Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

[jcraig]

Into the Storm

Date: September 30 - October 2, 2011
Name: Into the Storm
Location: Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, Elverson, PA
Sponsor/Host: Terri Lehmer and Jessica Craig
Capacity: 40 civilians

POC: Jessica Craig snowcraig@ymail.com or
Terri Lehmer terrilehmer@yahoo.com;
Website: http://hopewell.mainecav.org/ -Will be updated for 2011 soon
Listserve: Yahoo Group at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/agatheringbeforethestorm/

Join us in recreating a few days in the life of an early industrial village at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. This event builds on two previous events that depicted life leading up to the Civil War. This year, in keeping with the 150th anniversary, we will portray the Fall of 1861, when war fever gripped the nation. Our focus will be on the ways that the people of Hopewell Furnace, and the surrounding area responded to the outbreak of war.

Hopewell Furnace is located in Southeastern Pennsylvania and is a remarkably intact example of a 19th century iron furnace village. The furnace, which still exists today, was in operation from 1771 to 1883 and produced a wide range of finished goods and raw materials. The village includes the ironmaster’s house, the furnace complex, several dwelling houses, a boarding house, a blacksmith shop, a spring house, barns, and outbuildings. The setting is rural with little modern distractions and naturally beautiful.

This civilian-only event will portray everyday life in Hopewell Village in 1861. There will be both sustained first person and third person areas with room for impressions ranging from the poorest indentured servant to wealthy visitors from Philadelphia. For many years Hopewell Furnace National Park Historic Site has mainly interpreted the making of iron. This will be an opportunity to interpret the lives of people who not only made the iron possible, but of the villagers who made Hopewell village self-sufficient.

Attendance is by invitation only.

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Come back to the past with us. We're a fun group! :-)

Oh.. and by "invite only" we mean contact the coordinator (Jess Craig) and have a chat... not sit by the phone and hope someone knows you. :-) We may not know you now, but that doesn't mean we don't want to get to know you.

[Busterbuttonboy]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Do I know you?

[Elaine Kessinger]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Sir- I certainly hope so. I've seen you at you at your toilette. Then again, you were in public at the time and scandalizing the entire company of ladies, including your fair Kate. And your choice of cologne was certainly in question for much of the afternoon, much to the misery of the poor soldier you choked with the smell.

AH! Fun times! Will you and Kate be making the trip north this year? T'would be fabulous if you could.

[NoahBriggs]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Translation to plain English: New Market 09 you took advantage of the rain shower to shower up, comb up, and apply a cologne which in WWI could have been used as a chemical weapon - smelled good, but denied those around you from receiving oxygen. Last I checked, oxygen is period correct,so you should let us breathe.

As to scandalizing the womenfolk, maybe, maybe not . . .

We'd recommend Hopewell to you and Kate. It's a fun event with lots of opportunities for all sorts of interesting interactions.

Then again, "interesting" is a subjective adjective . . .

[jcraig]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

The registration form is now loaded onto the website and registration is officially open!

http://hopewell.mainecav.org/

Before you register, please go to the "impressions" section and choose from one
of the impressions listed. List your first and second choices on the
registration sheet.

If you have any questions let me know.

Looking forward to October!

[jcraig]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

We still have plenty of room at Hopewell Furnace! Registration is open and we'd love to have you join us the weekend of September 30 - October 2, 2011. Please go to http://hopewell.mainecav.org/impression.html for more information on how to register.

Plans are in the works for an early war recruiting rally, local Soldier's Aid Society meeting, war support efforts throughout the town, and other patriotic activities. In addition, we will still have opportunities to "work" in the iron furnace and help with projects throughout this National Park (painting, fence mending, white washing, etc.). We provide onsite housing and top-notch food all weekend!

There are opportunities for all types of civilian impressions. We specifically need some folks to portray "upper class" folks like the ironmaster and his family and friends. We could also use some salespeople, lawyer, doctor, and other professionals. There is plenty of opportunity to be an ironworker or part of an ironworker's family, if working class has more appeal. There is a small opportunity for military participation in the form of a recruiting party.

We would also LOVE to have period photographer at this event...if you are a photographer and are interested in attending, please let me know! This event would provide great opportunities for occupational photos!

This is a great event for those of you who want to try a top notch, first person event in a beautiful historic village!

Contact me if you need more information (snowcraig@ymail.com). We look forward to seeing you at Hopewell!

Jess Craig

[pfeiffer3964]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Jess,

P.M. sent re: photographer!

James R. Pfeiffer, Photographist
J.R. Pfeiffer Photographic Gallery

[Tom Craig]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

If you are at all interested in civilian reenacting, this event is a great opportunity! The site is amazing, and nearly pristine in terms of non-period distractions. There are actual jobs and projects for male civilians, and plenty for the ladies to get involved in as well.

Last year's event featured lively first person and some great period moments. This year, we expect more of the same. We are also looking for a small handful of infantry soldiers with top rate impressions to for our "recruiting party." You'll be part of life in the village, get fed really well, interact with plenty of spectators, and have a first rate time in a rarely portrayed slice of history.

Come on out!
Tom Craig

[jcraig]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Just wanted to bump this up and let folks know that there is still time to register and space available. Come out and join us for this great event!

http://hopewell.mainecav.org/

Hope to see you there!

Jess Craig

[Tom Craig]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

I will also cross post this to the general event folder for widerviewership:

This year at Hopewell we are including a recruiting rally into our activities. As such, we'd like to have a small handful of federal soldiers on hand to participate. We're looking for people that enjoy first person, and also interacting with spectators. Folks are welcome to come out for the whole weekend, or just Saturday.

If you're interested, contact me and I will provide you full details.
Take care,
Tom Craig

[Chris Fisher]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Folks, I had the honor of portraying Dr. Charles Clingan. He was a co owner with a Mr. William Buckley. I can tell you if your looking for a top notch place to play with people who know immersion this is the event for you. Yes it is part of the NPS and yes there are modern inclusions and visitors, however I can say I didnt really notice that much. Period buildings, a working farm with animals, great food served at the boarding house. The Iron Masters mansion is breath taking inside and out. A huge thank you to the members of AGSAS for letting me participate.

[jcraig]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace

Thank you Chris (Dr. Clingan)!

I am working on writing up a summary about the event, so stay tuned. In the meantime, if you would like to see some photos from the event, you can check them out at:

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150309283092126.332552.521772125&l=87beeea34b&type=1

Enjoy!

Jess Craig

[jcraig]

Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace AAR

October 1861 – the people of Hopewell Furnace village are getting used to the idea of war. The furnace is supplying iron for the war efforts, many men have left to join the army, the citizens of the town are doing what they can to support the soldiers who have gone, and life goes on…

The weekend of October 1, 2011 was the fourth annual living history weekend at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site in Elverson, PA. For the past three years, the year 1860 was portrayed, but this year, to follow the 150th anniversary events, time moved forward to 1861. About 35 men, women, and children stayed on site or traveled in for the day. They represented many classes, occupations, and age groups and populated the village for two days. The participants researched their impressions extensively before the event and remained mostly in first person throughout the weekend. There were spectators (visitors to the Park) and occasionally first person was put aside to interact with them. Most participants arrived Friday night to set up and get acquainted before the event began.

Saturday morning began with a delicious breakfast at the Bachman Boarding House. Mr. and Mrs. Bachman, along with Mrs. Nelson and their hard working kitchen help (Tim and Jen) produced pancakes and sausage that everyone enjoyed. Townsfolk gathered in the boarding house parlor to greet each other, make plans for the day, and, in some instances become acquainted with each other. Dr. Clingan, the Iron Master, and his wife were in town – newly arrived from Philadelphia to settle accounts after the death of Mr. Brooke (former Iron Master) earlier in the year. Mrs. Morrison, Dr. Clingan’s sister accompanied them to assist Mrs. Clingan as she progressed out of mourning. There were several visitors to town: a traveling photographer with his family, a group of musicians, a reverend, a tailor, and a salesman and his wife. Each had their own business to attend to, but was welcomed for meals at the boarding house.

After breakfast everyone set about to their tasks for the day. Several folks went to the apple orchard to harvest apples. Some of the men worked on carpentry projects and others prepped walls for whitewashing. A few ladies began to prep the bread oven and get dough made for baking. Dr. Clingan and the clerk, Mr. Immendorf, conducted their business on the porch of the Iron Master’s house and talked extensively to Mr. Shay, who was in town to tour the iron works and purchase pig iron. The tailor, Mr. Hickox, measured and consulted on clothing for the gentlemen. The photographer, Mr. Pfeiffer, took many portraits of the citizens who were very much excited for the opportunity. The Susquehanna Travelers provided music for the townsfolk and the Reverend Knipe attended to spiritual needs. The children were occupied chasing chickens and throwing sticks in the stream. It was peaceful and productive morning.

The afternoon brought another delicious meal at the boarding house with the working men taking their meal by the bread oven and kitchen of the Iron Master’s house. Once everyone was fed, preparations began to be made for the recruiting rally. Mr. Craig hoped to raise a Company and thus earn himself a commission. Bunting and flags were hung and the crowds gathered. The musicians played patriotic music and the Reverend lead the group in an inspired blessing. The ladies of the village sang patriotic airs and even the littlest townsfolk participated by waving flags and playing toy drums. Despite his best efforts, Mr. Craig was not able to inspire many men to join up. Several of the furnace men, including Mr. Nelson and Mr. Baer, were called out for not being patriots, to which they argued they were needed to work at the furnace and too old to join up. Mr. Craig would not take no for an answer and recruited other visitors (spectators) to join his company. Dr. Clingan inspected the men to ensure they were in good health and Mr. Clark readied them for drill practice. Mr. Craig instructed his new companies in basic maneuvers and marched them off to officially be mustered into the U.S. Army to the cheers of the onlookers.

The time before dinner was filled with finishing up of tasks of the day, playing with the children, and socializing. The main topic of conversation was the suspicion surrounding Mr. Shay and his wife. There was some cause for concern because of the types of questions Mr. Shay was asking of Mr. Immendorf and Mr. Clingan and there was thought that Mr. Shay could be some sort of a spy, Confederate sympathizer and/or traitor. There was question about Mr. Shay’s background and about the stories he was telling of his travels. All citizens were asked to keep their ears and eyes out for more suspicious activity.

Dinner was most excellent and it was enjoyed in the warmth of the boarding house parlor. The evening became cool and damp and a light rain started just after dinner. Lamps were lit and the group gathered for evening entertainment. Some of the ladies put on a parlor play – “Blue Beard” – which was most suspenseful and dramatic! Others shared songs and verse and there was a lively round of charades. The last entertainment of the evening was the very enjoyable game of questions and answers. When the candles burned out, it was time to say goodnight and turn in. The rain was heavy overnight, but all kept dry in their village lodgings.

Sunday was cool and damp, but the boarding house was once again filled with warmth and good food. After breakfast the men set out to do some work around the village. They repaired a wheelbarrow in the carpenter’s shop and hitched up a horse to work on one of the village roads that had been damaged by recent flooding. The women gathered at the boarding house for the first Hopewell Soldier’s Aid Society meeting. The aid society had been organized and recruited by Mrs. Immendorf and Mrs. Bachman. Elections were held for officers and then discussion began as to where to send supplies. The ladies discussed where the greatest need existed and how to get supplies to where they were needed. Many of the ladies of the town brought items to be sent to the troops and others gave generous donations of money. Ideas for raising funds to purchase materials and supplies were also discussed and a fundraising committee was formed. At the conclusion of the meeting the supplies were packed into boxes – one box for a hospital and one box to be sent directly to a regiment. All ladies worked on handwork such as sewing or knitting throughout the meeting and it was all very productive.

Just after lunch there was much excitement, for the men of the town had decided to confront Mr. Shay about his suspicious activity. A group of men surrounded him to detain him and escorted Mrs. Shay away to one of the tenant houses. Mr. Shay would not surrender peaceful and a scuffle ensued. Mr. Shay was tied up with rope and brought before Dr. Clingan accused of doing business with the Confederates and/or spying (the charges were rather vague). Mr. Shay was found guilty of his “crimes” and lead out of the village by rope. Mrs. Shay, who was watching from the doorway of the tenant house (unguarded!), seized the moment and bolted. Mr. Immendorf chased after her, but was stopped in his tracks when Mrs. Shay pulled out a pistol and threatened him. She ran off hoping to save her husband, but was also arrested. The Shays were then “removed” from Hopewell and the event came to a conclusion just as rain began to fall again. The group gathered one last time for a wonderful group photograph by Mr. Pfeiffer before heading back into the 21st century.

This was a wonderful gathering of folks who take their living history very seriously. There were some with lots of experience with immersion events and first person and others with none. Everyone helped each other along, learned a great deal, and, it seemed, had a great time. If you have any interest in high quality civilian events, keep an eye out for announcements about the 2012 Hopewell Furnace event! For more information, check the event website: http://hopewell.mainecav.org/

[Mutt]

Re: Into the Storm; Hopewell Furnace AAR

I'll put this on my calendar for next year! This year was too close to when my son was due (ended up coming early September 22nd). Sounds like a great time! I grew up going to the Furnace, my folks still live just down the road - picking apples with my grandfather, watching molds being made and cast, watching the water wheel. My wife has been to one event, Bedford Village, several years ago, but I bet would go to this one and perhaps garb the little guy in period garb - or leave him with the adoring grandparents.

Best,