114th INFANTRY REGIMENT
ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS
REACTIVATED
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114th INFANTRY REGIMENT ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS REACTIVATED |
SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY
During
the Civil War, civilians on both sides of the conflict banded together
to support their fighting
men
in a variety of ways. Northern and Southern women were joined in this
effort by men unable to join the army because of age or infirmity.
Together the civil relief groups provided clothing (socks, shirts,
shoes), blankets, food (baked goods or home canned/dried meat and
fruits), reading and writing materials, and medical supplies. Our
Soldiers' Aid Society participates in a variety of events with the men
of
the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Reactivated.
At the Lincoln Tomb Flag Retreat ceremony we mingle with the audience, welcoming the visitors and answering questions. At Civil War reenactments we talk with visitors, demonstrate 19th century crafts, perform tableaux vivants, help with the cooking, and enjoy ourselves!
We welcome civilian participation both male and female. While many of the women are the wives of men of the 114th, there is no partnership requirement. If you are interested please contact us.
The
Soldiers' Aid Society stages a Tableau Vivant.
During the Civil War, these “living pictures” were a common and
popular form of entertainment. The “actors’ do not speak or move.
Instead, wearing appropriate costumes, they “strike a pose.” These poses
of the tableaux vivants
often
represent a famous painting or historic scene. Our tableaux
vivants are patriotically
themed, the one pictured here illustrates a
poem calling young men to duty.
Period balls offer a chance to
experience a more gracious aspect of life
during the Civil War.
In
addition to nursing the sick and wounded, women’s duties included
reading to bed-ridden and writing letters home for those who could not
write their own.
Period crafts such as knitting are demonstrated by many of the women.
Others are just learning these skills. According to historic records,
many women learned to knit socks to help their loved ones in the army.