor, at planned activities or browsing Sutler's Row as
they would have shopped in towns back then.
Battle time will find ladies posted at the
battle front explaining history to the public or standing guard at the
camps.
This is and should be an
enjoyable FAMILY hobby. The whole family was envolved during the
Civil War and can be today. This hobby is comparable in cost to any
other hobby. The stigma lies in dealing with the public and protecting
our hobby property. The soldiers who have had valuable posessions
stolen from their camps, while they are in battle, are very appreciative
to the ladies who give up their time to stand guard at the camps.
The discretion lies in
the public image that we present. If you are having problems, do
your research of the image and take it to your unit commander for consideration.
If you do not agree with his decision, then bow out gracefully by either
complying or joining another unit who will accept you.
Return
to Words