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The reactivated 62nd NYSV “Anderson Zouaves” in the United States in the 1980’s
For many years it was believed that there had been no attempt made by “Statesiders” to reenact the Anderson Zouaves and that the only organisations basing their impression on, or even nominally attaching themselves, to the regiment, existed only in Germany and Australia. However, the first group to reenact the Anderson Zouaves was organised by Chris Sullivan of Oswego, NY, who today makes infantry trousers under the Stony Brook Company label (see the link on the home page). Following is a brief history of that first Anderson Zouaves reenactment group.
The reactivated Company “I”, 62nd NYSV "Anderson's Zouaves" was organized by Chris Sullivan around April of 1981. It was at that time that Chris (also a member of Company “C”, 14th Brooklyn NYSM) had the opportunity to see in-hand the uniform jacket and red pantaloons of the 62nd New York housed in the collection of the Smithsonian Institution. After a prototype repro uniform was made the recruiting call went out and individuals new to the hobby as well as some veteran reenactors from other units stepped forward to form the new unit. The rank and file membership of Company I was C. Sullivan (sergeant commanding), Corporal P. Laimo and privates C. Cooney, J. Davis, B. Gilbert, S. Gimber, B. Horton, B. Lee, K. Meiswinkle, C. Sheridan, J. Sooy and N. Sooy.
Chris Sullivan made all the uniform pieces endeavoring to use the most authentic fabrics and trims available at that time. The leather jambiere's were made and supplied by a member of the reactivated 5th NY "Duryea Zouaves". All remaining accoutrements and equipment reflected standard U.S. Army issue and weaponry in use was the standard .58 Springfield rifled musket as supplied by Navy Arms.
For the next four years the 62nd participated in battle reenactments, parades, commemorative events, living history programs and several dedications on national battlefield parks. One of those dedications was held in July 1983 at Gettysburg National Military Park where the 62nd hosted a dedication for the original 14th Brooklyn (with the reactivated 14th Brooklyn officiating). This took place at the 14th's "boulder" (final position)marker on Culp's Hill. Then in July 1984 a dedication ceremony was held at the 62nd NY's monument on the Gettysburg battlefield. The 62nd officiated and the 14th Brooklyn Infantry (with which the reactivated 62nd always brigaded) hosting. Also participating was Company “A” (zouave company), 74th New York Infantry of the Excelsior Brigade (more friends and associates).
Around October 1985, after some official debate, the 62nd officially disbanded and those members still active in the hobby merged with Company “A” of the 74th NY.
This was a beneficial move allowing two small zouave companies to consolidate into one larger zouave company. This also allowed for one "umbrella" newsletter and a broader income base (dues, paid events, etc). Another advantage of the new organization was more effective drill instruction, with the new consolidated company having 25 members rather than eight. The senior members of the 62nd were elected to fill all the top command slots in the 74th.
Chris Sullivan, while he is no longer active in the field, continues to "fly a desk" for his friends in Company “C”, 14th Brooklyn. He is the last of the original members of the reactivated 62nd NYSV “Anderson Zouaves” who still does something with and in the hobby.
The ribbon above was presented to members at the 1984 62nd NY dedication ceremony which was hosted 14th Brooklyn, at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
It is to Chris Sullivan that we in the Australian Company “I” are indebted for supplying the images of the Smithsonian uniform which feature on this site.