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.
149th National’s Costume Competition Winners
(1) Nelda Platz - Winner of First Place Ladies Formal, Regular Competition, Seamstress- Nelda Platz
Nelda Platz, one of our up-and-coming competitors and faithful workshop attendee, has been exhibiting her sewing talents in the N-SSA Costume Competition for several years. Nelda's striking royal blue and cream colored dress works well for her formal ensemble. Her silk ballgown is framed in three rows of cotton ecru colored lace, a double pleated skirt and a corset-style bodice closure. Particularly noticeable are a series of two cream colored bows, that form a rosette effect, on her overskirt. Also, Nelda's coiffure is a great example of a mid-19th century hairstyle, ornamented with paper flowers on a comb.
(2) Kasey Jo Bowser - First Place in Ladies Semi-Formal, Intermediate Competition and The Becky Woods Award, Seamstress-Kasey Jo Bowser
Kasey, one of our newer competitors and a sutlery proprietor, was inspired by an 1864 original photo to construct her dress in a sheer blue and white cotton. Cotton bobbin lace trims the capped sleeves and cuffs. Kasey's outfit is made complete with accessories of a watered silk belt, period buckle, red kid gloves and a blue gathered silk bonnet embellished with a wide red and white plaid ribbon.
Kasey Jo also became the recipient of the Becky Wood Award. This award is given independently by the 3rd Maryland Artillery, and presented to the lady that they feel best exhibits the appearance of a typical civilian person of the Civil War Era.
(3) Mary Deneau - First Place Ladies Semi-Formal, Regular Competition, Seamstress-Mary Deneau
Mary, one of our veteran competitors and Media Coordinator for the Costume Committee constructed a winning dress again. The dress itself is a lavender window-pane cotton dimity fabric. The bodice sports a modified pagoda sleeve, trimmed in a pinked, gathered edging and embroidered tape, which is also seen on the sleeve caps. Black net undersleeves peek out from the full sleeve. Mary's accessories include a straw bonnet trimmed in orange and blue silk flowers, a bonnet veil and a gorgeous wide ombre ribbon. Other noticeable items are a pistachio green carriage parasol, kid gloves and a fabric belt embroidered with pink roses.
(4) Elizabeth Hines-The Susan Brisbin Award for an under-petticoat, Seamstress Elizabeth Hines
The under-petticoat is a vestige of the earlier 19th century, when women wore many petticoats to create fullness for their skirts. In the mid-19th century the under-petticoat was used more for warmth and modesty.
Beth has won the Susan Brisbin Award more than once and faithfully puts her sewing workshop skills to work on the current special project. Beth's under-petticoat is a cotton sheeting fabric, with three growth tucks and embroidered trim and button closure.
(5) David Morris - First Place Civilian Boys, Regular Competition and The John Elton Award, Seamstress-Tami Morris
Nine year old David won First Place in the Civilian Boys Category. His uniform was sewn and assembled by his Aunt Tami Morris. Their family came from far away Texas to visit family and be part of the N-SSA National. Wanting to play the part of a Union Soldier he entered competition in the Civilian Boys category. His uniform included: navy blue sack coat, black and red broadcloth shirt, blue kersey pants and a kepi with crossed cannons. His accessories are: standard issue belt with union buckle, cap box, haversack and canteen. David also won The John Elton Award which is presented to the child with the highest overall percentage score. Congratulations Sgt. Morris!
Costume Commitee’s Schedule
Workshop/Sewing Circle Topic/Item
Fall 2024 - Over petticoat, white work embroidery
Spring 2025 - Collar/cuffs set
Susan Brisbane/Special Project Items
Fall 2024 - Patriotic Item
Spring 2025 - Over Petticoat.
Fall 2025 - Collar/cuffs set
Civilian Costume Committee Events are held in Memorial Park. In case of inclement weather, competition is held in the lower level of the Museum.
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 Civilian, which is under 15 years of age)
Costume Competition Forms
Getting Started in the N-SSA Costume Competition 2024
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 has a new Facebook page: Civilian Costuming in the N-SSA. On this page you will find, informative articles, resources, photos and competition results, the link is below.