Boonesfiled Village.

[Rmhisteach]

Boonesfield Village.

In the words of the immortal "Chawls"

I had fun how about you?:)

[Trish Hasenmueller]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

I had a fine time. By the way, it takes about 7 hours to drive from there to here. I, through wishful thinking, had told people it was less. I only stopped for a total of about 20 minutes all the way.

Trish Hasenmueller

[Silvana Siddali]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

Thank you, Rod and Trish. Rod deserves special thanks for stepping in for Rev. Frank Aufmuth at the last minute when Frank's latest son decided to make an early and completely unexpected (by six weeks) appearance. Frank was missed, but Rod's sermon and worship service were wonderful, especially at such late notice. Thanks to Trish for driving all that way and being such excellent company!

I'll write more when I have a chance, but from all I heard this event far exceeded expectations. I was so happy with the excellent impressions and everyone's hard work. So much research and effort went into all the roles people undertook: Mary W and Mary G in the dressmaker's shop, Stephanie as the school teacher, Terry S ran his inn, Jeremy as printer, Carl Anderton and Forrest Peterson as our musicians, Deborah Hyland and Larry B in the mercantile (with an even more stupendous candy display!) And thanks especially to the Hairy Nation boys for being such awful ruffians, the ONV for supplying stalwart men, to young Gus Wimmer-Brown for cleaning everyone's clock on the target shoot -- in fact, I want to take a minute to say that we're all especially proud of Gus, who was a raw recruit at Camp Jackson two years ago (joined up off the street) and now outshoots every man in the Boonesfield militia.

The outcome of the heated debate hung in the balance while the townsfolk watched anxiously, and in the end the Boonesfield men and farmers from surrounding towns decided to form a militia to protect our own village, keeping all other political questions in abeyance for the time being. I blame Mike Comer in particular for this unexpected turn of events. He seems to thrive on pro-secesh rabble rousing and led a large group of wary strangers into what had been a pro-Union patriotic meeting.

There were lots of people there, many dear old friends and a few fine new ones, and as soon as I've dug myself out of the usual mountain of smoky-smelling gear I'll post more of a report and pictures. For now let me say that it was as always a pleasure and a real trip back into 1861. Everyone worked incredibly hard and presented a wonderful event for site visitors. BTw, it was especially exciting to get a sneak preview of the two new houses that have recently joined the village and will be ready by November, when we have our next event.

For all those concerned about our friend Vivian, she's fine after her argument with the Engledew House's treacherous porch steps.

During the weekend of November 7-9 we'll be doing a Missouri State Guard occupation, and then something really magnificent is being planned for mid-May 2009 ... I'll let the Hairy Nation boys talk about that. Should be really interesting. Holler's in charge of that one.

More soon.

[Michael Comer]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

Well the only reason Gus won that match was because I didn't shoot. I was going to but when I saw how that rifled .69 blew his pa off the firing line, I declined to undergo such abuse to my shoulder. Gus was just shootin' that little .32 squirrel gun you know.:)

I had a most enjoyable time. The weather was perfect. One of my favorite parts of the event was the "discussion" we had about forming that militia. I found myself actually getting pretty angry at those Unionists but kept my peace. I lagged at the back of the crowd, hesitant to sign the roster and mulled many things over in my mind. My "cousin" Rick (Gath) had spoken of the fact that a militia would bring on warfare if we were armed and tried to convince me I shouldn't play any part in this group. I didn't like the Unionist bent of some of the fellows especially when they said they'd sign up to fight for Abe and the Union. I had fought for the country in Mexico but I wasn't going to fight for Lincolnites and a Federal government that would encourage the deprivation of states rights and had done nothing during the Kansas situation and would try to deprive slaveholding Missourians of their rightful property. But, I also wanted to defend my home and if I lived in the area, it wasn't right for me to sit back and allow my neighbors to take on the responsibility. Plus, if I didn't and I had trouble, they sure wouldn't come to support me and my family and farm.

The preacher and some others asked me if I was going to sign. I told them I was pretty torn and didn't quite know what I was going to do. They said it was just to defend our town and the county and if we did nothing, someone might do something to us. So I finally signed the roster but stipulated that as soon as anything looked like it was going to support the Federal government, then I was under no obligation to continue but would leave the ranks. You know, all I really wanted to do was run my farm and raise my mules and make a living for my family.

Then Union man Capt. Smith (Terry Sorchy) names me to be his orderly sergeant which I did but was somewhat uncomfortable about doing. But as Mr. Kupsch said, we could always learn some things and then get some fine Southern boys to join us and make our own militia. That was a decent idea I figured plus, I thought if I could help young Gus or some of the other boys to learn something about making war then maybe they wouldn't get themselves killed if things came to that.

Then later in the day, when I heard that the unit was going to petition Capt. Lyon for Federal arms that did it for me. I had suggested applying to the county for them to give us weapons since we were forming for the defense of the county. Going to the government for weapons would surely mean an obligation as a US militia and I wasn't going to do that and my association with the St. Charles Guards, a name I had come up with for this august group, came to an end.

I was truly troubled and was into the character and the scenario very much. I have not had that experience in many moons and enjoyed it thoroughly. The first person was effortless with so many fine people in such a setting.

My thanks to all that came and helped make a memorable event for me. I will certainly be back for more.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

Pards, Comrades & ladies,

I wanted to gather my thoughts before I posted much. I throughly enjoyed the weekend. It was awesome to be able to roam and interact in such an awesome setting. It is not often that we can utilize facitlites as wel did here. ;)

I was honored to serve as the local pastor at Boonesfield Village. I enjoyed the interactions with everyone in town. Thanks to all that helped with the service on Sunday morning. My readers , Carl the Irish Banjo Boy, Silvan for getting the booklets.

I enjoyed the meals prepared by Terry , Tim and CO.? Thanks boys for all you work . Thanks also for those that provided items for the "Picnic" That was also a nice touch .

My son throughly enjoyed himself too. Memorable moment for him are having to attend school Which he really liked, Hats off to Stephanie! He also really enjoyed the tasks that you all gave him and he especailly liked his trips to see miss Deborah in the candy store.:)
He is young but does apprecite felling as if he is part of the history that made our country. Thanks for all that had patience with him .

Thanks to all that helped pull this one off. It was a good one.

RM

[georgerutherford1861]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

All,

Being able to stick around for a little less than 24 hours, I was quite vexed at having to cut and run right after our first drill, but I hope that the country ham left behind was enjoyed. For those who I did not get the chance to talk with much, I was the red overshirt-wearing, pith-helmet-beehive German who couldn't answer the one German question he was asked by Captain Smith (much to my own embarassment - it's back to the books for me). However, I like to think that I laid the foundation with the "home team" for more thorough outings in the months ahead.

I had a great time and really enjoyed the experience in such a beautiful setting. The folks I was able to meet were all wonderful and very welcoming, and I even remember most of the names, a first I must say. On a number of occasions I've seen folks naturally gravitate to their own accustomed set of comrades, sometimes to the chagrin of an outsider, but everyone I met and talked with was more than welcoming of someone a little rusty - my especial thanks to the Taters, who allowed me to use their name in vain before the rest of them even got there, and then let me reside in their company.

One final mention before I shut up - I was very pleased with the first person interaction, at some events first person has appeared to me to be on par with low-grade dramatics, but this weekend it was almost effortless. It would pop up at off times-sitting and staring at the fireplace, or listening to Forrest play and having Mike Comer read excerpts from the Liberty newspaper in between songs. I believe that the importance of the decisions we were having to make as a community was great fodder for conversation.

For all those who were there the whole weekend, can you give a rundown of the rest of the events to make me jealous? Thanks.

Doug Frank

[BorderRuffian]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

This was my first appearance at Boonesfield.and I had a great time!I would like to thank Silvana and Star of the West Society for organizing the event,Terry Sorchy and crew for feeding us,Deborah Hyland and Larry for running the mercantile and dance instruction at the evening social saturday night,and Carl Anderton for the "corn medicine" that help to settle my performance jitters.I was glad I got to see several familiar faces and meet some new ones.
I think the contrasting views that were shared prior to the muster roll signing was one of the highlights.As time wore on and news was shared you could see rifts developing in the militia between the different political camps.
Count me in for the next one!If anyone has any pictures from the event I would be interested in seeing them.

[Silvana Siddali]

Re: Boonesfield Village.

Here are a few images. The first one is a long distance view of the target shoot. I couldn't get any closer without being seen. The next shows Captain Smith in his Inn, then Mrs. Brenton in her mercantile, and the last one shows Boonesfield women anxiously watching the militia mustering in.

[Sarah Belle]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

I had a lovely time. It was great to meet so many new people. Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming. The park was beautiful. Mr. Smith's Inn was highly recommendable. The festivities on Saturday were a really treat, thank you to Mrs. Brenton for the dance lessons and to the talented musicians. Thank you Silvana for your planning and for inviting me. If I ever travel though that part of the country with my cousin again I will make sure to seek boarding in Boonsfield.

[Sarah Belle]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

I had a lovely time. It was great to meet so many new people. Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming. The park was beautiful. Mr. Smith's Inn was highly recommendable. The festivities on Saturday were a really treat, thank you to Mrs. Brenton for the dance lessons and to the talented musicians. Thank you Silvana for your planning and for inviting me. If I ever travel though that part of the country with my cousin again I will make sure to seek boarding in Boonsfield.

Brandi Jones
Cornfed Comerades

[Anna Allen]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

Aw...really wish I could have made this one! :( But I'm looking forward to going back to the beloved Boone Village in November! I miss you all!

Hey Carl, we'll definitely have to do that banjo lesson another time! I was looking forward to that.

Hope someone got a picture of Jeremy in his printer impression!

[Deborah Hyland]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

Thanks to everyone who came down to visit our village.

To Silvana for all her hard work in setting things up and the even harder work of acting as liaison.

Also to my clerk. I'm afraid I can only recall his 1861 name, John Dawson. I hope the periodic work (cutting paper for cones, filling out receipts, carrying the occasional chair) wasn't too onerous. When I returned from church on Sunday and found that he was already working, I was so impressed. Whoever he was, he's a credit to his parents! I am ever so grateful to have had him.

To Jeremy Snyder for helping print the leaflets for "Brenton's Vegetable Compound Cough Candies" and for some great first person.

To young Grant Miller for distributing them and for his assistance in the confectionery. I was so impressed that he set his own budget and always knew to the penny what balance he had remaining. I hope he wasn't too sugared up for the trip home.

To whomever printed the Harper's Weekly for morning distribution.

To Terry Sorchy, Nancy Troxel, Charlene & Brian Staples, and the staff at Smith's Inn on the Green. I will happily dine there anytime. Mr. Brenton commented that in all his years of reenacting, this was the first time he saw what amounted to a truly professional kitchen, and despite his lanky appearance, that man knows food.

To Gus & Rick Wimmer-Brown for setting such an example on the dance floor. If you two had not been so prompt to step up, none of the other gents would have and the evening would not have been so magical.

To Carl Anderton and Forrest Peterson for their musical entertainment all Saturday afternoon and at the social Saturday night. I loved hearing the new pieces and especially enjoyed the schottische.

I also enjoyed meeting Rick Gath and Brandi Jones; seeing dear friends like Vivian Murphy, Belinda Canaday, and Trish Hasenmueller; and renewing my acquaintance with Michael Comer, Mike Kupsch, Kelly, the Marys (Gutzke and Warren), Tim Ruyle (who is one of the best male sewers I've ever met), and Rod Miller.

To everyone who contributed to the picnic, consigned goods to the store, and helped support it by making a small purchase, I really appreciate it.

[Rmhisteach]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

on.

To young Grant Miller for distributing them and for his assistance in the confectionery. I was so impressed that he set his own budget and always knew to the penny what balance he had remaining. I hope he wasn't too sugared up for the trip home.

He slept on the way home just like he did on the way there. Thanks back to you for your work in making it a memorable weekend for both of the Millers.

RM

PS- My younger boy opted out for the weekend. With all the talk about gum drops, Turkish delight & other candies my other boy was very jealous.

[MGutzke]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

I can't add much more to the comments of the others. I had a wonderful time--from hearing the thunderstorm roll into the valley Friday and staying nice and dry in our dressmaker's shop, to the absolutely wonderful time I had on Saturday night (thank you Carl and Forrest for the music, and Deborah and Larry for the dance instruction and encouragement) to Rod's excellent church service on Sunday. And everything in between. Everyone had an excellent set-up in each of their buildings/homes that made everything so real.

Thank you to everyone that worked hard to make the event happen and for allowing us to be residents of Boonesfield.

[cstaples]

Re: Boonesfiled Village.

To All that were there and all that missed it,

I can't say enough about my first true first person event. I can only thank all that were there and all that have helped me on my way learning, and opening my eyes.Thank you Mary and Mary! Terry and Nancy I'll help cook anytime
I can't wait until next time coming together in the 1860's :)