The Woburn Militia as it is recreated today.
The Woburn Militia is a non-profit reenacting society dedicated to recreating the historical town militia of Woburn and it's role in the American Revolution battles of Lexington on April 19th 1775, and also recreating the life in general of Woburn town folk in the mid to late 18th century.
All are welcome! Musket carrying militia men must be 16 or older, younger members needed for musicians, and Flag-bears, and ladies most welcome!
New members will get all the help they need obtaining clothing, equipment, and weapons, with training in the safe handling of muskets.
To join the Woburn Miltia or for any questions contact:
Captain James Catania Jr
jimcatania@hotmail.com (781) 771-6040
Clothing guidelines
Men's Clothing
Frock coat, workman's jacket, sleeved waistcoat, farmer's smock (non-fringed pullover style acceptable), of wool, linen, or cotton. Leather coats, and frontier/rifle shirts are not acceptable.
Shirt: long, full sleeved, Plain or checked linen pullover closed neck with stock, or neck cloth.
Breeches: wool, linen, leather, or cotton. Trousers are acceptable as part of a lower class impression.
Stockings: over the knee, wool, cotton, or linen, white or colors, Athletic socks are not allowed.
Shoes: period-style leather shoes with buckles or 2 hole lace up, black, or brown. (appropriate modern leather shoes may be worn if covered with gaiters)
Hat: Cocked hat, floppy hat, knitted cap, or workman's cap.
Glasses: Period type, or because of the expense of period glasses, modern glasses will be acceptable if not too obvious (wire rims only)
Weapon Types
RECOMMENDED WEAPONS
Early to mid-18th century flintlock muskets, fusils, or fowling pieces.
Avaliable from L.E. Williams (see vendor list)
French Fuzee-de-Chasse 1720s Loyalist Arms
French model 1717 Loyalist Arms
British Long Land Pattern Model 1742 Military Heritage
British Long Land Pattern. Model 1756 Middlesex village Trading co.
British Short Land Pattern. 1760s-through Revolution. Loyalist Arms
French Charleville Model 1728 Loyalist Arms
Swords for officers, sargeants (optional). G. GEDNEY GODWIN.
Hunting Sword circa 1740s
Most Muskets should be of the older/obsolete types, Militia would not have the newer state-of-the-art weapons of the regular army.
Some Militia men were able to steal, or buy newer muskets from British soldiers, or deserters, but BEWARE! Thomas Ditson of Billerica was arrested for this and Tarred and Feathered
All muskets must be equipted with Flashguards and Hammerstalls
EQUIPMENT
Equipment Suggestions
Canteen: Highly Recommended (If you buy a wooden one, oak is better than pine. The pine has a pitch taste). Should be one of first items to buy. Metal kidney canteens are acceptable but are current british army issue and not likely used by militia.
Cartridge Box, or Pouch: (With wooden block for cartridges) Leather, canvas or fabric is Not acceptable. Again should be older, obsolete style left over from French and Indian War. British, French, or Colonial made.
Wisk and Pick: to clean fouling from priming pan.
Musket Tool: for replacing flint.
Worm, or Cleaning Jag: fitted to your ramrod, for cleaning musket after firing.
Flints with leather or lead strips:
