Event in a period mill May 2005

[johan_steele]

Would anyone here be interested in supporting through some volunteer time or possible dedicating themselves to attend an event in May 2005 at Motor Mill Iowa? The site was built in 1869 and has a mill, barn, inn & cooperage alll quite intact. The idea is to promote the location and if we have a nice CW event at the same time that would be a big bonus. THere would be no battle of any type @ the location. It is a real opportunity to do a Living History at a location not crowwded by the sounds and sights of traffic & the 21st century. It is seven miles from the nearest blacktop road and there is no city built around it.

Any support would be appreciated.

[unionblue]

Shane,

Never been to Iowa. Keep me in mind though, as I would love to do my presentation or help out with a living history event.

Unionblue

[unionblue]

Shane,

You got a city or address I can use to plot a driving map to this event?

It would help me to figure out if it is possible for me to get there in good shape for a weekend event.

Unionblue

[scone]

This sounds interesting. I sent the info to my Capt of my unit and will see what he thinks.. All the info you can give me on the event, location how to get there etc.. will be a big help..

regards, steven

[scone]

in a quick search of Motor mill Iowa here is some info i found.

Photo of mill: http://www.quintascott.com/Images/MotorMill

Jack Thompson claimed a mill site on the Turkey River in Clayton County, Iowa with the intention of building the town of Motor.
He completed the mill in 1869. Thompson's dream of a thriving town died when a siege of chinch bugs destroyed the Iowa wheat crop.


On another site:
Motor Mill is located on the Turkey River six miles down stream from Elkader, Iowa. This six story structure stands approximately fifty feet wide, sixty feet long and eighty feet high with walls that are five feet thick at the bottom, tapering to two feet at the top. The huge limestone blocks were quarried and transported by cable car from the bluffs above the mill. The mill, built by John Thompson, displays the handiwork of four skilled German masons from Communia. Each wall was constructed by a different mason who was trying to outdo the other masons. Three sides were laid with carefully chipped rounded stone while the fourth, the intake side, was laid with perfectly square cut stone. No two sides are alike. All beams were pegged in and not one nail was used in construction. The wheels and burrs were imported from Italy. Well over one hundred years old, the mill shows no sign of settling. Although the exact date is not certain, it is believed to have been built in 1855. That date was found etched in a stone near the top of the structure. The mill is now owned and managed by the Clayton County Conservation Board.


On the site of the the Historic gristmill are four other limestone buildings erected between 1840-1870 [Cooperage, Ice House, Inn, Livery Stable]& Iron bridge & they all sit on approximately 20 acres of Land.


A little more:
In the early 1860s John Thompson, JP Dickinson and James O. Crosby formed a partnership to build a grist mill, sawmill, farm and town at Hastings Bottom, the site of an earlier sawmill near the Turkey River. For an unknown reason, the town was renamed Motor. Thompson and his associates spent around $50,000 to build the mill and $40,000 for equiptment and outbuildings. The mill and cooperage were built in the late 1860s, and the other buildings in the 1870s. The town of Motor was prosperous for a while, and a railroad was begun that would link it with the town of McGregor on the Mississippi River. But a flood in 1875 washed out the rails and any hopes of rebuilding it. Invasions of insects in 1867, 1871, and 1887 destroyed all the wheat in northeast iowa. The mill ceased operation in the 1880s. The mill was sold for $12,000. After being used as a farm for 80 years by the Klink family, the Clayton County purchased the remains of the town in 1983. A canoe access was addedd nearby, and the old bridge built in 1895 with soon be repaired or replaced to accomodate walkers, bikers, and horses.

[unionblue]

Steven,

Thanks for the information. It will help a bit in figuring out where the place is and what its history was.

Unionblue

[scone]

For idea on the area just look for Elkader, Iowa. I used yahoo and according to it .. its a 11hr drive for me..

Steven

[unionblue]

Steven,

It's a 10 hour drive for me. Maybe we could link up and share a ride and the gas.

Unionblue

[johan_steele]

Gents, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you quicker; I've been fighting a bug for a week and it's been seriously dragging me down the last couple days. Yes, Motor Mill is in Elkader Iowa, all of Stevens info is spot on, though it missed the second disaster which was the breaking of the dam which flooded the area; which causes problems to this day. This event is still in the preliminary planning stages, I'm hoping to get at least 20 rifles and some civilians to dedicate themselves. As of now I have about a third of that, so I'm confident we can make this work. THe Clayton County Conservation Board has been doing yeomans work geting the site presentable again, you can now safely go through all of the building except the barn/livery stable (which they use for storage)this is an area that floods every few years and the damage was severe in 93 and several times since then. They want to make public interest steady year round, they already hold a Small Buckskinners Rendevous & an annual Motor Mill open house, and this would be one more event that would garner that much more attention.

PLenty of wood is available on the hillside above the mill which could make some good work detail jobs, there is potable water on site and a permenant privy (concrete & wood instead of plastic) we would be asked to camp on the campground site which is IIRC about 150 yards from the mill site.

The tentattive schedule is the 3rd weekend in May 2005.
This is to be a Living History Camp representing the winter/spring of 1863/64. Union representation will be 3rd IA VI (which was largely raised from the Clayton County & NE Iowa area) THere will be no skirmishing, though if a CS unit wished to attend a second camp representing who these Iowa boys were fighting and what they thought of each other might be interesting... though galvanizing might be the best option.


THe idea is to totally immerse ourselves (re-enactors) in December 1863, the public will be ignored unless they are in period garb in which case the interaction and treatment will be that of a civilian. Which can be a bit of fun as the guides are busily talking to themselves... "Surgeon, we got a mad man over here." I'm hoping to recruit 3-4 guides who will be in period garb and they will be giving guided tours through the camp. At the very least we currently have a medical demonstrator who is interested as well as a Pioneer, and elements of the 32nd IA, my own unit the 3rd MN is interested as is a few from the 2nd MN. But I need concrete interest as well as some help, I've been drawing up event guidelines, schedule etc and would like to have them proofed and suggestions. I'll go ahead and post these.

Steven & Neil... thanks for the interest.

[johan_steele]

THis is the long range plan of priorities of the Mill, so that we all know where they are coming from.


MOTOR MILL ADVISORY COMMITTEE
LONG-RANGE PLAN AND PRIORITIES
UPDATED FEBRUARY 8, 2003

MISSION STATEMENT- To protect and preserve the architectural integrity, history, natural beauty and serenity of the Motor Mill site and its surroundings and to develop appropriate uses and interpretation as a regional treasure for the benefit of future generations.


Public Input- Request public input to gather and explore all possible avenues for the site.
1. Call a public meeting and present our strategic plan and request public input.
2. Develop a list of questions for public input.
3. Contact service organizations and present to these groups during the spring and summer

Strategic Planning
1. Establish Partnerships
A. Artists
B. Architects
C. Stone Masons
D. Corporate Sponsors
E. Water Mills in Operation
F. Marketing Consultants
G. Organizations
Clayton County Historical Preservation Commission
Keep Iowa Beautiful
Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation
Silos and Smokestacks
2. History of the site
3. Educational opportunities at the site
4. Access to the site
5. Marketing of the site
6. Explore Financial resources

[johan_steele]

THis is a list of requirements I came up w/ from looking at event requirements I've attended and I think theses are about right...


Minimum Requirements for Motor Mill Living History Event


Individual unit organizations research their historical unit impressions and may have slightly different details about their dress and appearance.
Generally, the desire of event organizers is to focus on the day to day life and operations of a military camp of the Civil War, to get folks into a 19th Century mentality. Most re-enactors hope to concern themselves with trying to understand how the Civil War soldier lived from day to day. How he slept, fed himself, kept supplied, and most importantly he was capable of doing the job they were expected to do; fight and win battles.
Minimum impression standards fall into two categories: accepted or banned. Banned items fall into two or three categories. Things that are not appropriate to the Civil War. Things that are inappropriate for the desired look, of the average federal volunteer Infantry or Artillery in a Winter/Spring Camp of the 1863-64 period. This category includes the inappropriate, by 19th Century standards, use of items found in the 21st Century -- bandannas around the head or neck, prominent display of Masonic or other similar items, excessive tentage, baggage, coolers etc.
These are the minimum standards. Units may opt to maintain stricter standards, but no one should have lesser standards.
This event is intended as a learning experience and as a challenge to re-enactors to do something different. We are to be completely immersed in the period, shunning everything of the 21st Century and going so far as to ignore it when we see it. Thus spectators and people not wearing period clothing will be ignored and those speaking w/ them will be treated as though they were speaking to ghosts, themselves or perhaps… mad.

Inspection at registration: No participant will be allowed on site until his weapon and his impression have been inspected and approved by event coordinators. There will be an inspection checklist that parallels this set of standards, and a chit will be issued when the inspection is successfully concluded. The chit is the participant's event pass. Anyone going offsite after being inspected will have to be inspected again before being allowed back on the site. Safety is of the highest importance and any firing will be in accordance w/ drill or simulated target practice. Anything deemed dangerous or contrary to the intent of the event's intended purpose will be rejected. Inspection will be for the listed items, but the event organizers reserve the right to reject any items. If you aren't sure, ASK BEFORE YOU ARRIVE.

The short-list basics -- participants should have:

* sack or frock coat
* sky blue trousers
* forage cap, slouch hat or Hardee Hat
* issue shirt or properly constructed civilian shirt
* wool or cotton socks
* properly constructed waistcoat (optional)
* tarred haversack
* smoothside or bullseye canteen (other canteens will be allowed for Civilians only).
* waist belt w/ US belt buckle or NCO belt
* stitched, two rivet or seven-rivet bayonet scabbard or appropriate Enfield bayonet scabbard & frog.
* federal cap pouch
* 1851 cartridge box and cross strap with breast plate
* shoes or properly constructed boots
* double bag soft knapsack or blanket roll
* gum blanket or poncho or oilcloth
* wool blanket
* shelter half or appropriate tent
* Springfield 1861/1863 or Enfield 1853 other rifles must be ok'ed first.
* Any modern medicine you require (but please keep it in a period sack).

Banned:
* Alcohol in modern containers
• Food in modern containers
• Pony tails
• Baseball shaped brims on forage caps
• Dead animal parts
• Modern clothing or modern items of any type (some of the demonstrators will not adhere to this requirement).
• Bandanas
• Masonic or ethnic or religious ornamentation


Headgear
• Enlisted -Forage caps, slouch or Hardee hats may be worn.
• Officers - Officer's Forage Cap, Kepi, or civilian Hat.

Coat
Enlisted
• Fatigue blouse, lined from US arsenal or contract pattern, of wool
Fatigue blouse, unlined, of wool.
• Officer
Single breasted frock coat, complete with rank insignia. or commercially bought blouse (an officer's "sack coat"), complete with rank insignia, either shoulder rank.

Trousers
Enlisted
• Sky Blue US issue foot trousers, worn at the natural waist.
Officer
• Dark Blue trousers with correct trim
• Enlisted Sky Blue trousers

Footwear
• enlisted and commissioned
US Issue shoes, private purchase boots are also permitted. Private purchase shoes for officers are also permitted.

Shirt
Enlisted
1. US issue shirt, highly recommended.
2. Civilian pattern shirt
Officer
1. Private Purchase Shirt

Accouterments

• -Blanket roll of US issue, contractor or period civilian variant is acceptable.

• -1853 US issue knapsack is acceptable, BUT without ANY regimental lettering. If your knapsack has your home unit's identification on it, you have a choice: Go with a blanket roll instead, or cover up the designation with water-soluble black "poster paint." It is available at any artist supply store and it is easily removed after the event. This is one of those "uniformity" issues.

• -US issue ground cloth, small grommets preferred.

• -US issue shelter half.

• -US issue 1855 Cartridge box/cap pouch. Cartridge box sling does not have to have a breast plate.

• -Sewn, 2- or 7- rivet bayonet scabbard or appropriate Enfiled pattern scabbard & frog.

• -Bullseye OR smoothside canteen, with jean cloth cover preferred over none at all. Leather US issue strap OR proper fabric strap.
• -US issue tarred haversack or appropriate pattern white haversack
•
Cookware
• US or civilian tin cup, plate and eating utensils, canteen halves are also acceptable.

Weapons

• 1861/63s Springfields and 1853 Enfields are preferred. All should have bayonets. All weapons will be inspected before participants will be allowed on site, and must be in top operating order.
• 10-20 Blank Rounds with ONLY 60 grains of powder per blank. No wonder wads or live rounds will be allowed on the site under any circumstances. (a live fire may be authorized but live rounds will be kept out of cartridge boxes until the range is used)

[johan_steele]

THis is a rough draft guidelines setup based, once again, on other events I've attended.

I. Introduction & intention

This will be a Civil War event unlike the majority of the other midwestern events.
The Living History Camp is trying to achieve a more historically accurate account of the Union soldier’s daily life in camp between campaigns at the end of 1863.
And, as organizers, we are hoping that all of the participants achieve a closer attachment to the common soldier by researching an individual and immersing themselves into that individual for this two-day event.
Another goal will be a more correct by-the-manual drill and for the participant to break camp on Sunday afternoon with a clearer sense of what drill meant to the average western theater soldier.
The time is December 30 & 31, 1863 in the garrison camp of the Third Iowa Volunteer Infantry near Vicksburg, Mississippi.
We have just come away from a harrowing year of campaign and know that we will probably be marching with “Uncle Billy” towards Atlanta shortly.

II. Rations & Cooking

A. Only period correct food will be eaten during the week-end
B. ‘Foraged’ items are strongly recommended, i.e., eggs, soft bread, canned goods.
C. Government rations are acceptable, i.e., salt pork, hard tack, coffee (whole bean) & sugar
D. Beans, Peas, desiccated vegetables
E. All food must be wrapped in period materials, i.e., brown paper, rags or cloth bags
Modern packaging is Prohibited!
F. COOLERS are FORBIDDEN! Leave coolers in the car.

III. Cooking Equipment (Suggestions)

A. Fry pans should be small enough to carry & should not be cast iron
B. Canteen halves & tin plates often served the soldier as a fry pan
C. Metal grates & spits were not used during campaigning because of weight. Those present would be reserved for officers cookfires and or civilian cooks.
D. Stainless steel should not be used

The reader will have noticed the passive tense of these ‘suggestions’. That is because as reenactors we have come to accept some camp items as acceptable. But, as we try our hand at living history, these same items become incorrect.
The Motor Mill event is not trying to reinvent the wheel; we are only attempting to offer an event that will help the participants improve their impressions, so this section has given suggestions and not requirements.
But, please remember as the public walks through the camp and observes the participants going through their daily routine, the public will believe what they see is historically correct. We are stewards of civil war history at this event, so keep that in mind as you prepare.

IV. Military Camp

A. This camp will be operated by the period protocol and by-the-manual.
B. All enlisted men will be required to stand at attention in an officers presence and to salute officers as per manual instructions.
C. All non-commissioned officers will be shown the respect worthy of their rank
D. All participants are expected to comply with orders. This camp is a military entity
E. Morning roll call will take place at the last note of reveille, per period manuals. Absence from the roll call will result in the soldier being placed on the Orderly Sergeant’s “black list” and having the enjoyment of additional duty. Soldiers will fall in for roll call with blouses fully buttoned (not just the top button), with headgear, and hands free (no coffee cups, hardtack, etc.). While on campaign, a soldier would typically fall in with rifled musket and leathers, but if the weapons are stacked it is not necessary to break the stacks for morning roll call. When falling in under arms, the soldier will stand at shoulder arms. When falling in without weapons, the soldier will be at parade rest and shall remain quiet. When the Orderly Sergeant calls a soldier’s name, the soldier shall answer with a firm, “Here” (NOT, ‘Here First Sergeant’ or ‘Yo’!)
F. When the soldier arrives at camp, he must report to the Orderly Sergeant or the ranking NCO if the Orderly Sergeant is absent. This way the soldier’s name can be added to the company roll
G. If it comes necessary for the soldier to leave the camp for any reason, he must gain permission and a pass from the Orderly Sergeant

V. Behavior and Appearance

A. To the best of the participant’s ability, it is necessary to stay in first person throughout the week-end. This needs to be done even when the viewing public is not in and around the camp. Granted, the organizers know this can not be practical for a long week-end event, but participants are encouraged to do their best to stay into first person character
B. DRINKING: Excessive consumption of alcohol is prohibited. Drinking was strictly regulated in camp. Even though consuming alcohol was against regulation, it was allowed in moderation. If participants choose to risk punishment by officers and/or censure by their temperate comrades for any amount of drinking it will be the choice of the drinker and they will accept responsibility for their actions. Beer/ale were not available to the soldier on campaign, so neither will be allowed. Whiskey & applejack were the most common available sources of alcohol and will be tolerated only in moderation.
C. SMOKING: Cigarettes are prohibited! If participants need to smoke, they will have to use a pipe with period correct tobacco and ‘lucifers’. Cigars would sometimes fall into the hands of a soldier, but they were not common. Research and document the cigar you choose to carry and smoke.
D. Jewelry: Keep your jewelry to a minimum. Wedding rings may be worn, but they will need to be simple, non-ornamental rings. The soldier must keep their visible jewelry period correct. No wristwatches! Period correct pocket watches should be a key wind watch with a roman numeral or hash mark face. The bugle, drum and his superior officer minimized the need for a soldier to carry a watch, more commonly regulated a soldier’s day.


As a participant you will be required to follow the regulations. If any potential participant feels he cannot follow the guidelines that have been put to paper by fellow reenactors, then they need not attend. The rules are not demanding and are not meant to be a hardship on any participant.
Remember, we, as representatives of men who saved our Union, are obligated to do our best to bring their life from 1863 into 2005 for the public to view them as they were in their time. Please remember who we are honoring by portraying the men and the civilians of 1863 and remember, we have a grand responsibility to this first ‘greatest generation’.

[johan_steele]

Dyers history of the 3rd Ia VI

3rd Regiment Infantry

Organized at Keokuk and mustered in June 8, 1861. Left State for Hannibal, Mo., June 29. Attached to Dept. of Missouri, to March, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Army of the Tennessee, to July, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, District of Memphis, Tenn,, Dept. of Tennessee, to September, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, District of Jackson, Dept. Tennessee, to November, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, Right Wing 13th Army Corps, Dept. Tennessee, to December, 1862. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 17th Army Corps, Army Tennessee, to January, 1863. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 16th Corps, to July, 1863. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 13th Corps, to August, 1863. 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 17th Corps, to March, 1864. (1st Brigade, Provisional Division, 17th Corps, Dept. of the Gulf, to June, 1864. Non-Veterans.) 1st Brigade, 4th Division, 17th Corps, Army Tennessee, to November, 1864.

SERVICE.--March into Missouri July 1-12, 1861. Skirmish at Utica July 3. Hagar's Woods July 8 (3 Cos.). Monroe Station July 9 and 11 (Cos. "A," "F," "H" and "K"). At Chillicothe, Mo., and guarding Hannibal & St. Joseph R. R. until August 7. Moved to Brookfield August 7 (7 Cos.), and against Green's forces at Kirksville August 15-21. (3 Cos. on Expedition to Paris, August.) Operations against guerrillas in North Central Missouri August 30-September 7. Action at Shelbina September 4. Expedition to Fonda against Green's forces September 8-9. Moved to Liberty September 12. Action at Blue Mills September 17. Operations in North Missouri until October 18. At Quincy, Ill., November. Regiment reunite. Moved to Benton Barracks and duty there until December 26. Guard duty at Mexico and on Northern Missouri R. R. until march, 1862. Ordered to Pittsburg Landing, Tenn. Battle of Shiloh April 6-7. Advance on and siege of Corinth, Miss., April 29-May 30. March to Memphis, Tenn., June 2-July 21, and duty there until September 6. Moved to Bolivar September 6. Skirmishes at Bolivar and Middleburg September 21. Duty at Bolivar until October 4. Battle of the Hatchie, Metamora, October 5. Grant's Central Mississippi Campaign November, 1862, to January, 1863. Worsham's Creek November 6. Guard Memphis & Charleston Railroad until March, 1863. Duty at Memphis until May. Expedition to the Coldwater April 18-24. Moved to Vicksburg, Miss., May 17-20. Attack on Steamer Crescent City, near Island 82, Mississippi River, May 18. Siege of Vicksburg, Miss., May 22-July 4. Advance on Jackson, Miss., July 5-10. Siege of Jackson July 10-17. Assault on Jackson July 12. Duty at Vicksburg until November. Moved to Natchez, Miss., November 18. Return to Vicksburg December 16, and duty there until February, 1864. Meridian Campaign February 3-March 2. Veterans on furlough March to May. Non-Veterans on Red River Campaign March 10-May 22. Fort De-Russy March 14. Pleasant Hill April 9. Pleasant Hill Landing April 12-13. About Cloutiersville April 22-24. At Alexandria April 30-May 13. Boyce's and WeBs' Plantation May 6. Bayou Boeuf May 7. Retreat to Morganza May 13-20. Mansura May 16. Yellow Bayou May 18-19. Non-Veterans mustered out June, 1864. Veterans moved to Cairo, Ill., thence to Clifton, Tenn. March to Ackworth, Ga., via Huntsville and Decatur, Ala., and Rome, Ga., May 5-June 10. Atlanta (Ga.) Campaign June 10-September 8. Operations about Marietta and against Kenesaw Mountain June 10-July 2. Assault on Kenesaw June 27. Nickajack Creek July 2-5. Chattahoochie River July 6-12. Leggett's, Bald Hill, July 20-21. Battle of Atlanta July 22. Siege of Atlanta July 22-August 25. Flank movement on Jonesboro August 25-30. Battle of Jonesboro August 31-September 1. Lovejoy Station September 2-6. Pursuit of Hood into Alabama October 1-26. Shadow Church and Westbrooks, near Fairburn, October 1-3. Veterans consolidated to a Battalion of three Companies July, 1864. Transferred to 2nd Iowa Infantry as Companies "A," "F," and "I," November 4, 1864.

Regiment lost during service 8 Officers and 119 Enlisted men killed and mortally wounded and 122 Enlisted men by disease. Total 249.

[unionblue]

Shane,

I would like to do my Civil War presentation if that is possible, talk to the spectators about the Civil War soldier and show the items in my display. I generally am regarded as pretty good at it and I could help direct folks to other areas of interest, such as the camp, the surgeon's tent, etc. Or if that's a no-go, I'll just be glad to fall in and help out.

Let me know if this is anything the event would be interested in.

Thanks,
Unionblue

[scone]

You mean I have Be a yank if Come to play..

Never done a full immersion event.. might be interesting to do though..

might have to by some gear to lol..


Neal be happy to meat you but i'm in Tennessee my friend and with you being in Ohio do see us really crossing paths with out going out of the the way..

regards, Steven

[unionblue]

Steven,

Oh well, it was a thought. Why couldn't you show up as a reb? If Shane needs a couple of targets to shoot at, I'll be glad to show up in my 17th Mississippi uniform and give them Yanks something to shoot at.

Unionblue
Rebelgrey upon call

[johan_steele]

Neil, I take it you'r volunteering to be a guide... excellent I welcome the opportunity to meet you.

Actually a Couple Rebs as pre-parole POW's might be a good idea... This is set in the fall after the Surrender of Vicksburg and while most of the garrison was back in action w/ Bragg (w/out having been properly exchanged) it might make for an interesting skit to have some men who took their word as more important than their govt's need. There will be no skirmishing. Of coarse, there is always the role of a spy... hehe wouldn't be the first time I've seen a man introduced to a talll tree w/ a short rope at an event.

Gents, my email is chain86@hotmail.com please drop me a line w/ your addresses & phone numbers so I can add them to my roster of contacts for this event. Remember, this event isn't set in stone yet but we are targeting May, likely the 1st or 3rd weekend.

[johan_steele]

I need to stress that civilians are also welcome to this event, I think a nice mix of profesions and loyalties would be a nice touch.

[unionblue]

Shane,

Whatever and where ever you need me to be or portray, I'll be happy to fill in. Guide would be nice, but I could help out in your Reb POW scenario too.

Keep me posted,
Unionblue

[scone]

I'd be happy to be a Reb right beside ya Neil. And just recently discovered that I have an another 3rd great grandfather in the rebel ranks who might have been at Vicksburg.. His unit was "30th Alabama Infantry" he was wounded in Jonesboro, GA 1864. If was paroled after Vicksburg he rejoined his unit..

As a POW what would you think Iwould need? Not much of anything i would guess no need of Gun or catridge box.

Shane any ideas?

I cant say I'll be their definitely but never been in them neck of the woods before so this sounds interesting. Heard [well seen on the net] you can fish in that creek the mill is on and can Canoe as well.


Neil maybe we can paddle our way back in to god's country and escape the Yankee prison : )

regards, Steven

[johan_steele]

Ahh, you gents warm the heart... I am glad I might have the opportunity to meet and greet you.

[scone]

Well I rather new still to reenacting '05" will be my 3rd year so i'm still working on my persona. So any and all ideas our welcome.

regards, Steven

[johan_steele]

Need help w/ persona... I'll post an article I wrote on a new thread... Read, read & read some more. Then make certain you choose a persona you can pull off.

[jackbluelight]

I live a few miles South of Des Moines Ia, but I'm not a re-enacter due to my being so young of age. What kind of events will there be, if any, for regular civilians. How far is Motor Mill from Des Moines?

[johan_steele]

Casey, 16 isn't too young for the hobby. I know several who have started the hobby as young as 14. The cost isn't small, a private soldier in the Infantry costs about $1100-1200 to get set up, which includes all of the gear needed. A civilian is considerably cheaper as leathers & rifle aren't needed.

There will be need for civilians at Motor Mill as there will likely be at least one surgeon and as the event will be set near Vicksburg lots of civilians w/ southern sympathies wouldn't be innapropriate.

Email me at chain86@hotmail.com and I'll be happy to put you in touch w/ a unit in the Des Moines area, there is another up Mason City way and a third in the Cedar Rapids area.