Palmetto Soldiers Relief Society

From the President ~ Page 1 San Jacinto Monument Report ~ Page 3 Spartanburg Ball Report ~ Page 4

Battle of Resaca ~ Page 5 Nominating Committee ~ Page 5 Independence Day Concert ~ Page 6

Lady of the Year Info ~ Page 6 Ladies’ Neck Ribbons ~ Page 1 Care Packages ~ Page 2

President PSRS

While in Texas in April this year, we decided to track down some more family history. This time we went further back than the 1860s, all the way to the 1830s. Rumor has it that our ancestor David White fought in the Texas War for Independence.

The Texas War for Independence, also known as the Texas Revolution, lasted from 1835-1836, although informal hostilities continued between Mexico and Texas into the 1840s. (Nothing much seems to have change, eh?) The Battle of San Jacinto ended the war, with General Sam Houston and the Texas army gaining victory over Santa Anna’s troops.

Sam Houston was a military hero and later became a US Senator and then Governor of Texas when Texas joined the Union. However, he lost most of his popularity when he refused to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Confederacy and tried to keep Texas from seceding from the Union.

We think we’ve found confirmation that David White did indeed serve in the Texas Revolution, probably fighting in the Battle of San Jacinto. So it was pretty cool to go see the San Jacinto Monument for ourselves. It is the world’s tallest monumental column, standing over 560’ high. You can see it behind us in the photo. A museum is housed in the base of the monument.4

Once again, the annual Firing on Ft. Sumter – The Opening Ball was a smashing success! Gorgeous floral decorations (among which were my favorites, yellow roses!) and lovely desserts added an elegant touch. Dr. Chris Rucker was our caller again, and we enjoyed many favorite dances. Be sure to join everyone again next year on April 23, 2011 for the next ball!5

L to R: Jennifer Baughman, Louise Murray, Nita Keisler, Megs Rittenbury, & Andrea Williams

The nominating committee is inviting members of PSRS to make nominations for the following officers:

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Nominations must be received no later than August 26th. The offices are for 2 year terms starting immediately following the annual meeting in September.

All nominations may be either emailed or mailed to:

Lynn Dukes

Secretary and Nominations Chairman

118 Hope Dr.

Summerville, SC 29485

LDukes@sc.rr.com6

On July 3, 2010, the Greenville Symphony performed their annual patriotic concert at Heritage Park in Simpsonville. Various reenacting group were involved as the concert included 11 live cannons for the 1812 Overture. The crowd seemed to enthusiastically enjoy the grand finale of cannons firing, the orchestra playing, and fireworks going off – all at once! Heather Sheen was dubbed the "official photographer of the group" whereupon the staff allowed her behind the spectator lines to take pictures. A very fun and inspiring evening for all!

Ladies,

It is time once again to start thinking about this year’s Lady of the Year. A special thank you to Mrs. Sandy Sharp and Mrs. Kathleen Harris for helping me on the Lady of the Year Committee. The deadline for applications is August 1, 2010, and can be mailed or emailed to any of the committee members. Below is information regarding requirements, nominating and voting procedures, and the award, straight from the by-laws. I have also attached a nomination form (at the end of this newsletter). Thank you for your participation.

~ Jennifer Baughman

LADY OF THE YEAR (LOY) AWARD COMMITTEE

1. This committee will be appointed by the PSRS President and will consist of the current LOY and two members from different geographical areas.

2. This committee will receive nominations, verify eligibility and oversee voting based on the criteria set forth.

3. LOY Requirements:

a. Participation:7

1. A lady must attend a minimum of three (3) PB sanctioned events (affiliated or other) in period dress and maintain an accurate impression for the entire event. "Period dress" will consist of female attire only; and

2. A lady must attend at least one seminar, conference or workshop, (either local or national level); and

a. A lady must volunteer by doing a presentation or participating in interpretive programs at museums, historic homes or sites, civic organizations or schools or by having articles published in the Confederate Ladies Album, (PSRS Newsletter), or any other recognized historic magazine, (e.g. Citizens Companion, Civil War Historian, etc.).

b. Support: A lady must show that she supports the PSRS by one of the following:

1. Serving as a past officer, current officers are not eligible; or

2. Serving on a committee; or

3. Participating in a PSRS sponsored project (e.g. care packages, Malvina Gist, palmetto cockades, etc.)

4. Nominating Procedures

a. Applicable requirements and a current nomination form will be provided each year in the newsletter as well as in the Members only section of the PSRS web site.

c. No nominations after that date will be accepted or considered.

5. Voting Procedures

a. The committee will select the slate of nominees to be voted on at the annual elections. Brief biographies and photographs will be submitted to the newsletter editor for a special edition so that everyone will have a chance to become acquainted with the candidates prior to voting.

b. Sealed absentee ballots will be allowed.

c. Committee members do not vote in the initial ballot and will count the votes. In the event of a tie, the committee members will cast the deciding votes.

6. Award

a. The LOY plaque will be presented at a time and location to be determined.

b. In order for the LOY to continue to better her impression, the award for the LOY shall consist of a monetary award not to exceed $ 50.00 towards a future conference or workshop of her choosing.8

In a recent photo study of our time period of 1860-1865 it has been noted that almost half of the ladies in the 25 - 50 age range were wearing some sort of a neck ornament or bow ribbon. This month we will post on our Photograph Inspirations page of the website period images from our collections showing a variety of neck ribbons. Some are very large, some a little dark bow, and a few have one "tail" longer than the other. In magazines of the period there are engravings of the latest shape of dress bows for a particular season. There are neck bows in period fashion prints and engraving of famous ladies show many dresses with a neck bow accessory. If you are looking for an inexpensive accessory to make this summer, the neck bow is a great option. Many original bows were just a bow that was pinned with a straight pin to the gap between the collar points. These bows can match the dress colors, accent a color out of a fabric stripe, or be a plain accent as in just a pretty black velvet bow. Original period photos show that ladies made bows with fringe ends as well as sewing two ribbons of different colors together, one large ribbon of a contrast to the back of a smaller ribbon. There is an image that will be posted of a lady in a plaid dress with a striped bow. Neck bows can be as simple or as fancy as your time and talents can make them. They make a great period gift for a friend or even a little item to sell at a bazaar. It is an accessory that more reenactresses should consider.

Conference Pictures4

The 11th SCVI had a living history at the Heyward House in Bluffton, SC on May 8th, during the Town of Bluffton Annual Mayfest. The Heyward House which was constructed circa 1840 is one of only nine antebellum buildings remaining in Bluffton. Many building were burned in June of 1863, by the Yankees that were stationed on Hilton Head Island.

Sacramento experienced a heat wave during this weekend so outdoor activities were tough to handle during the day. Fortunately, we discovered the front porch of the old house on the grounds was in the shade and attracted a cool breeze. It was very nice to sit there fanning ourselves and chatting with other ladies while watching everyone else wander around in the heat! 

Battle of Brattonsville, SC October 23-24 Battle of Secessionville

Living history, Carriage rides, Period music, Book signings, Grand Secession Ball with Unreconstructed performing. Contact Robert Hayes for more details at 864-366-2395 or 864-266-6401. www.oldesouththanksgiving.webs.com

Kick off the sesquicentennial at the Olde South Ball! The ball will be held again at the Airport Marriott in Greenville. Mark your calendars now! Earlybird ticket price (deadline November 10) is $60 per person and it includes an elegant, formal 4-course southern meal. Supper music by Joyful Harps, dance music by the Blue Ridge Rounders. Free dance instructions before the ball. The evening will feature a silent auction and door prizes. Free photography sessions. Attire: 1860s period formalwear or modest modern formalwear. All uniforms welcome.7

Unreconstructed will be performing. All proceeds from the ball will go to the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum. This is a pre-war celebration so military uniforms are not to be worn. This is a civilian ball. Period formal dress and modern black tie is acceptable. Drinks and refreshments will be served. Tickets will be $25 for singles and $40 for a couple. http://scscommission.com/

The Confederate Heritage Trust, Inc. is sponsoring a South Carolina Secession Play and Ball on December 20, 2010, the date for the signing of the Ordinance of Secession in Charleston, SC. The original Ordinance of Secession will be on display. The evening will begin with a theatrical play recreating the Convention and the men that cast their votes to remove South Carolina from the union known as These United States. Many of the actors will be local and State celebrities and personalities. Immediately following the play a grand ball and reception will follow with a joyous night of music, dancing, food and drink. The Charleston Gaillard auditorium will be our venue for both events. Attire for ladies is formal ball gowns or evening wear. There will be no uniforms for gentlemen except what was appropriate just before the war. Ball tickets are $100 per person. For more info or to purchase tickets:

Firing on Ft Sumter – The Opening Ball April 23, 2011 Spartanburg, SC

Please attach photos separately, rather than embedding them in an email or document. JPEG format is preferred, if possible.

The PSRS at the Battle of Atlanta ~ The PSRS Post Office and Care Packages ~ Original CDV Project ~ Basque Bodice Class in Gettysburg, PA ~

Founding Mothers – Book Review ~ Slatted Bonnet Review ~ The Secession Cockade ~ Chatelaines` Camp of Instruction – Gentlemen Darning Socks

Knitting Patterns for Winter ` Watch Pockets – An Ongoing Discussion  ~  Items For Sale ~  Upcoming Events

Pat Blitch, Lady of the Year 2008-2009

Would like to Congradulate 2009-2010 Lady of the Year

Jennifer Baughman !!!!

Dear Ladies,

The summer has blasted by as always. When we think we have time to spare, it seems there isn’t enough. I believe we have made progress in the time we have had. We have our awards committee, bylaws committee, new roster, we are now on the Palmetto Battalion site with the other member units, and many other little things that make a big impact.

I must thank Mrs. Key for the very informative article about the steamboat Arabia, and the glass wares that were found. I was able to find the same glasses for 88 cents at Wal-Mart. I will feel more comfortable allowing guest to drink from them, instead of my antiques.

The workshop in Columbia was great although Mother Nature tried to wash us out at the end. A number of ladies fill their spare time practicing their Spencerian Penmanship now, kindergarten paper and all.

Atlanta was warm, but cooler then before. We had a small turnout, but a lovely time together. For those that didn’t make it, I’m sorry you missed out on a wonderful tea which included Saint Nick himself. I also had the pleasure of running into a young lady I met for the first time at the Kennesaw collection.

Brattonsville is in October and is our next event. That is always a lovely event. This year camping is around the Hightower house. The Palmetto Battalion is currently trying to raise money for the 25th Anniversary events to take place throughout the year at different events. The ladies will be in charge of a presentation at Cheraw in 2011, but details will be given closer to the time.

For now fundraising is the priority to insure everyone has a nice time and enjoys a catered meal, etc. They will be offering a package for everyone to have a chance to purchase which includes a tee-shirt, collection of stories made into a book, and 25th Anniversary medallion.

At Brattonsville I am asking ladies to donate cakes or pies to be auctioned off to the reenactors as a fundraiser. I will be providing white plates similar to stoneware to place the cakes/pies on, which will be given to the winner to keep. We may be covering the cakes with flour sack towels until the auction, so keep this in mind when frosting or decorating. I may get netting to cover the table of cakes/pies to prevent flies, etc, from tasting the sweets. This will take place Saturday on the back porch of the Hightower house after the spectators leave (we are not allowed to give spectators food for liability reasons). I will have a table set up for all donations. Store-bought cakes are fine, but homemade is preferred. I am planning on baking my cakes at home, then freezing them until the event. Once at the event I will ice my cakes on Saturday for the presentation to make them look more tempting. I will need volunteers to help with the auction (cake handlers, money collectors, bid spotters, etc.). I am planning on being at Brattonsville on Thursday, camped next to the Hightower house.

Ladies, while time allows, also remember that care packages are never ending and are always needed, along with mail call. We ALWAYS need these items no matter the time of year.

I know I have been asked many questions in regards to period correctness. I am just one person and my knowledge is limited at best. I recommend asking multiple persons to get a well-rounded idea or answer.

The AGSAS provides information on first person, clothing standards, crafts, men, children, camping, etc… I feel that the PSRS needs to be more like the AGSAS in our guidelines and standards. So if you have questions, go there first to see if you can find the answer. I trust both sites to be very solid in their period correctness and won’t lead anyone astray when it comes to the hobby. I also have a subscription to The Citizens Companion, which is priceless to have on-hand at home. If you only had two resources in your home, The Citizens Companion and Who Wore What, by Juanita Leisch would be the ones that I would recommend everyone to have.

Until Next Time,

Meet the Members --- Angela Metts

I am from New Ellenton, South Carolina, and have recently found out that I have ended up living about three miles from where my father's family had lived since the middle 1700's. In re-enacting I still like to introduce myself as being from the Silverton area of Barnwell county since that is where I do currently live, even though it hasn't existed since the late 1800's. I graduated from Silver Bluff High School ( GO-O-O BULLDAWGS!!!!). I have spent years studying music and playing in various bands, orchestras, and singing in chorus groups. I attended Clemson University (I can still play Tiger Rag in my sleep), and finally landed a job at Savannah River Nuclear Plant in Aiken. I have been here at the nuclear plant for over 20 years now as a Radiological Protection Technician, and, no, I do not glow at night! I live in the house that I grew up in over 30 years ago with my 7 year old chihuahua, Chico, who is nice enough to let me stay here as he rules the house and estates. I began re-enacting in the fall of 2002 at The Battle of Bull Run somewhere in the rurals of Georgia! I was hooked and quickly became addicted! It took me some time to find my mentors on the Carolina side, but have not slowed down since. I always have and still do love history and reading (I really stink at geography and foreign languages). Re-enacting has given me a way to step into these books and live the history for others benefit. I have attended the Nashville Civilian workshop the last two sessions it was held, as well as attended Mrs. Carol Ann Schmits' workshops in Spartanburg the last 3 years. I have traveled as far as St. Louis (Boonesfield Village), Missouri, to attend an immersion event and will be attending the Bummer's event outside of Atlanta this fall. I had the deep honor of being a widow in attendance at the burial of the final Hunley crew. This will always be a meaningful accomplishment for me.

I get great satisfaction in improving my impression and continually strive to make it better. Probably my favorite impression is that of the Widow E. K. Greene, (my great-great grandmother) in her full mourning weeds and veils and I do enjoy studying Victorian mourning practices of the time. I also enjoy collecting period CDV's and tintype images. Last September I had the honor of being named the PSRS vice-president and last December I was truly honored with an invitation to join the Carolina Ladies Society and spend most of my re-enacting time with them. I have now branched out into Revolutionary War/Colonial living histories and am still working on my pirate wench and nun wardrobes and impressions. I recently had the pleasure of teaching a workshop on Victorian Penmanship which is another aspect of my impression that I do truly enjoy and demonstrate at events. Until We meet Again, I Remain Respectfully Yours, Angela D. Metts

Spencerian Workshop Report

The 2009 PSRS workshop was held on August 15th at the St. Andrews library in Columbia, SC. The ladies learned Spencerian penmanship, letter writing, writing implements, inks and papers of the time.

There was also a penwipe-making contest and many pen-wipes were entered, using original patterns of the time. Even though participants were using the same set of patterns, each pen-wipe turned out unique from the others. The pen-wipes were judged and Raquelle Sheen’s penwipe took first place.

All the pen-wipes The pen-wipe winners!  Raquelle’s first place pen-wipe

Several years ago I gave a presentation about tea. In reading through various sources about the origins of tea, and finally the origin of iced tea, most sources had the standard story of how iced tea was supposedly ‘invented.’ The story goes that Englishman Richard Blechynden, an India Tea Commissioner, was experiencing slow sales of his hot tea on a sweltering day at the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. In an attempt to boost sales, he added ice to his tea and his sales took off.

However, recently I came across a short article that purports to debunk the story of Blechynden ‘inventing’ iced tea. In an article published by Professor Lyndon N. Irwin of Southwest Missouri State University and a member of the St. Louis World's Fair Society, he comments on an article that he found from the September 28, 1890, issue of the weekly Nevada (Missouri) Noticer newspaper regarding the 1890 Missouri State Reunion of Ex-Confederate Veterans. The reunion was a huge event with 15,000 veterans converging on the site called Camp Jackson. Naturally huge quantities of food and drink had to be served. The newspaper reported on the event, including the vast quantities of food and drink served. In the scanned clipping from the Nevada Noticer, the newspaper noted that among the items served were “880 gallons of iced tea.”

According to one Pat Vilmer of the St. Louis World's Fair Society, upon learning of Professor Irwin's research, she wrote that tea, "wasn't invented at the World's Fair. The good people of the South were serving iced tea in their homes long before the Fair. It was just popularized at the Fair. It was called sweet tea and served cool, not hot, in the summer in the South. Ice, when available, was used. Remember, ice was the premium in the early days before refrigeration, not tea." According to other sources, cold tea recipes had appeared in cookbooks even prior to the 1890 Ex-Confederate reunion.

By the way, did you know that the first successful tea production operation in the country was in Greenville, South Carolina? And of course, the only commercial tea plantation currently in production in the contiguous United States in Charleston.

So, apparently the World’s Fair more widely popularized the drink, but the South did indeed have sweet tea years before. Of course we did dahlin! Bless your heart!

The PSRS Post Office and Care Packages

These are two ongoing projects started several years ago and as such, some of you may have a few questions about their beginnings and what is involved. Here goes…..

The post office was started many years ago at the Battle of Aiken for two reasons. One, to add to the men’s overall experience by receiving letters and packages and two, to explain to the public the importance of letter writing during this time. A tent and desk was borrowed and a supply of paper, envelopes, stamps, etc., was procured. We even had appropriate cancellation stamps made for a couple of the events. The ladies were asked to stop by and write a letter to a soldier which we would then post to the camps; the soldiers also participated by writing to the folks at home. We also encouraged the public, especially children, to write letters. This project became very popular and was expanded to other events over the years. For a couple of years we had students from history classes write letters and the soldiers would reply. This was very popular with the children and the teachers. There has never been a specific postmistress, just whoever wanted to do it. I (Sherry) started it and others involved have been Carla Dorn, Roseanne Christie, and Heather King, among others.

The care package project was started later by Carla Dorn and again was to enhance the overall soldier’s experience of receiving packages from home. A few events each year were chosen and three or four packages would be sent to a soldier. A list was kept so different soldiers would receive them. Roseanne Christie and Angela Metts continued the project and Jennifer Baughman and Tammy Elsey are now in charge.

If you wish to participate, you may prepare a package for your soldier. Prepare a generic package, write letters, purchase supplies to be included in packages, or make poke sacks for those supplies. A list of appropriate items is on our website under Projects, but here’s a brief list: pencils, stamps, paper, buttons, thread, needles, pins, dried fruit, bread, coffee, sugar, cookies, small cakes or quick breads, salt, spices, tinned peaches, sardines or oysters, scarves of wool fabric or knitted/crocheted, and anything you think a soldier might like or need in the field as well as letters.

Letters may contain any information you might include today…family news, weather, politics, etc. An easy way to start is just to think about what has occurred in your life recently and write it down with period words. For example, try using “wagon” instead of “truck”, or “telegram” for “email”. I frequently speak of the “children” which are really our pets (luckily they have real names like Jackson) and talk about the farm, crops and neighbors. A vacation to the beach becomes a journey to a watering place….use your imagination. It’s a lot of fun!

Everyone can participate in these projects and the soldiers really appreciate them. Packages and letters should be given to Tammy or Jennifer when you first arrive at an event so they can coordinate delivery. Contact them for more information.

President’s Note ~ Page 1

Editor’s Note ~ Page 2

The Steamboat Arabia Museum, By Sherry Key ~ Page 4

Ladies and Gentlemen of the 1860’s Conference, By Jeannie Rucker ~ Page 5

Ribbed Cephaline Knitting Instructions, By Lynn Dukes ~ Page 5

Sortie Cap Knitting Instructions, By Lynn Dukes ~ Page 6

“The Gates Ajar,” Book Review by Nita Keisler ~ Page 7

“A Confederate Lady Comes of Age,” Book Review by Heather Sheen ~ Page 8

The H.L. Hunley, By Holly Sheen

Confederate Dead in Arizona, By Carol Corneal

The Battle of Aiken Reenactment, By Raquelle Sheen

The Ladies “Fire Brigade” to the Rescue! By Holly Sheen

Hairnet Workshop Report, By Raquelle Sheen

Museum & Library of Confederate History, Greenville, SC

Meet the Members – The Sheen Ladies

Petereson’s Magazine Excerpts, By Angela Metts

The Tragedy of the Great White Arabia, By Angela Metts

Upcoming Events

The new reenacting season is speeding along much too quickly for me, but spring is on its way. We had a quite an eventful meeting at Aiken, and enjoyed a few laughs. It is always a pleasure being with other ladies who take pleasure in reenacting and expanding their knowledge. Thank you for everyone who attended and your participation. I believe we made some great decisions and progress. We have two wonderful ladies who will be working as a team on the newsletter for a “trial run.” Miss Heather Sheen will work on the format for the newsletter while Mrs. Holly Sheen will work as content editor. Ladies, anyone can submit articles, photos, pictures, notes, recipes, stories (short or in parts), camping hints, etc. Anything that you think is interesting. We have decided to only have the newsletter come out quarterly (four times a year) , which allows for time to receive content, work on format, mail out to snail mail members, etc. Ladies, as we go about our reenacting season, keep in mind nominations for “Lady of the Year,” and the criteria that must be met to qualify. The criteria are posted for all to see and review on the

Many times we hear “such and such was not invented until…” or “they didn’t have that.” One of the things about museums is that quite often you find items and documentation that prove otherwise. We actually discovered three items that are of particular interest that fall in this category.

Another interesting item, also with the patent furnished, ia food preservation crock

Lastly, how many times have we wished for rubber shoes at a particularly wet event?

Well, they existed! We saw several different styles for both men and women.

I hope you have enjoyed this brief tour of the Steamboat Arabia. I have many, many more pictures and hope to share them in future newsletters.

The wrapper or morning dress was of loose construction in the front of the dress and more fitted in the back or sleeves. Fabrics ranged from fine lightweight to heavy weaves for the colder months. Many women wore wrappers in the early morning hours before visitors would come by, much like we may wear robes today. They could wrap the dress around themselves, hence the name “wrapper.” Wrappers and robes were considered “undress” garments and were generally worn in the privacy of home.

Two needles #10 8 skeins of colored German lambs’ wool and 5 of white [1 skein each of white and a color of fingering weight].

Cast on 100 stitches. [Wrong side] Knit 1 row; rib 1 row, and continue to knit and rib one row alternately until you have done 9 rows. Cut off the colored and fasten on the white wool. Knit and rib one row alternately for 7 rows; thus ending with one plain knitted row. Purl 2 rows with the colored wool. (These rows are both done with the colored wool to make the joining of the two

colors neat on the right side.) Knit and rib alternate rows until you have 9 rows of the colored. Repeat these [last two] stripes of colored and white wool until you have 6 of colored and 5 of white.

Draw the ribs together and sew on a string of satin ribbon at each end to tie under the chin.

The book

This novel is one of three spiritualist novels penned by the author. This one deals with the grief process of Mary Cabot, who lost her brother Roy in the War Between the States, and is written in a journal form.

Mary and her brother were very close, as both of their parents died when Mary was very young. Roy was everything to her: brother, father, and friend. Roy was due to be coming home on leave, when she received word of his death. From that point on Mary just went through the motions of living. Everyone in her circle of friends and church were very concerned for her, as Mary questioned everything about life and about God.

Mary decided to keep a journal as an outlet for her pain, as it would give her something to do rather than thinking about her grief and Roy. In it she found some contentment, but Roy used to say that he did not believe in journals.

A letter arrived from her mother’s youngest sister, Winifred Forceythe. Aunt Winifred had married a missionary pastor who took her away from her family and an easy life to live in Kansas. Aunt Winifred’s husband had passed away some three years earlier, leaving her alone with their small

daughter Faith. Her letter wrote of an upcoming visit back east, and that she and Faith hoped to visit with Mary for a few days before going on to visit more family. The letter intrigued Mary, as Aunt Winifred wrote that she had been thinking how happy Mary would be by and by, because Roy is happy. Mary wrote back for her to come.

A short visit turned into Aunt Winifred and Faith being invited to live with Mary in her home. Through Aunt Winifred, Mary was able to look at how she dealt with life here on earth and life in heaven in an entirely different way. This was not to say that Aunt Winifred did not cause quite a stir with her ideas, especially within the church and their rigid views on heaven and death.

Aunt Winifred becomes very ill, and Mary is faced with the fact that her beloved aunt would shortly be with Roy. Aunt Winifred is not afraid, as she believes that heaven’s gates are ajar, just waiting for us to look in as far as we can.

The author

The journal of Pauline DeCaradeuc Heyward, from 1863-1888, is a fascinating look at the life of a southern belle from Aiken, SC. Pauline was a beautiful, “blue blood” young lady who showed both humor and seriousness in her daily journal.

Pauline further tells of the servants’ loyalty to them, even when the Yankee threatened them with their pistols. Her details are fascinating and infuriating, as she mentions that “they even made the servants get our chemises & tear them up into pocket handkerchiefs for them.”

But the journal is not all seriousness. Pauline enjoyed charades and impersonations for fun. Her sense of humor once prompted her to dress as a “cracker woman” to tease her friends – but the frolic was cut short by the arrival of some, ahem, eligible young gentlemen and Pauline hastily escaped upstairs to clean up!

As Pauline grows up, marries and has several children, her accounts become more thoughtful and mature and the stories of her children are tender and sweet.

On March 5, 1888, Pauline’s husband suddenly died and she ended her journal that day. But the epilogue informs us of the rest of this remarkable woman’s history – how she worked hard to support her family and bring them all up without the aid of a husband. Pauline was a true southern heroine and her journal offers a glimpse into the thoughts and habits of southern gentlewomen of the time.

South Carolina has a unique artifact that no place else in the world has. It's the Hunley submarine. I assume most members have heard of the H. L. Hunley, but how many have actually visited the lab in North Charleston where it's being restored? My daughters and I are members of a new UDC chapter called the Hunley Chapter #2667. Last month we joined with another chapter to spend a day visiting Charleston, the Hunley lab, and then we drove out to Magnolia Cemetery to hold a memorial for the three Hunley crews buried there. Yes, three crews. Almost all of the first two Hunley crews died during the experimental stage of the Hunley's history. The third crew managed to complete the Hunley's only mission which occurred February 17, 1864. This year marked the 145th anniversary of that mission – the sinking of the Housatonic in Charleston Harbor. It was hoped that the Hunley could be used to break the Union blockade of the harbor, but instead, after sinking the Housatonic, the Hunley disappeared until its discovery in the year 2000. We recommend that you make plans to visit the Hunley. It's a one-of-a-kind artifact with a fascinating history. People from all over the world come to visit this special submarine that was way ahead of its time in terms of technology. Because the lab where the Hunley is being restored is a working archeological lab, tours are only available on weekends. For information regarding the location, admission, and hours, you can visit the Hunley website at: www.hunley.org. You can also call 843-743-4865, ext. 10.

Our family arrived early Thursday afternoon. My dad, Ray Sheen, is the commander of a Confederate engineering unit and we wanted to have ample time get things set up for school day.

At registration we made the Delightful Discovery that myself and my mom (Holly) and sister (Heather) were on the front cover of the program. This made us feel like Seriously Big Stuff. We magnanimously offered our autographs to the staff. They declined (bummer!), but they did cheerfully offer us extra copies to send to our grandparents.

Friday morning Dad arrived early to set up his engineering equipment—transits, alidades, range pole, measuring chains, you name it. The school kids arrived en masse and his busy day began without a letup.

Sunday was WINDY. The reenactment area is basically just sandy stubble so there was airborne grit and dust. I tossed a shawl over my bonnet in self-defense, but I could feel sand squeaking in my teeth. We attended the church service under the pavilion, only barely sheltered from the gusts. But we all bunched together and set our focus on the speaker instead of the weather.

The rest of the afternoon was a pleasant repeat of Saturday—strolling about, visiting, and answering questions from visitors. The notable exception was the Drama of the Burning Hay Bale, but that is detailed elsewhere in the newsletter.

The afternoon battle ended and we began the process of breaking down. It took us longer than usual to pack the trailer this year because we were bringing some new engineering equipment home with us which was very bulky. Just try stuffing a cheval de frise and a gabion into your vehicle! At about sundown we were packed up. Cold and shivering, we piled into our vehicles and headed once again to the Golden Corral before heading home. The same manager was there who had been there the previous night. “Where's your costumes?” he asked disappointedly. We laughed. But he had a burning question to ask Mom. “My wife wants to know how you sit down in those dresses!”

Aiken was a fun weekend (Hey! No rain!) and we look forward to it all year. Next year, y’all come!

Choosing from the variety of ribbons supplied was difficult—they were all so pretty. At length, I settled on plain black, figuring that would nicely accent a red-and-green silk dress I was making. I learned how to do a very attractive ruching pattern—so eye-catching, in fact, that I later trimmed the sleeves on the dress with that same pattern.

Everyone’s ribbons turned out very differently, each lovely and unique. If you haven’t attended this workshop yet, plan to attend at some point! The skills we learned were easier than I thought they would be and the ribbon techniques can be used for other purposes besides just headbands. You’ll be glad you went!

Though small in size, the Confederate Museum is crammed with many 1860s artifacts. Guns, flags, uniforms, women’s clothing, photos, money, you name it—artifacts from the era fill each room to capacity.

In addition, the Museum houses a research library of 1,650 volumes pertaining to all aspects of the war such as battles, biographies about men and women, spies, unit histories, medical history, blockade runners, weapons, personal narratives, and more. Of particular interest to those pursuing genealogical information, the library has such items as the South Carolina Roll of the Dead and the entire Confederate roster of soldiers and sailors.

Among items of special interest are an original copy of South Carolina’s Ordnance of Secession, a fantastic display of medical instruments and photos of the period, and an original Hampton’s Red Shirt.

The Museum also displays some fascinating weapons including a .50 caliber, single shot Morse carbine, a rare Whitworth sharpshooter rifle (with an effective range of 2,000 yards), and a Le Mat revolver - an impressive nine shot .41 caliber with a second barrel of .63 caliber capable of firing either a single ball or buck shot.

In addition, the Museum contains an 1852 Gilbert piano/melodeon, belonging to a prominent Charleston family by the name of Brannon and believed to have been brought to Charleston through the blockade. It was fully restored to playing condition through the generosity of friends of the museum and is now played at special performances. Contact the museum to find out the next scheduled performance.

Hours:

Monday 10 am – 3 pm

Wednesday 10 am – 3 pm

Friday 1 pm – 9 pm

Saturday 10 am – 5pm

Sunday 1 pm – 5 pm

Address:

15 Boyce Avenue, Greenville SC 29601 Phone: 864-421-9039

Our family has always had an interest in history and we indulge this interest in many ways. Ray is a member of SCV Camp 36 in Greenville and is the camp’s webmaster. We ladies volunteer at the Greenville Confederate Museum as docents. I am the secretary for the museum’s board of directors and am in charge of the museum’s library. We three are also members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy Hunley Chapter #2667, of which I am the president.

The last several years we have been learning to research and sew period clothing, from chemises to ball gowns. Our most recent sewing project was evening gowns with beaded ribbon ruching learned at the PSRS hairnet workshop. I have also learned to make a bonnet, thanks to Jeannie Rucker. The three of us also enjoy all kinds of other handwork.

Speaking of music, all four of us also enjoy singing and we have often been active in our church choir wherever we have lived (We have moved a lot.). We have recently moved to Grace Reformed Baptist Church and are considering their choir. Currently the girls and I are members of the Crescent Music Club here in Greenville.

A new style of under-sleeve has obtained great favor. It may be made of muslin or tulle, and consists of one very full puff, confined at the wrist by a puffing, within which there is a running of colored ribbon. Above the puffing a broad cuff of lace or needlework falls back over the sleeve. The cuff is formed of deep van dykes, and if of needlework, should be edged with narrow Valenciennes. The van dykes are five or six in number, and between each, there is a bow of ribbon of the same color as that in the running. Bonnets – We give a large variety of bonnet this month. It will seen that the crown continues sloping, and that the cape still hangs very low. Among the flowers which have as yet appeared, in readiness for the new bonnets, are lilies-of-the-valley, intermingled with grass, and mounted in drooping sprays and lilacs; the white and lilac kinds being combined. These lilacs are mounted in drooping sprays, so pliant as to almost resemble ostrich feathers. Tulips, violets, &c., have been mounted in a similar fashion. Fans – The fans of the present season are not less elegant than those which have preceded them. Many of the new fans, of a superior style, have mother-o’-pearl sticks, or sticks carved in ivory in imitation of the fans of the sixteenth century. Spangled fans are among the favorites. The spangles are fixed upon either black or white crape, and the effect is sparkling, as they catch the light with every motion of the fan.

Ladies, please submit any upcoming events of War Between the States interest.

Be sure to send them to our webmistress, Jeannie Rucker, too!

April 4-5, 2009

April 17-19, 2009

April 25, 2009

Contact the Ruckers for tickets (jeannierucker@hotmail.com)

May 1-3, 2009

Hosted by Lynn Cogdill's company, Nimble Needle Reproductions

June 13-14, 2009

The second class is on reticules or what we now call a small handbag. There are a variety of patterns to choose from and you will take away a workbook of documentation, full-size patterns and have class time to work on a reticule of your choice.

This is the third year that Carolann Schmitt has agreed to come to us. If it were not for this opportunity, you would have to drive all the way up to Pennsylvania to take these classes. Our PSRS ladies of the Upstate have worked to provide other activities for those wishing to attend the classes. Friday night there is dinner party hosted by Jeannie Rucker and Saturday night the group goes out to dinner at a restaurant followed by a dessert social at the Rucker home. This gives all the participants lots of time to socialize and share the latest stories of great fabric finds.

Plan early to attend this fabulous event. It’s a great opportunity to develop new skills, make new friends, and come home with a few new accessories you could not buy at a sutler.

June 27-28, 2009

If you have seen their collection, you know how fabulous it is! If you haven't, you don't know what you're missing! The collection is civilian only, but includes men, women and children's clothing as well as shoes, shawls, bonnets, parasols, jewelry, daguerreotypes, CDVs, and more. As I have said many times, you just cannot substitute seeing the real thing for any book or picture. The colors, construction details, trim, buttons, etc., are just wonderful. And Janine and Phillip are most gracious and accommodating in allowing us to closely examine these items, answering your questions and taking pictures. Be sure to have plenty of film/batteries/digital storage/etc.! I usually have my “kit” with me...camera, tape measure, linen tester, notebook....and come away with many wonderful ideas.

It is easy to get to the visitors’ center and there are restaurants close by so you can make a day of it. And just to further entice you, Janine will give you directions to one of her favorite fabric stores if you like!

Hope to see you there! Sherry Key

www.battleofoconee.com

Thank you!

How do you say.......?

By Sherry Key

Okay, we’ve talked about the basics of natural dyeing and we’ve talked about mordants. It’s time to put it all together. This is the simple straight forward method. Obviously there are a lot of variations depending on your plant materials and mordants, but this is the most common. First, get your equipment ready. You want to do this outside due to the fumes and the mess. Remember once you use something for dyeing, you can’t use it again for food. Gather your fiber (wool and silk are best). Gather your plant material. If it’s bark, you might want to presoak a day or two in advance. Heat your water and add your plant material. The more you add, the darker your color. Simmer for about an hour. DO NOT boil, especially the barks. This will bring out the browns and may muddle your color. Gently simmer for about an hour or so.

Meanwhile, prepare your fiber by soaking it in the same temp water as your dye bath. (Avoid drastic temperature changes. If you soak it in cold, then throw it into hot bath, you’ll shrink the fiber.) Now, if you want to use a mordant such as alum, then prepare a separate bath with the mordant. Add your wet fiber into the mordant bath and let it simmer for an hour.

Today, many of the products that line the breakfast cereal aisle contain artificial colors and flavors, processed flours, and sugar, all pressed into novel shapes and promoted by cartoon characters. But this wasn't the way it started out. The breakfast cereal industry came into being as a result of late 19th century America's fascination with, and attempts to regulate, bodily functions at a time when grand hyperbolic advertising techniques were just about to flower. The result was that the impulse to change the American diet for the better gave rise to a wild free-for-all of product invention and promotion that is still going on, even though it has strayed far from its original nutritionist and spiritual roots.

One hundred fifty years ago, most Americans ate an English style breakfast -- a substantial meal, heavy on pork and other meats and very low in fiber. As a consequence, many suffered painful gastric disorders. In the early part of the 19th century, the most vocal of many health fanatics, Sylvester Graham (whose memorial is the graham cracker) urged people to "put the bran back" into their overly refined bread. Vegetarianism and Temperance became popular. Meat-eating was declared to be unhealthful and productive of equally unhealthy carnal desires. Coffee and tea were condemned as poisons. Cures of all kinds fell in and out of favor. In pursuit of the healthful diet, Dr. James Caleb Jackson created the first breakfast cereal in 1863, which he called Granula. But it was far from convenient; it had to be soaked overnight before it was even possible to chew the dense, bran-heavy nuggets.

"Then, thou dear woman," cried I, with an overwhelming gush of tenderness, "let me fold thee to my heart. The basis of matrimonial bliss is secure, and all thy little defects and frailties are forgiven. Nay, since the result has been so fortunate, I rejoice at the wrongs which drove thee to this blessed lawsuit. Happy Bullfrog that I am!"

The End

The workshop this year was on decorated hair nets taught by Sherry Key and a shoe pin cushion taught by Roseanne Christie.  It was quite a success as most completed or came very close to completing both projects!  The hairnets, in various stages, are pictured, as well as a very focused group of ladies!   Thanks to everyone that participated and do bring your completed projects to elections so everyone may see them!

Soldier’s Packages

By Angela Metts

Membership Year:________________________New Member:__________Renewal:____________

PLEASE PRINT

Do you have a special talent, shill or knowledge that you would be willing to share at events (weaving, spinning, quilting, story telling, etc.?)

Dues are $15.00 per year, payable with this application. Please have your Unit Rep. Sign this form and make the check payable to the

Roseanne

"Soldiers' Packages"

  We have received raves about the handkerchiefs that were sent to the A. P. Hill march. These were simply made from 45" fabric in a period print, usually dark for men, that was split down the middle making a 22" square hanky with 1/4 rolled edges. These are large enough that the men can tie them over their faces to help cut the dust and comfortably tie them around their necks for warmth or sweat.

  For those of us who keep an ever multiplying assortment of fabrics, a sleeping cap is quite simple to make. Simply cut out 2 of the following pattern,

adjusting the band area for the right size, and sew the two pieces together. You can even roll the edges up on the outside creating a cuff around the head. Add a jaunty little tassel at the top, and viola! What more could a soldier ask for?

By Sherry Key

This CDV of a lovely lady in profile is a very interesting study. There are many things going on. See how many things you notice and then check page 4 for our thoughts.

A Review of the Genteel Arts

Workshop in Spartanburg

June 7 - June 8

by Angela Metts

While on a business trip to Boston, I had some free time on my hands, so I thought, "What better way to spend it than at the Boston Public Library". It was amazing! The library had 5 floors chocked full of tasty tid bits of information. I wandered around for a bit, and then headed for the non-fiction sections. I managed to find the section on clothing and pulled books on nineteenth century clothing, one on earrings, and another on hairstyles, fans, stocking and shoes. I settled down and began with "A Visual History of Costume ‘The Nineteenth Century’" by Vanda Foster. The book was filled with wonderful period photos and drawings. It also contained detailed description of both men’s and women’s clothing, accessories and hairstyles.

I took detailed notes and even did a few sketches. Here’s some of the info I got from the book:

1837 – Elastic sided boots were patented

1840 – Fringe trim on dresses, accessories and even umbrellas was very popular

1850 – "Mrs. Bloomer, an American reformer, demanded that women be allowed to wear trousers instead of burdensome long skirts and layers of heavy petticoats. She promoted a ‘Bloomer’ costume consisting of a wide-brimmed hat, loose, knee length tunic and ankle length baggy trousers, not unlike children’s outfits of the period. Although worn by a number of Americans, it was too advanced for the British."

1857 – The usual daytime hairstyle was the hair was parted in the middle and pulled into a chignon that was low and wide on the back of the neck. Caps, like bonnets, were worn far back on the head.

1860 – Skirts of their day dress were often tucked up into the waistband, revealing petticoats probably of stripped flannel and stiff enough to suggest horsehair or the presence of the new cage crinoline beneath. A more formal method of hitching up walking skirts was developed in 1860. This method had a serious of internal cords passing from the waist to the hem which when manipulated at the waist, gathered up the skirt well clear of the mud, revealing brightly colored petticoats and stockings.

Submitted by Angela Metts

Tell me, ye zephyrs, warm and bland,

That o'er me wave or gently stoop,

Is there, in all this sunny laud,

A fashion lovelier than the hoop?

Or if we stand, or walk, or sit,

Or smiling bow, or pensive droop,

No fashion seems to us more fit

Than is the graceful-circling hoop.

Behold those ladies, young and gay,

A modest and a happy group,

And mark the agile forms that sway

The airy movements of each hoop.

Then say, If efforts e'er were made

Utility and grace to loop,

That yet have triumphed o'er brocade,

Like the invention of the hoop?

Yet village boors and city fops,

Though each to folly's shrine a dupe,

Are heard to lisp, through hairy chops,

Their envious railings at the hoop!

And sallow smoke-jacks puff their spleen,

And sneer, and vulgar laugh and whoop;

But what know they of fashion's queen,

The bright, elastic, airy hoop!

In vain such rhymesters try their art

In dells and caves our forms to coop,

That to their friends they may impart

"There's nary place there" for the hoop.

For where such places do exist,

And ladies there should form a troop,

No parodist shall e'er resist

The introduction of the hoop.

CDV Study: Notice her hair, it is dressed and has a somewhat heavier hair net but it is not drooping down her neck. Then, the dangling pierced earrings. She has an interesting stand up collar that indicates this may be a little later, perhaps 1865. Lastly, there is some sort of net thing going on…perhaps some sort of trim or part of a sash or pelerine (though it does not appear to be on the other shoulder). Photographer was Rockwood & Co., New York. What are your thoughts?

The same morning that Mrs. Bullfrog and I came together as a unit, we took two seats in the stage-coach and began our journey towards my place of business. There being no other passengers, we were as much alone and as free to give vent to our raptures as if I had hired a hack for the matrimonial jaunt. My bride looked charmingly in a green silk calash and riding habit of pelisse cloth; and whenever her red lips parted with a smile, each tooth
appeared like an inestimable pearl. Such was my passionate warmth that--we had rattled out of the village, gentle reader, and were lonely as Adam and Eve in paradise--I plead guilty to no less freedom than a kiss. The gentle eye of Mrs. Bullfrog scarcely rebuked me for the profanation. Emboldened by her indulgence, I threw back the calash from her polished brow, and suffered my fingers, white and delicate as her own, to stray among those dark and glossy curls which realized my daydreams of rich hair.

"My love," said Mrs. Bullfrog tenderly, "you will disarrange my curls."

"Oh, no, my sweet Laura!" replied I, still playing with the glossy ringlet. "Even your fair hand could not manage a curl more delicately than mine. I propose myself the pleasure of doing up your hair in papers every evening at the same time with my own."

"Mr. Bullfrog," repeated she, "you must not disarrange my curls."

This was spoken in a more decided tone than I had happened to hear, until then, from my gentlest of all gentle brides. At the same time she put up her hand and took mine prisoner; but merely drew it away from the forbidden ringlet, and then immediately released it. Now, I am a fidgety little man, and always love to have something in my fingers; so that, being debarred from my wife's curls, I looked about me for any other plaything. On the front seat of the coach there was one of those small baskets in which travelling ladies who are too delicate to appear at a public table generally carry a supply of gingerbread, biscuits and cheese, cold ham, and other light refreshments, merely to sustain nature to the journey's end. Such airy diet will sometimes keep them in pretty good flesh for a week together. Laying hold of this same little basket, I thrust my hand under the newspaper with which it was carefully covered.

"What's this, my dear?" cried I; for the black neck of a bottle had popped out of the basket.

"A bottle of Kalydor, Mr. Bullfrog," said my wife, coolly taking the basket from my hands and replacing it on the front seat.

There was no possibility of doubting my wife's word; but I never knew genuine Kalydor, such as I use for my own complexion, to smell so much like cherry brandy. I was about to express my fears that the lotion would injure her skin, when an accident occurred which threatened more than a skin-deep injury. Our Jehu had carelessly driven over a heap of gravel and fairly capsized the coach, with the wheels in the air and our heels where our heads
should have been. What became of my wits I cannot imagine; they have always had a perverse trick of deserting me just when they were most needed; but so it chanced, that in the confusion of our overthrow I quite forgot that there was a Mrs. Bullfrog in the world. Like many men's wives, the good lady served her husband as a steppingstone. I had scrambled out of the coach and was instinctively settling my cravat, when somebody brushed roughly by me, and I heard a smart thwack upon the coachman's ear.

"Take that, you villain!" cried a strange, hoarse voice. "You have ruined me, you blackguard! I shall never be the woman I have been!"

And then came a second thwack, aimed at the driver's other ear; but which missed it, and hit him on the nose, causing a terrible effusion of blood. Now, who or what fearful apparition was inflicting this punishment on the poor fellow remained an impenetrable mystery to me. The blows were given by a person of grisly aspect, with a head almost bald, and sunken cheeks, apparently of the feminine gender, though hardly to be classed in the gentler sex. There being no teeth to modulate the voice, it had a mumbled fierceness, not passionate, but stern, which absolutely made me quiver like calf's-foot jelly. Who could the phantom be? The most awful circumstance of the affair is yet to be told: for this ogre, or whatever it was, had a riding habit like Mrs. Bullfrog's, and also a green silk calash dangling down
her back by the strings. In my terror and turmoil of mind I could imagine nothing less than that the Old Nick, at the moment of our overturn, had annihilated my wife and jumped into her petticoats. This idea seemed the most probable, since I could nowhere perceive Mrs. Bullfrog alive, nor, though I looked very sharply about the coach, could I detect any traces of that beloved woman's dead body. There would have been a comfort in giving her Christian burial.

"Come, sir, bestir yourself! Help this rascal to set up the coach," said the hobgoblin to me; then, with a terrific screech at three countrymen at a distance, "Here, you fellows, ain't you ashamed to stand off when a poor woman is in distress?"

The countrymen, instead of fleeing for their lives, came running at full speed, and laid hold of the topsy-turvy coach. I, also, though a small-sized man, went to work like a son of Anak. The coachman, too, with the blood still streaming from his nose, tugged and toiled most manfully, dreading, doubtless, that the next blow might break his head. And yet, bemauled as the poor fellow had been, he seemed to glance at me with an eye of pity, as if my case were more deplorable than his. But I cherished a hope that all would turn out a dream, and seized the opportunity, as we raised the coach, to jam two of my fingers under the wheel, trusting that the pain would awaken me.

"Why, here we are, all to rights again!" exclaimed a sweet voice behind. "Thank you for your assistance, gentlemen. My dear Mr. Bullfrog, how you perspire! Do let me wipe your face. Don't take this little accident too much to heart, good driver. We ought to be thankful that none of our necks are broken."

"We might have spared one neck out of the three," muttered the driver, rubbing his ear and pulling his nose, to ascertain whether he had been cuffed or not. "Why, the woman's a witch!

If you are going to dabble into the wonderful world of color from nature, you have to understand mordants. The term mordant comes from the Latin word meaning "to fix" or "to bite". Mordants are metallic salts that change the molecular composition of the fiber and allows the dye to bond with it. Mordants can help enhance or even change the color of your dye depending on how you use them. There are times when a mordant is not needed such as for certain barks where the mordant is built in or if you prefer a softer color.

Here’s short list of some of the mordants and their uses:

Alum- This is a must have for the natural dyer. Not only is it the safest, but also helps to deepen the color. This is not the same alum that you buy in the spice isle at the grocery. Make note, too much alum can make your wool sticky.

Tannic Acid- This mordant is naturally occurring in a lot of barks such as black walnut hulls. Tannic acid helps to enhance the browns and tans. This is a good mordant for your cellulose fibers such as cotton or linen.

Iron also known as Copperas- This mordant saddens colors and is often used towards the end of the dyeing to help enhance the greens. Too much can harden the wool.

Tin- Highly toxic, but it helps bring out the reds in cochineal and brighten certain colors. If you use too much on wool however it will make it brittle.

Blue Vitrol- It saddens and brings out the greens, it can also help enhance the blue in the color, but it is very poisonous.

Chrome- This is extremely TOXIC! Do Not use under any circumstances. Also, this mordant was not used prior to the 1900’s, so it’s not even period appropriate.

All of these mordants are available online and the best source I have found is the Earthguild. You can also make your own by making a solution of ½ white vinegar and ½ water and adding copper pipe or rusty nails (iron) and let it sit until the water changes color. There are also other items such as glauber’s salts, washing soda and cream of tartar that are used in the dye baths, but these are not mordant but simple enhancers that don’t affect the color.

Mordants can be used before, during or after the dyeing to enhance the color depending on your preference. We’ll explore the process and how to set up your dye bath in the next issue.

Lady of the Year Nomination Form

I, ___________________ hereby nominate ____________________.

She has attended the following events:

As well as this/these seminar/conference/workshop:

And she has volunteered in the following:

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

She has supported the PSRS by doing the following:

________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________

Roseanne Christie

In the issue before last, we talked about the wonderful colors that come from nature. This issue, we’re going to discuss what you need to get set up. First item you need is a sense of adventure. Remember, we are dealing with nature so your results may be unpredicted, unexpected but definitely unboring. Think of it all as a crazy experiment and you get to be the mad scientist. Your results can be affected by a huge amount of things from your fiber to your water, so relax, have fun and expect the unexpected.

First let’s talk safety. Whatever equipment you use, make sure you mark it and don’t ever use it for food preparation. Second, you need gloves and in some cases respirators. There are some chemicals involved with natural dyeing called mordants and some can be rather toxic. Keep children and pets away.

Second, choose your fiber well. If you are going to do natural dyeing, then choose natural fibers. Natural fibers are made of cellulose or protein that allow the natural dyes to bond with the fibers, particularly the protein fibers like wool and silk. If you try to dye your Acrylic yarn you will just be wasting your time and effort. You’re better off sticking to the Fiber Four. (A great source for ready to dye wool is Knit Picks) (see last issue for Fiber Four)

Third, you need your plant material. The more you have, the stronger your dye bath will be. You can use almost any natural material like flowers, bark, leaves, moss or roots. You can gather it yourself or purchase it on-line (I get my supplies from the Earthguild). Just remember some plants can be toxic such as azaleas, blood root and the white berries on mistletoe, so use caution. The easiest color to obtain from nature is yellow and the most difficult is red and blue. There are several book and resources that can tell you what colors you can get from your natural material, but remember results will vary depending on water, mordants, fiber, etc.

Fourth, to get the best results, you will need a mordant. A mordant is a metallic salt that changes the molecular composition of the fiber and allows the dye to bond better. Some natural dyes have the mordants built right in, such as black walnut hulls. There’s a lot of information about mordants, so I’ll save have to save that for next time.

It makes me melancholy to see how like fools some very sensible people act in the matter of choosing wives. They perplex their judgments by a most undue attention to little niceties of personal appearance, habits, disposition, and other trifles which concern nobody but the lady herself. An unhappy gentleman, resolving to wed nothing short of perfection, keeps his heart and
hand till both get so old and withered that no tolerable woman will accept them. Now this is the very height of absurdity. A kind Providence has so skilfully adapted sex to sex and the mass of individuals to each other, that, with certain obvious exceptions, any male and female may be moderately happy in the married state. The true rule is to ascertain that the match is fundamentally a good one, and then to take it for granted that all minor objections, should there be such, will vanish, if you let them alone. Only put yourself beyond hazard as to the real basis of matrimonial bliss, and it is scarcely to be imagined what miracles, in the way of recognizing smaller incongruities, connubial love will effect.

For my own part I freely confess that, in my bachelorship, I was precisely such an over-curious simpleton as I now advise the reader not to be. My early habits had gifted me with a feminine sensibility and too exquisite refinement. I was the accomplished graduate of a dry goods store, where, by dint of ministering to the whims of fine ladies, and suiting silken hose to delicate limbs, and handling satins, ribbons, chintzes calicoes, tapes, gauze, and cambric needles, I grew up a very ladylike sort of a gentleman. It is not assuming too much to affirm that the ladies themselves were hardly so ladylike as Thomas Bullfrog. So painfully acute was my sense of female imperfection, and such varied excellence did I require in the woman whom I could love, that there was an awful risk of my getting no wife at all, or of
being driven to perpetrate matrimony with my own image in the looking-glass. Besides the fundamental principle already hinted at, I demanded the fresh bloom of youth, pearly teeth, glossy ringlets, and the whole list of lovely items, with the utmost delicacy of habits and sentiments, a silken texture of mind, and, above all, a virgin heart. In a word, if a young angel just from paradise, yet dressed in earthly fashion, had come and offered me
her hand, it is by no means certain that I should have taken it. There was every chance of my becoming a most miserable old bachelor, when, by the best luck in the world, I made a journey into another state, and was smitten by, and smote again, and wooed, won, and married, the present Mrs. Bullfrog, all in the pace of a fortnight. Owing to these extempore measures, I not only gave my bride credit for certain perfections which have not
as yet come to light, but also overlooked a few trifling defects, which, however, glimmered on my perception long before the close of the honeymoon. Yet, as there was no mistake about the fundamental principle aforesaid, I soon learned, as will be seen, to estimate Mrs. Bullfrog's deficiencies and superfluities at exactly their proper value.

Submitted by Mrs. Sherry Key

I became aware of a children’s book Little Ferns for Fanny’s Little Friends, by the author of ‘Fern Leaves when it popped up in a related search on eBay and was fortunate enough to purchase it. These books contain various stories, drawings and poems related to children. The following is one article from an 1860 edition. I hope you enjoy it and I’ll be happy to bring my copy to an event if you would like to peruse it.

"Now, I suppose you think, because you never see me do anything but feed and sleep, that I have a very nice time of it. Let me tell you that you are mistaken, and that I am tormented half to death, although I never say anything about it. How should you like every morning to have your nose washed up, instead of down? How should you like to have a pin put through your dress into your skin, and have to bear it all day till your clothes were taken off at night? How should you like to be held so near the fire that your eyes were half scorched out of your head, while your nurse was reading a novel? How should you like to have a great fly light on your nose, and not know how to take aim at him, with your little, fat, useless fingers? How should you like to be left alone in the room to take a nap, and have a great pussy jump into your cradle, and sit staring at you with her great green eyes, till you were all of a tremble? How should you like to reach out your hand for the pretty bright candle, and find out that it was way across the room, instead of close by: How should you like to tire yourself out crawling way across the carpet, to pick up a pretty button or pin, and have it snatched away, as soon as you begin to enjoy it? I tell you it is enough to ruin any baby’s temper. How should you like to have your mamma stay at a party till you were as hungry as a little cub, and be left to the mercy of a nurse, who trotted you up and down till every bone in your body ached? How should you like, when your mamma dressed you up all pretty to take the nice, fresh air, to spend the afternoon with your nurse in some smoky kitchen, while she gossiped with one of her cronies? How should you like to submit to have your toes tickled by all the little children who insisted on "seeing the baby’s feet?" How should you like to have a dreadful pain under your apron, and have everybody call you "a little cross thing," when you couldn’t speak to tell what was the matter with you? How should you like to crawl to the top stair, (just to look about a little,) and pitch heels over head from the top to the bottom?

Who were the following?

(See page 6 for answers)

While persuing an on line forum recently, I happened across a few posts regarding Leap Year; and since this is a leap year thought it would appropriate to share. A friend I met at a conference several years ago started the discussion with this tantalizing tidbit:

"I found this paragraph about a ball and wondered if there were other things single ladies could do during a leap year. It is supposed to be a time when ladies are able to approach a gentleman of their choosing."

The Leap Year Party, By Mary E Clarke

Another friend, Mrs. Glenna Jo Christen, chimed in with the following confirming comment:

"I've come across similar accounts of Leap Year balls and less formal hops, etc. in the period. Rather like the Sadie Hawkins dances of my high school years. I grew up with a long held idea that "traditionally" (a slippery dating term if I ever heard one!) a lady could propose marriage to a gentleman on Leap Day itself with the gentleman almost honor bound to accept. If this "tradition" was around in the Civil War era, I rather doubt it was taken seriously. After all, what woman of the period would dare to propose, even if she were confident of a positive response?"

All this intrigued me as I too remember Sadie Hawkins dances but was not aware this was popular during our era. It opens up some interesting opportunities! Last but not least, Vicki Betts contributed several items from her wonderful newspaper research site that can be found at http://www.uttyler.edu/vbetts/ [If you haven’t checked it out, careful….it can be consuming!] Enjoy!

THE EASTERN CLARION [PAULDING, MS], April 25, 1860, p. 3, c. 4 (read it as a poem)

A Good Resolution.

Dear me, why don’t some handsome beau propose at one to web?

For this I've waited night and day thro' weary years long fled.

The crow's feet angle round my eyes, the hue fades from my cheek,

I'm leaving youth's enchanted bowers; why don't the young men speak?

There was a time when I could draw a gazing circle round,
when life was but a dream of love, and suitors did abound.

But, woe is me! that day is gone; I'll never see it more;

the die is cast, the jig is up--I am almost twenty-four.

In vain I spread my crinoline, to show my foot so neat,

that foot which once could draw the eyes of all who passed the street,

in vain I paint my pallid cheek, and wreathe my face in smiles;

it's all for naught, for well I see the youngsters know these wiles.

Youth! all thy beauty once I had, but that brief dream has fled;

on pleasure's wings I once careered, but they are long since shed.

I now must look at things that are; 'tis useless to ignore

That when my birthday comes around, 'twill number twenty-four.

When to my virtuous couch I hie, how lonesome do I rest!

My arms encircle naught but air, no naught my lips are fed!

Great Heavens! 'twill surely drive me mad--why don't the young men wed?

A lucky thought! for now I think that this is Leap Year sure;

I'll make the leap and take the chance; it can but kill or cure;

full long enough alone, unloved, life's weary vale I've sped;

'tis Leap Year now, I am resolved before it's out to wed.

[NEW ORLEANS] DAILY PICAYUNE, March 27, 1864, p. 7, c. 1 [Originally from Punch]

Leap Year, Eighteen Sixty-Four.

[LITTLE ROCK] WEEKLY ARKANSAS GAZETTE, November 3, 1860, p. 2, c. 1
Leap-Year Ball.--The gay season was ushered by a Leap-year Ball given by the young ladies at the Beebe house on Tuesday night. It is decidedly agreeable for a batchelor [sic] to receive, from a beautiful lady, a delicately penned note on perfumed paper, asking the pleasure of escorting him to the party, and stating that she will call punctually at the hour. Such things do not happen every year. Then to go so escorted--to have every want anticipated—to receive such attentions as can be ministered only by a lady--is enough to make one wish that every February had twenty-nine days, and that all years were leap-years. The effect of this demonstration has been to make us still stronger in our feeling for, and advocacy of the Union. As is the case where the genius of woman presides, every thing went off admirably. The house was thronged with fair ladies and brave men; and to see beauty floating through the dance gracefully as a swan on the bosom of a silvery lake, or whirling, like a fairy, with steps so light that her home seemed to be in the air, it was difficult to realize that one was not on enchanted ground, until one of the fair spirits took his arm, conducted him to the table, and, with him, eat turkey, oysters, salad, and such edibles, like a hungry mortal. We hope the success of the ladies in this entertainment may encourage them to make a custom of their experiment. It is needless, at this day, to urge the importance of associating the rougher with the softer sex. It refines, improves, and elevates man, morally, and intellectually. And even in her foibles and follies there is still a charm in the society of woman "which seek the world o'er is ne'er met with elsewhere." Raptur'd he quits each dozing sage, Oh woman! for thy lovelier page! Sweet book! Unlike the books of art, whose errors are thy fairest part; in whom the dear errata column is the best page in all the volume!"

[DES ARC, ARK.] THE CONSTITUTIONAL UNION, November 23, 1860, p. 3, c. 1

Leap-Year Party.--The young ladies of Des Arc, availing themselves of the peculiar privileges of their sex in Leap Year, surprised the rougher portion of our race with invitations to one of the most pleasant parties known in the history of this town, which came off at the residence of one of our well-known and most estimable citizens on Wednesday night.

The Fiber of Our Being

By: Suzanne Collins

This month I’m going to talk about one of the most important, but often overlooked aspects of a good 19^{th century impression. The very fiber of our being, you could say. To get your impression right, you need to stick to the basics and by basics I mean the "Fiber Four"; Cotton, Wool, Silk and Linen. Polly & Ester and the rest of her friends weren’t around in 1860. Synthetic fibers often look a little too perfect. That work dress that never wrinkles or the day dress that that has an incredible shine, shimmer and sparkle will only detract and distract. Granted we can’t always find or afford silk ribbons, but for certain things like a work dress, you’d be better off sticking to the Fiber Four.}

The first man-made fiber was Rayon and it wasn’t available until 1890. US production of this fiber began in 1910. Rayon was originally called ‘artificial silk’ and is made from wood pulp which is a cellulose based material similar to cotton and linen. After that came Acetate in 1924, which is also cellulose based. The first synthetic fiber that was completely produced from petrochemicals was Nylon in 1939. Their synthetic cousins Acrylic and Polyester soon followed in the 1950s.

Synthetic fibers may be carefree, but they also can be quite dangerous. If you study the burn rates for fibers, Cotton is listed higher than Polyester. If you however blend them into a fiber of 50% cotton and 50% polyester, they become even more dangerous with a longer burn rate that either fiber on it’s own. Synthetic fibers also have a distinct burn quality, they either burst into flame or they melt. Natural fibers on the other hand simply char and turn to ash. Heaven forbid if I happen to catch on fire I certainly would rather have my dress char than to burst into flame or melt and if you’re around a campfire that can be a real danger. Another great benefit of natural fibers is they have a very breathable quality that is difficult to find in synthetic fibers. Anyone who has endured a hot event can tell you there is nothing like cotton and linen to help keep you cool. That’s why they still continue to blend in natural fibers with synthetics. So as you begin to add to your wardrobe and fabric collection, check the label and keep to the Fiber Four, not only for a great impression, but also for your own safety.

In the coming months I’ll cover each of the Fiber Four, their history, how to care for them and the wonderful characteristics that make them unique.

June 6-8 2008 Lynn Cogdill will again be sponsoring a sewing workshop in Spartanburg, SC taught by Carolann Schmidt of The Genteel Arts Academy. Last year’s Sleeve Variations was very educational as well as fun to boot! The topic and details have not been set, nor the price, but last year it was $149.00 and worth every penny.

July 3-6, 2008:  The PNJW Clothing Collection will be at Kennesaw National Battlefield Park visitors center.  Great opportunity to view original clothing and other items up close and personal.  Photographs allowed.  Great collection of CDVs also.

August 2008 The annual PSRS workshop. Send your ideas to Jeannie Weil.

???? 2008 Kay Gnagy and Mackenzie Anderson Sholtz are considering a workshop, probably in Sumter, SC, sometime in 2008. May and July seem to be somewhat slower months so those may be likely candidates. No details yet

B = Battalion Event)

DTA =Date To Be Announced

Louise Murray

Approximately 22 members present plus several visitors per President’s count.

Miss Christie welcomed everyone to the meeting about 12:45 and updated us on member news: Miss Jean Hutchison’s father passed last year, Miss Brenda Kittrell’s, Mrs. Louise Northern’s and Mrs. Jackie Redmon’s mother passed away in the fall and Mrs. Sandy Sharp’s father passed earlier this month. Miss Brenda Kittrell will marry Mr. Jim Tindal at the Battle of Charleston this year and all are invited. The President then thanked several members for their help—Miss Rena Hefley for assistance in emailing notices, Mrs. Shanna Williams for the newsletter and Mrs. Jeannie Rucker for maintaining the web site. Mrs. Rucker has prepared new flyers and all were encouraged to take a few for recruiting purposes.

The minutes were published in the newsletter so the reading was dispensed with.

Mrs. Nita Keisler then gave a treasurer’s report. We have 60 paid members and the current balance (not counting any checks written today) is $3,830.44. She then discussed the need for our own tax ID number. After discussion it was agreed that she would apply for this.

Miss Christie has given out almost all of hers and Mrs. Key has roughly 15 left. We will need to reorder soon.

Miss Christie has some left and when they are gone, they will not be replaced.

Miss Hefley announced she will be working on a new chapter on cooking over an open fire. Mrs. Williams had several hard copies available for those that had not received one and Mrs. Key had one disk. A discussion was held regarding the Unit Representative’s job which includes making sure new members of her unit receive a copy either paper or disk, in a timely manner.

Mrs. Sharp displayed a hoop damaged by fire when she backed into a heater in her tent. It was strongly suggested that heaters be turned off when dressing.

The Columns at Florence will be the next care package event. Miss Metts announced that letters were particularly appreciated by the men and are easy and inexpensive to do.

Due to the rainy weather it was not held at Aiken. It will be open at the Battle of Columbia.

Mrs. Lynn Dukes suggested a ‘Flea Market/Swap Shop’ to be held at elections that would give everyone an opportunity to clean out their closets. This would allow us to pass along correct items to new members; not to pass along our mistakes. Members would donate 10% of their proceeds back to the PSRS. Mrs. Karen McKenna made a motion to this effect; it was seconded and carried.

An idea from the past regarding a Tea/Fashion Show was brought up. The original intent was for it to be presented to and attended by the public as an educational fund raiser. After general discussion, Mrs. Rucker volunteered assist this committee with assistance by

Mrs. Key, and look into the various possibilities.

Miss Christie asked that ideas for the annual workshop be sent to Mrs. Jeannie Weil as she is the Chair of this committee. Discussion included Day Caps and evening headdress.

Mrs. Rucker announced that she and Miss Lynn Cogdill will also be hosting a workshop June 6-8, 2008 in Spartanburg to be taught by Mrs. Carolann Schmidt of the Genteel Academy. Topics will be Collars and Cuffs Saturday morning and Fichus in the afternoon and evening.

A discussion was held regarding the fact that many Unit Reps are not doing their job and that the list needs to be updated. A Unit Rep should have access to a computer in order to be updated in a timely manner by email. Along with this discussion it was decided that the PSRS Application needs to be updated. New member Mrs. Holley will be the Unit at Large representative.

Miss Christie invited everyone to join her for a Tea at this event. She will furnish the beverage (lemonade) and everyone else is asked to bring a period goodie and their teacup. It will be held at 11:00 at her tent.

Miss Christie feels a need for someone to assist her with sending cards, etc. and asked if a social secretary was needed. After general discussion a motion was made and carried that the current secretary position be allowed to purchase and be reimbursed for note cards/greeting cards and stamps in order to fulfill this need.

Miss Christie asked that we be aware of our appearance and behavior at all times since we never know when our picture may be taken and end up on a web page like U Tube.

Mrs. Key offered some display boards given to her by former President Mrs. Marty Hegler which were quickly claimed

Miss Metts, ably assisted by her niece Miss Callie, awarded the door prizes and the meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:15.

Respectfully submitted in the absence of the secretary,

by Mrs. Sherry Key.

I recently purchased this book on a whim and am very glad I did. The review below is shamelessly lifted from Amazon.com [where you can also purchase it] as I don’t believe I could say it any better. The book was most enjoyable, especially at this time of year. It was subsequently loaned it to Miss Metts who assures me was equally charmed by the story and the characters. Enjoy!

Colors To Dye For

By Suzanne Collins

It’s truly amazing how many colors can come from nature and from a variety of sources. You can get golden yellow from flowers, lavender from bark, rich brown from nut hulls, subtle green from fungus and red from insects. Because the elements in nature are composed of the same core elements (carbon, oxygen), these natural colors share a common feel. Think of them as naturally blended tones and hues. If you put different samples of natural dyes together it’s amazing how the colors coordinate naturally. Only the yellow dye from weld is a true clear color. This is an important point to remember when choosing colors for your impression. Most synthetic dyes are true clear colors and weren’t readily available in the 1860’s.

The first synthetic dye was introduced by William Perkins in 1856. He discovered it while trying to synthesize quinine. His experiments produced a by product that was purplish in color. He tested it on fabric and found it was rather fast. He named it mauve and the color soon became all the rage in the fashion world. Even Queen Victoria had a mauve colored dress. Other colors soon followed with madder in 1869 and indigo around 1897. By the 1900’s, they were granting patents for synthetics dyes every year, the only problem was a lot of the early synthetic dyes were rather fugitive (they liked to run).

So when you think about your impressions keep color in mind. Choose tones that are subtle and avoid ones that are too clear and true. A bright green or florescent orange shawl made from Wal Mart yarn will greatly distract from your impression, not to mention the hazard of synthetic fibers (but that is a separate article). Next month I’ll cover the basics of natural dyeing so that you too can dabble in the colorful bounty of nature.

Submitted by Angela Metts

Article submitted by Shanna Williams

From the time she watched her brothers ride away to war, Mrs. Richardson says her memory seems to be a blank until the news came that Sherman's army was on the way. She recalls the great excitement on the plantation then as slaves and members of the family scurried about picking valuables and food preparatory to leaving home for the upcountry. The Brunson’s had planned to travel with their neighbors in a sort of caravan to escape the path of Sherman's march and the five Brunson children were thrilled at the prospect of traveling. The day came on which they were to start and she remembers the disappointment they all felt when her mother, sitting at the breakfast table, announced that she had decided not to leave, but remain and take her chances with the Yankees right in her own home. Their nearest neighbors, the Richardson family, whose plantation adjoined their own and whose son, Dr. C. G. Richardson, the little Hattie Brunson later grew up to marry, decided to remain at home, also.

The change of plans necessitated a lot of work to hide food and valuables. Food and articles of values were secreted in the walls of the house and buried in the lot where they were covered with dirt and manure. Mr. Brunson, who was beyond the age limit and did not get into the army until toward the last, divided all the meat and provisions which he was unable to hide between his slaves, as he did not believe the Yankees would take food from them. At last they saw Sherman's army marching up the road. Five men approached first and searched Mr. Brunson, but found nothing. He had taken the precaution of giving his oldest daughter, a girl of about fourteen, his much prized watch several days before and Mrs. Richardson accompanied her sister into the woods where they hid it beneath the gnarled root of a large tree.

The soldiers entered the house and plundered it from cellar to attic. They ripped open mattresses and pillows, scattering feathers and cotton everywhere, and took whatever they fancied. Mrs. Richardson tells how they took the children's rag dolls and tore then to pieces before their eyes. However, they saved their best-beloved china dolls by hiding them on their persons. Having wrought havoc to their satisfaction in the house, the soldiers then proceeded to destroy what they could on the outside. The gin house, full of cotton, was just across the road from the house and this they set on fire. They killed all the chickens, hogs and cattle for their own uses, and what they could not use of the flour, rice and grits, they emptied together on the ground. They carried off all the horses and mules and left the plantation bare of all food. Fortunately, they did not burn the house, and also missed a lot of cotton which Mr. Brunson had stored in an empty house on the place. . . .

Sherman's army was three days in passing the plantation and pitched camp on the Richardson place a mile away. From there, foraging parties would descend upon the Brunson home all during the day and night. If they found any of the children eating, they would snatch the food out of their hands and throw it away. The only food they had while the soldiers were in the vicinity were potatoes which their mother baked in the fireplace and they learned to slip the potatoes in their clothes when they heard soldiers coming. Once five officers visited their home and looking about at the disorder, inquired of Mrs. Brunson whether their soldiers were responsible. Mrs. Brunson, a quiet, retiring woman, spoke up with withering sarcasm: "You don't think I did it, do you?" They told her that she could have had a guard around her home if she had asked for it and she retorted that she had asked and had been refused. Spying the piano, one of the officers sat down and played a merry tune while another danced about the room. Mrs. Richardson says she never heard that tune before or since until recently when she heard it over the radio. It brought back to her vividly that scene of 73 years ago.

Source: Library of Congress Website