Civil War - A Reenactor Speaks

I spent many years as a young Civil War reenactor. Most of that time I was a member of the 20th Maine, a well-to-do unit with tight standards. We dressed accurately (down to the layers upon layers of underthings), we spoke correctly, we had a solid knowledge of the period, and we had an ever-loving blast. I remember how much the boys loved to get shot and die glorious fake deaths and I especially remember what happened after the gates closed on Saturday nights. Everyone would put on their best clothes, grab a lamp, and head down to the dance. Boys would bow and tip their hats, girls would curtsy and behave as charmingly as they knew how.

It was wonderful. My sister and I would rate the success of the event based on how many hat tips and "howdy miss" comments we received.  It was considered an extreme success if a young gentlemen asked for more than one dance. And nothing can compare to the outright thrill of a handsome young man in uniform requesting that we accompany him for a midnight stroll around the camp (chaperoned, of course).

The smell of campfires still bring back those memories as some of the happiest of my life. So if you feel like doing something a little out of the ordinary, take the family to a local reenactment. In Cowlitz Co. the nearest event is at Ft. Stevens in Astoria on Labor Day weekend. Go check it out!