celtic confederate jackets worm with kilts

[Lallans]

Here in Canada we only get to see US Civil War reenactments either as a matter of luck or of good management; in my case it would be the former. But recalling the great book Confederates In The Attic, I seem to remember that there are degrees of historical accuracy, as indeed there are in all things, some lesser and some greater until you get to the point where you're actually living in the mid-1800s, but of course only according to your conception of them... my point being that noone really knows what was or is entirely accurate, especially with the Confederates who didn't have the big Northern industrial machine behind them and were a lot more catch-as-catch-can in the matter of dress. And surely if they often didn't have uniforms or even footwear, anything is possible?

I state all this as my impression, being an ignorant foreigner in this regard and not, you know, wanting to get in the middle of any family fights.

[macwilkin]

Here in Canada we only get to see US Civil War reenactments either as a matter of luck or of good management; in my case it would be the former. But recalling the great book Confederates In The Attic, I seem to remember that there are degrees of historical accuracy, as indeed there are in all things, some lesser and some greater until you get to the point where you're actually living in the mid-1800s, but of course only according to your conception of them... my point being that noone really knows what was or is entirely accurate, especially with the Confederates who didn't have the big Northern industrial machine behind them and were a lot more catch-as-catch-can in the matter of dress. And surely if they often didn't have uniforms or even footwear, anything is possible?

I state all this as my impression, being an ignorant foreigner in this regard and not, you know, wanting to get in the middle of any family fights.

Unfortunately, this sort of logic is used to justify a lot of very "farby" items in personal kit in the Civil War reenacting community. While your points are technically correct, as I mentioned, in NPS living history we were taught to portray the "average" in our period; in this case, the simple question "Was the kilt an "average" garment in 19th century America, specifically the Southern states?" applies -- Ockham's razor would provide the answer: no.

And yes, whilst the South did not have the industry and manufacturing that the North did, that doesn't mean they had none at all. Southern factories did turn out everything from uniforms to copies of Northern weapons, but obviously not at the rate Northern ones did.

And finally, there were a number of Canadians who did serve in the American Civil War; the Sons of Union Veterans is actually working on a memorial to them at present.

T.

[piperdbh]

Let's see if the OP jumps back in and gives any more insight of how/why he's wanting to mix his wardrobe.

[greenfordranger]

Reece, wear your shell jacket as you see fit my friend & dismiss what others may advise because when it comes down to it, you're the one that will answer the questions when they're asked. If others would like to have their opinions on how things should be worn then more power to them. When I'm involved in a parade or ceremony w/the SCV I wear what I wear to Honor my Heritage. Why does one wear a kilt made from their clan tartan? To Honor their Heritage!!! At least that's how I see it.

[macwilkin]

Reece, wear your shell jacket as you see fit my friend & dismiss what others may advise because when it comes down to it, you're the one that will answer the questions when they're asked. If others would like to have their opinions on how things should be worn then more power to them. When I'm involved in a parade or ceremony w/the SCV I wear what I wear to Honor my Heritage. Why does one wear a kilt made from their clan tartan? To Honor their Heritage!!! At least that's how I see it.

It always makes the heart sad to see someone suggest a viewpoint should be dismissed simply because it disagrees with their opinion. While I certainly respect your desire to honour your heritage, since I am apart of three organisations that honour and perpetuate the memory of Northern Civil War & Spanish-American War soldiers, as an educator and a former NPS ranger, I was taught that the ultimate honour of those with no voice to make sure I was as accurate as possible.

T.

[Lallans]

{snip.}

And finally, there were a number of Canadians who did serve in the American Civil War; the Sons of Union Veterans is actually working on a memorial to them at present.

T.

That I did know, in fact I had quite a few ancestors who fought in it (I refuse to say on which side). Most went 'down' from Canada but one started in the USA, came out severely disabled with what is now known as PTSD, and moved to Canada seeking to get as far away from the other side as possible. From family accounts, that didn't work out very well for him and he was a little dangerous to be around if there were sudden loud noises.... but anyway Ted, can you tell me more about the proposed memorial you mention?

[macwilkin]

That I did know, in fact I had quite a few ancestors who fought in it (I refuse to say on which side). Most went 'down' from Canada but one started in the USA, came out severely disabled with what is now known as PTSD, and moved to Canada seeking to get as far away from the other side as possible. From family accounts, that didn't work out very well for him and he was a little dangerous to be around if there were sudden loud noises.... but anyway Ted, can you tell me more about the proposed memorial you mention?

http://www.suvcw.org/CanadianMonumen...anMonument.htm

[Lallans]

http://www.suvcw.org/CanadianMonumen...anMonument.htm

Thanks, I'll pass that on to some family members who'll be thrilled for sure. For the Union boys anyway.

[Mike_Oettle]

Hi, Reece, and welcome to X Marks from the bottom end of Africa.
As for your Civil War, I had better keep my mouth shut. We have enough trouble in this country about the Boer War!
Regards,
Mike

[BoldHighlander]

I, too, am not bent out of shape.

I'm not so sure....case in point:

How does one "Honor your Heritage" by wearing an outfit was never a part of one's collective tradition? That is exactly the opposite of the intended purpose - a fact that seems to be dismissed because one simply wants to make a statement. Look up "honor" and then look up "heritage" and you'll find that this hodge-podge of an outfit doesn't fit the bill.

hmmmm....

But we wouldn't encourage anyone to wear any other non-Highland attire with a kilt - even, or perhaps especially, from the Victorian era. In fact we discourage it.

Who's this "we" you speak of?
The kilt police?

May I see your badge number?