Dear Abby Letter

[Karen Lips]

There was a letter today in Dear Abby written by a Civil War re-enactor. She asked Abby to please ask people not to interfere with re-enactors as someone could get hurt. I was just wondering if any of you re-enactors on this forum have ever experienced any problems with spectators.

 

[Karen Lips]

Please somebody answer my question.

 

[Me-109 Jagdfleiger]

Ive never had any problem with the public at the re-enactments I have been to, but I have never been to a Large reenactment. However i would think the larger events would be even safer for both Re-enactors and the public than some of the small ones ive been to, but thats just my 2 cents,
Jonathan

 

[sunnylady]

I know that most of the time my dear hubby and his unit do not ask the public to stand back for safety reasons unless they are about to fire their muskets or the cannon. This is just in case either the caps or what they put into the cannons comes out and flies nearby. This is for everyones safety. Now when the public comes to my area I do not ask them to stand back. I do watch the kids near the fire so they do not get hurt by that. I enjoy all the questions the public asks as do the guys in the unit.

 

[larry_cockerham]

I know that most of the time my dear hubby and his unit do not ask the public to stand back for safety reasons unless they are about to fire their muskets or the cannon. This is just in case either the caps or what they put into the cannons comes out and flies nearby. This is for everyones safety. Now when the public comes to my area I do not ask them to stand back. I do watch the kids near the fire so they do not get hurt by that. I enjoy all the questions the public asks as do the guys in the unit.

At all the larger events I've witnessed or helped with there has been a barrier (fence of some sort) between the public and the re-enactors when in the 'field' with horses, cannons or just yankees with muskets being summarily shot. Injuries are usually a re-enactor who didn't ride enough in preparation and fell off his horse, the horse got spooked, or he forgot the details from his cannon shooting lesson and was severely burned or lost some of his hearing. Folks (re-enactors) get stepped on, cut, burned, pinched, etc. quite often, but usually the public is kept well back and safe. I've never seen a problem with the hands on demonstrations, usually one-on-one or small groups listening to a presenter. Certainly no problem with touring campsites and displays. Someone is watching at all times, for many reasons.

 

[Mark Wadsworth]

I have seen the public throw rocks and other objects at the reenacters. Seen it a few times.

 

[CWNurse]

Problems more from the inside...

The only problems with folks that I have seen or even heard are folks yelling bad things to the guys. Like, "get a life"..or, "the south lost already." I remember one guy about a year ago when some of the guys walked to a restarant and had a beer bottle thrown at him. There is more gossip and rude behavior by fellow reenactors to those who are in the game with them than from the outside. That is why I like my little medical group so much....that stuff is not allowed or my superior asks them to leave if they can't behave as ladies and gentlemen.

Teresa Lacey
Head Nurse/Civilian Doc
Trans-Miss Med Corps

 

[Crazy Delawares]

The only time I saw any problems was once. It was a small event, about 150 re-enactors, where the public actually stepped out in front of a Coehorn Mortor that was firing during the battle scenario. They just weren't thinking but the artillery folks were...thankfully!

 

[barrydusel]

Once-In Dundalk , MD

Only one time did I ever have a experience with the "Public". We were heading to Ft. McHenry and after stopping to pick up a Pard we stopped enroute for something to eat. There were @ 5 of us. All in uniform.
There just also happened to be a group of "Frat Boys" in this restaraunt. Soon we began to hear snide comments and a tune being hummed . As luck would have it for these Frat Boys we liked their music and attempts at entertainment as well. So much so that weapproached them and ask them to sing louder for the rest of the clientele . After all don't they say music aids digestion? We requested them to sing "I'm a little Teapot" with visual aids. Of course they objected at first but, eventually they understood and did a request for us. I can attest that even the establishments management and staff enjoyed the entertainment. Oh, no one ever called PD... it was a fun day to be in Dundalk.

 

[K Hale]

Awesome...

 

[violet]

I have watched people not watching their kids and allowing them run too close to guide lines and/or fire pits.I have also seen people cross over the roped off area of the battlefield to get pictures of the battle and refused to move when asked.