Civil War Era Fashion Show (edited: Oct meeting info)

LLHSJC will be hosting a fashion show on Saturday, Oct 15, at 2pm. Come join us at the Warrensburg Trails Regional Library and learn about mid-19th century fashion! We'll have ladies, children, and even a gentleman dressed in the fashion of the period! We hope that you will join us!

ETA:  There will be no meeting this month as it conflicts with too many other events/activities. We will plan to meet Tuesday, Nov 15. If anyone has something they would like to present for the meeting, please let us know!  Likewise, if you have an idea for the meeting, do share! We hope to see you there!

Back Onboard!!!

What a mess the last month has been! There were a few bumps and hiccups, some lack of communication, and brief bouts of illness. I'm so sorry I've been away from the blog and that things have ground to a halt with the group. We are back on track, however, and hope to see you not only at our next meeting but also at the Battle of Lexington event on Sept 17-18!
If you haven't registered for this event, there is still time! But barely! So head over to the website and get registered! There is also some very interesting information concerning citizens of that era who were in town during the battle. If you have any questions about what to wear (or what to avoid!), please don't hesitate to either email us here or, better yet, head over to The Sewing Academy and browse through the forums! You don't have to be registered to search but why on earth wouldn't you register at such a great site?! There are many experts with tons of information for you to read, lots of pictures to surf through, and answers to just about any question you can think of pertaining to this time period!
The next meeting will be, somewhat unfortunately, after the Lexington event. We will be having the discussion on headwear and hairstyles of the era, so bring any examples, images, or questions with you! We will again be meeting at The Art Store in Warrensburg on Sept 20 at 6:30pm.
Another note of interest:  Our group has been asked to put on a period fashion show at the Warrensburg Trails Regional Library on October 15, 2pm. If you would like to participate, please email your interest to llhsjc @gmail.com with what you'd like to showcase.

Tonight's Meeting Cancelled

Sorry for the late notice but due to unforeseen circumstances, there will be no meeting tonight. We'll meet again Tuesday, August 16, 6:30pm at The Art Store. Our topic will be Hairstyles and Headwear: What to Wear, What to Burn. If you have a good example of period headwear, be it a bonnet, hat, hairnet, etc to show off or have one that you'd like suggestions for (trims, shape, etc), please bring it with you! We hope to see you there!

Interesting Event for a Good Cause

I received an email with the following information. Though the film adaptation of Gone With The Wind is generally considered as "farb" material only, it must be agreed that, for its time, it was and still is a great film! While Hollywood took (major) liberties with the historical accuracy of some of the clothing, it is still a wonderful story. The following is information about an event set up to honor Hattie McDaniel and to promote awareness and raise funds for breast cancer research. Here it is:

Registration is Now Open for

“It’s Windie In Kansas”

November 4th- 6th 2011

    In 1937, Margaret Mitchell was awarded a Pulitzer Prize for authoring one of the world’s most beloved novels, Gone with the Wind. Two years later the eight time Oscar winning film debuted, giving birth to one of the greatest films ever produced. Over the years since the films historic premier, fans, known as Windies, have traveled the nation, attending events in celebration of the film.
    More than just another fan gathering, this event will spotlight Kansas native Hattie McDaniel. Her role as Mammy earned her an Academy Award, making her the first African-American to win an Oscar and helping the film to go one to win a Best Picture Oscar. Sadly, in 1952, Hattie McDaniel died of breast cancer. This event will help to promote awareness and raise money for breast cancer research at the University of Kansas.
    Guests include:
    Patrick Curtis (Baby Beau Wilkes in Gone with the Wind)
    Greg Giese (the younger Baby Beau Wilkes in Gone with the Wind)
    Joseph Yakovetic- artist who brings the beauty of the movie Gone with the Wind to a new medium of artwork
    Morgan Brittany- actress from the hit TV Show “Dallas” and the movies “Gable & Lombard” and “The  Scarlett O’Hara War”
    Carlton Jackson- author of “Hattie: The Life of Hattie McDaniel” and many more!
    For more information on this event contact: Liz Smith at esmith@olatheks.org or 913-971-5504. Or find us on Facebook “It’s Windie in Kansas!”
This weekend long event is comprised of a period dress ball with live 19th century music and Gone with the Wind costume contest, wine tasting, a catered picnic, living history demonstrations, and panels featuring our special guests!

Living History Opportunity in Swope Park

I received an email that might be of interest to some! If I wasn't already obligated to go somewhere else this weekend, this is where you would find me! Here is the information:

Please join the Westport Historical Society, the Battle of Westport Museum and the Kansas City Parks Department in presenting a day of living history on Saturday, July 9, 2011 from 10:00am until 5:00pm.
The event is presented as part of PARTY IN THE PARK and will be held on a portion of the Battle of Westport Civil War Battlefield located at 6601 Swope Parkway, Kansas City, MO.
Reenactors in military uniforms will fire cannons and guns, drill in formation, and make charges on horseback (horses present if weather permits). Take a walk through soldiers' encampment and see how they lived while they were fighting in the field. Sit around the campfire and hear the stories of the old days in Westport and the struggles of a Civil War. Visit with the town folk of Westport and listen to period music which will be presented throughout the day.
The Battle of Westport Museum will be open for viewing of the exhibits and two short films will be shown. Tours of the battlefield will be offered at 2:00pm and again at 4:00pm.
There is no charge, so bring the entire family and enjoy a day in the park. If you have questions, please call 913-648-0952 or email to westporthistorical @gmail.com

Battle of Wilson's Creek Registration--Extended!

Good news for those who haven't registered for the Battle of Wilson's Creek event. They've extended the deadline to July 15th! So get over there and register!!! If you're planning on being there, shoot us an email! Let us know if you'll be camping over the weekend or joining up with the "hotel militia". We'd love to see you there!!!
Next meeting:  July 19, 6:30pm, at The Art Store. Topic will be Hair and Headwear: What to Wear and What to Burn! Hope to see you there!

Battle of Boonville AAR

It's the second day of the Battle of Boonville event in Boonville, MO. We only attended Saturday but had 16 people total! There were eleven children in attendance. Yes, you read that right. Eleven kids running around in period attire playing period games and acting just like their Original Cast counterparts! They all seemed to have a great time playing, watching the cannons fire in rapid succession, and  riding the tractor trailer that pulled us from the parking lot to the field where the event was held. It was a very hot day with a high humidity, however. Many came home sun-burnt, which is never fun! On the whole, it was a decent event, though the many vehicles that were left throughout the field during the event was a little odd. We met with many wonderful people, some we knew before and other acquaintances made that day.
The next event in the area coming up is Cole Camp. I don't know really anything about it. No contact information or details. If you have that information, please share it via commenting on this post or through email.
After that, in August, will be the Battle of Wilson's Creek. If you have not registered, please visit their website and do so. The website has been updated with lots of information about the event so head over there and check it out! I know at least one of our families will be camping.
This Tuesday, June 21, is our next meeting! Please join us at The Art Store in Warrensburg at 6:30pm.
Saturday, June 25, the Kansas City area JASNA group is hosting a Drawn Bonnet Workshop at The Art Store, 10am-noon. Although this workshop is geared primarily toward the Regency/Federal era, drawn bonnets were popular during the 1850s-60s as well! Come learn the technique of making a drawn bonnet! You can register here.

Next Event: The 1st Battle of Boonville

Just a reminder that the Battle of Boonville reenactment is less than two weeks away! If you haven't registered, you should do so! We have quite a large group going this year, including eleven children!!! The people registered (that I know about now) are all day-tripping at least Saturday. If you're going and would like to meet up, please email us! We'd love to see you there!
Another note of interest:  The local JASNA (Jane Austen Society of North America) is hosting a Drawn Bonnet Workshop on June 25. Although the focus will be on Regency era bonnets, drawn bonnets were also very popular in the 1850s and on into the 1860s! You can learn the basic technique for making a drawn bonnet at this workshop and transfer that knowledge to a mid-19th century shape! The cost for the workshop is only $15, which includes some materials and instruction. More information and registration can be found here, scroll down to the Drawn Bonnet Workshop for the registration link.
Next meeting reminder:  June 21, 6:30pm, at The Art Store. Please join us!

Group Information & Rolla Event

Our last meeting went well! It was decided that we shall meet every third Tuesday at 6:30pm at The Art Store. This means that our next meeting will be June 17. If you have an idea for discussion at this or other meetings, please let the group know. Likewise, if there is something you would like to present, email llhsjc @gmail.com with that information and which date you would like to present.
We have also received an email about some events coming up at the John Wornall house in Kansas City. There is to be a Civil War Medical Weekend beginning June 3 and running through the 5th. If you visit their website, you will find more information, including dates, times, and locations for the different lectures/events offered.
That same weekend, however, is the event in Rolla, MO on June 4. The city is commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War with a parade in the morning, various speakers, and other activities throughout the day. It is a one day event. Some from our group have planned to attend. It is approximately 3hrs southeast from Warrensburg. Plan to bring chairs or blankets to sit on and a period-appropriate lunch or monies to purchase food from vendors. For a complete schedule of the day's events, please visit this page.
Also coming up next month is the Battle of Boonville in Boonville, MO. It is scheduled for June 17-19. For a schedule and registration information, visit this site. Our next meeting will be after this event, so if you have questions or are planning to attend, please email llhsjc @gmail.com and let us know! We will send out an email to all attending so that we can, as a group, meet up at some point during the event! If you are planning to camp, please let us know that as well.
Yet another event of interest is the Battle of Wilson's Creek in Springfield, MO. This event is scheduled for August 12-14. The registration fee is $20/person, ages 14 and under are free but must still be registered. Deadline is July 1. Their website is www.wilsonscreek150.com with a schedule of events. Registration will be up to the individual but we will take a head-count at our July meeting as to who is going from our group.
Also, please mark your calendars for the Battle of Perryville in Perryville, KY. This will be the 149th commemoration of this battle. They have the requisite battles each day and a dance Saturday evening but what makes this event special is the Living History Village. Bring your tent "house" set-up and join the town of Perryville as we recreate the 1862 battle scenario. For more information and to register, please visit the Perryville Battlefield website.
That's all for now as far as events and what's going on in the group! If there is something you'd like to see on this blog or at a meeting, please leave a comment or send an email!

Next Meeting This Tuesday!

Next Meeting is this Tuesday, May 17, at 6:30pm at The Art Store in Warrensburg. The focus will be on accurate reproductions to use at events. Cups, plates, napkins, chairs, tables, etc all will be discussed with some examples to view and resources to find affordable repros. If you have items that you would like to share or would like input on, bring it to the meeting! Be sure to also bring your calendar with you, as we will discuss upcoming events and decide which ones we will plan to attend this year. If you know of an event that you think will be of interest to the group, whether it is a reenactment or an educational opportunity of some sort, please bring along the information or email it to LLHSJC.
We hope to see you at the meeting! Bring a friend!

Camp Jackson AAR & Next Meeting

Well, the Camp Jackson event was a lot of fun! The entire week before, we were anxiously keeping an eye on the weather. With all of the devastating winds, tornadoes, and flooding, it wasn't looking all that great. Even as close as three days out there was a 70% chance of rain and thunderstorms predicted for Saturday! But thankfully, the rain held off until after 2pm Sunday.
Saturday held an interesting line-up for the spectators. Usually, mainstream events will have two battles, a "ball", and various things in camp for visitors to view and possibly participate in. Camp Jackson did something a bit different. Saturday's "battle" was a reenactment of the civilian massacre that occurred May 10, 1861. For a very well done article written about this horrid event, please visit 8th Missouri Cavalry Regiment's blog and read the post written by CSA Brent. The reenactment turned out well, all things considered. The civilians taunted the soldiers. There was one man in particular who did an outstanding job at riling the civilians into cheers and jeers. General Lyon dismounted in an attempt to quiet the troops and calm the crowd. Unfortunately, his horse chose just that instant to kick him square in the head. Knocked unconscious, there was now no one in charge of the untrained troops. Without warning, a shot rang out from the crowd. Chaos was immediate as troops opened fire, causing further confusion among troops and civilians alike. Men and women scattered through the area frantically trying to escape the gunfire, while children clung to their mothers and tried desperately to keep up.  In all, at least 28 civilians were murdered. Two were women, along with several children. After the smoke cleared and the frightened civilians were cleared of the field, a gentleman stepped forward and read off each casualty's name accompanied by one toll from a large bell. As each person's name was called, the reenactor portraying that individual stood and silently left the field. It was a moving spectacle to watch. It was a wonderful thing to participate in as well. The adrenaline that courses through your body, even though your brain knows it is just a reenactment and therefore not "real", is amazing. As gunshots are fired all around you, you cling tightly to your small child's hand while trying to keep a watchful eye on your other children as all are fleeing like frightened hens.... The spectators nearly vanish from view as you focus on that one clearing. The only path to escape all the noise and gunsmoke. Frightening, yes. Humbling, yes. Did every spectator "get it"? I would hazard to say no but there's always "that one person" who's intent upon making the reenactor "stumble". Ah well. For the rest of us who saw, knew, what it all meant, who knew why we were there, it was wonderful. All in all, Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point was a wonderful event.
Next meeting.  Our next meeting will be Tuesday, May 17, 6:30pm, at The Art Store in Warrensburg. We will discuss period-style items to bring when you attend an event. What do I eat on, drink from, sit on, etc? If you have items already that you would like to show or would like confirmation on, please bring them with you! We'll also have a brief business-type meeting to discuss upcoming events that we would like to attend as a group. Please bring your calendars with you so you can check your schedule.

Edit to Add: Civil War Weekend at Heritage Village in Sharonville, OH, is May 21-22. If you would like to go with the group, please email your information to llhsjc @gmail.com before May 11. Registration fee is $5/person. There will be on-site camping for authentic camps only. Please email LLHSJC or visit Heritage Village for more information! We hope that you can join us at this fun, family-friendly event!

Workshop & Camp Jackson

There is still space available in both classes for this weekend's Handsewing and Finishing Techniques Workshop if you're interested!  A note to tell you that payment will also be accepted the day of class!  You should still register online but now there is the option to pay at class.  The only thing you need to bring with you is a pair of sewing scissors for snipping thread.  All other materials will be supplied.  If you are partial to the use of a thimble, you may want to bring yours with you as well.  The morning class is filling faster than the afternoon class too, so if you're more of a late-riser, sign up for the afternoon!
Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point is, as already stated, April 29-May 1.  We have a list of people planning to attend.  If you haven't notified LLHSJC about attending as part of the group, there is still time!  Again, there will be a tent set up for our use to "hide" things and also act as "homebase" for the group.  Be sure to bring your camp chairs or blankets to sit on.  A table will be available to set drinks, food, etc on as well.  If you will be spending the weekend, be sure to bring along anything you might need like food, clothes, etc!  More detailed information will be sent out via email to those who will be attending this event.
Also, just a quick reminder that our next meeting is April 19, 6:30pm, at The Art Store.  We'll discuss underpinnings!

Next Meeting & Upcoming Events

Last night's meeting went very well!  Two new ladies expressed interest in attending upcoming events as a group.  The Art Store provided a fun atmosphere for the meeting as it was also 3rds Days in Warrensburg, a time when local shops keep their doors open a bit longer and provide interesting activities for passersby.  3rds Days happens every third Thursday of the month. 
Upcoming Events include the Handsewing Workshop, April 2nd.  If you haven't signed up yet, please do so!  The workshop is just two weeks away!  Registration can be found by clicking on the link at the right of this page.  Also creeping up on us is Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point in St. Louis, MO.  It is April 29- May 1.  If you would like to attend as part of LLHSJC, be sure to email us at llhsjc@ gmail.com by Monday, March 21, so we can get our group registration form together and sent in!  Be sure to visit our Events Calendar (link at right) to see other events of interest!  If you have an event that you think should be on the calendar but isn't, please email the event's information and website (if available) or point of contact.
Our next meeting will be April 19 at 6:30pm at The Art Store in Warrensburg.  Keep in mind that it will be a Tuesday!  We look forward to seeing you!

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

As people across the nation and around the world don green clothing and accessories, prepare green or Irish-style food, speak in their best Irish accent, and wish each other a "Happy St. Paddy's Day!", we also remember the days when the Irish were not only not welcome in regular establishments but were also publicly ridiculed in newspapers, the public forum, and even through elected officials.  The Irish had a rough time entering American society.  The Great Irish Potato Famine of the late 1840s sent many countrymen searching for a better life.  That life was sought after in the United States.  They boarded ships with family and what little they could carry and made the long, arduous journey across the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of food, shelter, and freedom from English rule.  Does any of this sound familiar?  Instead, many were met with scorn, distaste, and villainy.  For a very well-done article on this topic, please visit The History Place.
There is some debate as to the reason there were black soldiers fighting for the Confederacy.  The main accusation being that they were forced to fight.  But to ignore the plight of the Irish immigrating here is not only unfair but also a prejudicial view of our nation's history.  In fact, local newspapers in Ireland published articles about the illicit actions of Federal agents.  They were accused of coming to Ireland and encouraging Irish men to travel to America under the guise of promised work.  Once there, they were tricked into debt and told the only way out was to enlist in the Federal army.  To view one such article, visit Irish Times.
Another great site to visit is Irish in the American War.
We have come a long way from the scorn and ridicule of an Irishman's dress, brogue, and traditions to celebrating the very same!
An Irish blessing: 

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Go gcastar ar a chéile muid arís!

Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point

Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point will be held April 29-May 1 at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, MO.  This event will show what occurred during early May 1861 at Camp Jackson.  Visitors will see events and daily activities of the Missouri State Volunteer Militia and also have access to the opposing camp of the pro-Union Home Guardsmen.  Jefferson Barracks has a long military history, with participation in some way or another in nearly every American war!  For more information, visit Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point.  If you would like to attend this event as a member of LLHSJC, please email the webmaster at llhsjc @gmail.com.

The next event of interest on our calendar is Civil War Weekend at Heritage Village in Sharonville, OH, May 21-22.  Yes, it is a bit of a drive but it is a fun, family-friendly event.  If you are interested in more information, visit Heritage Village.  To attend as a member of LLHSJC, contact the webmaster.

Next Meeting & Harrisburg Conference

The next meeting of LLHSJC will be Thursday, March 17, 6:30pm at The Art Store in Warrensburg.  Our focus will be information about group membership and getting started in re-enacting.  We will also discuss upcoming events of interest and make a few decisions as to which ones we would like to make a concentrated effort to attend.
If you've not heard about the Ladies and Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference in Harrisburg, PA, go check it out!  Genteel Arts Academy has been the sponsor for the last 11years.  This conference is considered the premier venue for learning about the civilians of the 1860s.  It is held the first weekend of March and is well worth the cost of going!  This year's conference features, as always, many very interesting and informative speakers ready to share their vast knowledge.  For more information, visit http://www.genteelarts.com/

Handsewing & Finishing Techniques Workshop!

There will be a workshop where students will learn basic handsewing stitches and some more advanced finishing techniques Saturday, April 2, at The Art Store in Warrensburg.  The instructor, Deanna Smith, has been sewing since she was a child, beginning with simple clothes and home decor for her dolls and moving up to historically accurate reproduction clothing!  She has continued to practice her skills at both handsewing and machine sewing.  A morning and afternoon class will be available.  Class size is limited to 15students/class.  Workshop fee (materials included) is $25/student.  Registration is required.  You can register at http://fs19.formsite.com/LLHSJC/form1/index.html 
For more information, please visit our Events link at the right side of this page.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Remember Tonight!

"Murder in the Courthouse" tonight, 7pm, at the old courthouse in Warrensburg!  Come on out!  Bring a friend!  Come talk to LLHSJC after the performance!  We hope to see you there!
If you can't make it tonight, remember there are two more performaces.  Sat and Sun at 2pm at the old courthouse.

Murder in the Courthouse

If you haven't heard already, there will be a skit reenacting an historic murder at the original courthouse in Warrensburg this weekend!  Actors will be dressed in clothing from the mid-19th century.  Tickets are $5, and you can get those and more information from the Johnson County Historical Society, 302 N. Main St, the Chamber of Commerce, 100 S. Holden St, and also at the door.
The skit will be performed Friday, Feb. 18 at 7pm, and Sat. and Sun. at 2pm, at the old courthouse, 302 N. Main St.  Come out and support your local history!!

First Meeting AAR

The meeting Thursday last went very well!  We had two new ladies join us as well as a reporter from The Daily Star Journal, Warrensburg's local newspaper.  Three young ladies, ages 11, 9 and 7, also joined us.  Which is great because this can be a wonderful family activity!  We had a fabulous time talking about the fashion of the time and also local history! 
Plans are in the works for our next meeting in March.  The emphasis will be again on basics of the group and upcoming events of interest!  The final date and time will be posted on here and also on our FB page. 
Again, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at llhsjc @gmail.com!

Don't Forget Tonight!

Remember, tonight is our first meeting! Please join us at 6:30pm at The Art Store in Warrensburg to find out more about our group! We'll have some displays of correct reproduction items, pictures from past events, and more! We hope to see you there!

First Meeting

Our first meeting will be Thursday, February 10, at 6:30pm. We'll meet at The Art Store in Warrensburg, 120 West Pine St. This meeting will be to see what kind of interest there is, give information about the group, and also share some ideas about topics for future meetings. We welcome all with an interest in living history, particularly the American Civil War, to join us! We look forward to seeing you there!

Welcome!

Welcome to the newly formed Ladies Living History Society of Johnson County! We invite all individuals who share a love of researching and portraying history, particularly the American Civil War, to join us! As this year marks the beginning of the 150th commemoration of this pivotal time in our nation's history, we hope to share the civilian side of the story. Anyone who has visited a reenactment will have seen many portrayals of military men. You saw the men march to battle, heard the thunder of horses' hooves as they gallop across the field, the boom of cannons and the crack of rifles. There's often a sutler area where spectators can buy various and sundry items, some are good representations of items available during the time period being represented. Others, not so much. The civilians-- the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, girlfriends, etc-- seem to be forgotten. We'd like to change that! Our group strives to accurately represent the civilian women at events and locations they would have actually been present. This blog will be updated periodically with information concerning group meetings, activities, and events that may be of interest! If you would like more information or would like to join us, please email the webmaster at llhsjc at gmail.com. Thank you for stopping by!