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The Grand
Illusion
By Diana Young
During my years of re-enacting we have seen many types of re-enactors. Here is a description of the five basic categories I have noticed.
1. "If they'd a had it they'd a used it." Sit around in modern clothes, have coolers, coleman stoves, plastic tarp or other modern conveniences visable at any time. Modern campgrounds are available for your use.
2. "It works!" Will use modern items if they think it will create the correct illusion. Many of us start in this group and usually end with a garage full of unusable items.
3. "The Realist" Scours the flea markets, antique stores, fabric stores, sutlers, and etc. looking for that perfect item to give the best impression possible. If you have anything modern it is out of sight at all times.
4. " The Purist" The person who recreates everything they possibly can to perfect their image. Unfortunately their standards are so high no one can meet them. Many times they become disillusioned and quit the hobby.
5. "The True Authentic" There aren't any!!!... They're all dead!
Remember, whether we call ourselves interpreter, re-enactor,
historian, or hobbiest, above all we are teachers. The
image we portray is the one the public receives. Let's work
on making it the correct one. If you are in doubt about
somethin, don't use it until you can verify it. It doesn't
have to be a huge investment all at once. Sometimes it
takes years to improve. No one is perfect, but let us try
to be the best we can.
The above article was taken from "Yesterday's Lady Volume. 2 No. 1 May/June 1997".
