This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

[Nighthawk]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

I can remember going to the 125th Gettysburg, leaving my wife home with an 18 month old and a 3 week old baby. It was at my wife's insistance that I go. I had been working two jobs for over two years to cover the bills and food. I hitched a ride with some pards and went with enough money to hopefully get a cartridge box. I had my uniform, three days food, my rifled musket and no tent, just a blanket. I had the time of my life. I ended up buying a cartridge box from the sutler table of a guy named Chris Schreiber. After speaking with him during the purchase, he inspired me to have the nerve to try making some of my own items. Well, Chris, God Bless Ya, I took your advice and have enjoyed making some items for myself. I still have that cartridge box, and only use it sparingly as it is now a classic, but I learned a great deal and gained an appreciation of equipment used in the ACW by heeding Chis' advice. Don't be afraid to try! While I only get to a Living History once every few years, I do still actively participate in N-SSA shoots. I get to use all of my authentic uniforms and gear and have fun. Sleeping on the ground just ain't as much fun when it hurts.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

....especially if there are open lines of communications and command structure based on regional commands.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

It looks to me like the 150th Cycle is off to a good start...



Now the question is if all of us have the gumption and enthusiasm to do our research, prepare ourselves and participate in the adventure?

[Dale Beasley]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Peter,

The above picture is really great. The 16th LA INF did a similar event, we were Confederate, believe we may do another with the Independent Rifles at Ft Gaines, AL.

[AndrewGrim]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

The best way for the 150ths to be great is to get of the keyboard, go to events, and stay the whole time despite the weather. Never settle for an “adjunct” with the best funnel cake and goofiest zouave, go to the immersion event. I have a challenge coin to show that I was with the best reenactors at the first event of the 150ths.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Andy, you touched on it... but I'm going to use someone else's words to describe it...

"There is a hobby out there. Go grab it by the ass and give it a good swing." - Chawls (3 November 2008)

Are there enough people out there for the adventure? I'm going to be "Guarding Savannah" in 7 weeks, click the link below for more information...

[csuniforms]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Communication! Communication! Communication! -- Well this is the place! I am asking my fellow affecionadoes for the next 4 years to communicate any and all Civil War activities going on in both your local area and nationally. I know we already have a space on the forum for events, but I am talking about ALL events and happenings we happen to see coming up and which might interest some of us or at least have a list of things going on all over the country. Wisconsin has just put up a Website for its 150th! Lance Herdegen is our leader!!! It is up to us with the help of our local and State Committees to see this info. gets out. Maybe a new box on this forum by STATE?

I have had an interest in the Civil War since 1961! I was 10 years old. It has been a focal point in my life where I have made 100's of freinds and garnered some very dear ones that make my life a whole lot better! Lets keep the fires burning!! I know jobs and money are on everyones mind right now. I would suggest you place yourselves in a different mindset on spending-- conserve when you need too-- save a few bucks-- and really think how you can save a few dollars here and there by making your own gear-- or buying and trading on this website-- some people have more money than time, and some more time than money-- Things will only get better if you make it get better. A faucet drips until you roll up your sleeves and fix it-- Dont worry about things-- fix things-- from an "OLD GUY".

Tom Arliskas
CSuniforms

[Dale Beasley]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Tom,
Just a few points. ( one of my New Year Resolutions were to write in bullets, I know "I" don't read past the second sentence on 98 percent of post)

-I followed the real infantry around for 13 years, and they would always say "Shoot, Move , and Communicate." And I believed the communicate part was always where the ball was dropped.
-The 16th Louisiana will be having our winter meeting on Saturday at Camp Moore. We make good Gumbo. Then we're coming to my place to deer hunt. We will be discussing many of post that have been posted above.
-I will be pushing for us to follow Regional, Proven Commands for attending these 150th events.

To all who posted on this Thread, thank you, I wanted to hear what the community was thinking out loud, prior to our winter meeting. Again Thank you.

Regards,

[LibertyHallVols]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

On improving the hobby (being incredibly brief):
1) Look inward and do your best to improve yourself, materially and otherwise. Salute with respect, show up for duties, and fall in promptly and the military bearing of all around you will improve, too.

2) Look outward and encourage your pards to show up. People won't come to events eagerly if they are coming because a gauntlet has been thrown down. Thank those who DO show up and be sure they are included around the fire, cook pot, or spoon line. It is COMRADERIE that makes events truly "Can't Miss".

3) On keeping guys at the event: look for those guys who are not doing well. Some can "embrace the suck" better than others. If you see someone struggling, step in an help him make it. Once they start talking about leaving, their mind is probably already 90%+ determined to leave.

4) I think this hobby needs a "universal signal" to tell a guy when he's become the booger on others' window to the past. It is such a fundamental issue that no word should be spoken. If we all know that, when a pard tugs on his ear (... or taps his shoulder, or whatever the agreed upon sign is), that we've screwed up and need to correct ourselves, then it will be a lot easier for individuals to overcome our shyness and correct a wayward pard... especially when the wayward pard is older than us or someone who swings a lot more influence in the hobby.

Nuf sed

[Curt Schmidt]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Hallo!

"Communication! Communication! Communication! -- Well this is the place! I am asking my fellow affecionadoes for the next 4 years to communicate any and all Civil War activities going on in both your local area and nationally."

Not necessarily. To be the one to rain on this parade...

The AC Forum has certain policies and standards for events to be listed here, and discussed here. (There other boards for those allowed here). Farbfests, Farbaramas, Mega Turbo Farbfests, Dog & Pony Shows, Craft Fairs, Gun Shows, Municipal Heavy Machinery and Fire Truck Parades, Mall Openings, Civil War movie premiers, Pancake Breakfasts, etc.,. all fall under the "No Farbism" Rule of the AC.

Not that we are talking about those kind of events under "any and all" since we are all "fellow aficiondos" here. ;) :)

Curt
Rainman Mess

[Jim of The SRR]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Ditto to Andy's comments. The most important thing for the 150th cycle is to show up and participate. All the suggestions on the internet mean nothing if you don't attend and become part of the hobby.

Jim Butler

[Tucker49th]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

The best way for the 150ths to be great is to get of the keyboard, go to events, and stay the whole time despite the weather. Never settle for an “adjunct” with the best funnel cake and goofiest zouave, go to the immersion event. I have a challenge coin to show that I was with the best reenactors at the first event of the 150ths.

Andy, you are 100 percent correct . My celebration of the 150ths is off to a great start and I hope the momentum continues to build .
My coin has a #52 on it .

[Dale Beasley]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Again, thank you for your comments.

[42va.reb]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

All,
Well my personal journey is to get into the progressive side of the hobby finally and do this the right way. This is something that I have been wanting to do for years and have not been able to do because of life getting in the way. But the 150ths have made me realize that now is the time.
I started out mainstream as they come and dipped my toes into the progressive side a few times. Unfortunately life changed and I was unable to get a strong foot hold in. But, I have spent the time that I could in research and trying to at least work on the mental side. I have went to the mainstream a few times in the past years which has been my only involvement in anything in the hobby. Every time I left wondering why I went. Now I know that I owe it to myself to do it THE RIGHT WAY. My problem now is just finding the folks to do it with.
I already have most of my kit for the 2nd Mississippi impression at Manassas and I look forward to it very much. I just have to find the folks to do it with. I know this sounds silly but I don’t really know anyone. But, that is part of the journey I guess. I just feel like this is only coming around once. Do I really want to look back and say, “man I wish I had done it better”. Hope this makes some sense at least.

[Dale Beasley]

Re: This may be a question some don't like....or talk about...but I hope so.

Chris,

I hear ya'! It does not come around often.

-- I think the War Stoppers to many people and many events are:
1. Logistics
2. Scheduling
3. Planning "to and from"
4. Proven vs Unproven Leadership

"Back then"..."Raining on the parade"..."Get off your Keyboard" is nothing but "Blah Blah Blah"...These 150th Events have potential. Many events are like SEC Football, every Saturday is a Monday...anything could happen....So find a good Coach, take the field.

Thank you again for your comments.