CWT Fall Muster 2025?

[NFB22]

Having to heard folks in many different cars when you are out on the public roads and traveling from site to site when they are far apart can cause MAJOR problem. So we came to the conclusion that in the Western Theater we either repeat or do as Mobile where we traveled to sites and back (within reason)

This is what the challenge would be if Perryville were to ever be a site.

If Lexington were utilized as HQ, Perryville is an hour drive with Camp Nelson and Richmond both being around 30-40 minutes outside of Lexington.

 

[gjpratt]

Someday I may be willing to organize a Mini-Muster for the Jacksonville area, but it won't be this year as my schedule is too loaded.

We could put together a one day Olustee Mini easily enough. My bet is either one of us could lead it.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

I am one of those "paupers" and retired who cant afford to host a muster- heck i am lucky enough to just be able to attend them plus a tour or two thru the year, plus being from Texas the distance has a large impact on being able to plan/attend these type functions. Perhaps this plays a part (not to mention my personailty) in not being asked to be a part of any of the cadres that form their own private/mini musters but I certainly enjoy the "after action" reports and pictures that get posted here on this site. I truly hope this year's muster comes about and would offer what little heip I might be able to provide.

I on the other hand have more money than sense after burning thru two full careers. There is nothing better IMHO then being with friends on the water.

Also IMHO Fred/Spotsy is cheap and cheerful. I ain't just whistling Dixie about her.
If I could get a co QM to handle the runup to Cedar Creek I will place my hat back in.

The traffic can be a bear but if you go with the flow on a Monday morning you can be on your plane and home by lunch. Or train it and you might have to walk four blocks to our hotel. Shops, good eats, bars downtown Fred has it. You could B and B it in town. I personally think that a muster would not be complete without a stop at Guneau station and then homeward.

October would be good for us artillery guys to discuss terrain at Spotsy. Just watch where you step as they can be grumpy in the fall.

I vote Fredburg/Spotsy '25 muster. I think I have the admin skills to do it. Even with CC looming.

YHS,
Doc Ralph

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

Even with CC looming.

What is CC? So, you need to set up a poll and have the membership vote on it. And find a weekend in October.

Now, @Sbc said he was going to host Charleston. I don't know if that is still on. Usually the vote is between two places. I wish @Sbc would let us know if Charleston is off or on.

 

[archieclement]

What is CC? So, you need to set up a poll and have the membership vote on it. And find a weekend in October.

Now, @Sbc said he was going to host Charleston. I don't know if that is still on. Usually the vote is between two places. I wish @Sbc would let us know if Charleston is off or on.

Same.....his last activity on site shows Dec 30th a couple days before this thread.........

But if only end up with one host offer, not much to vote on

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

just checked the 2023 records. We had 11 late cancellations of previously confirmed participants for various understandable reasons. That was a 25% attrition rate. I don't know if that is representative since I was not involved in any other Musters. But it does illustrate the difficulty organizers have in arranging and booking hotels and dinners in advance on a guaranteed group basis.

This is about average. I had to leave earlier for a while but you put in, what I wanted to add to my other thoughts, Hal.

You are going to get last minute cancellations you didn't expect. AND…. Added expenses you didn't expect. What about those goody bags for example? Well, I usually bring NECCO wafers because they are a true, Union candy that were available during the Civil War. I had them for Antietam and brought them for Mobile. The price has gone up a lot though. They were $40.00 for Mobile. This time, @UCVRelics had the actual goody bags so I didn't have to buy them like I did for Antietam and @farrargirl had visited a lot of the Chamber of Commerce places and had loads of maps and such for everyone.

And, like @Diane123 said, if you have too many cancellations, you lose your good room discounts. Usually you need to have 25 rooms sold and actually used to get the best discounts/free war room/free whatever.

My family in Maryland and I did that in Maryland for Antietam. It just all takes a lot more time than anyone thinks and not all Chamber of Commerces are that accommodating. All extras start to mount up to a lot of money. Especially because I like to make the bags extra special and through swag in. None of the Hosts have to do it but we like to make the events memorable and well-received. This time for Mobile I had lanyards custom printed from Amazon that had the place names of where we were going to visit printed on them. It wasn't costly, but again, all of this starts to add up.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

I on the other hand have more money than sense after burning thru two full careers. There is nothing better IMHO then being with friends on the water.

Also IMHO Fred/Spotsy is cheap and cheerful. I ain't just whistling Dixie about her.
If I could get a co QM to handle the runup to Cedar Creek I will place my hat back in.

The traffic can be a bear but if you go with the flow on a Monday morning you can be on your plane and home by lunch. Or train it and you might have to walk four blocks to our hotel. Shops, good eats, bars downtown Fred has it. You could B and B it in town. I personally think that a muster would not be complete without a stop at Guneau station and then homeward.

October would be good for us artillery guys to discuss terrain at Spotsy. Just watch where you step as they can be grumpy in the fall.

I vote Fredburg/Spotsy '25 muster. I think I have the admin skills to do it. Even with CC looming.

YHS,
Doc Ralph

Raw Hotel prices run from $131 to $257 if you want to bunk down next to Mary (Ma) Washington. Free parking downtown. Run vans to battlefields. I know some local experts for guided tours advise . Brandy is IMHO too far.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Same.....his last activity on site shows Dec 30th a couple days before this thread.........

But if only end up with one host offer, not much to vote on

Maybe get some more folks thinking about what would be acceptable. It's a cool idea muster - short and sweet.

 

[NH Civil War Gal]

Raw Hotel prices run from $131 to $257 if you want to bunk down next to Mary (Ma) Washington. Free parking downtown. Run vans to battlefields. I know some local experts for guided tours advise . Brandy is IMHO too far.

This is YOUR job as Quartermaster to negotiate below the $131. We won't be spending the day at the hotel. It just needs to offer a decent breakfast - oatmeal, eggs, cereal, that kind of thing and be in a safe place.

The ONE thing you have to keep in mind - it isn't YOUR vacation - it is a Muster for OTHER people. They aren't as rich as you seem to be, at least I'm certainly not. This was the biggest lesson I was taught from the get go, from the master - it isn't about YOU but about all the others you've invited to this big party you are throwing. You need to make it as affordable as you can for them.

I forgot, you need to arrange for Saturday to have a box lunch - turkey and/or ham sandwiches, chips, and a drink brought out to everyone on the battlefield. You need to find a deli or restaurant that will make these sandwiches, the cost, do a deposit, etc find out how they get them there and all that. At Antietam I was lucky. The Town of Sharpsburg was just two miles away and the restaurant owner was familiar with my assistant. Also, I visited in person in July and kept up a phone contact with them so they REALLY KNEW I was serious about this. They delivered to the Antietam Battlefield for us.

I also had, in my car, cases of water and soft drinks for people with coolers with ice.

Saturday night is usually a members dinner at a nice restaurant. It's not mandatory but if possible we try to make it in a historic place IF it doesn't get too expensive. We often have a raffle with different members donating Civil War artifacts/books. Usually with a dinner, a deposit has to be put down to hold that place. I had to do that in Charlestown, WV. But… we also did a sort of members dinner on Friday, based on James N. Recommendation at the South Mountain Inn. I'm glad we did because that place is now permanently closed and A.P. Hill used it for his command center before being driven out and other Union commanders came in. It was in the heart of the battles of South Mountain. So a certain amount of flexibility is good.

Depending on the Quartermaster and who they are, sometimes they can pay for the whole dinner (I couldn't) and sometimes they can't. Usually everyone pays for themselves. It just depends on circumstances.

You need to have the mindset of *PREDICTIVE HOSPITALITY* think of bathrooms and a slightly older crowd and what will people need, even if it is a stretch in your mind. You should have an EMT available too. When I was scouting out different restaurants and such in and around Charlestown, WV, I was visiting bathrooms and pushing @Stone in the wall in the men's bathrooms to see if they were decent. You'd be surprised with what we found! But you have to think like that!

 

[Doc_Ralph]

As for any of you blue water or brown water or even lake sailors or pirates, who might want to try a riverine CW study group can reach out to me. Any Vicksburg guys and gals and interested land labors also. This would probably be a cruise on a mighty river in '26 unless ships come in. I would offer the Rappahannock (down from the fall line to the Bay) Rapidan Ni Po as a river I have capsized or canoed on.

 

[13 IL Cav & 64 GA Inf]

This is YOUR job as Quartermaster to negotiate below the $131. We won't be spending the day at the hotel. It just needs to offer a decent breakfast - oatmeal, eggs, cereal, that kind of thing and be in a safe place.

The ONE thing you have to keep in mind - it isn't YOUR vacation - it is a Muster for OTHER people. They aren't as rich as you seem to be, at least I'm certainly not. This was the biggest lesson I was taught from the get go, from the master - it isn't about YOU but about all the others you've invited to this big party you are throwing. You need to make it as affordable as you can for them.

I forgot, you need to arrange for Saturday to have a box lunch - turkey and/or ham sandwiches, chips, and a drink brought out to everyone on the battlefield. You need to find a deli or restaurant that will make these sandwiches, the cost, do a deposit, etc find out how they get them there and all that. At Antietam I was lucky. The Town of Sharpsburg was just two miles away and the restaurant owner was familiar with my assistant. Also, I visited in person in July and kept up a phone contact with them so they REALLY KNEW I was serious about this. They delivered to the Antietam Battlefield for us.

I also had, in my car, cases of water and soft drinks for people with coolers with ice.

Saturday night is usually a members dinner at a nice restaurant. It's not mandatory but if possible we try to make it in a historic place IF it doesn't get too expensive. We often have a raffle with different members donating Civil War artifacts/books. Usually with a dinner, a deposit has to be put down to hold that place. I had to do that in Charlestown, WV. But… we also did a sort of members dinner on Friday, based on James N. Recommendation at the South Mountain Inn. I'm glad we did because that place is now permanently closed and A.P. Hill used it for his command center before being driven out and other Union commanders came in. It was in the heart of the battles of South Mountain. So a certain amount of flexibility is good.

Depending on the Quartermaster and who they are, sometimes they can pay for the whole dinner (I couldn't) and sometimes they can't. Usually everyone pays for themselves. It just depends on circumstances.

You need to have the mindset of *PREDICTIVE HOSPITALITY* think of bathrooms and a slightly older crowd and what will people need, even if it is a stretch in your mind. You should have an EMT available too. When I was scouting out different restaurants and such in and around Charlestown, WV, I was visiting bathrooms and pushing @Stone in the wall in the men's bathrooms to see if they were decent. You'd be surprised with what we found! But you have to think like that!

Valid thoughts, @NH.

 

[Drew]

Yeah, very good points from @Diane123 and @NH Civil War Gal. A river cruise is a lovely idea that each of us could pursue individually. It's just not conducive to a large group of varying means.

I said earlier I wouldn't vote but will remind, traffic in Northern Virginia is horrendous, 24/7 and trying to do too much geographically will be very painful if not disastrous. Picking a major battlefield with a manageable side trip is really the way to go.

There's enough there to entertain CWT musters for two or three years moving forward.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Yeah, very good points from @Diane123 and @NH Civil War Gal. A river cruise is a lovely idea that each of us could pursue individually. It's just not conducive to a large group of varying means.

I said earlier I wouldn't vote but will remind, traffic in Northern Virginia is horrendous, 24/7 and trying to do too much geographically will be very painful if not disastrous. Picking a major battlefield with a manageable side trip is really the way to go.

There's enough there to entertain CWT musters for two or three years moving forward.

This is true and is all about timing. Or come up from Richmond. DC is easily up there with LA. The van drivers will worry about it as you can snooze on way to hotel. It was hell enough for me as a commuter van driver not to wish it on anyone. Drivers can slip in and out of here with scenic back roads home. Fly in and train in and out or Richmond.

I think I am the first QM offer and I think most of you realize what's here. Four battlefields … five with Salem Church. I will leave it out here.

 

[UCVRelics]

The ONE thing you have to keep in mind - it isn't YOUR vacation - it is a Muster for OTHER people. They aren't as rich as you seem to be, at least I'm certainly not. This was the biggest lesson I was taught from the get go, from the master - it isn't about YOU but about all the others you've invited to this big party you are throwing. You need to make it as affordable as you can for them.

Well said Grasshopper.

 

[pmuskett]

IF it is decided on Gettysburg, let me know. I can help there where I can. There are a lot of things already going on here that might complicate rooms and costs. October is our second busiest month. The weather can be warm, or it can be blustery and cold.

If it is Fredericksburg, I might be able to find some guides as well for that area. Definitely an Indepth Brandy Station Walk.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Offer stands and I have noted comments from the peanut gallery. I have been blessed with rewards for working my tail off close to 50 years and we put our money where our mouth is. Helping people is our mantra these days. Getting a van to pickup folks up for free at Richmond airport. And the rest …

No need to shout in your posts. I am pretty thick skinned. This isn't about me at all. Who in their right mind would take on a challenge like this? So close to Cedar Creek. That will be my vacation speaking to "arm chair" CW folks and letting kiddos pick up a canteen.

If they want cheap how about camping out at a camp ground? I even have tents they could use.

So keep on yacking and flapping. No one else is standing up but your comments are duly noted and not squashed but pondered upon.

 

[stu613]

Offer stands and I have noted comments from the peanut gallery. I have been blessed with rewards for working my tail off close to 50 years and we put our money where our mouth is. Helping people is our mantra these days. Getting a van to pickup folks up for free at Richmond airport. And the rest …

No need to shout in your posts. I am pretty thick skinned. This isn't about me at all. Who in their right mind would take on a challenge like this? So close to Cedar Creek. That will be my vacation speaking to "arm chair" CW folks and letting kiddos pick up a canteen.

If they want cheap how about camping out at a camp ground? I even have tents they could use.

So keep on yacking and flapping. No one else is standing up but your comments are duly noted and not squashed but pondered upon.

Knowing some of the folks on here, I dont think anyone was "shouting" at you. As you yourself has said, you are new to this, and they were just trying to provide some of the facts someone taking on the job of QM probably needs to know and tried to answer some of your questions based on their experience. Better this than "I wish they had told me earlier".

 

[RaggedAssSecond]

Knowing some of the folks on here, I dont think anyone was "shouting" at you. As you yourself has said, you are new to this, and they were just trying to provide some of the facts someone taking on the job of QM probably needs to know and tried to answer some of your questions based on their experience. Better this than "I wish they had told me earlier".

Unless you've organized such an event or something similar, it's helpful and prudent to listen to someone who has. That's why I asked to hear the experiences of other forum members who had. I agree with @stu613, I don't think anyone was yelling or being disrespectful to you @Doc_Ralph. I have helped organize a reunion and when you think you've planned for everything, you haven't. I don't know if such has come up in past musters, but what if you have an attendee who has special needs? A woman has a different perspective than men and will think of things a man doesn't.

Thank you @NH Civil War Gal.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Offer stands and I have noted comments from the peanut gallery. I have been blessed with rewards for working my tail off close to 50 years and we put our money where our mouth is. Helping people is our mantra these days. Getting a van to pickup folks up for free at Richmond airport. And the rest …

No need to shout in your posts. I am pretty thick skinned. This isn't about me at all. Who in their right mind would take on a challenge like this? So close to Cedar Creek. That will be my vacation speaking to "arm chair" CW folks and letting kiddos pick up a canteen.

If they want cheap how about camping out at a camp ground? I even have tents they could use.

So keep on yacking and flapping. No one else is standing up but your comments are duly noted and not squashed but pondered upon.

Knowing some of the folks on here, I dont think anyone was "shouting" at you. As you yourself has said, you are new to this, and they were just trying to provide some of the facts someone taking on the job of QM probably needs to know and tried to answer some of your questions based on their experience. Better this than "I wish they had told me earlier".

Oh for sure and I would need help. Capitalized letters are pretty standard for emphasis and I guess they are right but it wouldn't be a vacation for me. After retiring twice everyday is a vacation.

So if someone in Fredericksburg area wants to pitch in, I am pulling in speakers (but there will be a cost as John Cummings has retired from guided tours) and looking at accommodations and perhaps a group rate.

Pretty adamant about not having Brandy. Friday will be burned up with travel and only full day will be Saturday. Church on Sunday and so wrap up with Spotsy CH and for those Jackson fans Guinea Station and then to the planes or trains.

I regret I can not go to the other great locations suggested but with CC and my French and Indian War duty gig at Fort William Henry this year is spoken for. It's not about me but committing time and money and not just talking about something.

 

[Doc_Ralph]

Unless you've organized such an event or something similar, it's helpful and prudent to listen to someone who has. That's why I asked to hear the experiences of other forum members who had. I agree with @stu613, I don't think anyone was yelling or being disrespectful to you @Doc_Ralph. I have helped organize a reunion and when you think you've planned for everything, you haven't. I don't know if such has come up in past musters, but what if you have an attendee who has special needs? A woman has a different perspective than men and will think of things a man doesn't.

Thank you @NH Civil War Gal.

So true and I would also present a binder of our collective thoughts and knowledge for future reference. Well (again this is not about me but what I have actually done and experienced) and supervising 60 folks and learned fast to delegate.

We also have organized a family reunion and produced a nice keepsake. I would spring for that as a momento of the muster and a van. (Again not playing my own violin but what I have done driving a commuter van into DC and back for years as a before and after side gig)

I am a field person and rely on you folks to enlighten me about battle order and etc. What do I know besides the business end of a piece and some choice phrases in French and Mohawk, how to cut off a limb?

So keep those suggestions coming and I will template them so whoever and wherever we go there will be a skeleton outline. Other wise I could just sit around and drink beer and eat bon bons.

YHS,
Doc Ralph

But I can be salty and so please forgive me for that.