From Frog to Prince: Getting Ready for The Ball on Feb 22nd

From the Lewis Walpole Library

Yoo-hoo gentlemen, it's your turn!  So your 18th century wardrobe is more frog than handsome prince.  You have two left feet and don't know a dance master from a mix-master. We get it.  But that's no excuse to skip the ball.  Think about all those hot summer weekends when your significant other slaved over a hot camp fire while you ran around in the woods playing soldier with your buddies. Doesn't she deserve a night out for some genteel entertainment!

Okay, let's talk clothes.  You only have one 18th century kit, and it's your uniform.  It would appear that the ball organizers will allow "well-kept regimentals".  And should they be anything else?  Whether you are in General Washington's, the Kings, or LeRoi's service, your uniform should be well kept.  So you've let things slip a bit.  Now might be a good time to reattach that errant button, repair seams, and give your coat a good brushing and airing out.  If those breeches or overalls don't fit quite right, get some help fixing them -- you will look one hundred times better.  Baggy breeches are the 18th century equivalent of old man pants.

If you do wear your regimentals, for heaven's sake, leave the accouterments home (except if you are an officer and would like to wear your sword). You'll not be needing that haversack (there will be snacks at the ball), cartridge box and/or bayonet (it's a dance not a battle). And don't forget to clean up those shoes -- brush the dirt off and fix them up with some blackball or polish.

If you are wearing civilian kit, wear your best one.  Coats, by the way, are required. If you want to dress yourself up a bit, consider the following:

Make up a pair of fine linen sleeve and bosom ruffles to attach to your shirt and wear a new neck cloth or stock.

John Hancock by JS Copley

Elkanah Watson by JS Copley

Consider a wig. You can purchase an appropriately styled wig for less than you think. You'll be amazed how well most men look in a good period repro wig.  And don't forget to spray it with some hairspray or better yet, spray-on hair color to get rid of the shine.  Shiny wigs just remind everyone that they are really made of plastic.

One final thing, don't forget to SHAVE!

Lieutenant Gabriel Bray RN shaving, 1775

So buy your ticket for the George Washington's Ball!

 For more information visit http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/main.htm

Fairy Godmother's Suggestions

Cotillion Dance 1771 - Lewis Walpole Library

My Dear Cinderella, 
I received your request for a ball gown, high hair and a coach for the evening of February 22nd.  Unfortunately, I am currently on the run from that polar vortex Jack Frost threw in our direction. Cold weather is not good for magic wands. 

My good friend, Glinda and I are enjoying the warm waters in Atlantis while we recharge our magical powers.  I hate to leave you in the lurch, so I'll offer a few suggestions.......


Accessorize!
As Claree Belcher so aptly remarked in Steel Magnolias, "The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."

Why not try a few things to jazz up what you have.  A sheer white apron, maybe in a window pane or sprigged pattern.  You know Cinderella, not all aprons are made for working.

Dorothy Quincy by JS Copley

How about adding a small sleeve ruffle of fine linen to your shift sleeve and while you are at it, maybe add cuffs to your gown.

Don't worry about your hair,  add some height and a crisp new cap in the latest style.

Mrs Izard by JS Copley 1775

Finally,  how about a black silk ribbon around your neck set off by a lovely sheer handkerchief.  You''ll look marvelous!

Enjoy the ball and stay out as late as you like.... there is no spell to break.

With love, 

Your Fairy Godmother

For more information about the ball visit http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/main.htm

Next: Turn your Frog into a Prince

What you DON'T need to go to the Ball

If your fairy godmother is on hiatus, that's okay, there are a few things that you don't need for the Washington's Ball. 

You don't need.......

A PRINCE -- let alone a handsome one, nor do you need an escort unless, of course, you want one (an escort that is). Handsome princes are hard to come by.

A SILK SACQUE -- Certainly that would be nice and is, no doubt, on your to-do list, next to losing 10 pounds and learning a foreign language.  But the ball is only a month away and as with the rest of the things on your list of New Year's Resolutions, might take some time.  Don't sweat it!  If you have a gown plain or fancy, you can attend.  In future posts, we'll look at ways to spiff up what you have.

A COACH - Unless you insist on grand entrances, your car will do.  There's lots of free parking at Stetson Hall, so that's one less thing to worry about.

TO BE A GOOD DANCER -- All the dances will be called and the basic steps will be demonstrated.  Dance Mistress Stewart insists that if you can walk you can do these dances.  If you can't perform a proper minuet, don't worry - none one else can either.

 http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/

Next: Hints from your Fairy Godmother

It's a Ball!

 It has come to our attention that:

A ball is being held to celebrate the anniversary of the birth of 

His Excellency, General Washington 

on the evening of Saturday, February 22, 2014 

in the town of Randolph, Massachusetts

The 2nd Massachusetts Regiment, in partnership with the 10th Massachusetts Regiment, will be hosting the Washington's Birthday Ball

For full details, please see visit http://www.2ndmass.org/birthdayball/

Please note that proper 18th century dress is required -- civilian or military. Specifics are addressed on the website. 

Date: Saturday evening, February 22, 2014

Location: Stetson Hall, Randolph, Massachusetts

Cost: $20/ticket

Next: Dressing for a Ball - A Guide for those without a Fairy Godmother

First Hive Sunday January 5, 2014

Hive 2014!

The 2014 Hives will be located at Minute Man Tech on Route 2A in Lexington, MA on 758 Marrett Road

You'll have plenty of time to shovel out your driveway and join us this Sunday for our first Hive of the season! 

Hive 1 – Battle Road Hive Sunday January 5 – 12pm – 4pm– Sponsored by the 2^nd Massachusetts Regiment

Even though Minute Man National Historical Park will not be sponsoring a large scale Battle Road this year due to sequestration and other budget cuts, we felt it important to continue with our original plan to start off the season with a Battle Road themed Hive.  The Park Service will need volunteers more than ever this summer, and by learning more about what happened on April 19^th, it will make us all better interpreters. 

11-12 The Buzz – Come early, grab a cup of coffee and catch up with friends. Come shop at the Sign of the Golden Scissors

Lectures:

 12-12:30 – April 19^th – On The Road – Ranger Jim Hollister will present and overview of the events of April 19^th – more specifically, some of the key events that happened along the Battle Road.

 12:30- 1 The Power of the Press – Gary Gregory, the owner of The Colonial Print Shop of Edes & Gill will share some of the ways the press shaped public opinion before and after April 19^th.

1 – 1:45 pm A Field Guide to British Uniforms – Greg Hurley will look at the the British troops that occupied Boston before during and up to the evacuation --  but from a clothing perspective.  What does their uniform tell of their specific function, their history and who they were?

1:45 - 2:15  Documenting your clothing - New England 1775

We’ll look at a couple different interpretations and review how to justify selections of fabric, style and accessories.  When someone asks you, "Why are you wearing "that"? .. you'll be able to document your choices.

2:30 -3:30 Breakout Sessions (concurrently run)

Newbie Clinic – See what you need to create an accurate kit for women.  Great for the new reenactress or someone who wants to make improvements to their current impression.

Making a dorset (thread) button – An easy way to make your present shirt more accurate by replacing a plastic or horn button with thread buttons.

Using props as an interpretive tools – Ever get tongue-tied when approached by a tourist?  Use a prop that you are familiar with as an ice breaker.  It’s amazing how a something you are carrying can create a teachable moment for a Park visitor.

Making simple repairs – Ok -- no more excuses for a missing button, blown out seam or hole in your breeches.  Learn to make some simple repairs that require no more than a needle and thread and a little bit of instruction.  

As always, the Hive is free of charge and all are welcome!  Any questions, please contact us at hiveworkshops@gmail.com

Hive II -- "All About Accessories" -- February 9th

Hive III -- "The Other Things - what we use and what we carry" -- March 2nd

Coming Soon -- First Workshop -- English Gown (February 8 & March 8)

Hive Preview: Season 2013-2014

Here in the Hive, we’re in the process of putting the finishing touches on this winter’s schedule of offerings and wanted to give you a sneak peek.  We’ll be kicking things off this season with a Hive dedicated to Battle Road.  The lectures and clinics will be focused on topics that will make us all better interpreters and hopefully teach us a few things we didn’t already know about what happened on April 19^th. We’ll also take a closer look at what goes on during the “tactical demonstration” so any of us can explain to our visitors what is going on out in the field.

February’s Hive will be all about accessories -- What items do you need to complete your outfit and how are they worn?  Does your collar get folded over your neck stock or not?  How do you get your handkerchief from bunching up?  What kind of jewelry is appropriate for your impression?  How the heck do I tie my neck cloth?  How can I make my wig look less shiny? We’ll cover a range of topics as well as include some practical hands-on sessions like fixing your gaiters so they fit properly and tricks to getting your wig to look more realistic.

In March, we’ll revisit some of the other things that make up a good impression and will continue our discussion on furniture, dishware, glassware and pottery.  We’ve noticed since last March’s presentations many of you have done a really good job in selecting great chairs and teapots!!!

So far the line up for workshops will include: Men’s drawers, clothing for young lads and girls, making a sacque back gown, and constructing a calash.  We’ll also be offering our annual clothing series for women starting in early December with stays following it up with an English gown workshop in January.  There’s also a bed gown workshop schedule for November.

Stay tuned for the full schedule www.thehiveonline.org -- coming soon!

Calling All Commanders!!!

What is it about this hobby and things starting with the letter B?  Bodices, Baggy Breeches, Beards.... Imagine how good we'd all look without this trifecta of terrible!  But it's only when we use another word, "BAN" as in banish, do standards really stick.  Which is why there hasn't been a bodice sighting at Battle Road in thirteen years.  Unfortunately, bans are very unpopular and nothing gets people's breeches in a bunch like the mere mention of the word.  Which is why I'm going to move on to the letter "C", as in Captain, Commander, Colonel.

Accuracy standards in this hobby are largely determined at the regimental or unit level and leadership plays a major role as to what direction a group goes in.  All of us have seen groups go from mediocre to marvelous when they elect captains who are driving the authenticity bus.

We can educate people, we can educate sutlers, but until the people in leadership positions in this hobby decide that they actually give a damn about what their female membership is wearing, things won't change.  And the bodice will persist until people who head up the umbrella organizations push for that change.

So I'm hereby putting out a call to my friends Bob Allegretto, Barry Greene, Tom DeLucco, as well as the others who hold important offices in the Continental Line, BAR, NWTA, and Living History Association.  I know that authenticity is very important to you and I also know that you can influence and educate the organizations you lead.  Now it's understood that these umbrella groups do not dictate the rules for each of your members but you can influence direction and encourage action when it comes to this issue.

So guys, will you help all of us move forward and help work to eliminate a garment that has no place at an 18th century reenactment? We're counting on you!