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The Minstrel Boys |
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Articles |
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Recreating the role of the Irish in the American Civil War 1861-65 |
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Regulations for the Ulster American Folk Park Including Authenticity Requirements of both the Ulster American Folk Park and The Minstrel Boys
In keeping with the principals of the Ulster American Folk Park (hereafter referred to as the Park) , these regulations should be followed by all re-enactors when in the historical environs of the Park, and also observed by ALL members of the Minstrel Boys as a minimum standard when at other events. These will be enforced by The Minstrel Boys Authenticity Officer. These are not exhaustive merely guides which may be added to on an ad hoc basis as required.
Period dress must be worn when in the Park. No modern anachronisms should be worn, for example wrist watches or modern glasses, etc Only period tents to be erected. If the camp to be depicted is “On the March” there must be NO camp furniture. The Park Liaison Officer shall dictate the type of camp to be dictated “On the March”, “Full Camp”, “Winter Camp” etc, and the type of tents permitted, Dog Tents, ‘A’ Frames, Shebang’s etc. Fires should be in correctly dug fire pits, and in designated areas. Exceptions to this are at the discretion of the Park Liaison Officer and The Minstrel Boys Safety Adviser. Turf/Peat must not be used in the American dimension of the Park. Cooking should only be done in correct period utensils e.g. black pots, tin ware coffee pots, no enamelware or plastic. Also strictly NO modern food or drinks in the public area of the Park. No vehicles should be on site when the Park is open to the public. Should you arrive late or have to go early the handcarts can be used to move equipment. Sleeping bags are NOT encouraged. Any modern sleeping bags etc must be securely hidden out of the public view and other re- Enactors Every member will continue to develop his or her ‘first person’ impression, including background biographical history etc. First person IS NOT a 5-minute wonder among your comrades, but a definite attempt to portray an individual from 1860’s Ireland/America especially for the benefit of the public Even when not doing ‘first person’ impressions, period manners should be observed, for example raising your hat to a lady and always addressing her as "Ma'am" and any gentleman as "Sir." If you smoke, cigars are permitted for officers or NCOs all the rest use pipes.
As a general rule when doing American Civil War our impressions shall be, Army of the Potomac and Army of Northern Virginia, July 1863.This is in keeping with the Pennsylvania setting.
Basic Guidelines on Dress A hat of some style MUST be worn at ALL times. Shoes:- Must be of an appropriate mid-19th Century style, leather (or possibly even canvas) etc. Trousers:- Must be cut and worn to mid-19th Century standards. Shirts:- Longer than modern styles. Mid thigh is about right. Undergarments:- Although not a necessity, you are depriving yourself of one of the few comfortable items of wear if you do not have them. Vests (Waistcoats):-Should be of mid-19th Century cut. Either civilian or military style. Remember most soldiers did not have vests, in some Union units it was against regulations to have a civilian vest. Wear a coat or vests at ALL times unless undertaking fatigue duties at the specific command of an Officer or NCO. When wearing a coat, without a vest at the minimum keep the top button, buttoned. Bandannas:- No bandannas or railroad scarves. NO HARPS!!!
Union Specifications: -Coats and jackets: The 4 button sack coat, frock coat, nine button state jacket may be worn according to research and documentation of the unit represented. All visible buttonholes should be hand sewn. Trousers: Should be issued blue kersey wool. Any visible button holes should be hand sewn. Shirts: Issue white cotton, grey or civilian. Button holes should be hand sewn. Headwear: A must. Most should be kepis or forage caps which should be not overloaded with brass. Brass: to only be cleaned when the scenario demands it and directions have been issued by the Park Liaison Officer.
Confederate Specifications :-Cloth and Colour: Most Confederate uniforms were issued in shades of grey. Because of dyes etc , some would fade to variations of 'butternut'. All uniforms items must be grey or 'butternut' as defined here. They must be made of proper jean cloth (a wool and cotton blend) and cut according to originals. Jackets :- Will be shell type. Officers may wear frock coats. Piping, trim, belt loops and epaulets must be documented for your unit. Buttons will be script or block letter, wood, Union eagle, or if documented, state. NO CSA BUTTONS. All visible buttonholes will be hand sewn. Trousers:- Jean cloth, period corduroy. Some kersey may be worn in a unit. All visible button holes will be hand sewn. Shirts:- White cotton, dull homespun colours, All visible button holes should be hand sewn. Hats:- Slouch hats largely. Possibly even one or two forage /wheel caps per unit. NO BRASS OR CORDS ON SLOUCH HATS. NO COWBOY, HILLBILLY OR MODERN SLOUCH HATS. Belt Buckles:- Frame, Snake or State.
Your own units dress regulations will be usually in line with above. There will some leeway allowed for new recruits/fresh fish.
14. On arrival you should report to the Parks Re-enactor Liaison Officer. 15. Always inform your NCOs or Officer if you are leaving the company area, either in camp of on the field. 16. When portraying a ACW solider you shall unless excused by your respective military commander: obey all reasonable and authentic commands from superior officers salute all officers according to 19th Century regulations participate in dress parades attend roll calls participate in all required scenarios (guard, punishments etc) observe all military protocol
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