Interested in Joining? Here's Some Info: |
Here are the basics. We are a unit actively looking for likeminded people who are interested in reenacting the American Civil War. We are not political about it and have friends wearing gray. At one time we were the largest unit in the entire club on either side of the Mason-Dixon Line. We want you to be a member of the 7th Wisconsin.
The whole point of reenacting is to have fun. If people tell you they do this to educate the public, it's true...but they wouldn't keep doing it if it wasn't FUN. If they tell you they do this to honor their ancestors or all the other men (and women) who fought in this great struggle, it's true. But, again, they wouldn't keep doing it if it wasn't FUN. It's a hobby. And it's fun. Some of the best times we have had have come sitting with our friends around the campfire talking about all sorts of things. Sometimes we pretend we're living in the 1860's. Sometimes we discuss books we've read or movies we've seen. Not all of us go out and camp on the field with just what we have in our knapsacks although some of us do that sometimes. Some of us sleep in A tents in camp and have ice chests hidden inside. There are times when we get together outside of an actual reenactment event.
We allow women to be involved in whatever capacity they wish. We allow women to go into battle as long as they are dressed appropriately. We have several women in the ranks with rifles. One of our corporals is female.
We are scattered across the state (and sometimes several states) so our meetings tend to be at the reenactment events. Traditionally we have a potluck for everyone on Saturday evening at the events we attend. We hold elections for the positions in the unit. The nominations are usually at the last Washington event which is usually Ferndale in August. The actual election takes place by mail in October-November. Results are usually delivered by newsletter in December.
Right now (2009) it costs $25 for one person to join the WCWA for whichever unit they join or $40 for a family. We ask members/families to chip in $10 dues each year for the good of the unit. This goes to paying for postage for newsletters, loaner equipment, cleaning equipment, etc.
But wait, you say. This hobby is expensive. Well, yeah. I won't lie to you about it. But so is golf, and snow or water skiing. Model railroading and photography are, too. So is any hobby when you get right down to it. Some of them can be much more expensive than reenacting.
But here is something to think about. Just like any of those hobbies there is a point where you don't have to spend much money unless you want to. Once you get your basic kit together you are at a point where all you need to spend money on is gun powder, caps, food and gas to get to events. Often times you can carpool and save money that way, too.
Loaner Equipment: We have uniforms and leather gear as well as rifles to loan to newcomers. We have extra tents, too. We buy our own gun powder and caps so we can get it in bulk and buy it cheaper than in a gun store.
We Will Teach You: Just like any hobby, there are things to learn. You need to know what you are doing. So, we will teach you how to make your own cartridges and how to wear all the gear you put on your body. We will teach you how to march if you need to learn. You will also learn how to load and fire a rifled musket, how to do the Manual of Arms, how to stack arms, and how to do all the maneuvers you need to know to fit in on the battle field.
What do you need to get eventually? Your basic kit is as follows:
Sky blue pants
Dark blue coat (frock or sack)
Brogans (to start, any black leather shoes would do)
Shirt
Black Hat
Leather waistbelt and cap pouch
Leather cartridge box and sling
Canteen
Rifle (and hopefully a bayonet)
Before you buy any of your basic kit, please talk to one of us so we can guide you through the process. We can save you time and money on what you buy.
That's it!
What else could you buy? Well the list might not be endless but it can go on a bit. Below are a few things that you might want to get...or not.
Haversack (to carry things-your pants don't have hip pockets)
Tent (if you get an A tent or a dog tent you can camp in the military camp-otherwise you camp in the modern camp)
Overcoat (nice in the mornings sometimes but not all of us have them)
Rubberized Poncho (nice if it rains)
Knapsack
Camp Stool
Period Eating Utensils
Well, you get the idea, I hope. The sutlers (the merchants that sell things at the events) have tons (literally) of things to sell to you.
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