New Member Guide

New Member Guide 


Welcome New Member!


As a new member of the RMM/13th, we have compiled this more in-depth document to help you enjoy the hobby and share lessons learned by prior people in your position. We hope it helps. Please take the time to read it completely. Learn from our mistakes, so you don't repeat them.

What does it mean to be a provisional member?


It is a period for you to make sure this is a hobby for you and you are genuinely interested in participating before investing a lot of money. The probation period is six months to one year.


After the provisional period, the entire unit will vote to accept you as a full member, at that point, you will begin paying dues of $5.00 per person per year. There is also a commitment to participate in 2 paid events per year. These can be parades or living history events. (see below)


It is also a time for you to develop your clothing/accouterments but in the hobby, it is  called a "kit", or "impression". What you need for your outfit -“KIT” will be determined by the persona YOU choose. But to get you started in the unit our members will try to have clothing etc. for you to borrow from event to event.

It is during this time you should research and develop your persona; we are a group that does a Revolutionary War (Rev War) impression, Our time is from April 1774 to early Jan 1777.


What are some examples of personas?  You can portray an ordinary soldier, a camp follower, a parson/minister, a doctor, and many more options. Check with the unit to see if we have people in your persona they can help guide you as to best complete your goal also some personas there might be only one per unit (like the Doctor or Minister)


Note: We are Continental Line (https://www.continentalline.org) meaning females may take the field as males at our events. It is only when we attend BAR Brigade of the American Revolution (http://www.brigade.org)  events that this is not possible.


How do you develop a persona?


The answer is simple: do some research.

A great place to start and or reference is Townsend's YouTube channel "Getting started in Living History." http://bit.ly/2pwu6wu Watch episode 1 - 3 at least

Ask members of the unit how to get "kitted out." They will be extraordinarily helpful - maybe too helpful.


Read, read and then read to try to cross-reference to confirm things as there are many "opinions" out there, and we all know opinion is not fact. If your persona is out of the ordinary be prepared to cite your sources as to why you are presenting in the way you are. Always have more than one "cited" work to support your position.


How do I get "My KIT."


Well to develop a good kit it often just takes time and money. But if you or a family member can sew you are at a huge advantage to getting there quicker making your clothes is the best and cheapest method of kitting out!


Remember at an event a blanket sale is your friend!  What is a "blanket sale"? Event attendees lay down a blanket and sell extra or no longer needed period equipment, clothing, etc. prices can be terrific or not so cheap so go with an experienced unit member the first few times or at least seek their advice before you purchase. Please check out our unit's Blanket Sale page on this website. Check the page periodically as new items are added as they become available.


Also, ask other unit members, they or someone they know are often ready to sell an item of a kit no longer used.


As a new member, find a current member to guide and mentor you. You need to be careful on what clothing you purchase or cloth you buy, etc. A safe bet is to make all your clothing with “only” natural fibers but be careful some cotton prints are not period. So again, always seek advice from a trusted member.


Websites to purchase items watch the prices and not always period correct but a great place to start. Additional links can be found on our Members Resources header to the pulldown Sutlers.


What items should I get first? 


That depends on what your impression will be, but it is always safe to get a period correct drinking vessel (mug, canteen, leather jack etc) and if you don’t enjoy the hobby, you have a great cup!


Then get advice from your unit mentor based on your impression. 

Ladies can never go wrong with a shift/chemise (if you do not stay in the hobby, they make a great sleeping gown). 

Gentlemen, well that depends on your impression.


Both getting an inexpensive pair of socks is always a good idea - $6-15 - no stripes for our unit please.


Getting in period Attire


You are NOT wearing a costume! You are in period attire or “kitted” out!


Hair - it should be long if possible, but not required.

Woman/Girl- always worn up under a cap and often a hat on top.  Try to stay away from dying your hair unnatural colors (ie. green, blue, purple, etc.)


Man/Boy: tied back in a ponytail (the Brits wear clubbed hair- look that one up), men always wore a cap (work cap) or Cocked/Round Hat when out of doors. You can also wear a queue (a kind of half wig).



Face


Woman/Girl: no makeup at all and all jewelry removed- except period earrings.


Man/Boy: all jewelry removed including earrings.



Hands


Woman/Girl:  remove all nail polish and jewelry except wedding bands (you can get away with nail polish for parade events but not Living History, Timeline or Encampments)


Man/Boy: remove all jewelry except wedding bands, dirty nails are more period correct.

Clean Shaven * this is very controversial, BAR & parks service recommend no more than 3 days growth- but this is not possible with many folks so if you wax or color -DON’T when there is an event upcoming otherwise enjoy your beard.  Some events require you to be clean shaven, no exceptions. 



Feet / Shoes 


Woman/Girl: this one really varies, if camp follower bare (dirty) feet are encouraged, the middling sort (middle class) suede style round toe buckle shoe ( http://www.townsends.us/clothing-c-72/shoes-buckles-stockings-c-72-5/shoes-c-72-5-99.html) to elegant leather shoes in a range of colors. Seek counsel on shoes.


Man/Boy: A black round toe buckle shoe is proper but modern oxford style toe that is covered with gaiters will get you through a military persona. Civilians really have no choice; leather, black buckle- if you are a working man rough side out, if you are Middling sort leather side out.



DO NOT wear sneakers without talking to the commander first!


Clothing


The unit will try to lend you articles of clothing to help you get kitted out but understand these are on loan and should be returned to the member(s) (after being laundered) after each event so they may be available for other members use. 


Woman/Girl: Shift, Stockings, garter, short gown, day dress etc. petticoats and apron, cap, and hat - get advice from your mentor this is too varied a subject to be covered in a simple document.


Man/Boy: Shirt, Cravat, Breeches (drop front preferred) Stockings, (leather) garters, waistcoat (length determines period of your impression -the longer the earlier 1740 mid-thigh, 1750’s top of thigh, 1760’s a couple of inches below waistline 1780 + Just below the waistline), Jacket or Frock Coat. A man was never in public without a waistcoat or a cap.


Sutlers

Once again look to the mentor assigned to you. There are a lot of sutlers out there some more interested in making money that selling truly period correct items.



Living History

This is often a school or Art Council event the goal is to instruct the public about 18th Century life be it camp life or just everyday living.


We have a range of topics on display with each station manned by a unit member to instruct the public. As part of your persona, you should pick a topic you are interested in, become well versed so you can participate in these events.


Examples: 

18th medicine and Doctor tent

Armaments and soldiering

Sewing and clothing

Music (mostly drum and fife)

Games (draughts, 9-man Morris, shut the box, Going to Boston, Cards, Graces etc.)

Leatherwork

Ropework


Note: these are often paid events and participation would satisfy your commitment of 2 paid events per year as part of the unit.


Timelines


A variation of living history event but has representative units from different time periods. So, you could be in a timeline with Vikings, Romans, WWI or WWII, Civil War and more. See above for roles and responsibilities.


Parades


This is a great way to satisfy your paid event requirement! But understand they can be long and hot, especially in July!  Make sure you are healthy enough to make the march! We have parades mostly in the Spring and Fall usually starting with St Patrick’s Day and ending with Christmas parade.


This is the time we are the laxest about nail polish, jewelry and shoes! But always check with the commander before marching in something inappropriate - it could disqualify the unit for future participation.



To take the field - or to be in a battle

The above basics plus


A canteen-filled with water.

Musket 

Bayonet

Cartridge Box - with cartridges

Frock Coat or Jacket 

Hat

Additional:

Pick and whisk.

Extra Flints

Rag on your Box belt or elsewhere

Musket Tools

Knives, tomahawk, axes all items with blades MUST BE sheathed.

Snapsack, Knapsack, or Haversack (Knapsacks are the preferred item to carry)


The field officers will train you in the military drills prior to a first event or at the first event.



Rolling Cartridges

It is expected that every member rolls their own cartridges. Rolling parties will occur but these events are to supply new recruits and as an emergency backup for the unit. Please see our Member's Resources page for more details.


The unit will supply you with the knowledge on how to roll, so don’t worry. Once you are a seasoned member you will be given powder to take home and expected to roll your own. For now, use the units cartridges.


Drilling


RMM/13th follows the 1764 Manual of Arms or Von Steuben Manual of Arms you will work with the unit to learn these steps. Don’t worry about them now just follow along, you will be trained in both. See our Members Resources page for text and video examples of these drills.


Encampment


This is one of the best parts of being in our unit! We often travel to Historical Forts etc.  We get to sleep where the general public would never be allowed access! The unit generally has all the cooking and cleaning supplies in our trailer, and we charge only $20.00 per person to eat for the whole weekend. (If you do not cook you are expected to help with the washing of the dishes etc.)

So, you get to camp in very cool places, and it only costs you $20.00 and the gas and tolls to get there!


Tents

The unit will usually provide you with a tent, but you are responsible to help set it up and take it down. If you have your own there is usually someone available to help you set it up.


It is advised that you bring a cot and sleeping bag. It is also suggested that in spring and fall you bring a WOOL blanket and place it under the sleeping bag on your cot - it reduces the cold flow from below -you will thank us for this tip.


Or be ready to sleep under the stars or a good 5-star hotel!


Box

It is a good idea to get a camp box. You can use it to carry all your essentials for campouts and it can double as a sitting place. Be careful not to get or make one too large as they can get very heavy and hard to handle.



Chairs etc., in camp

We are aware that it is not period- correct to have so many chairs, if any, in a military camp but many of us are not as spry as we once were and we need a place to sit.

You should bring a period looking chair, stool or box to sit on. Please be considerate of the other campers that packed things to sit on, often at these events they cannot find a place to relax because someone that did not bring a chair etc. is seated in their seat. I know it is a nit but please be considerate. Otherwise, be prepared to sit on the ground.



Meals


Try to stay in persona during meals especially when the public is in camp (lunches mostly) that means no aluminum foil, plastics, baggies, tubs, paper plates, plastic fork and knives etc. in view of the public-all these things can be and should be hidden in the supply tent.


At each event a person or persons are assigned to do the shopping & cooking for the encampment. The meals for the weekend are at the cost of $20.00 per person and usually, include Friday night light meal, Saturday-breakfast, lunch & dinner, Sunday breakfast & lunch only. Usually, the person that did the shopping will collect the cash.


These folks will plan the meals if you have allergies and food sensitivity. It is up to YOU to inform the commander of the unit BEFORE the event. The unit will do everything it can to accommodate you. you should also provide the unit at a meeting with a written letter describing the food issue, so we have a record.


While often unit snacks are available, it is up to you to provide your snacks.  If they are 21st, please keep them in your tent. Many campers keep an ice cooler with snacks, cookies, etc. and preferred beverages in their tents.


Notice I said shopping and cooking if you are not doing either, it is YOUR job to help to wash pots, pans, and other dishes.




Daytrippers


If you eat at the dining fly with us, have a period cup or drink out of your canteen.  Hide all baggies with sandwiches etc. in the supply tent or lunch away from the fly. Please no cans of soda or Poland Springs bottles visible.  No 21st-century stuff should be visible at all.  We do not want to break the 18th-century illusion for the public.


It would be great if you brought with you a gallon of water. Remember if you do not use it you can donate it to the unit. If you can it is great to bring a bag of ice in the warmer months.



Command Structure


All positions are volunteer and are elected by the members for a yearly term that runs from January to December


On the Field / Parades ( 2023-2024 )


Captain: Eric Duquette

Lieutenant: Eric Trevail

Ensign: Doug Pyron


 Their number one (1) priority is your and your fellow members safety - listen to them and follow their instructions.


Captain is in command of the unit and orders drills and field movement. He/She will meet with other commanders at an event to arrange our participation. You must have been a Lieutenant prior to being elected Captain.


Lieutenant is second in command and assists the Captain on the field in the movement of the troops.

This is a training position to become a Captain. However, many past Captains are elected to the position to assist. If the Captain is not at an event the Lt assumes command.


 Ensign is third in command. His job is to manage the colors (flags). This position is used as a training position to learn the commands and allow the person to develop. You cannot become a Lieutenant without having been an Ensign.



The UNIT as a Corporation:


President : Eric Trevail

Vice-president: Cathy Potter

Secretary : Ann Lopes

Treasurer : Lesley Pyron


Their role and responsibilities are called out in the By-Laws of the unit.


Auxiliary roles (2023)

Auxiliary roles are assigned or appointed and can be changed at any time.


Unit Gunsmith: Brian Jean

Quartermaster: John Carr

Historian: Keith Brough

Marketing and Communications: Doug Pyron


Cell Phone & Cameras


You are supposed to be in the 18th Century! There were NO cell phones or cameras! But we know you want memories of your experience, and many of us need to have emergency contact with our family. We got that.


So, what do we do? Well, we could camouflage our cameras in period style bags that you hang around your neck like a haversack. Put your cell phone in a leather-bound period looking book. And if this is not possible then we ask you to leave the encampment area and make your phone calls, read emails or text there. Of course, you can always retreat to your tent and correspond there.


Camp breakdown


Remember you enjoyed the support of the unit for the weekend please help knock down camp and load the trailer.


Your health?


It is incumbent on you to share any information about your health! If you have allergies, it is important to let us know. It is also your responsibility to make us aware of any medication and how we need to react to the off chance you have an episode.


 If you have the inability to take the field or carry a musket, we have tons of other things you can do! And we want you to be part of the unit! Just please let us know.


**very important for camping events!



Are there reasons other than your health that you cannot participate in the Musket Line?  


**If this is personal and you wish to keep private, please see the President or a field officer but we need to know.


We have medical cards that everyone can carry on them which will provide all the information a medical person will need if you need that assistance.


Final Thoughts


We all forget time and again so if someone points something out to you that is not period correct, please do not take offense! - We as a unit are getting more and more Northern Department recognition and as such, much more scrutiny.



Please feel free to print out this checklist to help you pack for encampments. 


Sleeping



Eating

 

Remember at encampments if you are not cooking you are to help with the dish cleanup & fire tending.



Taking the Field



*Please be aware that members in the unit have allergies always check before sharing items


Please click the button for a downloadable and printable PDF: