RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Apr 28, 2022 6:54:05 GMT -7
Hi, gang. Thought I’d start a little topic to discuss clothing for men in different scenarios along the Pennsylvania frontier in the 1750s. I think the scenarios play an important role, along with social and economic position, in choosing appropriate kit. So…
Background Middle economic class. Born in the colonies to German Swiss immigrants. Not well to do, but enterprising enough to have positioned himself to look for greater opportunity west of the settled part of the province. Work history as a skilled tradesman, such as carpenter. 43 years old and experience in previous conflicts with the French and Indians in the northern colonies. Wife and young children who will remain in the eastern towns. I’m sure I’m missing some background, but let’s start there.
Scenario 1 - To Shamokin I’ve travelled on foot to Harris’s and then up river to Shamokin at the confluence of the branches of the Susquehanna. What kit is appropriate?
Scenario 2 - Along John Penn’s Creek There are opportunities awaiting across the river in the valleys purchased from the Iroquois. I’ll scout up John Penn’s Creek and cross over into the Buffalo Valley in hopes of establishing a farm or outpost. Jean LeRoy and the Leiningers are in the territory. What’s my kit?
Scenario 3 - Staking a Claim Homesteading on the frontier is grueling work. I’ve found a place in the wild valley to tie my fortunes to and I’ll begin to clear land as soon as I get this tiny cabin under roof.
Scenario 4 - Going a’Ranging I’ve fled back to Shamokin. Pursuit and retaliation for attacks by the Lenape and rumors of French incursions into the valleys pull me into Ranger duty. I’ll likely be fulfilling this role on the frontier for some time.
Oh… I have more! But these sort of dovetail together and build upon one another to create a specific storyline and yet show ‘generic’ characters that existed in this time and place. The itinerant dreamer walking to the ragged edge of civilized life. The explorer that crosses the frontier looking for an opportunity. The homesteader breaking his back to scratch something out of the wilderness. And the civilian answering an emergency with arms.
More so than the selection of an appropriate firearm, I believe the story should drive choices in material culture. So what how would the above scenarios drive choices in kit?
This stuff is fun, eh? R
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Post by hawkeyes on Apr 28, 2022 9:16:44 GMT -7
What is the overall purpose associated with your kit selection? A portrayal to the public in a controlled environment of sorts or say behind closed doors on your own accord hitting the forest?
I believe selection of ones kit per say will have an outcome given their overall purpose/ goal.
I'm personally the later so I base everything off of what's truly needed for my time aloft in the forest.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Apr 28, 2022 9:45:35 GMT -7
Good question, Hawkeyes. I guess this is just for my own experience and education while running the woods. I wasn’t really considering this a question as outfitting myself as living historian, but more about the historical context. What’s this guy in 1755 actually wearing and carrying with him in these scenarios? Define that and then decide how to create an impression (if that’s the goal) from what we can suppose.
Sorry if my thought process wasn’t clear. I’m working towards an impression, but most of my questions will be more about discovering as much as I can about certain times and places without necessarily linking to modern living history.
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Post by brokennock on Apr 28, 2022 19:54:03 GMT -7
I don't know that I can answer your kit questions specifically,,, but I find your thought process well thought out and organized. I will suggest a visit to our subforum about developing persona and "who are you." You may find some trailheads there that lead to some answers to your kit questions. Also, based on your organized thinking nand when in your journey you are thinking about these things, I think you can contribute there as well.
I view some of these topics as being pla rd here for the purpose of future newcomers. I can see what you have written thus far having value for folks new to thinking about these things
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Post by hawkeyes on Apr 29, 2022 6:22:43 GMT -7
To me it seems you have a good understanding established. I personally think taking what we know as fact concerning apparel and gear will allow one to develop a more "specialized" approach down the line which enables you to tailor PC clothing and accoutrements to your needs and wants. One thing that I've noticed through the years that seems to be somewhat lower on the priority list is individuality with our gear. Not all gear or clothing is alike nor would one piece of gear that works for you may not be of interest to me.
I say, start with that which you know, experiment with different items and configurations of kit and work from there to develop your own individual and personal outfitting of gear. Just a basic idea, which you probably already know but worth mentioning!
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Apr 29, 2022 7:03:32 GMT -7
I don't know that I can answer your kit questions specifically,,, but I find your thought process well thought out and organized. I will suggest a visit to our subforum about developing persona and "who are you." You may find some trailheads there that lead to some answers to your kit questions. Also, based on your organized thinking nand when in your journey you are thinking about these things, I think you can contribute there as well. I view some of these topics as being pla rd here for the purpose of future newcomers. I can see what you have written thus far having value for folks new to thinking about these things I’m slowly making my way through all the first rate content here. I’ll get to the persona section soon! I hope to contribute, because I have spent a lot of time thinking about this stuff. Especially for someone who owns zero pieces of mid-18th century clothing or gear! Forums are great repositories of knowledge and thinking. I belong to a board that’s centered on bamboo fly rods and was VERY active there once upon a time. That forum is likely the best resource on the planet for those looking for information. This place will likely become the same for those looking for correct information about all things to recreate our time period. I’m going to keep adding to this thread since it’s started and has input from members. But it’s likely better in the “persona” section. Maybe a moderator or admin can move it over there…
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Apr 29, 2022 7:13:05 GMT -7
To me it seems you have a good understanding established. I personally think taking what we know as fact concerning apparel and gear will allow one to develop a more "specialized" approach down the line which enables you to tailor PC clothing and accoutrements to your needs and wants. One thing that I've noticed through the years that seems to be somewhat lower on the priority list is individuality with our gear. Not all gear or clothing is alike nor would one piece of gear that works for you may not be of interest to me. I say, start with that which you know, experiment with different items and configurations of kit and work from there to develop your own individual and personal outfitting of gear. Just a basic idea, which you probably already know but worth mentioning! I think I have a good understanding. Thanks for mentioning that. But there are some holes in my knowledge base and I seem to think of things a little differently than most historians or reenactors. I completely agree about a lack of individuality with impressions… in general. I think a few things drive that in the mainstream: 1. Experience with military units where things are ‘uniform’. 2. Homogenized fabric and Kit availability. 3. Just wanting to play with guns. Alternatively, there are the guys with TOO MUCH individuality. You know the guy. Ha. I’m going to use this thread to try to work through some of my thoughts and ideas and hopefully draw in some insight from the forum. There’s some things I’m curious about and maybe the information is out there.
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Post by hawkeyes on Apr 29, 2022 14:16:23 GMT -7
Best experience hands down is getting in the forest and utilizing that gear down and dirty, savor the highs and lows. Record those experiences down to the cold and wet toes with mocs or woolen stockings and straight laced shoes with our without hob nails to the broken stitches in your breeches or leggings. To me, reliving those trials and tribulations is what this endeavor is all about. Getting a taste of what those before us may have endured while finding what worked and what went south in a hurry!
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Post by brokennock on Apr 29, 2022 17:44:52 GMT -7
Best experience hands down is getting in the forest and utilizing that gear down and dirty, savor the highs and lows. Record those experiences down to the cold and wet toes with mocs or woolen stockings and straight laced shoes with our without hob nails to the broken stitches in your breeches or leggings. To me, reliving those trials and tribulations is what this endeavor is all about. Getting a taste of what those before us may have endured while finding what worked and what went south in a hurry! Yup, sometimes "embrace the suck," is the best part of what we do. I hate cold wet feet in modern boots, in period footwear it is a badge of honor and somehow isn't as uncomfortable. It is also just part of the deal. I think when we try to get period clothing and gear to perform like modern clothing, we miss out on a great part of this whole thing.
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Post by paranger on Apr 29, 2022 18:12:42 GMT -7
Best experience hands down is getting in the forest and utilizing that gear down and dirty, savor the highs and lows. Record those experiences down to the cold and wet toes with mocs or woolen stockings and straight laced shoes with our without hob nails to the broken stitches in your breeches or leggings. To me, reliving those trials and tribulations is what this endeavor is all about. Getting a taste of what those before us may have endured while finding what worked and what went south in a hurry! Yup, sometimes "embrace the suck," is the best part of what we do. I hate cold wet feet in modern boots, in period footwear it is a badge of honor and somehow isn't as uncomfortable. It is also just part of the deal. I think when we try to get period clothing and gear to perform like modern clothing, we miss out on a great part of this whole thing. I will second that and raise you one: somwtimes I think we discover that period kit works better than we imagined. I remember a winter scout on a farm we often use. You can't go a quarter mile in any direction without crossing a stream. I counted 6 stream crossings - in early March - in my shearling lined shoepacks. I soon discovered that with every step, I "squished" the excess water out through the seams it came in. The combination of wool stockings and sheepskin lining kept my feet warmer than I would ever have imagined, even though they were wet.
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Post by Black Hand on Apr 29, 2022 18:28:03 GMT -7
The discomfort is part of the fuller experience - heat, cold, wet, freezing, hunger, thirst, rum shared with friends, squirrel roasted over the fire, marrow-bones cooked in a fire atop a mountain, water from a snowbank, smoked pork and fruit cake. So many more, none of which I would trade for the usual spot on my couch with a cold beverage. Do it the way they did and embrace it all...
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Post by brokennock on Apr 29, 2022 19:57:52 GMT -7
Yup, sometimes "embrace the suck," is the best part of what we do. I hate cold wet feet in modern boots, in period footwear it is a badge of honor and somehow isn't as uncomfortable. It is also just part of the deal. I think when we try to get period clothing and gear to perform like modern clothing, we miss out on a great part of this whole thing. I will second that and raise you one: somwtimes I think we discover that period kit works better than we imagined. I remember a winter scout on a farm we often use. You can't go a quarter mile in any direction without crossing a stream. I counted 6 stream crossings - in early March - in my shearling lined shoepacks. I soon discovered that with every step, I "squished" the excess water out through the seams it came in. The combination of wool stockings and sheepskin lining kept my feet warmer than I would ever have imagined, even though they were wet. I could not agree more. Grantee, I usually don't suffer from the cold feet issues others do, but, I do often struggle to keep the rest of me warn. I often fund myself more comfortable in period clothes than I might in modern clothes. The only time my feet get cold is when damp,,, and confined in non "breathing" footwear like modern "waterproof" boots, so period footwear works well for me.... Well, as far as warmth goes,,,, traction is a whole different issue. I hate modern shorts, I won't wear them. But, I find knee breeches far more comfortable than long pants when moving around in the woods. On the down side. Maybe it's because I don't get to wear the stuff often enough, but, I do find getting dressed and ready for a period outing to be a far greater process than for an average outing in modern clothing and with modern gear.
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Post by spence on Apr 29, 2022 20:05:15 GMT -7
paranger said, " I counted 6 stream crossings - in early March - in my shearling lined shoepacks. I soon discovered that with every step, I "squished" the excess water out through the seams it came in. The combination of wool stockings and sheepskin lining kept my feet warmer than I would ever have imagined, even though they were wet."
“They wrap their feet with pieces of blanket, and the sides of the shoes form a half boot which prevents the snow from getting in, while their feet would freeze with European shoes, as many have unhappily proved.” Pouchot, Canada, 1750’s
Journal of Warren Johnson, area of Albany, NY, 1760-61: January the 23d. Extreme Cold, & very hard frost. If one walks two Mile in European shoes & gloves, he is frost bitten; Numbers of our Troops in marching last Winter suffered vastly soe, & were rendered incapable of Service, having lost Toes, & Fingers, & some feet Obliged to be cut off; above 100 suffered.
Spence
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Post by lenapej on Apr 30, 2022 10:00:56 GMT -7
RyanAK,
welcome to the forum, My time period of interest and study is 1750 - 63 in the PA & OH area.
Not sure if this is what you are after, but I did a rather simple study on clothing from the above time period and area using journals, run-away adds, and a few trade lists, it goes as follows.
SHIRTS: The #1 most common shirt mentioned is a white linen shirt, that is combining terms such as, "White linen shirt", "white shirt", "linen shirt", "coarse linen shirt". #2 most common was a check shirt, #3 was a "ozenbrigs" shirt. A few interesting references to, "a brown linen shirt" as well as "striped cotton", "tow", & "flaxen" shirts.
BREECHES: I would say cloth breeches are the most common, it was hard to determine which cloth was most used, but found references to linen, broadcloth, cotton velvet, shag, knit, & stocking breeches, seems like blue was a very common color. Buckskin/leather breeches are a close second, I think buckskin breeches are much ignored in the reenacting community.
STOCKINGS: Yarn, worsted, linen thread, and ribbstockings were some of the materials used and it seemed blue and grey the most mentioned colors.
SHOES: shoes with brass buckles seemed most mentioned, #2 was steel buckles, and pewter, copper, & silver were mentioned, some few without buckles. Boots and Moccasins mentioned.
COATS: Many times only the color mentioned, brown and blue most mentioned.
JACKETS: Again an under-represented piece of clothing in my opinion, jackets of broadcloth, linen, velvet, homespun, cotton, kersey, camblet, and thickset, with blue and brown being the most popular colors.
HATS: #1 most common was felt, #2 was castor, #3 was beaver ( this was the terms used, some may mean the same thing?) caps very common as well, worsted, linen, yarn, cotton, wool, and silk all mentioned.
HANKERCHIEF: Linen, silk, and cotton mentioned, some colors being, red & white, white with blue borders, white, check, striped, & spotted.
WAISTCOATS: of every cloth, color and description! Lol
As I mentioned this was compiled using only the above resources, and I'm sure most on this forum find this as basic and common knowledge, but I like to have documentation for myself and it was a fun little project.
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RyanAK
City-dweller
Once scalped…
Posts: 973
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Post by RyanAK on Apr 30, 2022 12:36:53 GMT -7
Great info, lenapej, and thanks for the taking the time to post it! Here’s what my initial intent was here. Background - reposted and slightly edited from above Our fella is of middle economic class. Born in the Province of Pennsylvania to German Swiss immigrants. Not well to do, but enterprising enough to have positioned himself to look for greater opportunity west of the settled part of the province. Work history as a skilled tradesman, such as carpenter. Maybe a surveyor or recently sold the business he inherited from his father. 43 years old and experience in previous conflicts with the French and Indians in the northern colonies. Wife and young children who will remain in the eastern towns. Scenario 1 - To ShamokinIn May, when the roads firmed up, our guy travelled on foot to John Harris’s and then up river to Shamokin at the confluence of the branches of the Susquehanna. What kit is appropriate? In this instance, I’m looking at a a man’s transition from the civilized centers to the frontier. He’s also travelling - something I think about often. “How’d he get here, and how’d he transport his stuff?” So my thought process, and questions, go something like this: 1. Near Philadelphia. Our route will take us overland south of the Blue Mountain to the settlement of Lancaster and then to Harris’s on the Susquehanna. From there we’ll journey up the river to Shamokin. Our guy is in typical middle-class suburban dress for 1755. Hat, shirt, waistcoat, breeches, stockings, shoes. He adds a wool coat. What additional gear does our colonial outfit himself with for this journey? How does he convey it? Snap sack, knapsack?
How is our guy going to travel? By foot? His own wagon? A hired wagon?
Where does he spend the night and how does he feed himself? Taverns and Inns or sleeping under the stars eating from occasionally replenished foodstuffs? Or a bit of each? What foodstuffs would be different if starting in an established town - and able to resupply through the journey -compared to that available in the wilderness?
Has he brought his firelock with him? Is this an arm he’s owned for many years, or one he acquired in the area? If newly acquired, what did he equip himself with? A simple trade gun? A mid-grade English Fowler? A smoothbore or rifle made by one of the gunsmiths in his home territory?
2. Our man has arrived at Harris’s and will be on foot for the journey up to Shamokin. He will outfit for travel through this land on the edge of the frontier. What did he find lacking in his gear on the first leg of the journey? What has worn out or needs replenished? What is added to his equipment and supplies? Does he swap shoes for moccasins or replace or resole his shoes? Likely to add leggings… maybe an overshirt? If our man began this journey without a gun, now he’s going to need one. What is likely to be available at Harris’s post? How are his foodstuffs going to change now that he’s supplying himself from a frontier trading post? Anyway… those are the thoughts I have as I work through the material culture for an impression. It builds. We have a guy who begins in one world and needs to evolve as he enters another. He’s new to the frontier, but has experienced it before. His first base of supply was in established civilized settlements with different goods available than what he’ll find on the edge of the wilderness. As he starts north along the river, he’ll have a mix of supplies. Yes, I have issues. No, this kind of thinking does not give me anxiety. Yes, I can relax and just enjoy. Ha.
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