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Standards of Accuracy
The Working Woman’s Guild & Sons realizes that accuracy is a process. As documentation and technology of the unit impression improves so will the nature of what is acceptable will change too. What remains is the membership’s obligation to make every effort to improve their impression, to do ongoing research, and update their equipage and clothing accordingly. It is hoped that this approach will both further teamwork within the Guild, and result in an ongoing effort to learn and expand our knowledge together. Accuracy is a process.
“Good becomes better, better becomes best, never let it rest…”
by I Forget Who
Determination of Appropriate Clothing and Equipage
Each member will be required to determine their own list of proper equipment and clothing based on the model guidelines included in this document and their own research for review and approval by the Guild. Consideration should be given for their character’s occupation, age, social group, and background. Documentation in the form of photographic images, sketches, and written references are encouraged. While using another member’s documentation and clothing and equipage list is acceptable if their character portrayals are comparable, it is strongly encouraged that each member improves upon previous research wherever possible. Probationary status cannot be completed without fulfilling this requirement. The Guild reserves the right to establish standards of performance for accuracy and to accept or reject member’s proposal based on those standards. The standards are expected to change as new research and documentation become available.
When, Where, and What
Members of the Guild are expected to be in period attire whenever possible at an event. Members out of period attire are considered to not be in attendance. Members are expected to be exemplary in their portrayal and attempt a 24-hour round-the-clock impression. New members have up to one year (probation period) to acquire appropriate clothing and equipment.
Personal Grooming
One of the most difficult areas to address is that of period grooming. Hairstyles, jewelry, and makeup often are the most overlooked or most neglected areas of portrayal. Members will remember that they made a promise to the Guild when joining that personal vagarities of modern fashion sense are not to outweigh the importance of a good impression.
Camp Guidelines
The following guidelines apply for the duration of the event, whether or not public is present:
- Appear in correct period attire. Attire must be appropriate to the situation.
- No modern items are to be seen at any time. Coolers and other modern items must be hidden and covered.
- Avoid, where possible the use of modern items other than hygiene and medical necessities.
- All children under age eighteen must have a parent or guardian present. An adult participant may be designated as the minor’s guardian for the event, with written permission from said minor’s parent or guardian.
- Children under age twelve must be supervised at all times.
- Children under age twelve must be dressed in age-appropriate period civilian attire. Modern child paraphernalia and/or modern toys are not allowed.
- No cigarette smoking in camp. Cigarettes may be smoked outside of camp, away from view of public and other reenactors.
- Period tobacco use (chewing, cigars, pipes) is permissible if appropriate to impression.
- Any material culture and furniture items used should be of a period appropriate style, whether original or reproduction.
- NCWA and event rules are to be obeyed at all times.
Clothing Guidelines
- During a member’s probationary period, a guild member should check all material and period attire designs. Please check before you spend anything, rather than after.
- Natural materials only (wool, cotton, etc.). The only exceptions are ball gowns (may be synthetic) and wool blends (at least 60% wool).
- 1850 – 1863 documentable fabrics only. Most plaids are period, with the exception of Madras. If unsure about a certain material, ask for a swatch and show it around other guild members.
- Shoes and stockings should be worn at all times. The only exception is if your impression/scenario calls for bare feet, and it is safe to do so.
- Ladies: petticoats or crinolines should be worn at all times. Most underpinnings were white, although red and black were also worn.
- Ladies: drawers, corsets or stays are strongly encouraged, as are chemises.
- Hats, bonnets, and other head coverings are strongly encouraged.
- Absolutely no obvious makeup or colored finger nail polish will be permitted. If we can tell you are wearing make-up or nail polish you will be asked to remove it.
- Jewelry should be period correct. Only wear one set of earrings at a time. Extra holes or body piercings need to be left vacant to present a period image.
- If you wear glasses, purchase reproduction period frames or wear contacts. Once you spend so much time and money to create a period image, it is a shame to spoil it with modern glasses.
Apparel Lists
Items listed in recommended order of acquisition.
Women
Minimum:
Dress
Petticoat
Drawers
Chemise
Period shoes
Stockings
Corset or stays
Hat or bonnet
Apron
Collar/cuffs (undersleeves)
Shawl
Optional:
Cloak
Second petticoat and/or crinoline
Second dress
“Better” dress
Plain gloves
Second hat or bonnet
Hoop skirt
Ball gown
Dress gloves
Hairstyle:
No visible bangs
Generally parted in the center, fuller on sides
No hairnets, except where documented (evening or ball dress)
Girls
Minimum:
Dress*, back-fastening
Petticoat*
Drawers
Chemise
Period shoes
Stockings
Hat or bonnet
Collar/cuffs (undersleeves)
Apron
Shawl
Optional:
Cloak
Second petticoat*
Second dress*
Mittens
Second hat or bonnet
Hoop skirt*
Corset or stays
Hairstyle:
No visible bangs
Generally parted in the center, tucked behind ears
Hairnets acceptable, where documented
Infants, Toddlers, and Small Children
Minimum:
Dress*, back fastening
Petticoat*
Chemise
Period shoes
Stockings
Cloth cap or bonnet
Optional:
Shawl or cloak
Dress bonnet
Mittens
Hairstyle:
Girl’s hair parted in the center
Boy’s hair parted on the side
Men
Minimum:
Shirt
Over-shirt or coat/frockcoat
Drawers
Trousers with suspenders/braces
Waistcoat
Period shoes
Socks
Hat or cap
Tie/stock or neckerchief
Optional:
Overcoat
Second shirt
Gloves
Hairstyle:
Generally parted on the side
Wide variety of facial hairstyles
Boys
Minimum:
Shirt
Over-shirt or jacket
Drawers
Trousers with suspenders/braces
Waistcoat
Period shoes
Socks
Hat or cap
Optional:
Tie/stock or neckerchief
Overcoat
Second shirt
Mittens
Hairstyle:
Generally parted on the side
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