Information
for Civilian Participants:
At McDowell 2007, civilian reenactors will portray the
townspeople on the eve of the Battle of McDowell and will react to
events as they unfold. To do so will require authentic civilian
interpreters who are interested in:
1) Developing a well-rounded persona appropriate to the time and place
2) Interacting in first person with other civilian and military
reenactors
3) Interacting in third person with modern-day spectators
The overall goal of McDowell 2007 is fundraising for the Highland
Historical Society and local civic organizations and raising awareness
of the importance of preserving Civil War sites. Civilian
registration fees will help, but spectator fees and donations are
critical to the success of McDowell 2007. Civilians can
contribute to this goal by their presence in town, by developing and
participating in scenarios for the public to see, and by their
willingness to engage spectators in third-person conversation.
WHO ARE THE CIVILIANS
We will be portraying the life and times of the mid-nineteenth century
landowners and tenant yeoman farmers of the region. The town had
the usual array of occupations including millworkers, blacksmith,
doctor, and teacher, but farming was most common (there are still more
sheep than people in Highland County).
WHAT WILL WE DO
As organizers, we set the scene for you, but it is up to you to make
the fit with your persona. Federal troops will occupy the town
Friday and into late Saturday afternoon. There will be a Federal
provost and his guards with which to interact. Late Saturday
afternoon there will be a battle and the Confederates will prove
victorious. Among the Confederates will be boys from the
area.
Civilians will naturally be concerned with protecting their property
and seeking news while going about their daily activities.
WHERE WILL WE BE
All civilians will be staying in town. Unfortunately, there is no
housing available. An area will be set aside for civilian camping
that is, hopefully, somewhat removed from public areas. A-tents
or shelters are preferred, as space may be limited.
During spectator hours, the camp should appear to be a military camp to
avoid the anachronism of civilians in tents. Stow
civilian items inside the tents. Move into town.
It is about one-half mile from the Sugar Tree Country Store to the
Presbyterian Church, which anchor both ends of town. Along the
way, there will be ribbons displayed at houses where we can use the
yards and porches.
AUTHENTICITY GUIDELINES: Civilian Cothing Authenticity Standards
& Guidelines must be followed. In addition, all
personal items in view of other reenactors or spectators must be of
period construction or appearance. No cameras, cell phones,
cigarettes, make-up, modern wallets, modern eyeglasses, or modern toys.
CIVILIAN REGISTRATION IS LIMITED. Selection is at the
discretion of the McDowell 2007 organizers and is based on ability to
maintain high authenticity standards, to develop a persona, and
enthusiasm for achieving our goals. Upon registration, you will
be contacted by phone or email to discuss your plans for McDowell 2007.
QUESTIONS are most welcome anytime. Email JLDeMatte@aol.com or
call
540 894 5288. I count among my greatest achievements in
life, the success of McDowell 1999 and 2001 and I am thrilled to be
back for McDowell 2007
- Joy DeMatteis
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