Camp life, and the woman and children of reenactors

This is my favorite group of pictures in the series. These images, in my opinion show the lighter side of Civil War reenacting in the 80’s

Large family gathering (in period garb) posing by their campsite
With the proper bedding on the cots these tents were actually fairly comfortable to live in. Note: the family size tent they are all sitting in front of.
Another extended family/co-ed unit posing with the unit’s field piece. Grandma, and a couple of toddlers not in period garb. Note: the women in front are wearing Nursing garb.
Kids are kids, a cool creek is still a cool creek.
Board games were always a way to pass the time during the long weekends.
Every afternoon some of the women would put on their finery and join in High Tea
The women were just as meticulous and precise with their period garb as the men were with their uniforms. I photographed this group just as they were getting ready to go to tea.
Some women and children taking a break and resting in the shade.
Many of the children’s outfits were very intricate, and period correct.
In addition to high tea, on one evening per reenactment there was usually a formal dress ball. Here is a mother and daughter dressed for the evening.
Sometime it is hard to the tell ball gowns from daytime dress.
A Mother, Father and their three children in period garb.
Three Sisters ready for the evening festivities
During the day many of the women would recreate the role of hospital aid workers.
From the dawn of time all armies real or imagined move on their stomachs. During the weekend most reenactors cooked and ate as authentically as possible.
When food is served in the field, why sit on the ground when you can find a porch.
Another family dining in 19th century style.
Nope, I did not stage this….. But I can imagine the conversation about having to be more careful and stop ripping his trousers.
Coffee break, all with period correct gear.
The large cavalry units always fascinated me. Somehow they fielded large number of participants with period correct saddles, harnesses and tack. Not to mention all of the horses and the rest of the gear they deeded to set up camp for the few days they were there.
End of the day, watering the horses before bedding them for the night.