116th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
Company D
(Southern California - Reenactor)
Mission Statement
Company D is dedicated to authentic representation of the following impressions:
Military Company
Company D fields a well-trained Infantry unit comprised of officers, non-commissioned officers, musicians, and riflemen in the ranks. In camp, the company establishes a properly equipped field headquarters and a company street of tents and campaign-style shelters. Company D is committed to an accurate 1863 portrayal of Union Army of the Potomac soldiers, equipment, and their personas. While not accomplishing military duties and training, Co. D personnel in camp engage in casual activities ranging from writing letters to playing Civil War-era music and games.
Civilian Camp
Company D has an award-winning civilian component comprised of men and women re-enactors. Members are prepared to offer tours of a camp comprised of period tents, equipage, and occupants who reflect various economic levels found in 19th Century communities. Visitors to the camp are escorted by docents in persona. Our civilians are dedicated to keeping their camp area, personal attire and activities period correct. Each civilian is expected to develop a historical persona, and is prepared to remain in character during public hours at events. Personas include a laundress, schoolteachers, merchants, soldier's wives, and wealthy city-dwellers performing charity work for the Union Army. Our female civilians fill their in-camp hours with activities such as leading children's games, socializing at teas, discussing period events and literature, and performing typical "women's work" such as quilting, candle-making and needlework. Male civilians engage in activities typical of the era such as discussing politics. These activities are designed to provide Living History information to members of the public who may be interested in what life was like for civilians in the 1860's as well as military camps and skirmishes.
Regimental Field Hospital
The 116th Pennsylvania's two surgeons, pharmacist, and field hospital provide a medical presentation that is entertaining and accurate. Demonstrations include simulated "amputations" and field treatment of ill and wounded soldiers. The field hospital is well and authentically equipped and includes nursing assistants and medical stewards. Volunteer "victims" are provided from the military ranks of Co. D - - and sometimes even an unfortunate captured Confederate. This public-pleasing portrayal of 19th Century medical practices and techniques is always a crowd pleaser at events.
Field Kitchen
Company D possesses an appropriately equipped and realistic field kitchen. The kitchen is used to actually feed our troops and civilians at certain events as well as to provide the public with insight into the way soldiers were fed while in camp. At events where we cook, the kitchen attracts lots of public attention as members prepare authentic meals using period methods while soldiers accomplish "fatigue" duties such as fetching water and peeling potatoes.
Bull Frog Mess
Company D includes a "progressive" element for "authentic campaigners." At re-enactments, Bull Frog Mess members camp under conditions representative of the American Civil War era. The Bull Frog Mess also provides leadership and training to other unit military personnel.
