Westville AAR

[Old-South]

Re: Westville AAR

Miss Bodaciousness-ness-ness......................................Black pepper, anyone?

More later.

In dire need of therapy,

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Re: Westville AAR

Mr. Canaday, your face was priceless telling me about a sugar bag filled with sand. I'm still laughing. Let me know if you want to know how that magic trick was accomplished. Also you had to head out for such a long drive Sunday, I didn't have a chance to see if I owe you anything for the sugar. Post if you actually gave someone the bag of sand from your black market, as I want to know how that went.

Well Matt, that little incident brings up a point. Those goods on the black market were actually out of the event funds or Jim Butler's pocket. So my anger you saw that afternoon was a mix of anger at the inconsiderate jackhole who figured they could get a laugh by stealing the supplies and replacing them with dirt to cover their crime and anger at myself for not checking the supplies on hand more thoroughly. In the end my personal desire to visit violence was stayed by the small modicum of self-discipline I have and the inability I had at the time to positively finger the culprit.

I honored my debt to Jim for the supplies consigned to me to sell and paid for the bag that was stolen and the bag ruined when I realized I was pouring dirt from a bag onto perfectly good sugar. I did not even attempt to sell either bag, after all an honest man doesn't cheat others and I couldn't conscious selling a bag of dirt or a bag of tainted sugar. I informed Mr. Logan of the tainted supplies, returned them to him and accepted the loss.

I was perfectly resigned to loosing money in my business dealings, but I didn't think anyone would cross the line to actual theft. It is probably best I never know how this situation came about because I will hold enmity for awhile.

It was still a damn good time at Struggles of Secession. I will just need to bring a strong box instead of trusting living historians to not mess with supplies I may have in the future.

[FlaCpl.]

Re: Westville AAR

All I can say about this experience was WOW!!!!!! This was my first ebufu event and I like so many am looking foward to 65. Thank you all for your efforts, and Mr. Comer, you should run for office.

Walter Cook

[Spinster]

Re: Westville AAR

How sad...There was an opportunity to obtain a dress length of a fine silk-wool blend fabric this past Friday. That banker James Canaday even took a gallon of hard cider in partial trade for it. Aunt Tilly should consider which of her nephews is more supportive of those needs. Whilest Angelina Stoker is making a spectacle of herself calling a common and honest businessman, a disabled Veteran no less, a 'Speculator'...

Aunt Tilley would not hear of such--she's an uber patriot, and would no more traffic in blockaded goods than she would up and fly (even if she did tolerate a closet unionist in the household). For the same reasons she gave the preacher down the road for his weak excuse for buying such goods, that his wife needed a wool petticoat--when an honest woman would be occupied with the looms and wheels, making cloth, just like any other patriotic woman. Of course, there is patriotism to Georgia, but not so much for the Confederate States. At any rate, Aunt Tilley is using the skills she learned as a girl to support the Cause.

Aunt Tilley handed poor old Dr. Porter the petticoat, and drove that beknighted man off to war. Her only quarrel with him is that his business was not straight when he left, and she's not sure why he's back. She may hand him the petticoat again. This sort of testy harridan drove thousands of men off to war in 1861, and their letters forced many men home as the war drug on.

Thirty years post war, it is the Aunt Tilleys who have folded the shot tattered flags, laid bloody uniforms into cedar, held letters in Bible pages--and rewritten life to create the myths of the Lost Cause.

[Spinster]

Re: Westville AAR

The Lewis Boarding House has enough food on the back porch for the whole town to survive for the winter. Where did it all come from? .

The Lewis House gave illustration to the observant eye---each household received that much bounty, with only slight adjustments for the larger number served at some, and adjustments for social class--an example being that we had no bread at the Farmhouse, never managed to obtain any--and yet, we had venison. Of course, we also had resourceful men in the woods out back........

Its been interesting to hear what each household made, or did not make, from the period foods provided, and the amount of food picked up afterwards told a story as well.

Jim and Vicki did an excellent job in setting the philosophical framework for food, and I enjoyed my adventure tagging along behind Beverly Simpson in September as we made the first round of pricing goods at various Amish and Mennonite sources. Again, thanks go to Mrs. Simpson for a goodly portion of the shopping for all the food goods. The salt hams were part of a larger learning experience, as a group of us dressed hogs last January that served to provide meat for both In The Van and Struggles of Secession . The last of those fine Kentucky hogs will be gobbled up by wagoners two weeks from now, as will the leftover cushaws, potatos, meal, flour, lard...........

When the day for poultry came, we intentionally moved the chickens and ducks to the back yard of the house to be dressed, and had roped off the cooking area. We were surprised at the number of tourists who wanted to see the process more closely. Thanks to Grumpy Dave Townsend for passing on the door and barrels he has long used for butchering at Columbia Rifles events--- the wounded man on furlough made good use of them, and the tourists were fascinated.

Mrs. Barr is either the kindest woman on earth by the number of goodwill tokens she had at the end, or the woodshop and printer are about to retire from all the one's she had them make up for her. She had enough to build a couple log cabins by Sunday. Wonder what she bought? Probably the whole courthouse. And it made me happy to provide coffee as fraternal relief..

As I was running for mayor, I felt it would be important to get around to the cooking families and see if I could find out what they needed. If I could provide it, I hoped they would tell their husbands to vote for me. Mr. Darling assisted me and we made two rounds of the homesteads. I learned Mrs. Barr rules her place as the queen bee since the other ladies would not budge on trading a thing without consulting her first.
.

Mrs. Simpson is kind, most organized, and well able to make do with that which is available. She's also an excellent researcher. And, what you were also seeing was a well oiled machine of women who have been working together for a number of years, in time periods from 1720 to 1870. We are active in events with full trade economies in the 18th century, and 'what the Indians bring up' to trade determines what is on our supper table

While the heart of the house varies with the event, we all know that there must be one who knows what is available and determines what will be served at a given meal. Dealing with an unknown and irregular food supply requires extensive knowledge of the period, and a number of willing folks who are quick to see work , do it without having it pointed out, and who follow directions. So, what you were seeing was not so much 'ruling' as a cooperative group that spends a great deal of time in living and working together, and values the contribution of each.

Out of this group also came the shopping that provided yard goods for Mr. Cannaday's auction, (as always, its is excellent to shop with a man's wallet rather than our own). Mrs. Simpson and I made the rounds to obtain the printed cotton goods.

Our thanks to Jimmie Moffet for aiding Miss Bruce in locating a top quality source for the woolen and silk goods she purchased for the event. That company does not do mail order. For those who were amazed at the quality of those goods, I'd encourage you to register for Raising The First Volunteers in April 2011. We'll be getting up a little fieldtrip to that warehouse prior to the event going live.

[Hank Trent]

Re: Westville AAR

We're still in Atlanta, waiting across from the station for the first train to leave for home in Ohio in a few hours.

Linda and I had a wonderful time, and it was all due to the amazing efforts of the organizers and the incredibly real impressions of the boarding house residents and the "Walker family," as well as the other villagers we met in town. Also, a sincere thanks to those who loaned the use of cooking gear, which made all the meals possible.

The change between 1861 and 1863 was a dramatic one for us. Instead of spending money faster than I made it at the tavern and going into debt around town, we were frugal and poor, but saved enough money that I could pay off my debts from two years ago.

The Lewis House gave illustration to the observant eye---each household received that much bounty, with only slight adjustments for the larger number served at some, and adjustments for social class--an example being that we had no bread at the Farmhouse, never managed to obtain any--and yet, we had venison. Of course, we also had resourceful men in the woods out back........

Its been interesting to hear what each household made, or did not make, from the period foods provided, and the amount of food picked up afterwards told a story as well.

I was also curious about what others were doing with the food. Making do with what we were given, while turning it into greasy, hog-and-hominy, low-class Georgia-style food was a great challenge and a very nice addition to the event this time around.

Part of our goals were to run an economical household, so we didn't buy anything extra or trade for any black market goods for the boarders, avoided using the expensive food and made the cheapest food stretch as far as possible. We calculated that buying a chicken at $2 wouldn't pay, since it would last one meal at the most, and if 10 boarders paid 50 cents a day for meals, we were earning less than $2 a meal, so we'd lose money serving chicken.

In addition to what you picked up, we donated two cans of milk to the hospital and had left over all the carrots, about 1/3 of the ham, 1/4 slab of bacon and a bunch of celery, and figured that if we'd purchased another slab of bacon, we could have fed the same amount of people all over again with what was left over. The only waste we had was half a serving bowl of something--a potato, ham and cabbage dish I think--that we took down to the hospital for the wounded soldiers (who were gone at the time, so it went in the dumpster, but...). We were going to roast the peanuts for coffee, but one of the boarders donated a bag of coffee for everyone the last two days.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[toptimlrd]

Re: Westville AAR

From the recently found diary of Rev. J.H. Goss Kidd:

Here is an exerpt:

Oct 21 1863:

Mary left a few days ago to visit her dear friend Lori Collett who has developed
an affliction of her eyes and I do miss her so. God's providence however has
once again delivered me, it seems our very good friends the McDonalds heard
about the situation, they opened their home to me as they are most likely aware
of my poor skills in the domestic vein and am quite dangerous when trying to
prepare meals. I also received word that government impressment agents are in
the area so I sold my mount as well as a few other desireable possessions before
they could take it. I do believe in giving unto Caesar but the Lord also gave us
the good sense to prepare for events so that we can provide for our families.

The Lewis' are quite extrodinary neighbors. Mr. Lewis helped me unload some
items from a borrowed carriage today. He and Mrs. lewis are taking in boarders
during this difficult time so I trust they are doing well under the
circumstances. They are utilizing their back porch for the Methodist class
meetings from my understanding. Planned on visiting this evening but when I
arrived they were already in session so I listened for a few minutes from the
garden gate and quite enjoyed the hymns sung.

This afternoon I received word that Lori was doing well and Mary should return
soon. This is great news. She did ask that I attend an auction she heard word
about for some yard goods. She has done so without while clothing the children
that I of course will be glad to do so. Fortunately she wrote her childhood
friend Mrs. Elliot who is in town briefly and asked her to accompany me to
ensure I buy something appropriate as Mrs. Elliot is quite familiar with Mary's
taste.

Called on a few families in the town to see how they were faring in these lean
times and all seem to be in good spirits but I detect a sense of strain between
not only our good town and the Confederate government but between the different
people of our town of differing social classes. As minister I must do what I can
to quell these feelings and help maintain some sense of brotherhood among all of
us.

Dined with the McDonalds for the noon and evening meals today, the ladies at the
McDonalds are quite talented with preparing delicious dishes out of meager
means. Many seem to think the McDonalds are snobby and uncaring but I do know
otherwise, I wish I could tell others what I know but I have promised the
McDonalds (especially Mrs. McDonald) to keep their charitable works quite
private.

Oct 22, 1863

Had breakfast, dinner, and supper with the McDonald's today, once again an
exceptional job with so little in supplies.

Private Parker passed away during the night, this was unexpected as it seemed he
was recovering slowly from the wound he received a year ago. I presided over his
funeral today with many from the town in attendance. Mr Canady was very generous
in paying for the funeral which was unnecessary but understandable as they
served together. Mr. Canady also gave a very appropriate and moving eulogy.

While visiting the local farmhouse below the church, I learned they were in
desparate need of flour. I made some inquiries with people of influence in town
and learned there was a small supply of flour that had come in through the
blockade. Was shocked at the price of $6 for only 2 pounds, used the monies Mr.
Canady gave me for private Parker's funeral along with some personal funds to
provide the needed flour. I also dropped off some socks for mending with Ms.
Stoker who is renting from the owner of the farmhouse.

Attended the yard goods auction where I found the most beautiful 6 yards of blue
print fabric. Mrs. Elliott said Mary would love it and it would make a fine
quilted petticoat. Mrs. Stoker was there and accusing the good Mr. Canady of
profiteering. If only I could say how Mr. Canady's "profiteering" helped her
landlady to acquire the flour and how Mr. Canady donated the sum total above and
beyond his cost to the other needy in Westville which is why I did not mind
bidding as I did. Ms. Stoker seemed to take exception to my bidding as well.

Called on the infirmed in the hospital which WAS the Damascus Methodist Church.
Wrote my dear friend Rev. Turner to invite him and his congregation to join us
at Climax Pres. Church for the Lord's day.

Some time after purchasing the fabric, I travelled to see Ms. Stoker to offer my
apologies for any offense I may have caused at the auction. She did not seem
moved but did offer to assist in teaching Mary to weave. Mary is quite the
home-maker but being from a family of privilidge, she never learned to weave.
Mary has been such a saint in dealing with the lack of provisions which she is
unaccustomed to. She has acclimated herself quite well to living well below her
accustomed station. I believe Mary will be quite happy to take Ms. Stoker's
assistance.

Much gunfire heard through the town from agents looking for deserters. Much
noise in the evening eminating from the area of Nuckoll's tavern. I have never
stepped foot in this establishment but have procured an occasional glass of
apple cider from the base of the front stoop. I normally would rail against all
those squandering their limited funds on hard drink, but in these trying times I
am trying to maintain my Christian sense of charity and simply pray they come to
the realization of the error of their ways.

Oct. 23, 1863

Once again took my meals with the McDonalds. A couple of their guests at the
breakfast indicated my name came up in the Tavern from the judge and it was less
than complimentary. This was quite surprising as I have known the judge for some
time and counted him among friends. Apparently he also was concerned about my
purchase and I can't help but wonder if ms. Stoker may have planted some seed in
his mind. After hearing similar stories from others at the tavern that evening,
I decided to schedule an appointment to have a discussion with the judge today
about this apparent (what I trust is a) misunderstanding. After inquiring about
the judge to see if I could locate him, I finally saw him between cases at the
courthouse and was pleased that he agreed to meet with me in his chambers at
1:00 PM.

Received a Lt. Col. killed at Chickamauga today, this is the second funeral I
have had to preside over in as many days.

Once again I called on a number of families about town and visited the infirmed
at the hospital just outside the city gates. There was much more excitement
around town today with more government officials doing what it is they do.

Shortly after 1:00 the judge and I met. i took with me Mary's letter to show
that I was indeed not speculating but was purchasing the fabric for a specific
purpose of domestic harmony. I also learned that someone had been whispering
that I had bewen having "secret meetings" about town. I know it is not the most
Christian thing to be suspicious but I can't help but think to Ms. Stoker again
as I did deliver the flour to her landlady in a slightly clandestine manner to
prevent others in the town from seeing she was receiving charity.

Mrs. McDonald asked me to help her find someone in town who desperately needed
her help. After much investigation, it came to my knowledge that a widow had
lost everything in a court case due to a legal technicality. Mrs. mcDonald being
the good Christian woman she is made an anonymous donation. These McDonalds are
quite the sheperds of Westville, may God continue to bless them.

Continued to try and get some of the lost in the flock to come to services
tomorrow including our local operator of the cotton gin. I doubt he will be
there but hopefully one day he will darken my door, I believe there is a good
man in there somewhere just waiting for God to reveal him.

The McDonalds servant nathan has been causing quite a bit of trouble lately from
stealing salt to acting as though he were a freeman. I was saddened to hear late
this afternoon that he had decided to run away and was shot as local authorities
tried to capture and return him. I hope his brother Nathaniel does not follow
suit.

Called on my frineds the Singers (Johan) who is quite the accomplished tailor. I
needed some repairs done to a pair of trousers and a coat (how I miss Mary). Had
a fine time visiting with Mr. Singer.

That evening I attended the show that was being performed at the Academy. Some
had warned me that a few of the acts may be somewhat not to my liking but I
decided it would still be a nice respite from the difficulties of the time. My
friends were not mistaken, some of the humor was a bit off color but for the
most part the show was very enjoyable. I especially appreciated my choir who
opened the show appropriately with some Christian hymns. I must also say that
the Caudells who performed the second half of the show were very talented and
enjoyable; it is a shame there is no way to record such sounds so that they may
be enjoyed at a later time as well, alas we do have our memories.

Once again loud voices permeated the town in the late evening and I was
disapointed to hear a number of ladie's voices mingled with the usual din of the
men's.

Oct 24, 1863

Received a surprise vist from Nathaniel this morning. I had only been dressed
for a few minutes and had just finished cleaning my teeth when he appeared and
informed me that Mr. McDonald needed me right away. I am indebted to the
McDonalds so needless to say I headed there immediately. Upon arrival I learned
that this was indeed an official visit. Unfortunately mr. McDonald had found his
dear daughter in a compromising situation with her young suitor. Both insisted
that no improprieties happend and that they had simply fallen sound asleep in
the garden the night before. Not willing to take any chances Mr. McDonald
convinced her young suitor that he should take his daughter's hand in marriage
immediately which he aquiesced to. I am not sure if Mr. Mcdonald's fowler had
much to do with this or not. So before breakfast I performed a marriagfe
ceremony. I will proceed to the courthouse tomorrow to file the necessary
paperwork for the young couple.

Following another fine breakfast with the McDonalds (I am quite sure they will
be pleased when Mary arrives home tomorrow afternoon) I returned to the church
to prepare for the service of the Lord's day. I gave a sermon based on us coming
together as a town and as a country. Unfortunately we had only about 30 per-cent
of the church filled today and many who could have used the hearing of the
sermon was not there. The choir was in fine form and the song was like that of
the angels of heaven. The Brian's led the choir and as usual exceeded
expectation. It seems a few years ago we were able to fill the church when times
were good; now that times are difficult and people should turn to God more than
ever we seem to be losing many to the vulgarities of the flesh and secular life.
I was quite pleased to See Rev. Turner and his lovely bride in the pews as well
as a few members of his congregation.

After the noon meal I was in town and was shocked to see ladies riot for food.
This was followed by a most unpleasant experience; it seemed a government agent
was trying to impress a horse from his owner and that government agent was then
shot and killed. Sherriff McDonald arrested the man with the horse and as I was
proceeding to see if I could be of any assistance Ms. Stoker called out that I
was wasting my time as the man was a Jew. Shame on me for I did hesitate for a
moment before reminding myself that Jesus was a Jew and as I was not sure of the
religious faith of the man (nor was I aware at that point he was deceased) and
proceeded to see if there was anything I could do. Alas it was too late. I pray
this madness ends soon.

Again there was an auction on the courthouse steps, this time for confiscated
property due to not paying taxes. I attempted to purchase a number of lots to
return them to those from whom they had been confiscated but found myself short
on funds at that moment to win any of the auctions. I am disapointed there was
an auction on the Lord's day as not only was it an inappropriate day to hold
such an auction but I was unable to procure a withdrawal of funds from the bank
to try and help my neighbors and congregation.

I received word around 1:00 that Mrs. Kidd was going to be delayed another day
or two and that I needed to travel to the nearby Lumpkin to attend to some
church business on Monday. I will have to file the marriage paperwork upon my
return as I had to leave immediately. Around 3:00 in the afternoon I left
Westville for the trip to Lumpkin.



This ends his diary for the period of time we portrayed.

Robert Collett, researcher of the life of Rev. J.H. Goss Kidd and Mary Kidd

[toptimlrd]

Re: Westville AAR

Aunt Tilley would not hear of such--she's an uber patriot, and would no more traffic in blockaded goods than she would up and fly (even if she did tolerate a closet unionist in the household). For the same reasons she gave the preacher down the road for his weak excuse for buying such goods, that his wife needed a wool petticoat--when an honest woman would be occupied with the looms and wheels, making cloth, just like any other patriotic woman. Of course, there is patriotism to Georgia, but not so much for the Confederate States. At any rate, Aunt Tilley is using the skills she learned as a girl to support the Cause.

Aunt Tilley handed poor old Dr. Porter the petticoat, and drove that beknighted man off to war. Her only quarrel with him is that his business was not straight when he left, and she's not sure why he's back. She may hand him the petticoat again. This sort of testy harridan drove thousands of men off to war in 1861, and their letters forced many men home as the war drug on.

Thirty years post war, it is the Aunt Tilleys who have folded the shot tattered flags, laid bloody uniforms into cedar, held letters in Bible pages--and rewritten life to create the myths of the Lost Cause.

LOL! Thank you so much for playing that role. I thought that by coming back hat in hand to your abode to apologize for the offense would be the perfect capstone and once again you played it perfectly and directly in front of Rev. Kidd's good friend and peer Rev. Turner; classic!!! I was wondering who if anyone would finally pick up I was "of means" and harbor some amount of animosity towards me while I was doing my best to see to my Christian duties. I only hope my return play was equally as convincing. Thank's so much. Oh and by the way it was not a wool petticoat but a quilted one as the wool was not what Mrs. Kidd would have cared for with her lanolin allergy.

I trust it was you who also whispered in the judges ear and those words escaped after his lips were apparently loosened in the tavern that evening. We could have made this a full blown vignette unto itself.

BTW, Mrs. Kidd er I mean Lori loved the fabric when I arrived home with it. For those who asked about her she is doing very well and was able to return to work today after her minor but very real and contageous illness.

Now I have already begun planning for 1865. I will be willing to bet that Rev. Kidd will still be a Christian man but will be much more jaded to those who are strangers within Westville than he has ever been in the past. Rev. Kidd was always welcoming to new people in town but I bet he will be less welcoming in 1865.

[sarahbear922]

Re: Westville AAR

As my very first entirely 1st person event, I must say Westville exceeded all expectations. I came into this event somewhat close-minded. I didn't know what to expect, and even though I've been reenacting for a while, I've had no former exposure to any event like Westville. However, getting into character and living the life of Mary McDonald was so much easier than I thought! It was almost natural! Of course, everyone around me certainly helped to the 1000th degree.

To everyone residing in (and out in the yard) of the McDonald house, I love you all!! You're amazing friends, cooks, and I would have never had so much fun without you all.

To Rev. Kidd, I apologize for cracking up. You did your job perfectly, but we must all admit - the circumstances were hysterical.

To all of the ladies around town, thanks for keeping the rumor mill up and running. In the words of three separate women, "I heard about your scandalous actions before I even left my house this morning!!"

And finally to Ma and Pa McDonald... I'm sorry. I hope I haven't tarnished the family name too much.

Sincerely,
Mary McDonald (or Mary McDonald Mercer, depending on which rumor you're following ;-] ), friend of Sarah Woodall

[toptimlrd]

Re: Westville AAR

Sincerely,
Mary McDonald (or Mary McDonald Mercer, depending on which rumor you're following ;-] ), friend of Sarah Woodall

Rumor? My dear I performed the ceremony and as soon as I am finished with my business in Lumpkin I will be visiting the courthouse to file the appropriate papers. :wink_smil

I also do not recall your father, Mr. McDonald being all that amused. In fact he looked a bit more like this: :angry_smi

Rev. Kidd

[Jim of The SRR]

Re: Westville AAR

Well, just able to take a moment after recovering and catching up here to put a few thanks on the board.
The responses I have been reading and receiving at Westville have been very positive and it makes me happy to see that all the work and research over the past two years has been worth it. I am taking notes now and making a list of pros and cons based upon yoru comments and my observations. I hope to post this after a bit o ftime to get feedback.
I need to thank some people who really did so much to help this event come to frutiion. First, many thanks to Bev Simpson and Linda Nyland. Bev stepped in and took over the cooking and food just weeks prior to the event. She worked tirelessly and stayed within the budget and came thru in a big way for us. Linda picked up the ball with little notice on teh ladies Goals and Goodwill and helping in coordinating the ladies vignettes. The cooks for the food groups deserve much praise for their sacrifices to cook for the event. Joni Pratt, Lora Woodard, Linda Nyland, Bev Simpson, Kristen Cooper, Cris Giddens, Bevin Lynn, Lauren Ehas, Lora Sowa and Hank and Linda Trent did a fine job serving us period meals. Thanks to Pete Berezuk for organizing the Bank and its operations and the black market auction. Thanks to other organizational folks like Sean Cooper, Todd Miller, Patrick Peterson, Greg Deese, Kristen Cooper, Bob McClendon, Jean Dominguez, Terre Lawson, Gary Hurst, Tina Temm, David Furukawa, Tony Patton, Matt Dipalma, Angela Harris, David Steighan, Ken Knopp, Todd Bemis, Kimberly Bruce, Jim Bruce, Sarah Peaslee, Robert Collett, Andy Gelfert, Chris Henderson, Joey Gangler, Andy Shogren and Ed Henry and many others I apologize for forgetting.
Thanks to Ryan Blocker, Diane Myers, Terre Lawson, Sean Cooper, Bev Simpson and Sarah Peaslee for their kind donations to the Goodwill auction.
Thanks to all the vendors who came down with their wares for sale!
Thru some of the registration funds, a donation by Pete Berezuk from the auction and Ed Henry/Andy Shogern from the tavern and Robert Collett for donations made at the church we were able to raise $844. I will start a fund for this called 'Save Nuckolls Tavern'. The tavern was in the West Cabin which is need of serious structural repairs. These repairs will cost $3000. My hopes are that if we can keep building the fund up to $1500, maybe the site management could pony up the other half to get the work done.
Images have been posted on the Yahoo Site for the particpants. I hope someone can guide me on getting them on the www.strugglesofsecession.com site.
Tina Temm also was able to capture video and images during the tours. I hope to put this in a 1 hour video and sell it for around $20 with $10 of it going to the 'Save Nuckolls Tavern' fund.
For the late October 2012 event we will portray 1865 at 'Surrender of Secession'. Research will begin immediatley. I am collecting some suggested sources now from many of you.
I have very fond memories of the event. I enjoyed some of the in-depth and controversial political deates I had with many of you. I actually still have so many questions about roles and goals and how things played out. Thanks to all of you for all the great impressions, research and committment to make this a top shelf, firper event! Without everyones efforts, it would not have happened. I TRULY hope that each of you had fun and a quality experience. That was my primary goal.
Maybe Miss B. will be back in 1865?

Thanks,
Jim Butler

[OlszowyTM]

Re: Westville AAR

Aunt Tilley would not hear of such--she's an uber patriot, and would no more traffic in blockaded goods than she would up and fly (even if she did tolerate a closet unionist in the household).

Goodness gracious! A unionist in our midst? I'm surprised that the flyers from the Peace Society didn't bring the wrath of the Home Guard upon the town, even after one was put into the hands of the good Captain. Perhaps he was also of the federal persuasion deep in his heart. Guess we'll just have to see how cozy he becomes with the Feds in 2 years.

It was also discovered that cider is a highly sought after commodity and could be used to acquire cash, a wide range of food items, a bar tab & yard goods. Much better than nails which could not be given away, even for free, unless you count that "high yaller" fellow hanging about the Harris farm who promised to stoke the fires for a hot cup of coffee & then failed to execute his end of the bargain.

[Spinster]

Re: Westville AAR

Maybe Miss B. will be back in 1865?

Thanks,
Jim Butler

Well, she's already got a dress that's too large for me. By then, the same will be true for the matching corset...........


Or, she might move up in the world and come into a fine silk dress........:omg_smile

[Ken Knopp]

Re: Westville AAR

Wasn't it Grand?!!
Woe to those that missed it. Rediculous are those that call themselves historians or authentic reenactors that will foolishly miss it the "next" time.
Matt Woodburn encapsulated it all so well from my point of view but I must add....
All of my life I have visited historic homes, sites, parks, battelfields, period towns or forts (Westville and other places like it although none "better" than W.); I've seen (been in) many period movies and like all of you I also read a tremendous amount. All of which enable my imagination to build a scene, a sense or feeling that desperately tries to capture the essence, the "heart" of the period. Heretofore, I have been searching, searching but I dont think I have ever adequately been able to grasp it but,.....but, for a few short days at least I came closer than I have ever come before. Wasn't it Grand?
Sadly, every year we get farther away from the ability to understand the period. The people that connect us to it are gone, those of us that appreciate it as we all do are also dwindling in number. The battlefields and parks are being "revised", altered to remain "relevent" in order to meet the PC, ultra fast, self indulgence of today's "me" culture. Places like Westville too, are fading, deteriorating or will be gone entirely someday in the "not too distant future".
Thankfully, in my mind now, I have gotten a bit closer to "it". I have now "been there"- if only for a short while. And that provides me no small amount of comfort and satisfaction.
It was a truly wonderful and enchanting weekend for me. Probably the best of my 25 years in the hobby. I cannot get it out of my mind. Thank you all for making that happen. It could not have been so without all of you ( the so called "eccentrics" like me- yes, a badge I wear proudly).
Wasn't it Grand?
God Bless you and Westville and,.....see you there again in two years. God willing.

Ken R Knopp

[crabby]

Re: Westville AAR

To Jim Butler, the Westville site & staff and the residents of Westville, what more can I say than....

THANK YOU FOR IT ALL!!!!!!!