Membership
Roles and Duties
Our unit, Locke’s Dismounted Militia, which was formed early in 1990 was named for militia Colonel Francis Locke who along with his company of North Carolina militia was very acive during the American Revolutionary War. Our unit began as a means for people in our area to be able to participate in the re-enactment of the “Battle at Colson’s” which originally took place on July 21st, 1780 near what is now Norwood, N.C..
Our purpose is centered around living history and as a whole we consider ourselves to be 18th Century history educators. We do participate in several “battle re-enacments” each year and enjoy doing them which is in itself another tool that we use to educate the public.
The main persona of our organization is centered around the militia and it’s very important role in everyday life of the period which includes both the French & Indian and Revolutionary Wars. We are able to set up a pretty impressive camp for such a young organization and travel to several states to take part in living history events. We are very proud of our membership which includes such crafts as scrimshaw, cabinetmaking, cordwaining, blacksmithing and cooking over open fires just to mention a few. We encourage the development of crafts among our members which does not need to be an elaborate demonstration such as those previously mentioned. Simply cleaning a weapon the 18th Century way or molding musket or rifle balls would be good examples of easy demonstrations.
We work very hard at giving a realistic view into 18th Century life and it is an Honor to be invited to sites and events to teach people about our American history and how it began.
Our alternate persona is that of Kingsbury’s Independent North Carolina Artillery Company. This persona is entirely optional so no-one in the unit is required to participate. North Carolina was the only state to have an independent artillery company which was part of the Continental Army. The North Carolina Artillery Company served with General George Washington’s Continental Army for over two years, and was at Valley Forge and the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse among others. It was then sent South to help defend Charleston, S.C. and was surrendered with General Benjamin Lincoln’s Southern Army. At the time of this writing we have among our members, two 3 pounder field cannon, and a CoeHorn Mortar. It is much preferred that new members acquaint themselves with the militia persona and it’s military drill before becoming part of the artillery company. At some events we serve as militia artillery but this is not part of the Continental artillery we portray. At the events we currently do at Colonial Williamsburg we portray the North Carolina Artillery.
Individuals interested in becoming a part of our organization should know the following. There is an annual dues of $8.00 per family which is due upon joining and thereafter due each year at the time of our annual meeting. These dues pay for the newsletter you will receive approximately every quarter. At each event, if you are going to eat what is cooked over the fire, there is a camp fee of $10.00 per adult & children under 16 years of age eat free. This covers one breakfaT (Sunday) and two lunches (Saturday and Sunday). Most sites feed us a Saturday evening meal but in the event they do not, add $2.00 per adult only. These camp fees must be returned to me one week prior to the event along with the attendance form you will receive in the newsletter. The Saturday morning meal, since it is difficult to know if participants are arriving Friday evening or Saturday morning, you are expected to provide for yourselves. You are always welcome to use unit owned cooking equipment to prepare this meal as long as the equipment is used properly and cleaned promptly afterward, any Ladies interested in getting involved in the open fire cooking can do so. Since these Ladies spend much of their time over & around the fire, it is required that the men who eat, wash the dishes, pots & pans.
If after reading the enclosed information you feel that you are interested in becoming a part of our organization, contact the unit and you will receive a roster sheet to fill out & sign. I encourage prospective and new members to visit a few events, visit our camp and talk to our members before purchasing any clothing and/or equipment. This hobby can gobble up a lot of funds if you allow it to, so you want to be sure to purchase the correct items the first time, since not all sutlers are honest in their depiction of period items. Then as time goes on, you can personalize your accoutrements, appearance and persona.
If you want to be a part of the N.C. Artillery, you will receive a separate sheet to sign describing the required uniform which is interchangeable for use as militia clothing. However militia clothes are not necessarily appropriate for use as artillery. This should be verified by myself or one of our NCOs.
I would advise that unless you are well versed in 18th Century fabrics, you send me a sample of material preferably before purchase but at least before you make any clothes. If you do not have anyone to make your clothes, review the “Links” web-page for on-line sources where they can be purchased.
One more item must be mentioned. We are a family oriented organization and encourage the participation of the whole family if they are so inclined. Excessive drinking of alcohol or any use of any other controlled substances in camp, that are not by prescription ,WILL NOT be tolerated.
Also cursing or swearing around the Ladies and/or Children WILL NOT be tolerated. If these issues are not suitable to you, I would suggest that maybe we are not the unit for you.
Thank you for your interest in our organization!