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Post by Robert Braun on Apr 7, 2004 8:57:20 GMT -5
It sure would be nice to go and be a spectator. I've never been a big fan of historical military re-enactments. I've gone to at least two (that I can remember) and have enjoyed them, but I tell people that for me a little goes a long way. I'd rather be riding my bike to history sites. (The same with Native American powwow's.) However, I didn't know until I found this group that there are people who do re-enactments of pre-Civil War militias. Something like that I would make an extra effort to go to. I'm assuming spectators are welcome at these. Is that true? The timing is no good for this April one at New Salem, but I see that others are scheduled. My next question is this. If I would plan a bike ride to one of these, would there be such a thing as being allowed to camp, if I paid whatever fee? I would not be camping like 1830s militia people. The only claim to authenticity I could make is that I travel at a speed closer to theirs. My camping rig looks like this: www.iserv.net/~jgorentz/pix/Dscn1246d.jpgAre there places for people like that out on the edge somewhere, or do you pretty much limit it to the re-enactors. John Gorentz Well John, you're in luck! As it turns out, not only are specators welcome at Lincon's New Salem State Historic Site, the park also has an adjacent modern campground, to accomodate your style of overnight camping! Check it out at www.lincolnsnewsalem.com/ and click on the "Camping" link. (As a general rule, modern camping is not allowed by site managers within historic event areas.) Most of the events we attend are not "military reenactments" per se, rather interpretive events of 1832 historical "happenings." Only a small number actually have an "opposing force"-- one in particular being the militia muster at Apple River Fort, May 1-2. Check out the "militia" link on our website www.geocities.com/old_lead/ for more information. Take care! Bob. |
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Post by gorentz on Apr 7, 2004 12:15:11 GMT -5
Thanks, Bob. That sounds just right for camping.
Back in the early 70s when we lived in Danville, IL, we visited New Salem several times. But I didn't pay attention to camping facilities then.
I see that an event is scheduled at New Salem in early October. Will that be a lot different from the April one?
John Gorentz
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Post by Robert Braun on Apr 7, 2004 14:43:42 GMT -5
Thanks, Bob. That sounds just right for camping. Back in the early 70s when we lived in Danville, IL, we visited New Salem several times. But I didn't pay attention to camping facilities then. I see that an event is scheduled at New Salem in early October. Will that be a lot different from the April one? John Gorentz John... the April event was a new one, cooked up for the Old Lead Region Historical Society at our request.  The October event will be somewhat different, and include candlelight tours of the village, as well as period surveyor displays and discussions, as well as some local artisans at work. The militia componant will certainly be present, but without the sense of "urgency" we are injecting into the scenario for late April, 1832. In my view, if you were to wait until October, you would not be dissappointed. Reagrds, Bob. |
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Post by Greg Carter on Apr 18, 2004 17:19:45 GMT -5
First one online gets to make first rave review!
Ok. Spelled out- some of the best BHW militiamen (and distaff, of course), young men learning to shoot, scout, etc for their first time. Lemon chicken. An 85 degree weekend without rain in April. Some of the best students and scholars of 1830's history I know. A log cabin with no modern fixings at all. Fiddle-head ferns. A running tactical skirmish amongst the underbrush and forest. Night firing. Speed shooting. Intense discussions on Black Hawk and the Alamo. Armed patrols through dense woods.
Yeah Buddy! I could do that again anytime!
One satisfied Moc
P.S.- Thanks Betsy and Hope for all the hard kitchen related activities! (and the oven-roasted apple bread with the crispy bottom!)- GMC
P.S.S.- One more thing- if you didn't go, you missed out big time.- GMC
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Post by gorentz on Apr 18, 2004 18:29:53 GMT -5
Yeah, rub it in. I thought about you guys several times over the weekend, wishing I could have gone.
John Gorentz
P.S. Whatsa "Moc"?
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Post by Greg Carter on Apr 21, 2004 23:51:14 GMT -5
I have to add on just a little bit more here. I may not by the town crier of the OLRHS, but I think I have more to say about this event!
Betsy, my post above does not do justice to your and Hope's hard, back-breaking and sweat-pouring work, slaving over a fire in 85-degree heat without shade. The food was without equal in my mind, and you can toast the crust of an apple cake again anytime!!!
Bob, I left you out my post above entirely, and I apologize! You dragged down all that stuff, including a white Incan Sun-worshipper (me!) without complaint, then provided hours of humor despite the heat, not to mention shooting the tail off my patrol by the grocery!
Last, there are five kids, or rather young adults, who I think should receive accolades- First is Rachel Braun, who took some excellent pictures of all of us, including a shooting scene that had the coup de grace of reenacting photos- not one modern thing in it of any kind! The other four I have to note are Andrew, Rion, Ian and Dominick (sp?), who all proved their worth with the musket, rifle and bayonet, arriving at the event green and leaving the event proficient (at the very least) in the use of a flintlock. Ian managed to load and fire a rifle taller than himself in 24 seconds during a time trial, and all four demonstrated that they knew and respected their firelocks as deadly weapons. Many adults every year prove themselves not to be up to this same task. Not forgetting Ben Braun here, I should also mention that every kid who was at the event conducted him or herself very well when spectators were about!
OK. (oops) All-right. I think I have said my piece now.
GMC
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