How To Join

To join our group you need to contact our Membership Chairman Steve Betschart. He will schedule a face-to-face interview with the prospective member. Prospective recruits will complete a membership form, and upon acceptance will pay a one time $10 fee and annual dues of $17 for individual membership or $25 for a family.

As a members of 1st OVI you must also have current membership with Northwest Civil War Council if you intend to reenact in NCWC events. You must sign a liability waiver and pass a safety test before participating at these battle reenactments. Dues are $15 for individual or $30 for family.

The recruit is assigned a mentor to help them for the first year and given training information. This mentor will give advice on what to purchase and the best places to obtain uniforms and equipment. The mentor will also provide basic training in the School of the Soldier. If the new member is a civilian, contact will be made with experienced civilian reenactors to give advice on clothing production and persona development.

If you are interested in doing a Civilian impression please read the guidelines posted here.

Equipment

Due to the nature of the 1st Oregon Volunteer Infantry and the 20th Maine Co. A Volunteer Infantry's activities, authentic and accurate uniforms and dress are a necessity. For the most part, all items are available from a commercial sutlers. Care must be taken however to ensure that the items purchased are of a correct pattern and are of a high quality. Recommended sutler resources are available in the LINKS section. An initial investment is required to start, but purchase of good quality items will ensure that items last through many years of campaigning. New recruits are welcome and encouraged to seek the guidance of seasoned reenactors, who can refer and help the new recruit in the purchasing of their uniform and equipment.

Required basic outfit:

These items constitute the basic outfit, which should be acquired initially:

- Boot socks, gray wool.
- Trousers, sky blue foot pattern kersey wool
- Forage cap, blue wool. Kepi is acceptable.
- Sack coat, dark blue, 4 button.
- Suspenders, linen or cotton, no elastic.
- Shirt, period cut and style.
- Brogans, square-toed, rough out army bootees.
- Waist belt, with brass keeper.
- Plate, waist belt, oval "US".
- Cap box, US pattern.
- Cartridge box, US 1855 pattern.
- Plate, cartridge box sling, round eagle.
- Canteen, sky blue, sooth side.
- Haversack, black canvas US style.
- Gum Blanket, rubberized canvas.
- Tin plate, period style.
- Tin cup, period style, soldered bottom best.
- Rifle-musket, 3-band Enfield or 1861 Springfield.
- Bayonet and scabbard.

Optional basic uniform and equipment items:

These items are a few of the more desirable extra items that will be used frequently at most activities.

- Greatcoat, sky blue foot pattern.
- Tent, period military "Dog" or "A" style.
- Vest, military cut, dark blue wool.
- Knapsack, early 1851 canvas double-bag.
- Blanket, gray wool with black end stripes & "US".
- Frockcoat, wool dress coat, blue piping.
- Hardee Hat, enlisted dress hat with trimmings.
- Sling, Rifle musket, russet, period pattern.