Hodge Podge

    According to Wikipedia a hodge podge is " a word used to describe a confused or disorderly mass or collection of things; a 'mess' or a 'jumble.'" 

    I would like to present a hodge podge of images from my Saturday at the Civil War reenactment. 

    Reenacting. It's not just for adults.

    I like close ups of the gear. Here you can see his knife, belt buckle and bayonet.

    An officer shouts commands to his troops. Most officers eventually sent their swords home for safe keeping, preferring instead to carry more useful weapons such as revolvers or rifles.

    I was surprised to learn that wooden canteens were common, especially among the Confederate troops. Any areas that leaked were sealed with bee's wax.

    Even the metal canteens had cork stoppers.

    The blacksmith made this grill so that it disassembled into many long pieces. It was then easy to pack for transport on a wagon.

    

    My research assistant, otherwise known as my daughter, found all sorts of explanations on the internet for the upside down US belt buckles. Some sources say that the practice, while common during reenactments, may not have commonly occurred in history. 

    Even the most devoted reenactor needs a cold Pepsi on a hot day.

    For a calendar of events commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Civil War in the state of North Carolina go to www.nccivilwar150.com.