Dos and Don’ts

 

 

Things to leave in the car

  1. Wrist watches
  2. Heavy bead work
  3. Neck wear that is obviously 20th century
  4. Modern jewelry
  5. Cameras:  Unless you are very discrete – look around for the public – ask the person you want to photograph – keep the camera in your haversack until the last possible minute.
  6. Texas stars:  We werem’t Texas yet.
  7. Anything Civil war that is obviously civil war:  canteens, belts, cartridge boxes
  8. Belt plates, etc.
  9. Belt loops
  10. Zippers/Velcro
  11. Sunglasses (unless you have syphilis)
  12. Obvious elastic

 

Things to consider while here

  1. Cover inauthentic items in camp
  2. Strive for period eyewear where possible
  3. Minimum camp furniture:  But, bring a period char:  We get snotty about folks taking ours (just a warning)
  4. Avoid taking on a persona that has not been assigned to you:  You are not Travis unless one of the coordinators tells you that you are.
  5. Avoid using cigarettes and lighters in front of the public (if you use cigs, PICK THEM UP – toss them in a fire or the trash)
  6. No interaction between Mexican and Texian camps: Exception – if emergency, contact the camp commander of your camp.  They will find a way to do this without disrupting the event.
  7. Avoid profanity (you never know whose listening).  Look around.  See who’s there.
  8. Be accurate when interacting with the public (if you don’t know, say so).  Ask a buddy.  Refer them to someone you know can help.
  9. Be on time for formations.  This helps the program A LOT.
  10. If you know more than the guy commanding you (and you might), keep your helpful hints until the present drill, skirmish, or whatever is over.  They will certainly listen and appreciate the information, but not in the middle of the action.  Exception:  If they turn to the group wild eyed and say, “What the heck is the command for this????”  Tell them.
  11. SAFETY ALWAYS – WE HAVE A BUNCH OF SAFETY RULES THAT MIGHT SEEM ODD TO YOU.  SOME COME FROM THE STATE, SOME FROM THE PRESIDIO, SOME FROM EXPERIENCE.  GO AHEAD AND FOLLOW THEM AND THEN QUESTION THEM LATR.  THERE IS ALMOST ALWAYS A REAL REASON FOR THEM.