Citizens Called To Arms

Welcome to the world of the Wilton Militia, where spatter dashes and jerkins are as common as rocks in New England soil.

Since 2003 the Wilton Militia, a band of 15 re-enactors, has taught local residents about a time when farmers and millers defended the town. Today, these modern militiamen drill in their spare time, much like their ancestors. And in doing so, they have transformed the historical society.

“It got men in the historical society to have something to do. It has enabled young men and older men to get involved,” said Bob Russell, author of “Wilton, Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places, and Progress.”

Lee Wilson, of Wilson Commercial Properties, founded the militia largely because of his interest in eighteenth century artillery.

The Wilton Militia acquired a replica of a Revolutionary War cannon in 2003. Cast in 1968, the three-pound Verbruggen was modeled after British cannons of the Revolutionary period.

“It was an opportunity to bring the Wilton Militia and its activities to life,” said Wilson of the purchase. “No question about it, it’s always an exciting highlight to see at a public event.  It’s not every day you see eighteenth century artillery firing.”

Members don Revolutionary Era uniforms every time they parade or fire the cannon.  Sometimes they encounter rather hardcore re-enactors.

“I have seen the full spectrum in re-enactors.  Some are so very exact with stitches.  I haven’t felt the need to go for that,” said Dan Kinley, commander of the Wilton Militia.  “For me it’s important to convey the style that would have been worn. I have found ways to wear modern shoes – with spatter dashes that cover the shoe.”

Authentic shoes aren’t only uncomfortable, they can cost as much as $150 a pair. Still, Kinley said colonial clothes are some of the most comfortable he’s worn.

“It was the regimental coats that were restrictive – the coats and sleeves were very tight. But then again, that was the point.  The clothes had a way of controlling the soldiers,” Kinley said.

As early as 1636, every town and parish in the Nutmeg State conducted militia training. There were 300 Wilton men in the militia according to historical records.

“That’s an enormous amount when you consider the population was about 1,000 at the time,” Russell said. 

Although all the members have busy schedules, they attend as many events as possible, from Wilton Chief Financial Officer Joe Dolan’s retirement to Ambler Farm Day. The group also participated in the recent anniversaries of the Burning of Fairfield and the Battle of Ridgefield. And the Annual Wilton Historical Society Family Day has long been a highlight.

Usually, the cannon ranks as an event’s highpoint.  With its bronze fittings, the militia’s cannon is actually much nicer than ones colonists would have used, Wilson said.  Theirs would likely have been cast from black iron.

Most spectators gasp when the cannon blasts and smoke fills the air. On a still, humid day the smoke settles like fog for at least 20 to 30 yards ahead. 

“The confusion and disarray that occurs on the battlefield is something that you can’t really understand,” said Wilson.

 For the members re-enacting creates a fabulous learning tool. Wearing the clothes, doing the drills, moving men in the field, and responding to drum calls resurrect the set piece battles of the day.

Kinley began re-enacting after he graduated college. A friend introduced him to the life of a Union soldier during the Civil War.  Since then he has spent time in WWI trenches where butterfly chasing British officers lent a bit of verisimilitude to the muddy experience.

But for now the commander is content to linger in Colonial America.

“I have found that people are very interested in history and like having fun with it,” Kinley said. “We just have a good time.”