Hello, Friends!
Welcome to our website and catalogue. We hope you enjoy your visit, and we thank you for your continued
interest and support.
Our specialty is custom-tailored clothing for the living historians and reenactors of the 18th century.
The clothing we make is based upon original garments, with our patterns based upon examinations,
descriptions, photographs, and original drawings of those garments. Our fabric selection is
representative of those available to the 18th century tailor, such as linens, woolens, cottons, weaves &
colors appropriate for clothing of the period.
We do not make costume wear. Rather, we are reproducing period garments to the best of our ability.
Garments made by Calapooia Traders are professionally tailored and intended to be as authentic on the inside as on the outside. That
means seams are finished in the period manner, by using the selvedge or felling the seams, which in
addition to being authentic increases the durability of the garment as compared to modern techniques such
as serging fabric edges. We are convinced that the increased cost is overshadowed by the ultimate
quality - that is, lifetime and authenticity - of the finished product.
Because we are a small, custom manufacturer, our delivery times are longer than you will obtain from other
manufacturers. We do not "farm out" our work, nor do we take shortcuts in construction that gain speed at
the expense of quality or authenticity. We will quote you a realistic delivery time, based upon the garment
you have chosen and those in line ahead of you - we will not quote you an attractive delivery time just
to get your order, knowing in advance we cannot deliver. Instead, we will be as realistic as possible, and
hope that your time frame and ours match. On occasion we have some garments "on the rack" - usually weskits,
shirts, breeches, bodices, and petticoats - so please check if we might have something in stock that will meet
your need. However, our concentration is on filling our custom orders, not upon rack garments, so those of you
who order are able to get your garment as soon as possible. We are in hopes that by emphasizing our custom
production to the exclusion of the "speculation" garments we might reduce our delivery times and thusly be
more able to provide you with the finest in custom period clothing, at a reasonable price.
Our primary specialty is mid- to late-18th century clothing, and we have enjoyed the constant learning
that has come with the development of our expertise in this topic. Clothing for men and women, and
civilian and military, all are part of our repertoire. However, we are not limited to that time
period,
as reflected by our expansion in to the realm of early to mid-19th century garments. Due to our location
in the Pacific Northwest, we have particularly enjoyed recreating the history of the Lewis and Clark
Expedition, the explorations of Captains Gray and Kendrick, the HBC engage, and the early settlers
of
this part of our nation. We have concentrated on those garments associated with the Hudson's Bay Company
of 1820-1855, but have made both civilian and military garments appropriate to period of 1800 to 1855.
In addition to our clothing, we are able to offer the finest in accessories and accoutrements. Our
criteria for such offerings are quality, durability, and authenticity. We are privileged to carry hats
by the Clearwater Hat Company, fine 100% fur felt hats
representative of the period. Our tentage is by
Tentsmiths, the finest in period shelters. Haversacks, gaiters,
cravats, journals and our bone-handled
pens are all made to be authentic, useable, and where necessary able to withstand life on the trail.
Our mission is to supply you with garments and supplies to enhance your experience as a living historian,
experimental archaeologist, rendezvous-er, or woods-runner. We will gladly work with you to meet your
needs, and if we are unable to do so, to help you find someone with the specific expertise you need. We
enjoy helping you to enjoy this wonderfully fun hobby, and look forward to getting to know you. Feel
free to contact us at our email address: info@ctraders.com, or at 541-928-8091, Monday through Saturday,
from 9 to 7 (Pacific Time). We
look forward to hearing from you.
Godspeed!
Yr Ob'd't S'v'ts,
The Harveys
Annette, David, Brian, and William