How do you motivate others or improve the hobby?

[dusty27]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

Dan,

Thanks. I will try to address your question now. In my opinion, most of the "mega events", at least in the East, have been organized, not with the reenactors and history in mind, but with a bottom line in mind. Where that money goes is still a mystery to me, but I have a feeling that if you break it down, your per reenactor contribution to preservation is less than 5% of the registration fee.

Someone makes money on large reenactments. Whether it is organizers, landowners, county coffers, someone makes money. We are still waiting for an event (SFS aside) to "open" its books and give a final accounting for money in and money out.

Large events have expenses that seem unnecessary to me; food concessions, bands, big activity tents, honorariums for speakers, security, permits, straw, programs, etc. They advertise their contribution to preservation with that great phrase "all proceeds go to preservation". They don't give a specific cause or organization and we never see if there were any "proceeds" distributed.

So in summation, you have mentioned that uniforms and history are lacking at "mega-events". With little or no preservation money raised, why are people still attending these events??????:tounge_sm

[Dignann]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

Dan,

I will add that the unit I belong to will be attending two of these "large" anniversary events this year that do have preservation in mind -- New Market and Cedar Creek. My understanding is that at New Market the money raised by the event goes to the maintenance of the battlefield, which at times is sorely needed given that they rely primarily upon Virginia for funding and the Commonwealth, like most states, is not in the greatest financial situation these days. At Cedar Creek, money raised has gone toward the purchase of battlefield land. Aside from what the National Trust owns at Belle Grove, the only substantial amount of battlefield land preserved at Cedar Creek has come primarily through the fundraising accomplished by the annual reenactment.

While these two events usually run contrary to my sense of authenticity, they do appeal to me from a preservation perspective.

Eric

[marlin teat]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

I believe the quote below my signature reflects my feelings about mega-fests. Your point about the opportunity to drill is well taken however, but it simply won't happen at a "national event" -- there simply isn't enough free time.

If you want to get together a large group to drill then I suggest a Living History / Drill weekend at a historic site.

[marlin teat]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

Dan,

Generally not the type of question that we want here on the forum as many of the anniversary events are generally not known for their historic portrayal of the advertised events and generally are what we call "mega-events".

But, if you give me a list of the anniversary events you are talking about, I will try to shed some light on your question.

Fellow moderators, I will be watching this thread closely. I feel the poster deserves an answer but I don't want everyone chiming in on this one.

Dan, in the meantime, I suggest you check out Mr. Szabo's forum and look for discussions on the events you are talking about. You may find your answers there. www.cwreenactors.com

Dusty,
Just a thought, but it seems (at least to me) that we have a great number of new posters on the site who have no first hand knowledge of the abominations that were most of the national events. If handled properly, this thread could develop into an useful guide to these fresh fish.

We are all aware of the wealth of information that flows through this site on a daily basis but I believe that what some of these fellows are looking for is advice like you would get from a veteran 1st Sgt. -- knowledge that comes from having been there and done that.

Perhaps in the future we should consider adding a forum just to collect and make available musings and advice that can't be found elsewhere.

Like I said: just a thought...won't hurt my feelings if you disagree.

[dusty27]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

Marlin,

You should put your suggestion in the "Feedback" forum so everyone sees it......

[Wild Rover]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

We are going to da Creek as well.....and if we are talking about 140th's, not just "mega 140th's" then I have to toss in TGW, as it is preservation focused as well.

Dan,

I will add that the unit I belong to will be attending two of these "large" anniversary events this year that do have preservation in mind -- New Market and Cedar Creek. My understanding is that at New Market the money raised by the event goes to the maintenance of the battlefield, which at times is sorely needed given that they rely primarily upon Virginia for funding and the Commonwealth, like most states, is not in the greatest financial situation these days. At Cedar Creek, money raised has gone toward the purchase of battlefield land. Aside from what the National Trust owns at Belle Grove, the only substantial amount of battlefield land preserved at Cedar Creek has come primarily through the fundraising accomplished by the annual reenactment.

While these two events usually run contrary to my sense of authenticity, they do appeal to me from a preservation perspective.

Eric

[marlin teat]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

Marlin,

You should put your suggestion in the "Feedback" forum so everyone sees it......

Thanks, Dusty. Will do.

[Skeet]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

I would like to add about the New Market event. I live in New Market and my unit(10th VA) is doing a 6 mile preservation march for the Carrington Foundation. I can tell you that 100% of the money raised will go to preservation. If any of you would like to march with us, go to www.newmarketatwar.com. Thanks to all for your input. It is my understanding of the mega events I have gone to in the past years have become a carnival. It is hard for me to get total immersion at those events. I would also like to add that If I knew that most of the money was going directly for preservation I would be happy to participate. It would still be hard for me to enjoy the event, I might as well go to Kings Dominion. Cpl Dan Morgan, 10th VA (IVR)

[Skeet]

Re: How many will attend the 140th's events?

Pards, I would also like to add that I am not a "fresh Fish". This thread is to put the question out there about these big events and if they really do benifit preservation or somebody's pocket. I do agree that some of the events such as Cedar creek are definelty worth going to. We did a preservation march for Cedar Creek a couple of years ago. Is it good for us to go to these events and be the "campaigners" of the event? I can tell you from experience that their has been some heated discussions with some of the "mainstreamers". Thanks, Cpl Dan Morgan, 10th VA (IVR)

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Engish Messtins

Can anybody shead some light on the evolution and development of the Pre WW1 British messtin? What would be the apropriate design features of the messtins imported from the UK during our timeperiod?

Thanks

[Iron Scout]

Re: Engish Messtins

Robert,

This probably isn't much help right now but here goes. Several years ago, I did a good deal of research on the extant mess tins (3) here in SC for a member of the Frontier Guard. It was my understanding that the research was going to be used as a compare/contrast for a Company article or something of the like. I visited several institutions, took detailed measurements along with numerous rolls of photos and forwarded them on to this gentlemen. Problem though is that I can't remember who the hell it was for. Bride, McBride, something like that!? Maybe some of the FG's who visit this site can jumpstart my memory or chime in regarding the research. I put a lot of time into the project and would love to see some of the info shared. Hopefully, something will turn up. Maybe a question on their board might help.

Neill Rose
Palmetto Living History Assoc.

[Cleaveland]

Re: Engish Messtins

hey robert, email me I think I can help you out. jcleaveland@earthlink.net

[ferraius]

Re: Engish Messtins

I believe that the mid 19th-century British mess tins were issued with a covering with straps that mated up with the issue knapsack somehow. I don't know exactly how that worked, but I'm sure someone here does!

Jon O'Harra

[paulcalloway]

Re: Engish Messtins

hey robert, email me I think I can help you out. jcleaveland@earthlink.net

Don't be shy John. This is a forum not an email-list. We'd all appreciate your insights on this and other issues.

[hireddutchcutthroat]

Re: Engish Messtins

Hey folks, Im not looking to buy a messtin at this point.

I would like to know the "what were when why and how" about this item. Were they cast, stamped, forged by the hammer of Thor? Were they made made of steel, copper, stainless in Pakistan? Did they import one or five billion? Disscuss.