CIVILIAN COSTUME Competition


Civilian Costume Events

The N-SSA is dedicated to preserving multiple facets of cultural history of the American Civil War, including the civilian clothing worn during the time.

Created to encourage historical research, this competition and the wearing and display of authentically reproduced garments, adds educational components for both the participants and general public alike.

The competition is open to anyone interested in civilian clothing worn during the years 1861-1865. With a 60 plus year history, the committee utilizes a scoring system aimed at awarding accuracy in research, construction, knowledge, and overall appearance.

In order to compete in competition, you need to be issued a competitor number, register according the established procedures and not have previously been barred from N-SSA activities.


148th National’s Costume Competition Winners

1st Place Ladies Semi-formal and The Delaney Award Winner

Seamstress Maryanne Greketis

Maryanne’s dress was a basic darted bodice with modified pagoda sleeves. It had correct construction techniques, including piping at the neckline, waist, and armscye, and the skirt was gauged. The dress was made of a lightweight navy-blue wool fabric with blue silk fabric facing on the cuffs and sleeve jockeys, and braided trim. The white collar and matching undersleeves were fine tucked and embroidered cotton batiste. The style and trim was inspired by fashion plates, original photos and color combinations found in existing garments. For accessories she chose a pumpkin-colored shirred silk bonnet with fall flower trim, antique cameo jewelry, brown leather gloves, orange wool laced boots, a wool paisley shawl, and a complete set of correct undergarments including a silk corset.

Special Project - 1st Place

Mary Deneau's special project for fall was a cage or covered crinoline. This is a cage crinoline made with double watch-spring steel hoops covered with cotton buckram, and attached to red and white striped cotton tapes with brass rivets. A white cotton cover, or bag, covers the last 4 hoops. It was attached with glass buttons, with handmade buttonholes and a ruffle on the bottom, as seen on originals shown last spring by Juanita Leisch Jensen. The cover helps keep it clean, can be removed for washing, and helps prevent your foot from going through the hoops, which helps prevent trips and falls.

Alyza Deneau - 1st Place Young Ladies In-Formal Dress

Alyza Deneau was wearing a red, white and blue striped cotton day dress for a teen. She was going to watch the soldiers march off to war and wore her patriot apron.  She also wore red and white striped knitted garters with blue tips which had little stars on them. She wore a straw hat for a young lady, square toe, side-laced shoes, gold Etruscan earrings, and had a blue silk bow with a small gold brooch. She carried a white handkerchief to wave at the soldiers. The dress was purchased from a seasoned competitor, and most of her underpinnings were on loan from the same competitor to show newcomers that you do not have to make your own dress, it just needs to be age and period appropriate.

Kasey Bowser - Matrons Best Visual Ladies and Elmer Venskoske Trophy

Kasey Bowser has the committee's admiration for the first time competition with three entries: her dress and her two daughter's dresses. Kasey's dress was a red, cotton, embossed fabric, sometimes called "dimity," appropriate for everyday wear..  We see that Kasey is ready for a day of work with her gingham apron and appropriate work shoes.  We hope to see more of Kasey's work in the future.

1st Place- Young Ladies Best Visual Award

Samantha Bowser was wearing a pink cotton dress, sporting a yoke bodice, with piping and a jeweled neckline. The skirt was attached to the bodice by the use of cartridge pleats.  Plus, the skirt had three growth tucks allowing for Samantha's future growth.  Her sun bonnet was an appropriate addition for play or work outdoors.

1st Place Children’s Best Visual Award

Scarlett Bowser wore a blue-green cotton dress with an infant style bodice, puffed sleeves and a sewn-in waistband.  The skirt was attached to the bodice with cartridge pleats. Growth tucks, at the bottom of the skirt, allow for Scarlett to grow. Scarlett and Samantha are two of our new competitors. Kudos to their Mom, Kasey, for being their seamstress.

Costume Commitee’s Schedule

Friday, May 17th, 2024

  • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM Workshop/Sewing Circle

Saturday, May 18th, 2024

  • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Registration for Infants, Children, Girls, Boys Civilian and Boys Military

  • 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM Registration for Young Ladies, Adults and revolving Trophies

  • 12:00 PM Children’s Competition; Young Ladies, Adults and revolving Trophies categories to follow.

Civilian Costume Committee Events are held in Memorial Park. In case of inclement weather, competition is held in the lower level of the Museum.

Workshop/Sewing Circle Topic/Item

Spring 2024 - Patriotic item, Fall 2024 - Over Petticoat

Special Project Items

Spring 2024 - Under Petticoat, Fall 2024 - Patriotic Item, Spring 2025 - Over Petticoat.

COMPETITION FEES:
Sewing Circle – no fees charged, all are welcomed to attend.
N-SSA member’s child: $3.00
N-SSA member, teen or adult family member: $5.00
Non-member adult participation: $10.00
Non-member children under 12 years of age: $5.00 (exception of Boy’s Military and Civilian, which is under 15 years of age)

 Costume Competition Forms

Getting Started in the N-SSA Costume Competition

SPECIAL AWARDS

The Susan Brisbin Special Project award is presented at each nationals. The costume committee determines the single item for this competition. The item could be an underpinning, accessory, or specific article of clothing.

  • The item may be for a man, woman or child.

  • Items are judged on a point system.

Judging for the Special projects is held on Saturday of each nationals and you must register for this competition.

Examples of our Judging Forms

The costume Committee hosts a FaceBook page offering additional resources, articles of interest, photos and competition results.

Visit our Facebook page N-SSA Costuming