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What is right with people
Some good folks last year at At High Tide should be mentioned. They're what's right with the hobby.
Chris Anders: when I asked permission for my younger brother (who has various health issues related to his cancer treatments) to attend, Chris went beyond and waived any fees that Tim would have needed to pay. All of the event organizers/volunteer staff were extremely courteous without making Tim uncomfortable by indicating they were in the know re his condition.
Will E, Tom S and Jeremy B, HillBilly, Beerkeg, Mr. Preservation and the rest of the Stillwaters: You made Tim and me feel welcome and looked after us as if we truly were comrades in the WBTS. I'll never forget your kindness and consideration.
An example: I didn't have a full set of gear for Tim, but within just a day of asking the group -- only one of which I had met before -- I had THREE guys offer to supply anything he would need!
Having so many young reenactors -- most of the company was draftable and a couple seemed to be high school aged -- created more than a few period visions for me.
Bill Lomas: When I was having trouble connecting with the vendor who shant be named to pick up a new hardkewl rubber blanket, Bill -- who had never met me -- graciously reached into the back of his sutler tent and handed me his personal, never used earlier version of the same gum blanket to use! I laid it out under my shebang and expected to use it at least for that night. When the vendor did return to set up his items, I picked up my pre-paid blanket and went back to camp to get Bill's. My brother and chums had already; tracked Pennsylvania dirt all over it -- Bill just shrugged and said "That's what it's for." He's a feller whose goods I definitely will keep to the top of the list when I need re-doing.
Karin T: Patiently answered my questions about her knitted goods even though she knew at the git-go that I wasn't in the market that morning.
Chris D: let me try on gear to my heart's content. I still hope to get one of his NY jackets on order someday, now that I know my correct size.
Mrs. Zimmerman: Sewed on my chevrons for the princely fee of $1 a sleeve! Saved me from further cat calls about the tacking job I had tried the night before leaving from Nebraska. Mr. Zimmerman let me heft one of his 1855 Springfields with the Maynard system so that I could report back my impressions to a buddy of mine who's home recuperating from IFreedom injuries and wants to get one to live fire.
Duvall: waived the shipping fee for a scabbard I bought on line and he schlepped all the way to the event for me. Also cheerfully and carefully reworked a civilian belt until it was a perfect fit.
Tim B: Customized a standard issue dress hat that was otherwise my size into an oval shape to sit better on my melon. Great work!
Mr. Haversack Depot Phil C: Cranked out a shelter half and haversack for my brother in record time. Top drawer.
ALL vendors: Thanks for the insights and humor and allowing me to put faces to the names I read so often on the www.
It was just progressive enough (the stroll along the path of the original 1st Minnesota's route was trying in the hot/humid conditions -- bless the late Chawls and Mrs. L for that switchel brew) with guards and picket duty that it was very enjoyable and had its share of great moments.
It was people like those named above who made that event very special for me.
There are stinkers in all walks of life. I'll try to stay cautiously optimistic -- those who treat me per the Golden Rule can expect any help I can offer in the future; those who don't need not apply again.
Best regards,
Paul Hadley
Looking forward to the 150s events!
Some good folks last year at At High Tide should be mentioned. They're what's right with the hobby.
Chris Anders: when I asked permission for my younger brother (who has various health issues related to his cancer treatments) to attend, Chris went beyond and waived any fees that Tim would have needed to pay. All of the event organizers/volunteer staff were extremely courteous without making Tim uncomfortable by indicating they were in the know re his condition.
Will E, Tom S and Jeremy B, HillBilly, Beerkeg, Mr. Preservation and the rest of the Stillwaters: You made Tim and me feel welcome and looked after us as if we truly were comrades in the WBTS. I'll never forget your kindness and consideration.
An example: I didn't have a full set of gear for Tim, but within just a day of asking the group -- only one of which I had met before -- I had THREE guys offer to supply anything he would need!
Having so many young reenactors -- most of the company was draftable and a couple seemed to be high school aged -- created more than a few period visions for me.
Bill Lomas: When I was having trouble connecting with the vendor who shant be named to pick up a new hardkewl rubber blanket, Bill -- who had never met me -- graciously reached into the back of his sutler tent and handed me his personal, never used earlier version of the same gum blanket to use! I laid it out under my shebang and expected to use it at least for that night. When the vendor did return to set up his items, I picked up my pre-paid blanket and went back to camp to get Bill's. My brother and chums had already; tracked Pennsylvania dirt all over it -- Bill just shrugged and said "That's what it's for." He's a feller whose goods I definitely will keep to the top of the list when I need re-doing.
Karin T: Patiently answered my questions about her knitted goods even though she knew at the git-go that I wasn't in the market that morning.
Chris D: let me try on gear to my heart's content. I still hope to get one of his NY jackets on order someday, now that I know my correct size.
Mrs. Zimmerman: Sewed on my chevrons for the princely fee of $1 a sleeve! Saved me from further cat calls about the tacking job I had tried the night before leaving from Nebraska. Mr. Zimmerman let me heft one of his 1855 Springfields with the Maynard system so that I could report back my impressions to a buddy of mine who's home recuperating from IFreedom injuries and wants to get one to live fire.
Duvall: waived the shipping fee for a scabbard I bought on line and he schlepped all the way to the event for me. Also cheerfully and carefully reworked a civilian belt until it was a perfect fit.
Tim B: Customized a standard issue dress hat that was otherwise my size into an oval shape to sit better on my melon. Great work!
Mr. Haversack Depot Phil C: Cranked out a shelter half and haversack for my brother in record time. Top drawer.
ALL vendors: Thanks for the insights and humor and allowing me to put faces to the names I read so often on the www.
It was just progressive enough (the stroll along the path of the original 1st Minnesota's route was trying in the hot/humid conditions -- bless the late Chawls and Mrs. L for that switchel brew) with guards and picket duty that it was very enjoyable and had its share of great moments.
It was people like those named above who made that event very special for me.
There are stinkers in all walks of life. I'll try to stay cautiously optimistic -- those who treat me per the Golden Rule can expect any help I can offer in the future; those who don't need not apply again.
Best regards,
Paul Hadley
Looking forward to the 150s events!
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