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 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 cannons, and a 1-pounder swivel gun. It is much preferred that new members acquaint themselves with the militia persona and its 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 are annual dues of $25.00 for an adult individual or $40.00 per family which is due upon joining and thereafter due each year at the time of our annual meeting. These dues help pay for the annual insurance and unit administrative fees. At each event, if you are going to eat what is provided by the unit kitchen, there is a camp fee of $30.00 per adult (children under 16 years of age eat free). This covers Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner and Sunday breakfast and lunch. Some sites feed us various meals and in the event they do, camp fees will be adjusted. These camp fees must be returned one week prior to the event. 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 this information you feel that you are interested in becoming a part of our organization, contact the unit and you will receive a membership package 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 confirm any material preferably before purchase but at least before you make any clothes. If you do not have anyone to make your clothes, we have a “Links” document 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.
Thank you for your interest in our organization!