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Reviews of our Latest Events !
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To see the pages for each of the events listed below, just click
on the underlined website link listed below the event name.
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*2008 Event photos http://www.psrs-csa.com/2008events.htm
This includes the following events,,,
*Columbia Ball, Feb. 15, 2008; *Battle of Aiken, Feb. 22-24, 2008, *Broxton Bridge, March 1st,2008 *Firing on Ft. Sumter Ball, April 12, 2008
---------2007 Events------------------------
*Old South Christmas Ball, Abbeville, SC
and the Augusta Ball, December 1, 2007
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2007abbevilleball.htm
*Rose Hill Plantation Lanturn Tour, Nov.17, 2007
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2007rosehill.htm
*Boonhall November 9-11, 2007
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2007boonhall.htm
*Charleston Ball
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2007charlestonball.htm
*Sleeve Variation Workshop, June 23-26, 2007
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2007sleeveworkshop.htm
*Fairview Event
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2007fairviewevent.htm
*Grand Bazaar Review February and May 2007
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2007grandbazaar.htm
----------------2006 Events------------------------------
*Abbeville Ball
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2006abbevilleball.htm
*Boon Hall Plantation
http://www.psrs-csa.com/2006boonhall.htm
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Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 7:41 AM
Subject: Fwd: Malvina pics
Good News Ladies,
Malvina has been dresses ( thanks to Janice Lee) and installed at the Relic Room.
Sarah Wooten sent me these two pictures, our dress and bonnet look wonderful.
We can be proud of the work we did to make this exhibit possible.
See ya in Florence, Roseanne
Above is the dressed Malvina manikin at the musuem.
Below is a photo of the PSRS ladies that worked on the garments for the exhibit. This photo was taken after the meeting in Aiken, Feb. 2007
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The Traveling Nuns go to Sharpsburg
September 15-17, 2006
by, Jean Hutchinson
The Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of Mercy (Rhonda Biaocco, Vicki Evans, Carol Hardman, Jean Hutchinson, and Margaret Wilbanks) were privileged to be invited to participate in the Anniversary of the Battle of Sharpsburg (or Antietam, as the Yankees call it) on September 15, 16, and 17.
On the journey there, the Sisters toured Harper’s Ferry and the folks there have never seen such enthusiastic and joyous tourists! We visited all of the historic sites in the village, took a very informative tour, and discovered several wonderful bookshops.
Upon our arrival in Sharpsburg, we set up camp next to the Pry Farm Barn. This huge barn was there during the battle and served as a hospital for approximately one thousand, eight hundred men. Research has indicated that several nuns from neighboring Emmitsburg were summoned to the hospital to help care for the wounded and were reported to have stayed there until late October. We understand that some of the Sisters actually went into areas where the fighting had been particularly fierce and built shelters for the wounded men who could not be moved.
We participated with the surgeons in caring for the soldiers, who were portrayed with a variety of terrible and very realistic wounds. Sister Carol cooked chicken and dumplings on her new iron stove; Sister Margaret washed and washed bloody bandages, Mother Vicki rolled many, many bandages, and Sisters Rhonda and Jean nursed the wounded and provided them with words of comfort.
The highlight of our trip came at 4:30 on the morning of Sunday, September 17. The gentlemen invited us to go with them to the edge of the cornfield at that early hour, in the fog and chill, to stand where the Confederate Army stood as the battle began at 4:30am on September 17, 1862. It was a very moving experience to be at that spot at that time. We all wondered what these brave men must have been thinking as they waited for the Union army to come up over the hill.
We also visited several other sites on the battlefield, included the Sunken Road/Bloody Lane and Burnside’s Bridge, and participated in the dedication of a monument to soldiers who fought on South Mountain.
It was a very memorable trip and we urge each of you to visit the Sharpsburg, the Antietam Battlefield, and Harper’s Ferry and "step back in time".
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New Acquisitions at the Relic Room in Columbia
Sherry Key has sent us two photographs of the items that the musem has recently accired. We are so blessed to have a staff there that lets our ladies have a peek of all the wonderful clothing and accessories. This blessing helps further our group's education and ability to recreate actual 1860s garments.
Below is a photo of a young ladies dress and corset.
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OLD SOUTH CHRISTMAS
Abbeville December 2005
This was the third year Abbeville, SC has had an Old South Christmas Weekend and one of our favorite sutlers, 96 District Storehouse, Peggy & Dennis Earp, are quite involved in the planning and offered a discount to those in period dress. Many things were planned, caroling, stories on the square, carriage rides, etc. but they did not happen due to the rainy weather. Other activities took place in the Burt-Stark Mansion and other historic houses, as well as at the "Pink Church".
Sandy & Brian Sharp, Jan & Randy Stewart, Maria Shull, Carol Hardman, Jean Hutchinson, Colleen Carney, Angela Metts, and Tom & Sherry Key attended and made the best of it, enjoying the shops and restaurants on the square. Mrs. Hardman, Miss Metts, Miss Hutchinson, Mrs. Carney, the Sharps and the Keys attended the ball in the evening and had a wonderful time dancing to Unreconstructed. Maria attended the lantern tour and said it was very interesting and not to miss it next year.
If you are interested in attending next year, keep an eye on the newsletter and I'll be sure and post the dates. It is a wonderful town and you are sure to have a good time.
Sherry Key
Sherry and Tom Key with Sandy and Brian Sharp at the ball
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Review of Corinth 2005
by Mrs. Brenda Carpenter
Ann Black, Louise Murray, Connie Reuter, and myself were the ladies who attended. The event was not as large as I had expected, but much authenticity was seen everywhere. The weather was beautiful, but very very hot and humid, even so, we had a great time. Ladies were seen in their lovely dresses and bonnets or hats. The sutlers were only invited if they had complete authentic items to sell. Ladies events were held in the "big" tent as usual with some very interesting speakers. We saw lots of sheer dresses and spoke with the dress makers. They seem to be popular at this time. Afternoon tea was one subject in the tent and attire for this visit. Also, home visits was another topic. The trip was a long one, but I did get to visit with Elvis in Tupelo on the way to Corinth. Maybe he really wasn't there, but one can make believe. We're good at that as re-enactors!! We, also, re-visited Shiloh Battlefield, as well as, Brice's Crossroads. One could almost hear the great Bedford Forrest giving his commands as we entered the field at the crossroads. The battalion looked very good on the field as much as I could see. I am always proud to wear my palmetto pin at national events. The people like to talk with those of us from South Carolina and I too think that we are special. Maybe next time that there is an out of state event we will have more participates. I hope so for I truly think that those who can't attend are missing out on a vital part of the life of re-enacting, not to mention the "fun" that we have.
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PSRS Summer Workshop
August 2005
Open Hearth Cooking
 
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Ladies Weekend At The Athenaeum
April 29-30, 2005
A Review by Mrs. Sherry Key
Mrs. Triash Hasenmueller, Mrs. Judith Hoover, Mrs. Sherry Key
Recently, Mrs. Judith Hoover and I traveled to Columbia, Tennessee to participate in Ladies Weekend, a condensed version of the Girls School held every summer. The setting was the Rectory, the only building remaining of the original school started in 1837 and lasting until 1903. There was an interesting mix of participants, ranging from the mildly interested, non-reenactor to authentic minded reenactors and everything in between. Classes were to be horsemanship/side-saddle, French, penmanship, art, music, needlework, coiffures, etiquette, parlor games, tea etiquette, mourning, croquet and graces, and dancing. Sadly, horsemanship/side-saddle was cancelled due to the uncooperative weather.
I must confess to some trepidation upon first seeing the group of 22 assembled and the wide range of styles being worn but after getting to know the ladies and sharing ideas and information it turned out to be an enjoyable experience and friends were made from several areas of the country. Some industrious ladies from Arkansas told of their experiences, which include persistence at a very rainy event in which their men skedaddled and left them to handle the program, and a weekend school for young men and ladies in which they furnished appropriate clothing and taught several different lessons.
A trip to Rose Hill Cemetery during the Mourning Customs session revealed a most intriguing mystery. There were twin grave stones, side by side, one belong to the wife of Mr. Dugger and one belonging to the ‘consort’ of Mr. Dugger. One of our new friends, Mrs. Trish Hasenmueller, and myself have embarked on a mission to discover the story behind the words. So far, it seems the 19th century meaning of consort appears to be wife but we are not sure of the difference in usage.
All of the classes were interesting and required participation, not merely being lectured to, and we did receive a folder of information. The dance master was wonderful and it was interesting to hear how a real ball would be conducted. The staff was pleasant and friendly, if a bit disorganized. The food was very, very good being homemade, and the service quite lovely with fresh flower arrangements, china, glass, silverware and linens. All things considered I would respectfully suggest the school is more appropriate for ladies new to the hobby but all in all, it was a pleasant experience. |
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Genteel Arts Conference in Harrisburg, PA March 2005
Reviewed by Miss Lynn Cogdill
This is the third year I have attended this conference in Harrisburg, PA and my second with Jeannie Rucker, who has asked that I write "a little something" for the website. It is our hope that we can encourage other fine ladies and gentlemen of the Palmetto Sate to attend future conferences. This conference has expanded its roots of clothing and clothing construction to topics of material culture and historical perspectives that will interest both men and women and hopefully add a new dimension to our interpretation of the Civil War era.
I subscribe to the "more bang for you buck" theory of vacations, so I choose to drive to this conference (it takes about 8 1/2 hours from Spartanburg), for two reasons-- the scenery is beautiful and takes me up the Shenandoah Valley past many of the Civil War sites. I have stopped in Lexington and New Market in past years. Also, by driving, I have more room to bring back those "must haves" from the conference vendors and other stops along the way. I must also mention that I can't seem to finish what I'm going to wear to the Saturday evening dinner, so I pack the sewing machine too!
Arrive early, take workshops. This conference always has interesting and informative workshops available. This year I took "Essential Seams and Stitches", a class in Berlin wool work and a study of crinolines and corded petticoats. Other past workshops include making ribbon trims, learning how to tie a cravat, studies of frock coats, how to build the perfect bodice (making a muslin fit), hairstyles for men and women (separated workshops). These are very relaxed and a good way to meet fellow attendees before the crowds.
Meet new people, become old friends. This conference is very will attended and you can meet people from as far away as Colorado, Washington and Oregon, or as close as Georgia and North Carolina. This year Martha Wilson, whom many of you may remember from past PSRS workshops, was an attendee and I got a chance to chat with her and catch up on "old times". I also caught up with Lynda Massey, whom I met two years ago at my first conference. She's a delightful lady who graciously asked me to camp with her group at Murfeesboro event in Spring Hill later that year. Jeannie and I also went "power shopping" with Evie and Corrie Hausman, a mother and daughter we met last year. We found a Ben Franklin Crafts store going out of business. Ribbons, material, yarns, we even found the basket reed to make drawn bonnets. We can always go antiquing next year! And let's not forget the "big names" in our hobby who also attend the conference. Nicky and Susan Lyon Hughes, Kay Krewer, Maggie Burke, Juanita Leisch and Martha McCain were in attendance. With the exception of Martha McCain, all have been past presenters. Martha McCain drafts the patterns for Simplicity; she brought her new line for a sneak peek. She also helped Jeannie make a muslin fit for a basic bodice. What a truly nice person.
Topics, Topics, Topics.... Each year, the topics presented at the conference represent a wide and varied spectrum of clothing and material culture. The conference runs along two tracks and as a participant you choose one but have the option of sitting in on presentations in the other track if there is space available. Track A usually consists of the clothing topics and this year's topics included: outerwear, including what to wear for inclement weather, wrappers (what they were and when to wear them), female spies of the Civil War, to name a few of the presentations. Track B has topics geared more for the men, although there are a lot of women who attend these presentations. This year there was a discussion of the Odd Fellows (a group similar to the Mason's), a presentation on rubber and gutta percha and the early rubber industry, and alsoa presentation on city life in America in the mid-19th century. There are also a few presentations for both tracks combined. A conference workbook contains handouts for the track you have registered for, but, you can also request copies of the other track's handouts.
What brings you back each year. It's not just the topics and the people you meet at this conference, Carolann has created some really unique "hooks" to bring you back each year. To begin with, there is the presenter's "fashion show" that begins the Saturday morning schedule. Each year, she selects a period correct fabric and sends it to each presenter. That presenter then creates a dress or vest, based on how that fabric "speaks" to them. It's very amusing when each presenter explains how they came up with their own unique creations. There are some very vivid imaginations out there!
Carolann also sets a competition for the conference attendees each year, which she announces at the end of each previous conference. Two years ago it was bonnets, last year, needlecases. This year's competition was undersleeves, which Jeannie entered. The competition is judged by the presenters and there is also a vote by the attendees for the most popular. Our own Jeannie Rucker won the attendee vote! She had a beautiful set of embroidered undersleeves, based on originals in her clothing collection. Next year's competition will be men's suspenders, or braces, so that the men can also participate. I predict that the Berlin Tapestry workshop I took will come in handy! There are exhibits of original garments and accessories which change daily. These originals are brought by the conference attendees and all are allowed to view and photograph freely. I've gotten some great future dress ideas from these very beautiful originals. Saturday evening ends with a formal dinner, in true Victorian style. Conference attendees are encouraged to wear their best clothes to dinner. Imagine a room filled with women in hoops! We keep the servers on their toes! Tables are set for eight and the food is delicious! It's just another way to meet others who share the same interests and passion for the hobby. Finally, Carolann always provides "hints" to next year's topics and workshops.
I can only say that personally, I leave each conference exhausted but enthusiastic about all I have seen and all that I have learned. I can't wait for next year!
Lynn Cogdill
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Secessionville Review
November 19-21, 2004
Saturday's Tea Party Program
The weather was beautiful and everyone seemed to have such fun. The Saturday morning Tea Party was very well attended and Pat Blich, Reyna and Leigh worked so very hard to provide us with a wonderful food table. The ladies program was well done and the awarding of the new offices was done very nicely.
We had a wonderful amount of Soldier's Aide Packages contributed and will do this again at Akien in February.
This was Ann Marlar Maddox's first reenactment with her 3 month old baby, Audrey Caroline.
The Ball was very well attended and the room was a whirl of beautiful gowns.
Ferguson's Ladies with Judith Hover of the PLA at the Tea on Saturday
Baby Audrey with Auntie Leanne
Ferguson's Artillery at the Ball
Miss Lee Bryant always looks lovely seen here with her escort.
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