| The Official Newsletter of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein. Published monthly, or whenever I get around to it. Any opinions contained herein are strictly my own, as are any typographical errors. For external use only - but you may read this inside. Entire contents copyright 1997 by Paula Peterka, unless otherwise noted or authored. Yeah, like you'd WANT to steal anything out of here! Please keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle until the ride comes to a full and complete stop. No eating, drinking, smoking, and especially no flash photography. |
| Volume 4 | Issue 3 |
April 1, 1997 | |
There were two horrid glaring errors in last month's issue that the editorial staff would like to take this opportunity to correct. Both of them were contained in the article entitled "Basic Landsknecht Info". Question 11 asked about units of money and coinage. The symbol for schilling was incorrectly listed as "d". It is actually "s". It was listed correctly in the exchange rates, however.
To repeat this clearly: There are two main units of account, the Gold Gulden, and the Pound Sterling (£). There are no £ coins, but Gulden coins are called Florins, Guldens, or Guilders, depending on where they're from. The most common coins are the heller (hl), the pfennige (d), the schilling (s), the groschen (g), and the kreuzer (kz). The basic exchange rate, which can change based on inflation and other factors, is 2hl = 1d, 4d = 1 kr, 6d = 1s, 7.5d = 1 g. The old £ was worth 30d, but the coinage was revalued in the late fifteenth century, and the new £ = 120d, or 20s. The Gulden was worth 8 old £ and 12d, but prices and exchange rates rose during the sixteenth century as silver from the New World became more plentiful.
Question 7 asked "Who is Pope?". The correct answer is not "Clement VI, a bed-wetting de' Medici", but "Clement VII, a cross-dressing de 'Medici". This was pointed out to the staff by Stacey Haysler, also known as Lucia de' Medici di Rossetti, Duchessa di Palermo, Marchesa di Montepulciano e Montevideo, Conte di Montecatini, e Contessa di Cattafoglio di Toscana, who is his cousin, and should know.
Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion
TWO WEEK WARNING! (A little less than two weeks, actually.) Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion will take place April 12 & 13, 1996. Like Jamestown, this is a timeline event, and many of the groups who were at MTA will also come to MTT. MTT has no formal judging, however, and tends to be a little more relaxed.
Since this event is so much closer to us than MTA, it would be good if we had more members participating with us here than we did at Jamestown. The unit fielded 17 members and one guest at MTA, it would be wonderful if we could top that number for MTT! The meal fee for this event is $10.00 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch for both days. Dinner on Saturday night is on your own. We will probably head out to Wendy's or IHOP. Food money may be paid to Paula, or Kellie, or Drew, either in advance (which is preferable) or at the event.
Once again we will be at the site in advance, making physical improvements to our camp area. The site improvement work party will be held on Sunday, April 6, beginning at 10:00 am (don't forget that daylight savings time change). We will re-clear our area back into the woods, and re-build our lean-tos and dome shelters. These structures will be covered with fabric, and used to store items during the event. We will also rough-in the basic layout for this year's camp.
Actual camp set up will begin on Thursday, April 10, at 2:00 pm. Marietta will host local elementary school groups on the site on Friday, April 11 to promote the event to the community. Anyone who can come out on Thursday evening to help set up a few things, and then either stay over or comeback Friday morning to talk to the children, parents, and teachers would be appreciated. Larry will be doing so, and would like some help. Because of this, the site will be open practically all day on Friday for set up. You will also be allowed to come in early on Saturday morning, but all non-period items must be out of view by 9:00 am.
Although this event is not judged, we should still hold ourselves and the unit to the highest levels of historical accuracy. Therefore, if you know something is "farby", leave it at home. If you're unsure, bring it. There will be a camp inspection Saturday morning, and anything that doesn't pass muster will be removed from camp. This includes all aspects of your kit, including, weapons, tentage, and clothes. As Larry says, "If it ain't period, it ain't here!"
What has thirty four tired feet, smells like smoke, and earned the highest peer award that Military Through the Ages has to offer? US!! Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein took First Place in the Reenactor's Choice category at this year's Military Through the Ages, which took place at the Jamestown Settlement on March 15 & 16.
The unit fielded seventeen people: Mike Amos, Barchan, Andy and Beth Bradshaw, Kender Green, Don Haithcock, Kellie Hendley, Anna Hoppman, Drew Jones, Bob Kriner, Larry and Paula Peterka, Rob Spencer, Linda Taggart, Jennifer and Lauren Wadford, and Kim White. This matched the number of participants the unit had last year at this event, but was unfortunately nowhere near the number of people who had originally indicated that they were coming.
Winning the First Place Reenactor's Choice Award was a great thrill, and as it comes from our reenacting peers, means more in some ways than the awards in categories judged by museum staff and curators. At an event that showcases reenactment units representing everything from the XX Roman Legion and the Iron Age Celts through the Vietnam War and the current National Guard, it is indeed an honor to be chosen by them as the best unit on the field. We owe thanks not only to our peers who voted for us, but to our friends who campaigned for us, and to our members who have dedicated themselves to pursing our group goals. We should remind ourselves, however, that we do not do this to win awards, but rather to educate and entertain both ourselves and the public, and, primarily, to have fun. Above all else, we should not rest on our laurels, because we all know areas in which we can continue to improve.
We entered the cooking, tactical, clothing, and general camp environment competitions again this year. Competition is always very tight, and a few judges had to be reminded that grabbing peoples' personal effects without permission in order to judge them is unacceptable. Ours was not the only camp that had judges rummaging through women's baskets or unceremoniously grabbing at soldier's pouches. Even so, they all remarked at how well we were doing, and that we had improved over last year. The score sheets bear this out, the unit having picked up a point or two in each area of competition. It is also interesting to note that for the past two years, the judges' comments reflect different concerns than the previous years' , which indicates that we took care of the problems they pointed out each year, and then they found new ones (with a few notable exceptions).
They gave us score sheets for the four areas in which we competed.
As in the past two years, we received our highest score in the Unit Demonstration competition. We received 43 points out of a possible 50, which was up three points from last year, and down one point from the first year. We received 10 of 10 points for adhering to safety regs, and beginning and ending the demo on time (10 pts last year, 9 pts the first year), with the comment "followed all regulations." We received 4 of 5 points for degree of difficulty (4 pts last year, 5 pts the first), with the comment "practiced demo using pikes, drums, and specialty weapons." We received 10 of 10 points (7 last year, 8 the first for the historical accuracy of the drill and activities, with the comments "very accurate - used german, drum."
The historical and contextual accuracy of our equipment took 7 of 10 points (same as last year, down from 10 the first year), with the judge commenting "shoes were a problem, readily apparent machine stitching, weapons good." (I want to know how they could spot machine stitches and modern soles from 45 feet away! -Ed.) For providing an effective interpretation and demonstration to visitors, we received 12 of 15 points (same as the last two years - at least we're consistent!), because the judges "appreciated invitation to visit camp, good explanations, answered questions from crowd, placed military in socio-political context."
Our next highest score was for the General Camp: 38 out of 50 points (we took 37 pts last year, and 36 pts the first year - Hey, it's an improvement!). The historical and contextual accuracy of our camp, including equipment, appearance, materials, clothing, layout, etc., earned 7 of 10 points (7 last year, 8 the first), for having "modern pottery, barrel hoopes (sic), wine bottle brass grommets, screws & bolts." For high level or accurate interpretation to visitors we received 12 of 15 points (11 last year, 12 the first year): "nice job & fun, make you feel the threat - more organization & context needed." Last year's comments were similar: "very good - need more organized & structured activities for public interaction nice characters, good knowledge & made us feel welcome - thank you."
For anachronistic materials present in the camp, we received 7 out of 10 points (last year we first took 5 out of 10 points, but then the number was scribbled out and changed to 6, the first year was a 7, scribbled out, and changed to a 6), and the comments: "mode machine stitched, shoes had modern sole, fasteners - modern axe handle." For the degree of difficulty in presenting our camp, we received 7 out of 10 points, (8 pts last year, 10 pts the first year - I wonder how it keeps getting easier?), with the comment "clothing nice." Lastly, we received 5 of 5 points (5 pts last year, 2 the first) for adhering to all safety regulations: "good job."
Our next area of competition was in Individual Dress, where we received 37 points out of 50 possible (up from 37 last year, and 31 the first year). We received 5 points out of 5 (4 last year, 1 the first) for historical documentation but still "need textile documentation", and 6 points out of 10 (6 last year, 7 previously) for historically correct textile, trim, cut line, and silhouette, with the rather unspecific comments "? type of lace on handkerchief, nice details, ? construction men's garment." We received 6 points out of 10 (7 last year. 5 the first year) for historically correct construction and construction techniques. there were no specific comments in the space provided, but underneath in the margins, the judge had written "X3 examples- (a reference, I believe to my statement about members needing 3 examples from primary sources for each clothing item -Ed.) ? wool underskirt (? fingernails." We took 8 of 10 points (7 last year, 8 the first) for historically correct use of accessories and accouterments, with the comment "great square hats but where is your documentation/.." We received 12 of 15 points (12 last year, 10 the first) for degree of difficulty, with no comments. Representing the unit in this competition were Kender (Lisel), Mike (Heinrich), and Paula (Anjabeth).
Our last area of competition was Camp Cooking, where we received 34 points out of 50 possible (34 points last year, 30 points last year). This year's cooking competition was a different, with the judging panel consisting of three volunteers from non-competing units. We received 33 points from one judge, 34 from another, and 36 from the last, making our average score actually 34.33. The judging criteria was slightly different this year, because of the change in judging styles.
Historical documentation, and use of historically correct equipment, ingredients, and preparation were not categories this year, but for a consistently high level of interpretation maintained during the meal's preparation, we received an 8, , a six scribbled out and changed to an 8, and a 9 scribbled out and changed to 7, with the comment "shaky start." All the categories were scored on a 1 to 10 point scale. Last year we received 10 of 15 points in this category, and 12 of 15 the previous year. In the category of food appearance, we received a 6, a 6, and a 7. We received a 5, a 6, and an 8 for the food's taste. For the last two years, the category was of taste and appearance being pleasant, similar to the documentation, and correct for having been prepared over an open fire. We received 9 of 10 points year, and 8 of 10 the previous year. We took 7's from all three judges for degree of difficulty (10 of 10 points last year, 6 the first year), and an overall rating of 7's from each of the judges.
The best comments however, came from the people for whom we really do all this hard work: the people who visit our camp and enjoy our interpretation. The public seemed to be very impressed, and quite a few people remarked that they enjoyed our camp, and/or thought ours was the best. We gave a very good performance for our third year: we improved in most areas, and the judges critiques once again covered different points than they did last year. From the Board of Directors and the Landskonnections staff: Congratulations, and thank you again for all of your hard work.
The meal fee for this event was $10.00 per person. Those of you who have STILL not paid for this (and some of you for WINTER CAMPAIGN!!) please turn your money into Drew as soon as possible (or he will hunt you down and use you to break in his new "Mongo" Mallet!).
It's that time of year again! Our beloved Chief Financial Officer, Drew, has requested that all members pay their yearly dues by April 30. By May 31, the membership lists will be revised, and anyone who hasn't paid their dues will be dropped from membership, unless they have made prior arrangements. They will also be dropped from the mailing list. This will not affect anyone on the "Friends" list who receives complimentary issues (although it would be nice if you kicked a few bucks our way, to help pay for stamps), or those who pay for newsletter subscriptions only. Paying your dues keeps your membership current, supports the unit, and entitles you to all rights and privileges of membership. Dues are $20.00 for individuals, $30.00 for families, and $5.00 for newsletter subscriptions.
Tanning Your Hide by Bob Wilson (Rudolph Narvik)
Leather has an interesting history. From its first references in the bible (...and he clad them in skins from animals...) to the present, we have found many uses for it. How a useless skin becomes the final product of leather is accomplished in a number of ways. We will explore some of the more popular methods below.
The American Indian is credited with the use of animal brain(s) to tan leather. The skin was stretched, dried and then all traces of meat and tissue were removed by scraping. The hair was then scraped off, and the hide rubbed with abrasive material to break down the outside skin layer of skin.
After the skin was thus prepared, the brain(s) were added to water that was at a low boil, and simmered for an hour or so. After the brain solution was ready, the hide was covered with this solution, and as the hide softened, the solution was then worked into the entire hide. As it dried after this treatment, it was worked over a piece of wood to "break" the fibers.
A smokey fire was then built, and the hide exposed to this smoke until darkened, and then reversed. This could take up to two hours. The smoke contained creosote (or related chemicals) which preserved it, and prevented the brain oils from washing out in the rain. The finished product was highly water repellant.
Another method used only in the past 400 years is chemical tanning, the most popular of which is "chrome tanning," so called for the chromium sulfate which is a major ingredient. This process usually takes no more than seven days from start to finish, but if time factors are present, may be extended a few days.
After all unneeded tissues are removed the hair may or may not be removed. The hide I had at the Maryland RenFest was chrome tanned, with the hair still on it. A popular de-hairing compound uses hydrated lime, and the hide soaks in it for three days, after which the hair becomes loose and falls off. The lime is the neutralized for one day in a weak acid, acetic or boric acid is used.
The scraped and prepared hide (either haired or hairless) is then soaked in the chromium sulfate solution for three days. After this, the leather is rinsed for period of about 2-3 hours in order to remove as much tanning solution from it as possible. At this point a color decision is made, since the skin is naturally an off-white color, and chromium sulfate is a green color, and at this point the leather is not a pretty color (looks like death warmed over.) The leather may be dyed with prepared clothing dye.
The final step in chrome tanning is known by a few names: "fat-lacquer","fat-liquor","oil","tan-oil", and others. This is the addition of oils to preserve and protect the leather, a very crucial step. After this oil is added, it become difficult to dye the leather darker because the oil impedes the dye. As the leather dries from this step, it is run across a board or bath tub edge to break the fibers as is done in brain tanning.
So what's a Sixteenth centarian to do? Brain tanning is a New World innovation, and chrome tanning is a modern process. The method used most often in our time period is the oldest method known, Vegetable Tanning. The skin gradually takes on a light to dark tan color due to plant products used. This is the method of leather preparation that gives us the general term of tanning of leather.
This process can take up to six months, depending on the thickness of the leather (thicker takes longer). One recipe calls for 20 pounds of oak bark chips, covered with water and simmered for 2 days, with water being added to replace that which boiled away. This is full strength recipe, and can be halved using 10 pounds of chips or quartered with 5. It may also be doubled by preparing 20 pounds of chips as above, removing the chips, and repeating with 20 more pounds.
After skin has been cleaned (fleshed), and hair removed (or not) it is placed in quarter strength solution for a period of no less than three weeks. Practice will tell when it is done at this step. Half strength will be next for a time roughly equal to the first. This is then followed by full, and then double strength solutions.
A compound made from the hooves of animals, boiled and simmered for many hours is used as a final preservative, or oiling step. Some may recognize this as a form of neatsfoot oil. The leather is then broken over a smooth strong surface, as in the other two methods.
Cowhide is 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick, so to get thinner leather it was either scraped thin, or sliced, or later split, creating suedes. Another option for thinner leather was simply to use a thinner skinned animal. Elk, deer and rabbit yield some wonderful garment weight hides.
When purchasing leather ready-made, you will encounter the term "ounces" in reference to thickness. Some time back, a square foot of leather was weighed, the thickness recorded, and this became a basis of measurement. An ounce is roughly equal to 1/64", but due to leather being of inconsistent thickness, it usually measured as 5-6 oz, 6-7 oz, or some variation of thicknesses.
Leather is priced by the square foot and sold as it comes off the animal. A complex formula is used to derive the square footage of these irregular pieces. If using a pattern that calls for so many yards of fabric, simply take the yardage, multiply by 11.25, and then add 15% of this final number to compute the necessary square feet of leather used. Example: 3 yards of material, * 11.25 equals 33.75 add 15% of this number (5.06) shows a need of 38.81 square feet of leather, 38.8 is close enough, 40 is better.
Happy leathering!
To Marietta Mansion: Take 495 to 450 East, and get into the left lanes. Continue on 450, and turn left at route 193. Turn left at the first available turn, just past the brown Historic Marker, onto Bell Station Road. Turn left into the first driveway, and park/unload where indicated.
Members and Friends of the Fähnlein
. . .will be included in the next issue due to space restrictions. It will include all dues paying members, newsletter subscribers, and friends of the unit. (So be included, Pay your Dues!!)