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THIRD MICHIGAN VOLUNTEER INFANTRY COMPANY F
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When someone is interested in becoming a Civil War reenactor, the first three questions usually are: How much does it cost? What is my time commitment? What do people who are in the hobby say about it? How much does it cost? Not everyone starting out in reenacting has a thousand dollars to buy a new uniform and equipment. Somtimes, buying used uniforms and equipment can save forty to fifty percent or more off of the original cost. When starting out, veteran members and our unit will loan new members the uniforms and equipment they need until they have everything they need - which could take up to two years. Note: uniforms and equipment make great birthday and Christmas presents. The prices below are for new uniforms and equipment and don't forget to shop around! First items that a new member should purchase are the parts of the basic uniform:
The next items that should be purchased are:
And, finally, the musket (Enfield or Springfield) will run you $450 - $500. Please, always buy directly from a sutler or someone that you know so that you can examine it and know it works properly and not "nicked up." Avoid purchasing over the Internet or through the mail. That's the basics. Then you can start adding things like a blanket, poncho, shelter tent, cooking equipment, backpack, etc. as needed. The Third Michigan recommends the following suttlers: Link to more suttlers. Always check a sutlers references if unsure, or if you have not done business with them before! The Time Commitment The 3rd Michigan Co. F recognizes that Civil War reenacting is a "hobby." A person's family, job, and physical./mental well being are to be prioritized by each member. We would love to see every member at every event, but totally understand that's an impossibility. We have monthly business meetings and drill (attendance is not mandatory, however, attendance is appreciated by the leadership). Each year, members vote on the upcoming events that will be considered "maximum efforts" by the group. A typical year usually includes one weekend event per month (March through October). There might be a few parades and living history events included for variety. Some members may also choose to attend (as an individual or with a group) large, national reenactments when they are held. Many times, members can only attend for a day or part of a day. Any level of participation is appreciated and encouraged. It is our hope that new members will enjoy the hobby and be at events as often as possible. Several of our veteran members have been in the hobby for 15 - 20 years. The secret to their longevity (other then keeping their heads down) is not to get "burned out." Treat reenacting as a hobby, not a job. It's about the people you meet and the time shared together more than anything. Over half of our members enjoy the hobby as a family (Dad, Mom, and the kids). It can be a great time to be together! In conclusion, to dispel any myths about reenacting: The Third Michigan is not connected with any political, religious, or special interest groups. We are NOT part of the Michigan Militia. We are a group of people who enjoy studying the Civil War - through reenactments and living histories. We regard reenacting as a hobby - It's meant to be fun! Testimonials Dan Penny, reenactor for almost 20 years. My name is Dan Penny. My "hobby" - Civil War reenacting. Since 1988, I have been part of an increasing number of people, young and old, male and female, who have discovered that escaping into the past is a unique, educational, fun, and rewarding experience. My interest in the Civil War dates back to the Civil War centennial years of the 1960's. I visited many of the battlefields during the years my brother-in-law worked at the Pentagon (1963-64). In college, I majored in History, though most of my professional career in education has been as a guidance counselor. For many years, I only read Civil War books. It wasn't until 1983 that I first met some reenactors. Immediately I thought, "This is cool." I knew then that I would eventually join up. During the next couple of years, family (2 sons), and a career move, got in the way. Finally, in 1988, on the eve of the 125th Gettysburg Reenactment, I decided that I couldn't wait any longer. Memories of my first event (12,000 reenactors!) will always be with me. However, each and every year there are memories of battles, campfires, baseball games, first-person impressions, movies, school presentations, parades, etc... but the number one thing I have enjoyed is the people! Through this hobby, I have met all kinds of people: young, old, white collar/blue collar, liberal/conservative, rich and poor. The neatest thing is that when we reenact, none of those things really matter! We are there because we enjoy reliving Civil War history in our unique fashion. We joke with each other and we teach each other. I have learned more "Civil War History" from being around other reenactors then I have learned from reading books. The Third Michigan Company F of Grand Rapids has grown and evolved into one of the best organized, best lead reenacting groups in the state of Michigan. I am looking forward to continued years of growth and new friendships. John and Jackie Vohlken, reenactors for three years We are the Vohlken's, John & Jackie, and we have been reenacting for 3 years. We have been interested, and involved, in the Civil War in various ways for many years, including being members of the Grand Rapids and Holland-Zeeland Civil War Round Tables. Our membership in the 3rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Company F came about as a result of our growing interest in the Civil War and many friends who were already reenactors. Since joining, we've had a lot of fun and made a lot more friends than we ever did in any other hobby. Our knowledge and appreciation of what the common soldiers and civilians would have lived through has grown tremendously. The weekend events are something we have come to look forward to and are truly disheartened when we have to miss an event. The group has become like family to us. As reenactors in the 3rd Michigan, we have a lot of fun, but we also take this very seriously, in that we are trying to be period correct as is possible. This carries over not in just what we wear, but the equipment we use, and our manner and etiquette. Getting the military drill correct is also important. So even though this does take some dedication, we would not have it any other way. In closing, we recommend to anyone with an interest in the Civil War, that they give reenacting a try. For us it has been time well spent and the comradery is exceptional. Sound interesting?!?! Stop by one of our meetings at the Armory on 44th Street or stop by one of our scheduled events to talk to one of us or see us in action! If you would like to speak to a recruiter, please feel free to contact anyone on the list below and they will be happy to help you and talk to you about our hobby.
Recruiters
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MEMBERS ONLY LINKS Forum
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