War on the
James
Civilian Authenticity Standards
** PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMPRESSIONS SHOULD REFLECT THE SOCIOEconomic Status being PORTRAYED. ALSO PLEASE READ ALL OF THESE STANDARDS. **
z All clothing must be made according to period construction techniques and patterns. All visible seams must be handsewn.
z Cotton or wool dresses in period appropriate prints; there will be no blouse/ skirt/ jacket combinations permitted. White collars or neckerchiefs must be worn with dresses.
z Aprons and outerwear must be of correct materials and construction.
z Correct underpinnings with corsets or stays are REQUIRED. Work hoops and corded petticoats are acceptable. (Large hoops prohibited).
z Stockings, in appropriate colors according to economic status, are required. Socks or pantyhose are prohibited.
z Shoes/ boots of leather are recommended or period homemade substitutes are acceptable.
z Headgear should either be bonnets, corded sunbonnets, quilted bonnets, knitted hoods, and wool material according to the impression, with Slat bonnets being preferred.
z Use of period correct eyeglasses or contacts permitted if needed. Non-period eyewear is prohibited.
z Accessories such as jewelry should be limited and simplistic in style appropriate to the economic status of the portrayal. It is encouraged that a simple brooch be worn in the case of a white collar on a dress.
z Hair should be parted in the center, no bangs, and confined at or below the nape of the neck. Hairnets can be worn if made of correct materials and worn appropriately with hair properly styled underneath.
z Make-up, modern hairstyles, loose hair, painted fingernails, white blouses or socks, sweatpants, Garibaldi blouses, Zouave jackets, large hoops, zippers, plastic buttons or jewelry, wristwatches, modern glasses or sunglasses, modern footwear, stud or post earrings, ball gowns, and any other inappropriate item is PROHIBITED.
z As with women, all clothing must be made according to period construction techniques and patterns. All visible seams must be handsewn.
z Shirts should be of correct material: wool flannel, cotton, or linen in solid or period prints according to the social class being represented. Shirts should be cut full, drop shoulders, attached or detached collar.
z Trousers should be made of a durable cloth such as: wool broadcloth, light to heavy wool, cotton, wool sateen, linen, or jean cloth. In plaids, checks, and solids of natural colors in various weaves. Pockets can be in the front but rear pockets are prohibited.
z Sack or frock, depending on socioeconomic status, must be of period materials (see trouser materials) and construction.
z Neckwear can include a cravat or neck cloth. Suspenders must be of correct construction.
z Shoes should be a boot, shoe, brogan, or elastic-sided shoes, according to the impression being represented.
z Socks should be period appropriate and made of either cotton or wool in appropriate colors: white, black, and some colors. Period correct underclothing recommended with no visible modern underwear allowed.
z All civilian hats must be of a documented period style and properly blocked. Hairstyles and facial hair should reflect the period.
z Jewelry should be simple, made in the period style, and appropriate to the economic status of the portrayal: a timepiece, watch chain and fob, ring, cuff buttons or pin.
z Other accessories could include a walking stick, handkerchief, or other period items pertaining to a particular trade.
z No modern items will be allowed. Sweatpants, zippers, plastic buttons or jewelry, wristwatches, modern glasses or sunglasses, non-period hairstyles, earrings of any type, and any other inappropriate item is PROHIBITED.
Please keep in mind that this is a mobile event for the whole weekend. While children will be allowed, one must keep in mind that the child must be able to participate in an event of this type.
z In general, clothing for children should follow the guidelines set for adults, with appropriate adaptations being made for the child's age.
z In some cases, children have worn military-influenced styles, but any child sized full military uniforms and accouterments are forbidden.
z No modern items will be allowed. Modern toys are prohibited.
z All items must predate October 1864 or must be exact reproductions thereof!
z Any blankets brought must be of proper period construction and materials. Civilian blankets including quilts and coverlets are preferred over military style blankets.
z Period wheelbarrows and wagons to carry belongings are acceptable. Also, period appropriate baskets or any other period appropriate item for carrying items is acceptable.
z Modern items are not permissible at all unless it is necessary such as medications or feminine products. In that case the items must be well hidden.
z Foods should be of the period and must not be wrapped in any modern items such as plastic wrap, plastic bags, etc. Period wrapping materials and bags accepted.
Keep in mind that you must manage any and all belongings you bring along.
In general, if there is any question regarding any aspect of your impression please contact the civilian coordinator regarding the specifics.