Reenacting the American Civil War has become one the fastest growing hobbies in the country. It is estimated that there are over 45,000 men and women who don woolen and homespun on weekends and step back into the past. In this group there is a virtual community of reenactors who gather on the Internet using the CW-REENACTORS mailing list. The List is over 600 strong with members from all over the world. Through this forum they exchange news, research, ideas as well as sharing each others joys and sorrows. In essence, it is a family bound by a common thread.



It is our hope that you may find something useful in one or more of the following areas:



October 4, 5, 6 2002


CW-Reenactors Mailing List - If you are not yet a member of this virtual community, here's how you can join.

CW-Reenactors Picture Gallery - If you've ever wondered what the person on the other end of the "message" looks like, now's your chance.

CW-Reenactors, Inc. - A 501 (c) 3 Not For Profit Organization


Links - Some of the many fine sources on the Internet related to Reenacting and the American Civil War

(arf!) The Watchdog



CW-REENACTORS (and DIGEST) MAILING LIST FAQ
Last Revised (April 22, 2002)
1. What is the List about?
CW-REENACTORS is for the discussion of American Civil War Reenacting. This covers a broad range of subjects such as clothing, weapons, food, first person impressions, event schedules and more.

2. Do I have to be a Reenactor to belong to the List?
Absolutely not! The List has many others on it; historians, Civil War buffs, sutlers and, even, Mailing List junkies.

3. How do I become a member of the CW-REENACTORS mailing list?
Send a message to: CW-REENACTORS-REQUEST@world.std.com with only the word "subscribe" (without quotation marks) in the body of the message. Note: This will not work unless the subject line of your message is left blank. The Majordomo Software will subscribe you to the list after the confirmation process, send you an information message, and you will be ready to read and post messages.

3-A. I have an account with America On-Line and my mail program will not allow me to send an e-mail message with a blank subject line. What do I do?
Simply follow the directions, but place a period in the subject line. AOL accepts this.

4. I don't want a bunch of e-mail messages cluttering up my mailbox. How can I avoid this?
The CW-REENACTORS List has a DIGEST option wherein the individual messages are bukkake pics and free bukkake gathered until a certain volume is reached and, then, one large message is sent to all those subscribed to the Digest format.

5. How do I become a member of the CW-REENACTORS DIGEST List?
Send a message to: CW-REENACTORS-DIGEST-REQUEST@world.std.com with only the word "subscribe" (without quotation marks) in the body of the message. Note: This will not work unless the subject line of your message is left blank. The Majordomo Software will subscribe you to the list after the confirmation process, send you an information message, and you will be ready to read and post messages. If you use AOL, refer to the directions located in question 3-A.

6. How do I post messages on the List?
Simply address your message to: CW-REENACTORS@world.std.com and the Majordomo will take care of the rest.

7. I'm on the Digest List, how do I post messages?
You use the same address as in #6. Both lists have the same posting address.

8. What if I have problems or questions?
Feel free to direct all questions to Betty Barfield, the List-Owner at bjb@theworld.com

9. What shouldn't be put on the list?
An informational message with List restrictions is posted on this page. In addition, the information is posted to the mailing list periodically as a reminder.

10. What if I ignore the restrictions?
The List is moderated by a panel of six anonymous members. They can and will take whatever actions necessary to assure compliance with the regulations set forth in the info packet. No appeal to the List Owner will over ride the panel's decision. All disciplinary messages will come through the List Owner or TheAMENS.

11. I am a reenactor, or wish to be one, but I know little or nothing about the Hobby. What should I do?
Ask. There is a wealth of experience and contacts on the List. Put your request for help on the list and, most assuredly, someone will assist. The people on this list are generous and helpful to those genuinely seeking assistance. Should, by some odd chance, your question(s) not get answered, write Betty Barfield, the List-Owner directly at: bjb@theworld.com


CW-REENACTORS (and DIGEST) MAILING LIST
RULES AND REGULATIONS
1. This List is for the discussion of the American Civil War AS it relates to reenacting or Living History. It is not a Chat Line nor is it a place to refight any political issues, past or present. The List is Moderated by the List Owner, AND anonymous members of the List who act in concert and by consensus. The Moderators have the authority to censure or remove any List Member (as does the List Owner) who violates either List regulations or common etiquette. All reprimands will be sent through the List Owner to maintain anonymity BUT there is no appeal to the List Owner for any action taken by the Moderators.

2. Contributors to the list are expected to be responsible in their contributions. Messages consisting of personal attacks, direct or veiled, or which have little or no relevance to the group or ongoing discussion(s) are not appropriate and may be subject to censure by the Moderators. There is no charge for the list, but communications are not free as most List members pay for their access and many are limited to specific volume of mail. Please be concise and to the point in your postings, showing respect for other members of the list. ASCII ART AND LONG SIGNATURE FILES are also discouraged. We strive to keep the list pleasant and enjoyable to read.

3. Subscription/unsubscription requests are managed by an automated server called Majordomo. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you follow the directions in your original Intro message as any deviation causes delay and unwanted "bounce" messages to the List Owner. Additionally, the words "subscribe, unsubscribe, list, majordomo" should not be included in the first ten (10) lines of your message since Majordomo reads such words as commands, attempts to act on them, fails, and bounces the message to the List-Owner.


3-A. If you attempt to post a message from an address OTHER than the one you subscribed with Majordomo will bounce your message, This is a feature that guards against "Spamming". Some ISP's may change your e-mail addresses on your outgoing mail without your knowledge, keep watch for such an instance.
3-B. Bounced messages will not be forwarded.
4. We expect folks to be germane in their contributions ... keeping in mind the usual netiquette rules. Posting messages which read essentially "me, too!" or messages that are directed towards an individual rather than the group, and posting off-topic items are discouraged. If messages are of a personal nature and are of no interest to the List as a whole, take it "off line"!
5. Messages must have a subject. The subject allows those with no interest in the topic to "Delete" the message unread. Certain headings are used by List members to denote broad subject categories ie CIV = Civilian NT = Non topical MIL = Military and so forth. Utilization of these headings is useful to the entire List.

6. If replying to another message DO NOT QUOTE THE ENTIRE MESSAGE. This is rude! Many folks have limited mailbox capacity and this will "blow" them out forcing them off the List. Members who continue to follow this practice will be removed. If you are responding to another message take the time to compose your reply with only the relevant portions of the original message quoted.

7. Always use a signature which includes your email address. Some folks have mail programs which do not include addresses in their headers. It is common netetiquette to include your name also. People like to know who they are corresponding with.

8. Use smileys! :) :) Ofttimes a statement, meant in jest, is taken seriously. Remember, no one can see your facial expression.

9. NO SHOUTING! Capital letters are abrasive to long time email users. It is the same as shouting and equally as obnoxious.

10. Take time to compose your posts. This is NOT a chat line NOR is it IRC. Good, old-fashioned, letter writing skills are much appreciated on the List and are far more enjoyable to read.

11. Above all, civility MUST prevail! No bullying, name calling, MODERN political discussions or personal attacks will be tolerated. If you need to get heated in your opinions, don't!!! Or take it off list......





Mission Statement

It is the mission of CW-Reenactors, Inc. to preserve the history, skills, crafts and customs of the United States of America during the 19th Century.

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CLOTHING GUIDELINES

(FEMALE)


NO MODERN ITEMS VISABLE

INCLUDING MODERN GLASSES, SUNGLASSES, WRIST WATCHES OR CIGARETTE SMOKING

Hair

" Medium or long hair must be parted down the center and controlled low at the back of the head.
" Short hair must be parted down the center kept controlled to hide bangs.
" Fake hair or wigs can be used.
" If you color your hair, keep the roots in keeping with the rest of your hair.

Head Covering

" A fashion bonnet or sunbonnet should be worn when out doors.
" Hats are not acceptable for women obviously over the approximate age of 25. (Exceptions must be consistent with your impression)
" Day caps are not acceptable for outside wear.
" Hairnets - Optional (invisible nets over dressed hair)

Undergarments (They're called "foundation" garments for a reason!)

" Chemise - Recommended. Necessary when you are wearing a corset. It will protect your corset and dress from you and you from your corset.
" Split crotch drawers - Recommended. For both modesty and convenience.
" Corset - Required. No inspection is needed or done. It is obvious when you are not wearing one. Stays are an acceptable alternative to a corset for a working impression
" Hoops - Optional. Keep them short (6" - 8" above the ground) and of a modest size, (90" to 115" circumference is a reasonable size range for most women. If worn, an under petticoat is required and drawers are highly recommended. At least one petticoat over a hoop is required to mask the lines of the hoop.
" Corded petticoats - Optional. An alternative to hoops for working impressions.
" Stockings - Plain white or other solid color. Striped stockings of a very narrow stripe are acceptable for a fashionable young lady or child.

Dresses

" One-piece dresses are the norm and are recommended. NO skirts and blouses, even if they are from the same material. As always, exceptions can be documented. Two exceptions follow:
o Sack & petticoat outfit for a working impression or when pregnant.
o White shirt, jacket and skirt will be accepted (on a limited basis) on a fashionable YOUNG GIRL. (Single and most obviously under the age of 25) As with all exceptions, use of this style should be kept to a minimum.
" Dresses should be well fitted and made of a period appropriate pattern and style.
" A narrow white collar is required. *A white neckerchief is acceptable for a working impression.
" Low necklines of ANY kind during the daytime are not acceptable for an adult.
" Avoid obvious synthetic fabrics and trims.
" Zippers are NEVER acceptable.

Footwear

" Reproduction shoes or boots are recommended.
" IF you aren't wearing reproduction shoes, you should at least wear boots or shoes with very low heels and low, blunt toes. No speed laces or thick "waffle" "hiking" boot soles.
" Modern sports shoes or canvas "Mary Jane" shoes are NOT acceptable.
Bare feet are allowed if it fits your impression (poor Southern refugee)

Accessories (Optional)

" Parasols (no all lace, especially battenburg lace)
" Full gloves (no netted mitts or gloves)
" Aprons (colored for working impressions) Pinner or waist style are acceptable.
" Shawls. Highly recommended for all weather. Decorative ones for middle and upper class. Plain woven, knitted or crocheted ones for working impressions. Knitted or crochet "sontags" are also appropriate for warmth.
" Mantles, paletots, saques, etc. are generally more appropriate than cloaks for cool and cold weather. They are warmer, more functional and generally require less fabric than a cloak to make.


NO NO's

" NO makeup

" NO nail polish

" NO market baskets, unless you're dressed for marketing

" NO modern glasses

" NO sunglasses

" NO wristwatches

" NO cigarette smoking in view of others (if you smoke, make it a very private activity)

" NO "snoods." The ones commonly sold through most merchants are made of synthetic material and in inaccurate colors.

NOTE* These clothing guidelines are not meant to be the end result of an impression. They are designed to be the minimum. As we raise the bar for our own impressions, we set an example for others in the community. LET US LEAD BY EXAMPLE


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