40 Nebraskaland • July 2019
few options. If you're intimidated by a sewing machine, you
can purchase an outfi t from a period supplier. And fellow
volunteers are often happy to help, off ering to make you
something or provide clothing for trade or lending. But for
the pride of ownership and sheer cost eff ectiveness, sewing
your own period clothing is, for many people, the way to go.
For some, this is a struggle. For others with a little more
experience, it's an art form, and even a money-making
venture. Tom Wood of Omaha, who participated in living
history at Fort Atkinson State Historical Park for more than
40 years, sells pieces professionally to buyers around the
world, and has even made clothing for a period wedding.
"It takes a long time to learn certain curves and stuff like
that, or what gives it shape," Wood said. "Once you fi gure
that stuff out, it's easy to make patterns for it."
Then there is someone like Andrew Gaghagen, who'd done
some basic mending but had never sewn an outfi t before
joining Fort Atkinson's living history program in early 2018.
Gaghagen jumped in headfi rst, buying a sewing machine
and throwing himself into online research. He ordered the
wool for his soldier's jacket from a period supplier in Missouri,
and ended up selling the fi rst batch he received – the weight
of the fabric was incorrect, and the shade of gray was too
Seven-year-old Allene Cummings of Omaha has been reenacting
at Fort Atkinson since she was fi ve months old, says her mother,
Morgan.
PHOTOS
BY
RENAE
BLUM
