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Through research into the town and military records of Danvers at the Danvers Archival center, Trask was able to find out the type of equipment the men in the militia companies were provided with. Account books of a Danvers tailor, and other primary sources, were studied, including local newspapers of the period, in order to obtain a clear picture of the local wearing apparel of the people. A two-page guide for clothing was drawn up, outlining what each man must provide for himself, and where to obtain patterns, ready-made items, or a seamstress who would do the job. Items of rare use in Danvers in the 1770's, such as fringed hunting shirts and knitted Liberty caps, were limited as to the number permitted in the Company. All clothing was to be approved before accepted for inclusion in the Company. At this point, most of the men in the Company did not know each other very well, and everyone had much to learn about even the most simple aspects of eighteenthh-century military training and life. Those who did not want to take the time and trouble to learn so much or work so hard at getting varied clothing soon dropped out, but those who remained were serious and determined in their interest. The second meeting on April 23 was a long workshop session. A by-law was discussed and adopted. The organization would be know as The Danvers Alarm List Company, and its purpose would be to:
recreate as historically accurately as possible, the Danvers militia, alarm companies, and colonial life of the town of Danvers for the education of its members, to participate in ongoing historical programs, and to give the general public a correct concept of life in the colonial period.
Meetings would be held at least bi-monthly, and in good weather, at the village training field. The Company chose the 1775 drill manual of Col. Timothy Pickering, Jr. of Salem, An Easy Plan of Discipline for a Militia, to guide them. They were the first recreated company to do so. Members had to have their clothing approved by the Historian, had to pay annual dues, and were fined for wearing apparel or behaving in manners inconsistent with the 1770's. They were to begin studying colonial life and to take on the personality and learn the history of members of one of the original companies of Danvers. Officers were elected with George Meehan, an assistant principal of an elementary school, becoming captain. David Butler, a quality control technician, was chosen lieutenant and was to act as Company Publicity Chairman. David McKenna, a cemetery superintendent, became ensign and was the Company Safety Officer responsible for the instruction and safe operation of weapons and black powder. August Schildbach, a student, was chosen clerk and was responsible for minutes of meetings, the treasury, and roll calls. Richard Trask was chosen Sergeant, who would drill the men and, as Historian, be the person responsible for Company accuracy. Later, Howard D. Haynes, a carpenter, was appointed corporal. A local seamstress, Gail Majauckas, became expert in making items of eighteenth-century clothing for the men, and her help was greatly appreciated. The Company flag, a green field with white letters: "Danvers Alarm Co. – The King Unwilling" was made by her. |
