Struggles of Secession--Westville GA 1863--Oct 20-24, 2010

[Charles Heath]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Having read about so many ox roasts during the period, it would be fun to try someplace where enough mouths were available to feed. Just a thought.

Sparks of Secession at Westville had so many good things going on at once that I find it difficult to put many of these audibles and visuals into words. Meanwhile, my child bride (who will attend next time) is enjoying her plunder consisting of a tin funnel, broom tin dustpan, tin oil can, little brown jug that manufactured on site, tee shirt, and a cute, cute, cute little mule. Somehow that bag of boiled peanuts evaporated on the way home....

[trippcor]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Count on me too.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

I'm even willing to take the full week off and head down the previous Saturday and volunteer my services for the week preceeding the event--is that bold enough? That place needs some TLC to get it to what it can be and I'm willing to donate some sweat to see it done right. I absolutely loved living above the boot shop and can't wait to do it again.

Mr. Eldridge Hardy

I AGREE!!! What an awesome site...and can you imagine having some presence for a full week? Now that would be a site to behold.

Count me in for 2010!

Paul B.

[majdoc]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

I'll be there as Doc, hopefully with an assistant or something along those lines.
Can do close to a week, might just be more fun.
Did have a ball last weekend.
See you all down the road.
Doc

[Charles Heath]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

As Paul and I discussed on the way to the parking lot, identifying, resourcing, and completing a number of small projects would be an excellent way to "give back" to Westville. For example, some stringers and treads for a set of steps off the backside of the tavern....

This list could go on and on. Got labor?

[Bushrod Carter]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

I hate to say I agree with Chawls, but...

Think of what we could offer Westville. If they had the materials on hand, we could make a HUGE difference in that place! Really. Not just carpentry, but simply CLEANING the buildings we use. Scraping and painting the sides of a few buildings. One of the projects could be a barn raising, etc.

Five days X 100 participants =

1.5 days volunteer work + 3.5 days of fun =

1200 non-paid volunteer man-hours to the site + a LIFE TIME of fond memories and experiences for everyone!

WOW! Think of what our end of the hobby could do for one historic site.

[Coatsy]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Hey I can paint. So perhaps Sheriff Muckitty Muck will pitch in. Also would there be volunteers to set up a jail cell?

[crabby]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Patrick has the right idea! Not only do the volunteer work on the site, but it can be incorporated into the program. (kind of a Tom Sawyer thing). Again, I'm in for the duration!

Crabby
aka Wm. Haus
Shopkeeper

[Emily Burns]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Would love to attend in 2010. Could put the whole family to work in whatever capacity is needed. :-)

Kind regards,

[csabugler]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Hey Jim, I'm starting to think you aren't going to get away with waiting two years....

[C.R. Henderson]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Hey Jim, I'm starting to think you aren't going to get away with waiting two years....

:D Seriously! I'd even be up for a weekend next year and a full week in 10! Just something to chew on....

[Tom Dodson]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Jim,
I'll be back. Just make sure the tavern is in operation.
Tom Dodson

[Mgreer]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

I like Hunter's idea of having the friction between the occupying forces the southern vets and the towns’ people. I think that the transition between the end of the war and peace time would be a fascinating time for us to portray.

Marvin
aka Nathan

[Mgreer]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

This time im running away...so Kiev watch out!

Marvin

[Jim of The SRR]

Re: Westville, GA - Oct. 2010

Struggle of Secession - Westville, GA 1863 is set for Oct 14-17, 2010. There will be windows for later arrival if you can not attend for all four days.
The situation for the 2010 event, Struggles for Seccession - Westville, GA 1863 will be much different than the Sparks of Seccession 1861 event. Late 1863 brings word of the fall of Vicksburg and the loss at Gettysburg. Yet, the victory at Chickamuaga breathes some hope to wars end soon. Gone are the chest thumping, drum beating calls to war. Gone are the BBQs and lavish buffets. Gone are the fine dresses and festive affairs. Gone is the glory as the men marched off to their uncertain fates. 'Struggles' brings home wars realities of men shattered by wounds or disease or word of a loved one lost at the front. 'Struggles' brings tensions and hoarding of food and supplies. 1863 has brought deserters desperate for a homecoming, yet hampered by Home Guard eager to scoop them up. Yet others will continue their trades as best they can. Some make supplies and packages for their men at the front. Young men are few, except for the wounded, the sick and the exempted ones too. Life in Westville will be different in 1863!

Those that attnded the Sparks event in 2008 will have the option to keep their same persona for the Struggles 1863 event. Emphasis should be on work in the daily workings of a village during this time period and location. While your characters may have changed and your "behavior" may have changed accordingly, those who wish to keep the roles they had at the first event will be able to do that - barring any unforeseen problem. Any of you at the first event are welcome and encouraged to talk with me during the year about how you'd like to reflect these changes. Anyone who wasn't at the first event and who wants to attend the next one, I encourage you to start now on your research and to run your ideas past me - don't feel compelled to wait until registration opens or the event is approaching and try to put it together on short notice.
Vickie and I have talked about everyones ideas to have some period parlor games, tableaus, music, etc. In addition to that, I am still going to try to get some period, 'professional' musicians as well.
Surviving, cooking, getting supplies will be up to each person. There will be plenty of food, but it will require some effort to procure it thru trading, 'purchasing', begging, sharing or outright guile. When you find food, you will have to then prepare it. Cooking will be done communally at various spots throughout the village including the two kitchens. Thus, each household/group/unit/mess shoudl work together to provide for themselves.

The website will be updated by October 2009. But, the 08 website still should prove useful at www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar/WestvilleIndex
I am looking forward to it!

Regards,
Jim Butler