Athens 1-3 August 08

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Just a quick note to remind all of you that the Athens event will be held August 1-3, 2008. The last "battle" event was held in 2005 as it is in a three year cycle with two other sites in Missouri. We hope to have the same type of quality people for 2008 as we did in '02 and '05. More information will be presented at a later date.
Make sure you put this on your schedule.
If you want so Athens this year the Hairy Nation Boys are putting on a living history August 3-5 of this year. If you want to attend e-mail me. hheadlog@aol.com

[Chihuahua]

Gents:
This is my favorite event!
Camping and drilling are done in historic town of Athens and on the original battlefield. Since this was essentially an 1861 fight between citizens of Northeast Missouri, smoothbores and civy garb are essential.
Whether you throw in with Davey Moore's Unionists or Marty Green's Secesh, you'll have a great time!
I highly recommend this event. It's Missouri State Guard vs. Missouri Home Guard at its finest.
Mark Warren
Bloomfield, Iowa

[fahtz]

Using the ole OTB Format....here is what we have for 2008...

Date(s): August 1-3, 2008
Event Name: Athens
Location: Athens, Missouri
Host: Holmes Brigade, Hairy Nation Boys, Army of the Trans-Mississippi
Sponsor: Athens Battlefield Park
Discussion Format:TBA
Contact: Federal: TBA
Contact: Confederate: Mitch Critel, fahtz1863@hotmail.com
Civilian: TBA
Website:
Comments:The victorious Unionists prevented the invasion of Iowa, and the subsequent capture of vital military stores.
Event Point of Contact: TBA
Event Type: Heavy Camapign, Early War
Impression(s): Missouri Home Guard and Missouri State Guard (http://www.hometown.aol.com/campjacksonboy/AuthenticityGuidelines.html)
Preservation:YES
Registration:TBA

Mitch, believe it or not that is the format used here on the AC from back when this forum was still part of EZ Board's massive collection of bulletin boards. That is why it was adopted by the OTB Forum five years ago. Those who used to be part of the once thriving AOL CW community will recognize it, as well. - Charles Heath

[Kevin O'Beirne]

This is an honest question: What's the extent to which there's mixed "mainstream" units and "campaigner" units at this event? Is thie entirely a "campaigner" event?

[fahtz]

The mainstreamers were kept out of this event the last time we had it. Various reasons and rumors flew about the reasons. They were not allowed on the field, and held their own event a few hundred yards from the state park.

[majdoc]

I do remember the pictures of the event in 2005 and it looked like a lot of fun. Keep us posted. It would give me an excuse to go see a sick friend of mine near there. As if I need a reason.

[Shotgun Messiah]

The mainstreamers were kept out of this event the last time we had it. Various reasons and rumors flew about the reasons. They were not allowed on the field, and held their own event a few hundred yards from the state park.

I actually didn't know they were there until I arrived at the site and wandered accidentaly by foot up to what I thought was a registration tent,of course with all my State Guard gear ready to rock ,a fellow in bluejean shorts and a ball cap totin' a beer, said " eh, you are in the wrong place, its down the road.. so off down the road I humped it.." other than that I never saw nor heard from them again .
It was only after the fact did I even know what was going on....
I will not miss this... and if I wasn't workin manditory overtime I would be going to the LH this year.Its a great place to visit ( even the Cahokia PoPo are kind)

[Charles Heath]

Date: 1-3 August, 2008
Name: Battle of Athens
Location: Athens, MO. Battle
Sponsor/Host: Holmes Brigade is the sponsor of the 2008 Battle of Athens reenactment in conjunction with the Hairy Nation Boys and ONV.
Capacity: Est. under 400
MHG POC: TBA
MSG POC: Mitch Critel
Civilian POC: TBA
Website: TBA
Forum:
Listserver: None
Preservation Component: Donation to Athens Battlefield
Notes: An early-war (summer 1861) scenario depicting the clash between Col. David Moore’s 1st Northeast Missouri Home Guard (later the 21st Missouri Volunteer Infantry) and Col. Martin Green’s pro-Confederate Missouri State Guard division. Civilian clothing and field gear (i.e. haversacks, canteens and blankets) required along with rifle-muskets (Springfields) and U.S. issue accouterments (leathers, bayonets, etc.)

[fahtz]

It is my pleasure to announce that the civilian side of things have been set in motion. Silvana Siddali will head things up in regards to registration and the scenarios, while Anna Allen will work on the authenticity and impression side of things. Both of these ladies have put a lot of research into the event already and I am proud to be working along side of them! The Sutler point of contact will soon be set in stone. For now if a sutler wants to attend drop me an e-mail and I will help the Sutler POC once they are officially announced!

In terms of MSG guidelines and such they will be coming out in November. For those who have attended the event before there will be a few minor changes to the impression guidelines due to new research found!

[MoFed]

Missouri State Guard (CS): Mitch Critel, fahtz1863@hotmail.com, 308-379-3135

Home Guard (US): Charles Hoskins, choskins1861@yahoo.com, 636-239-2644

Civilian: Silvana Siddali, silvana.siddali@gmail.com, 314-494-7548

Sutler: Vivian Murphy, vmurphy@peoplepc.com, 319-524-2968

The event guidelines and registration materials, although not significantly changed from 2005, will be released shortly.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[Silvana Siddali]

Now that Outpost is behind us, I thought I'd start posting some information about civilian / military interactions during the Battle of Athens. The following letter details the events witnessed by a woman who lived nearby. We thought it would be interesting to recreate this dinner, since we know it took place -- though obviously it won't be quite as much fun for the "sesessionists"!

This coming year the Park Rangers at the Athens site have requested that we step up the authentic civilian side of things, so we're going to make an effort to recreate as many of the actual events & interactions as possible. More to follow as time permits.

August the 8th 1861

Dear Father

I am agoing to try to write to you to let you know that we are alive and well and to try to let you know something about how we live at present, we are in the midst of war almost as there is not a day or an hour passes that we do not hear of some fighting or see lots of soldiers going where they expected an attack, their was the hardest battle fought on Monday the 5th that was [illeg] heard of at Athens in Missouri nine miles from here, the sesession kept sending of word for several days that they were coming to Athens for dinner on the 5th and so they come (the sesessionists of that place had a great dinner prepared for them but as it happened the union men got it) about daylight and planted their cannons and commenced an attack about five oclock and faught for two or three hours with all the desperation that they could command[.] Their was bettween twelve and fifteen hundred of them and well armed and mounted, and only three hundred and fifty union men and fifty of themn ran at the first fire[.] The union men did not hardly expect them but sent for two thousand men but they did not get there untill after thefight, and so three hundred men whiped fifteen hundred through the wisdom and ingenuity of their leader Col Moore, the union men only lost two men killed, two dangerously wounded and sixteen or seventeen slightly, the sesessionists had one hundred and 30 or 40 missing their was two found dead on the field and they are finding dead bodies all the time, the union men got seven prisoners and sixty seven horses, the sessesionists got two or three prisoners so we heard. We could hear the fireing all the time. Barn & Charls was their they both blong to horse guards[.] Barn belongs to a horse company and Charles to a foot Co. The sesessionist sent word that they were agoing to [illeg] St. Fransesville last night but I have not heard whether they made an attempt or not this morning yet, today the sesessionists are coming after their men that are prisoners, Col Moore has left for the enterior of Missouri but they sent to Keokuk for help in the night and their has first been a large train of soldiers passed two thousand I heard[.] I will not write any more untill I hear whether they had a fight or not, it was a false alarm for the soldiers went back to Keokuk this evening and start tomorrow morning for St. Louis as they expect a fight there every day

I wish I could give you a correct account of the battle but I cannot write it I could tell it, I would like to hear how you are and how you and all the rest of the folks are agetting along, I want you to write all the news everything you can think of and the war feeling is taken here, tell Emily and [?] to come out this fall and to write soon, times are hard harder than I ever seen them you cannot get money at all and nothing to do only fighting plenty of that to do as we live on the line of Missouri, I wish you had plenty of money that you could send me a little as I need it very bad, tell Em that I have Farleys & [?] likeness

Goodby Father
Write Soon Julia

Julia McMichael McCormick to her father Thomas McMichael, Evansburg, PA. Western Historical Manuscripts Collection, University of Missouri, Columbia.

[fahtz]

Just wanted to give everyone a quick update on the guidelines. I have been working on revising and writing a new set. The civilian attire will stay the same as usual, however some changes have been made to the equipage and the drill. Also added to the guidelines are period pictures of civilian men with period powder and shot flasks, first person accounts of the battle and MSG in general. The Guidelines will be published around the middle of December. I am working with other MSG historians to make sure we nail this impression. Plan to show up and portray a civilian with the knowledge of riding, shooting, and a passion for the state of Missouri. No drill manuals this weekend! As always if you have any questions, drop me an e-mail or call me. Details in this thread. Thanks!

[Old Overholt]

Charles, Mitch, Holler & Co. -

Is there any way to resurrect the posts from the 2005 event? To my recollection there was a lot of good information posted prior to the event and a number of AARs that would answer a lot of questions for folks interested in next year's event. It appears that the thread has been removed from the 2005 folder.

[fahtz]

AJ,
Likewise I can not track down the "Athens of Old" schtuff. It was probably lost in a crash or some other random act of god. I am sure some of it will resurface at some point.

[Silvana Siddali]

Frank Aufmuth wrote a great article for Civil War Historian about a year and a half ago. He included both event photos and historic images. I think his article appeared in September or October 05.

[MoFed]

Yep, I've got most of the stuff I posted saved. I'll pull it together and post it.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[fahtz]

The following are the 2008 Guidelines for the MISSOURI STATE GUARD at Athens Missouri.

I would hope it goes without saying on this forum but just in case... All items and equipment listed in these guidelines must be of a documented period material, pattern, and construction techniques. If you have a question about an item, e-mail me.

If there are any questions please e-mail me. My e-mail address is listed in several places below.

Company commanders have not be set as of yet. I have been discussing leading companies with a few individuals, and hopefully in a month or so I can set them in place.

Certain activities are in the works for the event. A period correct camp will be maintained at ALL times. This means if you must have something modern to make your lie a happy one, you must be respectful of those around you and do so outside of camp.

Rations are being supplied by the park service. Registration is n the works currently, but will be out soon.

Photos attached to this post are all from 2 private collections. All are from the surrounding area of Athens Missouri. They are attached to show the participant what a male civilian at that time might have looked like.

ENJOY!

Missouri State Guard Guidelines
1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Division
Athens, Missouri August 1-3 2008
Prepared by Mitch Critel
Officer in Charge: Mitch Critel; fahtz1863@hotmail.com; 308-379-3135
Adjutant: Jay Stevens

Companies:
Monticello Grays
Canton Guards
Lewis County Company

Event Setup:
The events planned for the first weekend in August 2008 will be to accurately portray the actions of two opposing forces. The 1st Northeast Home Guard under Colonel David Moore, and the 1st Cavalry Regiment 2nd Division, Missouri State Guard under Colonel Martin Green. The guidelines presented herein are the product of numerous historians and many years of research. All have been consulted and checked against other histories and are presented as the best possible choice. In all of the following categories attention to details of original documented articles and equipment is needed.
The men who made up the Missouri State Guard in the north eastern counties of Missouri were predominantly farmers and small townsmen. All were capable of riding a horse. Nearly all carried a weapon of sorts, refer to weapons section for further details. The men would have all been dressed in typical civilian clothing representative of their social class, occupation and age. Keeping in mind most men were farmers, accounts of the state guard point to the abundance of walnut dyed cloth in the ranks throughout the years of service. The companies these men formed were individual militias from the county or community they lived in. They would have lived, worked and socialized with their comrades in arms.
Military protocol was lax at best in the ranks of these militias. Although other regiments in the Missouri State Guard were well versed in the drill manuals of the military, the 2nd division was more of a social club than it was a militia for defense. This is not to say that the regiment was a rambling hoard of men. They would still march or ride in groups, turn in line and fight in long lines using cover when they could.
The men of the 1st Cavalry were a mounted unit. However for the battle at Athens they dismounted and left their horses in the rear. For our purposes we will move as a dismounted group. It is encouraged that you research period horses and horse equipment to give you a better understanding of what these men went through on a daily basis. Likewise, any gear a horseman would take with him off his horse will be carried into battle.


GUIDELINES:

If at anytime you have a question about a specific item or just need impression guidance, please do not hesitate to contact Mitch Critel; fahtz1863@hotmail.com, 308-379-3135.

Head Gear:
Slouch Hats
Bee Hives
Pork Pies
Straw Hats
Limited Numbers:
Top hats, Mechanics Caps, and other documented hat styles.

Outerwear:
Coats:
Sack Coats
Frock Coats
Paletots
Overshirts: Typical colors include: red, grey, brown, green, and subdued plaid. Material should be of wool flannel, heavy linen or cotton

Trousers: Civilian pattern trousers only.

Shirt & Under Garments:
Shirts: Period Prints, Stripes, and Solids Only.
Under Garments: Period undergarments are highly suggested.
Vests: Optional, Single and Double Breasted Civilian Styles Only!
Boots: Documentation points to the prevalence of boots among farmers in Missouri at this time. However due to the large financial investment of a good quality pair of boots, brogans, bootees, and other documented civilian shoe styles will be accepted in the ranks.

Equipment:

Accouterments: Shot pouches, powder horns and flasks, belts, hunting or carpet bags and other equipment must all be of documented construction and materials. Powder flasks and shot pouches will NOT be FILLED. Blank paper cartridge ammunition will be the only means of loading and firing weapons. Various accounts of the Guard illustrate the lack of proper cartridge boxes, quoting the use of vest and trouser pockets and cloth bags to carry ammunition in. All military equipment must be of a dated pattern BEFORE 1860.

Canteens: Due to safety concerns, a canteen or water source must be carried by each man in the ranks. While documentation shows the men at Athens carried very few canteens, we will be departing history on this point. Possible options include; wooden canteens, tin drum canteens gourds made into canteens, bottles with slings, and anything that can hold water and also be carried on the move.

Blankets: Civilian panel, coverlets, quilts, scraps of carpet are all documented items carried, however need to be of a documented pattern, construction and material. Painted floor cloths are encouraged and acceptable if of period pattern and construction.

Eating Equipage: Civilian china, earth ware, and other period eating equipment will be accepted.

Weapons:
If no appropriate weapon can be acquired please notify your company commander to have one assigned to you for the weekend.
Long Arms:
Squirrel and deer rifles
Shotguns and fowling pieces
Pre-1842 pattern Military Weapon
M1842 Musket; ONLY IF NO OTHER WEAPON CAN BE HAD!
Note: Both flintlock or percussion weapons will be accepted, however if you choose to bring a flintlock weapon, notify your company commander or the officer in charge during registration. Flash guards are suggested but not required for flintlock weapons.
Pistols: Optional
Revolvers-steel back strap (Keep in mind that M1860 Army Colts would presumably have not been widely in use at the Battle of Athens, and M1851 Navy and Dragoon models would have been a relatively expensive luxury for a Missouri farmer in 1861)
Derringer or single barrel
Documentation points to pistols often being carried in the belt line of the trousers.
However for safety purposes NO LOADED PISTOLS may be carried in this fashion.

Knives:
Long knives
Belt Knives

Note: With the exception of officers’ and NCOs’ sabers, no knives will be drawn from a sheath or scabbard during the battle reenactments. These are for show only and for use in camp. Folding pocket knives used for repair purposes in the field are obviously OK.


Miscellaneous:
Spurs are encouraged but must be period correct.
Personal items are encouraged part to your impression for maximum benefit in interacting with and educating spectators. Items such as pocket watches, dominoes, cards, dice, journals, books, bottles and other things the average male of the period would have carried with them would be acceptable so long as they are documented to 1861 and were available in rural parts of Missouri.
Axes, shovels, horse tack and rope are also requested camp items.



Notes:
This section is provided to give a taste of period observations and modern scholarship about the Missouri State Guard during the summer months of 1861. For further reading please consult the works cited after each quotation.

“A flag raised over the court house by Colonel Martin Green at Macon was remembered as consisting of three stripes with fifteen stars without further description.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 304
“The Missouri State Guard…did not have sufficient time or the necessary funding to manufacture the standard uniforms prescribed by statute”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 306
“Brown Jeans with a red calico stripe one-inch wide on the outside seam”, in reference to the uniform of the Bolivar Company.
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 307
“[Private Richard] Hubbell took a silver mounted Mississippi rifle which had been presented to his uncle for heroism in the Mexican War. He also borrowed a flintlock pistol…Having no holster, he simply tucked the pistol into the waistband of his pants.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 309
“A motley crew of men and boys, armed with shotguns, old flintlock rifles, smoothbore muskets…”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 309
“Private Richard Hubbell carried bullets in one vest pocket, powder in another, and percussion caps in a third. One State Guardsman said his company was given a cloth bag filled with buckshot and told to “pour in a handful” before firing.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 310
“The guard was described by a federal solider at Carthage as having “no uniforms, being entirely clad in the homespun butternut jeans worn by every Missouri farmer in those days.”
Sterling Price’s Lieutenants p. 311

I.M. Walters was under Martin Green during the battle of Athens and recalls the following; "A more motley aggregation of white men and boys than accompanied General Green on that occasion was probably never collected together on this earth. They ranged in age probably from twelve to seventy-five or eighty years old. The mixture of apparel and appearance was something wonderful to behold. Some were barefoot, many in their shirt sleeves only, and a few without headgear of any kind. Nearly all had horses, but many had no saddles, and some did not even have bridles, but guided their horses with plain rope halters." horses with plain rope halters."
Keokuk Weekly Gate City, March 29, 1900

[Hairy Nation Boys]

On another note... I will be leading the Kahoka Home Guard (Union) company at Athens. For the love of God you State Guardsmen if we capture you don't tell us to go home to the north.(2005 we kept having these rebels tell us to go home to the north. Read your history!) Kahoka is south of Athens.

If you want to be in my company send me a PM or e-mail. hheadlog@aol.com

Holler

[fahtz]

ha ha ha...oh Holler, I just think those fellows were turned around in shock that you had captured them! Seriously I hope it wasn't a Missouri boy who said such a thing, the should know better! And are you sure it was a guardsman, and not one of your fellow homeguard? I mean we look almost the same! We are just the better looking bunch! :D

[MoFed]

Founded in 1844, by the early 1850’s Athens was a small but thriving community and area trade center. The Thome Mill was a valuable asset to Athens and the region. “The roads leading into Athens were often lined with wagons of people coming for miles around brining their grist (primarily corn and wheat) to be ground and often the customer would have to wait a day or two for his flour or meal.” (Kahoka Gazette-Herald, Oct. 24, 1930). Thome’s mill was not only a grist mill, but also a flour mill and saw mill; the upper story was a woolen mill.

While waiting their turn at the mill, the settlers could fish, visit, or buy supplies at George Gray’s General Store. George Gray not only sold the “necessities” at his store, but some of the “frills” in life as well. He also served as a postmaster and sold stamps. He purchased hogs, butter, and made cash loans. Some items from the ledger for sale in 1852 are as follows:

Isaac Galland, Coat - $6.00
Israel Duty, 3 yds. Ky. Jeans at .45/yd. - $1.35
John Duty, Coarse boots - $2.00
I.N. Lewis, 5 hogs 770 lbs. At 4 cents - $30.80
A.W. Harlan, Bonnet - $4.50
Jas. Riley, Curry comb - .25
Thos. Caldwell, Bed cord - .30
Thos. Vanfossen, Violin string - .10
Arthur W. Peake, Smith’s Arithmetic - .35
Silvester Parsons, 1 pr. Suspenders - .30
Joseph Benning, 2 pr. Trace chains - $1.50
John Dumas, 81 1/4 lbs. Plow mold iron 5 cents - $4.06
Lewis Dumas, 1 fishline and hooks - .20
Mrs. Sloan, buy 4 1/4 lbs. Butter @ 15 cents - .64
Arthur Thome, of Farmington, per Paul, 1 ox whip - .25
Harry Slaughter, of Farmington, 1 fur cap - $6.00
John Anthony, of Iowa, ½ side upper leather - $1.25
Jonathan Fifer, 1 cloth coat for son - $7.50
Wm. Clark, 1 gal. S.H. molasses - .50
Jas. Cameron, on Fox river, 34 lbs. Cowhides - $2.04
G.W. Christy, 2 tuck combs @ .12 ½ - .25
Jas. Christy, ½ quire letter paper .10, 1 doz. Quills, .5 - .15
Jos. Christy, 1 violin .50, 5 strings .10, .30? - .80
Wm. Christy, 1 horse collar - $1.40
Thos. Calvert, 1 bonnet $1.50, 1 bandbox .20 - $1.70
I.N. Stewart, 1 shawl $2.25, 1 linen coat $2.00 - $4.25
Chas. Harr, (per wife) 2 ½ yds ribbon @ .10 - .25
Wm. Herman, 2 pr. Gloves @ .18 ½ - .37
Allen Stewart, by cash lent Troxwell - $1.20
David Hewit, (near Chambersburg) 1 fur hat - $2.25
Geo. Swazy, 1 pr. Fine shoes - $1.75
John Biedman, postage on letter - .05
Wyatt Mayfield, 3 straw hats @ .15 - .45
John Roseberry, 1 Atlas and Geography - .75
Jas. Graham, 1 sperm candle .5, 1 bar soap .10 - .15
Jos. Peckham, 4 lbs. Coffee .12 ½ - .50
Robt. Gammon, 1 gal. Molasses - .50
Crown (of Iowa) 2 bars lead .10, ¾ lb powder - .25
Mrs. Shaffer, 2 bonnets @ $3.00 - $6.00
Stewart Brannum, of Iowa, 1 overcoat - $6.50
Thos. Johnson, 19 lbs. Bacon .10 - $1.90
Benj. Johnson, 1 pocket knife - .60
Geo. Johnson, 1 vest - $3.50
Woodruff Becket, 1 congress hat - $1.25
Washington Smith, of Iowa, ½ lb. tea @ $1.00 - .50
Tallerand Frost, to cash, $3.00; 1 pr. Fine boots $3.75; 1 coat, $3.75; 1 black silk vest, $3.50; ½ plug tobacco @ .25 - .12; credit by loading and boating 3 days at Alexandria, $3.00; by bringing up boat, 4 days - $4.00
Case and Doud, by making wood work of wagon and painting same, $29; making wagon box, ironing and painting same, $12
Gideon Hottle, 1 keg nails, 100 lbs. At .04 - $4.00; buy 13 doz. Eggs @ .05 - .65
Daniel Shuler, by hauling 1 load of iron from Alexandria - $4.00
Riley Bedell, by hauling goods from Alexandria - $4.00
Bradley Barrows, by 3 days work boating, $3.00
Tuttle (of Farmington) to use of boat from Wed. to Tues. 6 days at $1.50/day, $9
Samuel Bedell, by 2 days hauling goods from Alexandria, $4.00; expenses on same, .90 by cutting pork ½ day .50; by stove pipe and elbow .50
Perry Colerton, by 1 ¾ days work boating, $1.75
Thomas Dean, by hauling 1 load from Alexandria, $3
Joseph Benning to cash paid Mr. Coon for dressing deer skins, $3.75


By 1852, houses and buildings were beginning to be built of frame and brick. The Aunt Jane Gray house (now known as the Widow Gray home), a frame structure was constructed in 1852 or 1853 at the east corner of the Isaac Gray log home. By 1852, George Gray was selling weatherboarding at .02 ¾ per foot and clear pine lumber at the same price. Black and white walnut lumber was selling for .02 ½ per foot. Bricks were sold at .40 per hundred. Case and Doud seem to have been the principal carpenters/wagonmakers that traded at George Gray’s general store. The bought a considerable amount of lumber and bricks as well as ingredients to mix paints. They are listed as purchasing Chinese vermillion, Paris green, Chromo green, Lamp black, and linseed oil. Case & Doud were operating a wagon shop and were renting a log house to conduct their business from Issac Gray. David McKee was apparently operating a blacksmith shop. Henderson Brown was making wagons or at least working on them.
Athens was doing a considerable trade via the Des Moines River as well as overland as the fees paid to Bedell, Colerton, Dean and Shuler attest.

In 1852, the highest wage seems to be $1/day. Board rates were $1/week. Food was inexpensive by our standards:

Flour, $4.50/barrel
Best bacon & ham, .10/lb.
Pork, .04/lb.
Bone meal, 02/lb.
Butter, .12 ½ - .15 /lb.
Eggs, .06 - .08 /doz.
Sugar, .08 1/3 per lb.
Coffee, .12 ½ per lb.
Tea, $1 /lb.
Maple sugar, .12 ½ per lb.
Rice, .06 ¼ per lb.
Dried peaches, $3/ bushel
Dried apples, $2.50/ bushel
White beans, $2 / bushel
Vinegar, .25/gallon
Mackeral, 6 for .25
Codfish, .07 / lb.
Peppersauce, .25/ bottle
Tobacco, .15 - .25 / plug

Smoking tobacco and liquor are listed infrequently. It is likely that tobacco was grown for smoking and whiskey made locally.

The maple sugar sold at Gray’s store was likely a product of local manufacture. Aunt Jane Gray was a well known producer of maple sugar and maple syrup. Other settlers would have made use of the maple trees in the area, but “Aunt Jane” was the most well known. The famous “sugar tree” grove of early Athens was reported as located behind her house.

George Gray’s store was located on Water Street, along the Des Moines River bank. Numerous other buildings were also located there. In addition to his store, George Gray has a woodyard and meat packing house along Water Street. The mill, ferry and boat landing were also located there. A large brick hall is also reported along Water Street where public meetings and dances were held, as is a brick hotel operated by a Mr. Jackson. A slaughter house was located upstream from the mill, across a stone bridge that spanned Stallion Branch. Of the many boats and steamers that serviced Athens in the early 1840’s-50’s, only the name of the “Lucy Bertram” is recorded. However, other steamboats, the “Die Vernon” and “Sucker State” are recorded at Churchville and likely serviced Athens as well.

In 1852, Athens had four physicians: Dr. Thomas H. Harlan, Dr. J.B. Augustus, Dr. M.D. Scott and Dr. J.M. DeBall. George Gray’s ledger reveals that Dr. DeBall purchased a quantity of drugs, including opium and arsenic for $29.43. Dr. Scott, obviously successful, purchased “one fine coat, $11; one fine vest, $3.50; one pair black cassimere pants, $6; one pair calf boots, $3.75; one pair kid gloves, .75; and one silk handkerchief, .75. (Kahoka Gazette-Herald, Nov. 14, 1930).

Five churches were located in pre-Civil War Athens. The churches represented were one Baptist, one Presbyterian, one Christian, and two Methodist. It is not recorded if each church had a separate place of worship or if they were representative congregations that met at private homes or public buildings. Other businesses and organizations present in the 1850’s were: Masonic Lodge, Express Office, and an Academy under the charge of Slaughter and Burah. The population was about 500. The Keokuk, Fort Des Moines and Minnesota Railroad Company had a station agent named Armstrong in Athens. It is likely that they anticipated the railroad reaching Athens, but construction was interrupted by the Civil War and the line was never completed.

The following is a list of businesses and organizations c. 1853-1860:

Wm. B. Armstrong, general store
W. Armstrong, agent K. Ft. D. and M. Railroad
? Armstrong, beef and pork packer
? Baker & Co., general store
?J. and W.B. Barwett, coopers
David Bedell, carpenter and builder
J.S. Bedell, Justice of the Peace
John Bobbitt, carpenter and builder
Mr. Buschler, stoves and sheet iron ware (Note: Most of the surviving buildings in Athens appear to have been designed to use stoves and do not have fireplaces.)
W. Burhage, painter
E.T. Colton, flour and grist mill
A.W. Calvert, cabinetmaker and carpenter
T. Colton, woolen manufacturer
Wm. Deck, blacksmith
Isaac, grocer
Henry Fehlhaber, wagon maker
R.P. Gray, coal dealer
B. Gray, livery stable
Isaac P. Gray, grocer
George Gray, general store
G. Gray, brick yard
George Gray, beef and pork packer
George Gray, postmaster
T.H. Hallan, physician and surgeon
T.H. & J.R. Hallan, druggists
P.F. Hamilton, cooper
J.M. Hiller, general store
George Hiller, blacksmith
David Kennedy, general store
Miss Kelly, Milliner and dressmaker
J.T. McKnight, baker
David McKee, assessor
McGown and Boler, blacksmith
J.T. McNiglet, tailor
Rev. D. Mason, Methodist Episcopal
J.D. Nash, boot and shoe dealer
G. Neuse, lumberyard
Henry Ostrander, blacksmith
James Perkins, Justice of the Peace
W. Perkins, Justice of the Peace
B. Robinson, ambrotype artist
G. Slaughter, constable
C.W. Stone, butcher
St. Louis Hotel, R. Jackson, Proprietor
M. Scott, cabinetmaker
John Stafford, general store
A. Starr, cooper
D.M. Scott, physician
R.P. Slaughter, meat market
Peter Turner, brickyard
Rev. Umpston, Presbyterian
Henry Warner, boots and shoes
Rev. Samuel Wood, Christian minister

According to the 1860 census, Clark County had a white population of 11,216; black population of 468. There were a total of 129 slaveholders, the largest being Col. Thomas C. Rutherford with 21 slaves.

The Circuit Judge from 1860-62 was Thomas S. Richardson.

The results of the 1860 National election in Clark County were as follows:
John Bell, 752
Stephen Douglas, 542
John Breckenridge, 497
Abraham Lincoln, 277

The foregoing information was taken, with permission, from the Athens Site Study researched and prepared by Roger Boyd, site administrator, Battle of Athens SHS and the History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri, 1887, (reprinted by Walsworth Publishing for the Knox County Historical Society 1981).


Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

Edina, Knox County, Mo.
August 2, 1861

TO: THE CITIZENS OF KNOX COUNTY MISSOURI –

“Having been placed in command of the State Troops in Northeast Missouri, in discharge of my duty I recently visited the down of Edina for the sole purpose of dispersing a force quartered here, claiming to be Federal troops, but to our great disappointment, when we entered the town the bird had flown.

Proclamation was immediately made to the soldiers to keep out of private houses, but that they might, under the direction of an officer, search the quarters of the dispersed army and capture anything they might find belonging to the same. In accordance with the above proclamation, a search was made, considerable camp equipage, provisions and provender were found, known to belong to the fleeing enemy. This has been taken possession of and retained, according to the usages of war.

But I have been informed that some of the soldiers have transcended their limits and have taken private property. As soon as the fact was made known to me, I ordered an officer to put a stop to it, which was immediately done. I endeavored to find out where any depredation had been committed, and to repair the damage done by either returning the articles or paying for them.

We have been necessarily compelled to press some articles, but in all cases we have endeavored to pay for what we got; and I would remark that we have taken three dollars worth of property from our friend to one from those opposed to us, and if anything has been taken by the men under my command that has not been accounted for, I hereby pledge myself to have any and all property settled for whenever the facts can be made known.

As it regards my actions toward those whom we designate our enemies I would just state, that there have been several arrest made – some of them proved to be, on examination, private citizens. In all such cases they have been released. When they have proven to be sworn troops against the lawful militia of Missouri they have been paroled. No officer or soldier has been authorized to arrest any but sworn soldiers.

Fellow Citizens, I am in this region to restore quiet; that we may enjoy the peace that we have hitherto enjoyed, and I hereby proclaim that I have no intention to arrest peaceable citizens; but on the contrary, I pledge myself to use all means in my power, to protect all citizens, regardless of their opinion, in the enjoyment of all their constitutional rights.

And to those who have taken up arms against us I would say, whenever you lay down your arms and return to your business, as citizens, you, too, shall be protected in your rights, both you and your property. And I hereby give notice to all quiet and peaceable citizens not to be alarmed at our presence in this county; we are here for good, as we believe, and whenever the causes that placed us in the field cease to exist, we shall most gladly accept the opportunity to disband our forces and return to our homes.

Martin E. Green,
Commander, M.S.G.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

THE UNDERSIGNED IS AUTHORIZED TO RAISE
A COMPANY OF VOLUNTEERS
IN THIS COUNTY
FOR UNION SERVICE.

ALL WHO ARE WILLING TO FIGHT FOR THEIR HOMES, THEIR COUNTRY, AND THE FLAG OF OUR GLORIOUS UNION ARE INVITED TO JOIN HIM, BRINGING WITH THEM ARMS AND AMMUNITION. UNTIL THE GOVERNMENT CAN AID US, WE MUST TAKE CARE OF OURSELVES.

SECESSIONISTS AND REBEL TRAITORS DESIRING A FIGHT CAN BE ACCOMMODATED ON DEMAND.

D. Moore

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

“The Gate City,” Keokuk, Iowa
July 18, 1861
p. 2, c. 1 & 2

"More Arms

Several hundred stand of arms have been sent here by the Governor for home use. Our citizens are now taking vigorous measures to place our town in a state of complete defence. Thousands of cartridges have been prepared, and more coming. All the guns and muskets in the city have been or are being cleaned and repaired, and a thorough organization for protection by night and day will be set on foot immediately. Our citizens are determined to effectually ward off all danger of an attack by being thoroughly prepared for one, and, if necessary, they will carry the war into Africa.

Arms Received

Several hundred muskets from the Saint Louis Arsenal were landed yesterday at Warsaw by the steamer Hawkeye, for the Union men of North east Missouri. A regiment of Home Guards is organized in Clark County, under orders from Gen. Lyon, of which Wm. Bishop, Esq., of Alexandria, is Colonel. The regiment has been sworn in and with the arms just received they will be on a footing successfully to cope with the “Seceshers,” who are and have been for some time, night and day, “busy as the devil in a thunder storm.”

There is now little doubt that the increasing boldness and activity of the rebels all through Missouri, especially in the northern part, is caused by the incoming of thousands of rebels from Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, &c., who have been sent up and have come in in little squads, dropping down at all points, and stirring up all possible mischief. It is believed that at least 5000 southern rebels are thus scattered over Missouri, and it is owing to their presence and encouragement that the Missouri rebels are picking up new courage and becoming active, bold and defiant.

But the Government is preparing for them. In addition to the troops already on the line of the H. & St. Jo. Railroad, Col. Palmer’s regiment, Col. Turchin’s [sp?] new regiment, and the Irish Brigade, just from Chicago, have been sent over. And more will be sent if necessary. Rebellion must and will be crushed out, and traitors cut off.

The Princess Mary, of Cambridge, whose betrothal to the Duke of Newcastle has been announced, is a very comely personage, but very stout – so stout, in fact, that she finds crinoline entirely superfluous, except around the bottom of her skirt; and it is said that it has been necessary of late to enlarge the door of her carriage. A marriage was proposed between her and Victor Emmanuel, and he was delighted at the prospect of a connection with the royal family of England through the owner of so charming a face as that of the portrait which was shown to him. But when on his visit to England he say the lady, il Re galaniuomo – himself no slender lad – he retired precipitately from the negotiation. “I cannot marry that woman,” said he, “she’s broad enough to sit upon the seven hills of Rome.”

A Democratic Senator, Bussey, who co-operated with the Republicans in the last session of the General Assembly, has already been rewarded for his recreancy with a staff appointment, and we doubt not that others are licking their chops while they gaze intently upon the savory viands spread temptingly to entice such as are only too ready to sell themselves for a mess of spoils. -- Herald.

The Herald is a constant growler. It growls because, as it says, Democrats get no offices from Republican rulers, and when Democrats are appointed, the Herald growls because they accept of an office. Northern traitors are blest with a sweet disposition. -- Dubuque Times.

Farewell Ball

The Keokuk Jaeger Company will give their Farewell Ball at Burrow’s Hall, on Friday Evening, July 19th, 1861. Admission 50 cents. Tickets can be had of all members, and at the Door.

Attention, Keokuk Rangers

You are hereby commanded to meet on Johnson Street, between Second and Third, this day at 2 o’clock P.M. for the purpose of drill and other business of importance to the company. By order of the Captain. Joseph W. Stimpson, O.S.

The Last Chance for Volunteers

Capt. Parrott wants a few more good men to fill his Company, which is accepted, and will be mustered into the U.S. service in three or four days. Rendezvous on 3d street, between Main and Johnson streets, where Volunteers will be received till Saturday."

Thanks to Kip Lindberg.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

“The Gate City,” Keokuk, Iowa
July 24, 1861 p.2, c.1

"Skirmishing in Clark County, MO.

Croton, Tuesday July 23.

Mr. Editor: The Northeast Missouri regiment, composed of the Croton Guards, Warsaw Guards, Sand Prairie Co., and the Home Guards of Clark Co., have just arrived at Athens, having cleaned the northern part of Clark Co. of the rebels and wandered as far as Etna in Scotland Co., which was taken Sunday evening without the loss of a man on our side – the rebels shooting too high. After delivering one volley they fled. There were 50 of them, mounted. We learn that our troops killed 1 and wounded 1.

The prairies near our line of march were scoured by our cavalry, one man being shot and wounded slightly in the shoulder. This was the only injury received by our men. We learn that four or five rebels were killed. Our scouts captured several horses, hats, guns and prisoners. On arriving at Athens all the rebels that had not fled previously were arrested. Two secession flags were found in private houses. I neglected to mention that we cut down the secession pole in Etna and took the streamer, which had “Jefferson Davis” on it. It is now in possession of the Warsaw Greys, who are to return it, after being exhibited in Warsaw to the Croton Company, who were sharers in the capture. Col. Moore now awaits reinforcements to march on Memphis [MO]. F.

The Warsaw Greys, mentioned above, arrived in Keokuk last night, on the cars from Croton, and as they marched through the streets, showing that rebel flag, they were loudly cheered.

Another letter from Croton says that there are 300 Union troops at Luray waiting re-enforcements, while Col. Moore, with several companies, is waiting for more men at Athens. He intends to join the forces at Luray and then march on Memphis.

It is reported that the Union flag is still flying in Memphis and that the Union company commands the place. But this is doubtful.

Col. Moore has about 30 prisoners and will deal with them in a military way. Dr. Harlan, of Athens, was captured, while attempting to flee. Judge Caldwell and Esq. Bobbett couldn’t be found. Capt. Baker and one Morland left early one morning, with carpet sack in hand, half scared to death. Col. Moore and his men will soon clear the whole region of rebels."

Thanks to Kip Lindberg

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

“The Gate City”, Keokuk, Iowa
August 15, 1961
p.2 c.1

"A Secesh Account of the Battle of Athens

Here is an account of the Battle of Athens which the secesh Bulletin of St. Louis certifies as “accurate:”

We have been furnished the following letter, written by a gentleman at Athens, giving an entirely different account of the battle at that place. The gentleman who furnishes the letter endorses the reliability of the writer:

“Col. Martin Green (brother of ex-Senator Green), at the head of 450 men, who had been organized under the military bill, attacked Col. Moore, who force numbered 650, and drove them across the Des Moines river, where Moore was reinforced from Keosauqua and other towns above. Green attacked them a second time and drove them before him, until Col. Moore was reinforced again, when after a hard fight, Green retreated, carrying off their two pieces of artillery, wounded, &c. Green had to fight in all from two to three thousand men, yet his boys fought with all the coolness of veterans, and drove them back in every hand to hand fight.

Among the State troops who were killed, eight in all, were some of our best men. The following names are all I have obtained: Jos. Ewalt, Eli Butler, Mr. Moore, Mr. Williams, Young Bowles, all living in this neighborhood.

There is no doubt but the Federals lost from 200 to 300 men, in killed and wounded.

The country is thoroughly aroused and the masses are very indignant at the intermeddling with their rights by the people of Illinois and Iowa, who, at the instance and information of every intermeddling, cowardly Black Republican, send their armed hordes to rob and murder our best citizens. – A.B.O."

Thanks to Kip Lindberg

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.

[MoFed]

The Athens 2008 registration packet is attached in Word format. The registration form is at the end of the document. Please contact me if you need a hardcopy. Questions and registration forms should be directed to their respective coordinators as listed in the materials. We look forward to seeing you in August.

Charles D. Hoskins
Holmes Brigade USV, Inc.
Battle of Athens 2008 Steering Committee

[MajShacklett]

I am the ancestor of Major Benjamin W Shacklett, Scotland County Mounted Troop, Missouri State Guard. I belong to a mixed Civil War Living History group out of Des Moines, IA and we will be attending this event. I do portray Maj Shacklett, and thought that it would be nice to resurect the Scotland County Mounted Troop for this event. Of course with the permission of the Missouri State Guard Commander. Remember that even though this was a Mounted Troop, they did fight on foot. If it's possible I would like to use the same route to enter the battle as they did during the actual battle. If anyone is interested in doing this, please let me know.

Thank You

Respectfully

Major Benjamin W Shacklett
(Mark B Riney)
Commanding
Scotland County Mounted Troop
1st Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Division
Missouri State Guard

Warwick Living History

[fahtz]

Hey Athens is still going on! I will be at Pea Ridge for anyone still on the fence and wanting to chat with me about particualrs and such...

[BorderRuffian]

Mitch,


Will there be a ration issue or is everyone on their own?See you at Elkhorn.

[fahtz]

There will be a ration issue for Athens. I will adventure over to Elkhorn to chat with you boys!

[fahtz]

A few excerpts from Col. David Moore's (Home Guard) account of the battle of Athens:

"They were armed with shot-guns and squirrel rifles, which were no match for our improved muskets. The fight had lasted nearly two hours, when those posted on the right and left were ordered by me to stand fast and the center to fix bayonets and move forward in common time. The men, however, soon broke into a charge, and the enemy fled in every direction from the field."

"As the fruits of the victory we captured many prisoners, four hundred and fifty horses, saddles and bridles complete, hundreds of arms and a wagon load of long knives with which they expected to fight the infantry."

[Hairy Nation Boys]

The Home Guard also had lots of ham. They went to Farmington(Iowa) and got a large amount of ham from the butcher there. By the end of the weekend I am so very sick and tired of ham.

Once again if you want to halt the State Guardsmen, you want to protect Missouri and Iowa, the Kahoka Home Guard has a place for you.

If interested please contact me at: headlog@gmail.com
Or call 319-341-5885 Before 8:00 Central

[BaconBob]

Me and two other Union men will fall in with you and the Kahoka Home Guard. See you there.

Bob Taylor

[fahtz]

I have recently finished a new book called "Skim Milk Yankees Fighting; The Battle of Athens Missouri, August 5 1861" The book takes a primarily Home Guard slant by allows us to see what the State Guard was up to in the months before the battle. There really isn't a whole lot of "new" research unveiled in the book, but it is now in a single collected source. It is a VERY short read at only 100 or so pages in actually text and half a hundred in appendix and notes. Link here: http://www.camppope.com/c-w.htm

Also I have discussed this event with some boys at the Pea Ridge event this weekend, and it is looking like we are going to have a nice showing at the Athens. I urge you fellas to check your calendars and your kitchen passes and come out to North Eastern Missouri and get the rare opportunity to have opposing forces on the original ground actually reenacting what happened there!

[Charles Heath]

Mitch,

A triad of fellows from Iowa corresponding about an entirely different subject reminded me just how much fun my two trips to this wonderful event in Athens, MO, have been. We had a chance to see a few things, and in no particular order:

- Electioneering by officer/politician types attempting to gain office -- from the back of a Roybuilt wagon, yet. Bribes would be appreciated this time around.

- Fellows with fixed bayonets chasing us across the field. Running off the field before fellows with fixed bayonets could catch us. Okay, brisk walking, but I digress.

- Trading a chicken for a broom. Seeing Rev. Pompey's masterful chicken as a puppet show. Sleeping with chickens so the dogs, foxes, and coyotes wouldn't gobble 'em up.

- Educating young boys in the art of confectionary larceny.

- Forgetting to write the pieless and cakeless gals after the event to thank them for the morsels of opportunity, and to implore them to bring more windowsill offerings in the future.

- Witnessing the exploding wooden artillery.

- Being ordered to have a young fellow carry around a heavy hank of rope, and then listen to his period profanity afterwards. Hey, that was good first person.

- Corn.

- Watermelons.

- The "Ham of the Damned."

- Wading in the River Des Moines, and exploring the ruins of the old mill afterwards.

-Scott's.

- Weather as cool as the inside of a cucumber...not.

- The Nash.

- The fiddler.

- Hoping the Widow Gray house would last a few more seasons until some grant money could be found to do some real work.

- Watching the park rangerettes emptying the garbage whilst overlooking the boys swimming the in the river below. They got an eyeful that morning.

- Poor Joey S. trying to cook bacon. He and Dane Utter are related. Of this, I am truly convinced.

- Marveling over a mechanical contraption that could make up to six tubs of ice cream at once.

- Farm implements.

- Sticks.

- Shotguns.

- Cartridges in our pockets.

- The Pumpkin Shirt.

- The Shirt Lifter.

- The considerable amount of documented period phrases and speechifying directly attributed to that specific time and place.

- Two commissaries in one camp, and thinking just how Missouri that was.

- Seeing Sinclair gas stations again.

- Almost forgot -- the actual ground.

Good times. I think I'd like to try Missouri Home Guard one time, and finally visit the museum across the river.

[John of the Skulkers Mess]

We prepared a place for you Chas.

http://www.stateparks.com/charlie_heath__and_memorial.html

Back to your regularly scheduled discussion,
John Pillers
TSM

[fahtz]

Chawls,
Your post was a trip down memory lane of Athens past. Sadly a few of those things will not be seen again... The first is the pumpkin shirt, alas another fellow was trying to upgrade his impression via my closet and it was sold to him, however he may be at Athens and some other MSG stuff. Scott's will not be seen at Athens due to the fact these MSG boys were mounted with no sort of drill in the ranks. The fiddler, OH the fiddler... moment of silence......... Oh the fiddler. Another feature I believe only the forward pickets enjoyed a few years ago was the water fight the female staff had around the Townsend house. In my opinion this year will be the best one yet, due to the scenario, placement of the camp, and the ongoing research. It is just too bad there are SO many event packed into these next 6 months or so!

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Scotts will be seen at Athens on the Home Guard side.
The fidler had been coming around for years.
I am still not sure what museum is across the river. Croton has a monument for the battle and a WWI era Japanese artillery piece.
The Widow's house is not a priority for the park. Right now major plans are underway to fix the McKee house.

I hope to see people at Athens this year. Finally we Nation Boys get a short drive. hour and a half. For one weekend we do not have to drive ten or more hours to attend a event.


Join the Friends of ATHENS!!!

[Chihuahua]

Pards,

One of the many reasons this event is so great is the care, concern, and cooperation given by Athens Superintendent Roger Boyd, as well as his support staff. You'd be hard-pressed to find a nicer, more accommodating chap to work with.

Another big plus for me is the fact we camp and drill on the original site.

Did I mention the gooseberry pie?

Mark Warren
Hairy Nation & Kahoka Home Guard

[Silvana Siddali]

Agreed. Roger Boyd is a fantastic resource. He has collected a vast store of primary sources and census information, which forms the basis of the ongoing research Mitch has mentioned. We should also mention the hard work & dedication by the Friends of Athens, a preservation & study group that has put a great deal of effort into restoring the houses and grounds. I would like to encourage anyone who is coming to this event to consider joining up. Further info on this is forthcoming.

And yes, there are plans for pies ... that's all I'll say on that subject. Some of those pies might, or might not, appear on window sills.

I've mentioned this elsewhere, but I thought it was worth stating again that there will be a recreation of the "banquet" the pro-secesh citizenry prepared for the MSG. Of course, you dashing fellows will be out of luck on that one; the banquet was consumed by the victorious MHG instead. No doubt there will be much grumbling by the reb civilians.

[huntdaw]

'dashing fellows' - that's very punny.

The idea of not getting my supper almost convinces me to go Home Guard at this one, but I just don't know if I could turn my back on the MSG.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Michael,

Remember how well you were fed LAST YEAR with the Kahoka Homeguard!

[fahtz]

Harrison,
Stop trying to recruit my guards men! You home guard fellows are just like the men you portray! SNAKES! :cool:

[missourimule]

Correct me if I am wrong on this, but I'm pretty sure that Kahoka was spelled Cahoka at the time of the Civil War. The town was originally named after the Cahokia Indians, but the spelling was changed because of the frequent mix up with Cahokia, Illinois. I know that several period news papers spell it with a C. I believe Roger Boyd told me that the spelling change occured sometime after the Civil War.

Drew Bruner

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Drew,

It is spelled both ways. We had this discussion three years ago. Leslie Anders in his book The Twenty-First Missouri From Home Guard to Union Regiment refers to the Kahoka Home Guard as Kahoka. I will take his word on this subject. He spent his life studying the war in Missouri and the Home Guard.
The book is out of print but a must read for anyone who is interested in Athens, and the 21st Missouri.

[Arch Campbell]

I have seen it spelled BOTH ways in different documents. The spelling seems to have been somewhat fluid at the time, finally settling on "Kahoka" officially sometime after the Rebellion, as you mentioned, Drew.
If anyone is reading this thread and considering attending Athens for the first time, I strongly recommend it. Where else will you get the opportunity to reenact a battle on the actual site, with nary a uniform on either side?

Drive that rebel traitor Mart Green back to the North Fabius!

[fahtz]

We are fast approaching the meeting of two civilian clad mobs of men on the unaltered pristine ground at Athens Missouri. As we all enjoy our next few months of warmed up temperatures and out door activities, remember to condition your bodies and drink a lot of water. Athens will be hot, we have a nice schedule of events in the works. There are a lot of activities that depend on the living historians ability to live in the heat of August in Missouri. Please condition your body for the warm, sunny, and muggy summer. I will see you all in August!

[Annette Bethke]

Is it possible, for this Texan braving the trip North, to provide a pronunciation guide? I know Athens is pronounced Ay-thens, are there any other place names that I should be aware? Such as how is Kahoka pronounced?

[Cfarrell]

If you find yourself in Iowa you've done gone too far:D. I made the trip back in 05 from Houston....man it was a long drive and we ended up getting lost right near Ay-thens and on some back roads in Iowa. Fun trip though...

[Silvana Siddali]

I'm going to let Holler handle the pronunciation issues, since there are other tricky names that we'll need to know (Monticello, for one.)

I wanted to add that the Friends of Athens & the Park Rangers are going all out this year. For one thing, they're opening up another house for occupancy, and there is even a possibility that we may be able to use the historic church for the Sunday service. They'll also provide firewood and most of the food for civilians.

We will be using the newly opened house for Deborah Hyland's mercantile and candy shop. She'll have her usual brilliant display of period candy (I mean, modern edible candy that is made from period recipes!) as well as other useful and delicious items. We'll also have a tin-typist, as well as another period photographer with his wagon.

Civilians will take part in recreating various important historic events that took place during and after the battle, as well as going about their daily lives & chores in the town. Those of you who haven't been in Athens for a while might be interested to know that the houses have been restored significantly and are now much more comfortable. (I.e., no more bats & other critters.)

This event just gets better & better each time it occurs, and since it only happens every three years, I would encourage anyone who's still thinking it over to join in. Your presence will also create a lot of good will for the ongoing preservation efforts. There's still room in the civilian camp of convenience, which will be located in a lovely shaded grove of trees.

[fahtz]

One thing I forgot to mention is for the fellows on the fence about attending due to the fact that they do not own a nice period correct civilian weapon. I have discussed with a few people in my close circle of MSG historians about the possibility of LOANER weapons. I know personally I have 4 firearms I will not be using for the event. The LOANER list is growing, please do not let this effect you attendance.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Mich, you need to get in contact with Jo to cordinate what the State Guard is doing. We mentioned that you should be camped at the Widow Grey's.

[Annette Bethke]

It is important for the citizens of Athens to remember that you are portraying people of rural Missouri. Leave the fancy clothes at home and be ready to work. Collecting wood, splitting firewood, weeding the flower beds and gardens, getting water, cleaning clothes, fixing meals.


This is different than the guidelines state. The guidelines allow for a dressier impression than a working class impression; has this changed?

[Silvana Siddali]

The 1860 census for the town of Athens shows that the good proportion of the citizens there were engaged in businesses, mercantiles, skilled crafts, and professions. We posted excerpts from the census earlier this year (I think it's in another thread.) Yes, you're quite right, the civilian guidelines do indicate a prosperous, active citizenry. Not wealthy, but not dirt-poor, either. Athens was also a rural community, so there's room for a range of authentic impressions.

I want to reassure everyone that the civilians who have signed up for this event are already working hard on their impressions and are bringing some wonderful crafts and skills to the event. We do have to balance the outdoor chores with the more prosperous impressions, of course. Some of the women will be engaged in laundry and gardening, as suggested earlier. Others will be involved in indoor pursuits (including dressmaking, needle and fiber crafts, the mercantile, etc.)

Who knows, we may even have some chickens ... ! (I mean, live ones.)

[Deborah Hyland]

Um, I don't know that anyone is planning on being a Scarlett, but Athens was a thriving river town served by the ferry. The 1887 History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland County, Missouri has detailed listings of all the local businesses, fraternal orders, churches, etc. that were in Athens at the time of the war. It's only since the end of the ferry, the decline of the railroads, and the interstate highway system that it became such a backwater.

With all due respect, of course.

[Annette Bethke]

The 1860 census for the town of Athens shows that the good proportion of the citizens there were engaged in businesses, mercantiles, skilled crafts, and professions. We posted excerpts from the census earlier this year (I think it's in another thread.) Yes, you're quite right, the civilian guidelines do indicate a prosperous, active citizenry. Not wealthy, but not dirt-poor, either. Athens was also a rural community, so there's room for a range of authentic impressions.

This is good to know. I'd have hated to drive all that way to find out I had brought the wrong clothes :).

Thanks for the clarification.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

I do know the history of Athens.
I edited my post so as not to offend. Looks like I touched a nerve.

[Anna Allen]

Ditto to what Silvana was saying about Athens. It's really a pretty cool little town and it's rare that you get to stay in a village with actual period buildings. I'm looking forward to seeing how far the progress has come with the houses. I can sleep with mice and bats, though it's not my preference, so it's good to hear the nasty little critters have been exterminated since the last time I stayed there. Oh yeah and the hornets and the snake. :rolleyes: Honestly, this event should be a lot of fun and I imagine it might even top the last event we had there. Heck, the actual battle happens right in the town. Not often this happens, so really, everyone can participate in the fun (no ladies, I don't mean you are going to be out there with the guys actually fighting). Maybe I'll even start another AC forum scandal and bring my bathing costume. :eek: Sorry, I couldn't resist that one. (All in good fun.) ;)

[Terry Sorchy]

To All,
At Athens this year Nancy and I will be operating our Inn. Since there will be a lack of indoor cooking facilities we will be operating in a fully outdoor summer kitchen environment.
If you liked what we did at Boonesfield or missed it please dont hesitate to frequent us at Athens.
If anyone would like to help out at the event just post here.
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy aka James Smith Proprietor
Smiths Inn on the Green

[Hairy Nation Boys]

I talked with Roger and Jo this past weekend and gave them the menu we used last year. They are going to provide food for 150 people.

Charles Hoskins, do you want the front room of the McKee house as your headquarters? The other room will be Terry and Nancy's sleeing quarters.

As always the Kahoka Home Guard will be encamped by the Thome-Benning house.

[Terry Sorchy]

Holler,
Does this mean I can get a detail for pot scubbin?:rolleyes:
Terry Sorchy

[Arch Campbell]

I hate to poke at the embers of a just-cooled fire, but I was at work during the whole "S" brouhaha. I believe that Hairy Nation Boys was trying to point out that while Athens had some (presumably) successful businessmen, it is likely that there were very few who were so wealthy as to provide the opportunity to hire servants or own slaves. Barring this, all family members would have had to have been productive around the home, to some degree. A representative of the park asked us to spread the word on this subject when we were at Athens last weekend, so HNB was simply helping this person out. I assure you, no offense was intended by this person, or by the luckless messenger.
The good news is, it sounds (from Silvanna and others) like this was already accounted for! I'm sure we'll see some fantastic impressions, from Home Guardsmen, State Guardsmen, and citizens alike.
Oh, and by the way-- Kuh-HOE-kuh. Which is south of Athens- so if you Green men don't want to look foolish- don't yell at Captain Jackson's Kahoka Home Guard to "Go back to the North!"

[jhuether]

Silvana,

Are there many men making the trip as civilians? I would be interested in hearing some of there impressions.

Jason

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Terry Sorchy is the only one that I know of at this time. Normally we need as many men as possible to fill the two Home Guard companies and the State Guard. Plus, we are all citizens even if in the militia. :)

We would welcome as many men who would like to portray citizens of Athens. Do work repairing fences, clearing timber, etc.

[Terry Sorchy]

Indeed the Home Guard needs as many men to fill the ranks as possible. But we also need some men to be citizens of the town. To many times we portray a town setting and most of the citizens are women. If any men who feel they might be to old for military service or just want to flesh out the citizens ranks, please do so.
There are many activities that can be done.
I know that if Nancy and I are cooking for 150 people that we will be in need of some assistence.
Also things like tools, cooking vessels, tables and chairs will be in short supply. Anything you might have will be appreciated.
Splitting wood, repairing fences, being general rural laborers are a must for the portrayal.
Be creative, we have a listing of occupations for the town.
Cheers
Terry Sorchy

[Silvana Siddali]

I have four gentlemen pre-registered as town residents; once again, I would like to reassure all that the impressions are being carefully researched and will be accurate to the time and place. One of these men is a photographer, one is coming as a subsistance farmer, one will be Jabez Harrison, and the fourth will be doing a middle class impression. As I understand it, only one of these gentlemen(the farmer) is planning to participate in the battle. For various reasons, which I'll leave to the gents themselves to describe, the other three will not.

Terry, you won't have to do that much cooking. The friends of Athens and the park rangers will be supplying a great deal of food to all participants, so I don't think you really have to go all out. At this time, all the civilians have chosen specific roles, including working in the vegetable gardens, doing laundry, working as seamstresses and other fiber crafts, working in the mercantile, coping with chickens and fiddles, etc etc., so it may be difficult to draft them to cook in the summer kitchen, but depending on your powers of persuasion, you may be able to sweet-talk them. :wink_smil

As Anna said, this is a wonderful and unique opportunity. The battle raged in and around the town, and we have been given permission to occupy the extant buildings and re-live that experience. Everyone's been working hard for nearly a year to put together the most authentic and realistic impressions possible, so what you'll see and experience is a wartime Missouri town caught up in a battle in its midst. Don't miss it!

[Terry Sorchy]

You are correct Silvana, I think that quite a bit of the foodstuffs they will be giving us are raw foodstuffs and will needed to be made into something. Depending on how many fires and cooking areas the townswomen have it may be fortuitus for them to supp at the Inn.:p
Cheers:D
Terry Sorchy

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Terry,

As we spoke last night I will send the menu. I gave the list to Jo last Friday and Roger told me he would buy the foodstuff.

[Thomas Alleman]

What are the requirements fo the home guard? I just have not read anything on them yet.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

If you are with the Kahoka HomeGuard e-mail me. headlog@gmail.com

[Chihuahua]

Tom,
Come on down and join us at Athens!
If you remember, I shared a cabin with you at TWTMA.
On behalf of the Hairy Nation, I invite you and your Southern Michigan boys to fall in with the Kahoka Home Guard.
Mark Warren
Hairy Nation Boys
Bloomfield, Iowa

[MoFed]

FYI, registration packet and forms moved to http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?p=108252#post108252. They had gotten buried in this thread and it exceeded my posting limit to post them in multiple locations.

[Hairy Nation Boys]

If you have been invited to join the Kakoka Home Guard make sure you write on the registration form "Kahoka Home Guard".

Charles, most of the Nation has not registered yet as we are setting our sights on a place in Georgia.

[fahtz]

MSG Fellows- I know I have chatted with several of you about registering. Now is the time, do not hesitate to do so. The link to all the info is here: http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/forum/showthread.php?p=108252#post108252

As always send me a message if you need anything.

[VMurphy]

I''m totally confused as to where to place this, but I need to reach Arch Campbell ...
I would like for him to please send me a PM as soon as he could .
Thanks
Vivian Murphy

[Arch Campbell]

Telegram received!

Folks, if you are on the fence about attending Athens, hesitate no more! You don't want to miss this! Though the Hairy Nation is there every year on the anniversary, the Big Fuss only happens once every three years!
MSG boys- will we be seeing the famed "artillery" again this year?

[Chihuahua]

Pards,
Either you're sound on the goose, or you ain't.
There's trouble brewing in Northeast Missouri. The righteous will be taking arms with Davey Moore's Home Guard to protect hearth and home from the Secesh pukes.
A cannon has been promised from the Committee for Public Safety in Keokuk. If Marty Green's guardsmen are fool enough to approach, we'll feed them hot lead.

Seriously, the Athens event is a load of fun. I won't miss it!
Mark Warren
Bloomfield, Iowa
"in the heart of the Hairy Nation"

[fahtz]

The famed wooden artillery will be there. Bennett can not get enough of it, I guess!

[Arch Campbell]

The fire from the Kahoka Home Guard always slacks off when we see you boys fussing with the wooden gun and preparing for its "debut"- no one wants to be looking away when it goes off!
My old pard Andrew Goode started a tradition that I still uphold there when the other (iron) gun is fired. I jerk my head rapidly over and to the rear, and "watch" the shot fly well overhead, as if over the river and into Croton!

[Hairy Nation Boys]

Arch, if you remember we even convinced the spectators that balls were flying over our heads.

[Arch Campbell]

On Independence Day in 1861:

"troops [Home Guard]... assembled at Kahoka, in the heart of Clark County, Thursday morning, July 4. Such a gala Fourth the little town had never seen in its square! Festivities began in midmorning with a demonstration drill... After a picnic lunch, a drum and bugle corps played patriotic airs... The rest of the day was given over to a 'speaking.' [Captains] Hackney and Moore spoke in turn. Other addresses, equally unconditional in tone, were given by a young attorney from Athens, Hiram Hiller, and by the Methodist Protestant pastor... Charles Stuart Callihan. The latter made a special impression; although he was froman old Virginia slaveholding family, he was a devotee of Frederick Douglass..
"Climaxing the program was a caucus of captains to choose field officers for the regiment... David McKee of Athens... emerged as Major... The captains bestowed the lieutenant colonelcy on Callihan. For the colonelcy there was a brief holding action by supporters of [Moore's rival, wealthy native Virginian
and resident of Alexandria, William] Bishop, but they lost to the merchant of
Wrightsville [David Moore.]"

-Leslie Anders, The Twenty-First Missouri: From Home Guard to Union Regiment

[M_Kupsch]

For those Masonic Brethren attending the Athens event, I would like to know how many of you want to meet on the level Saturday evening in the name of Brotherhood of the Craft. This would be open to all Brethren participating in the event. What a wonderful opportunity to meet Brothers in the hobby and lead to further gatherings as Masons for future events.

This gathering will not be tiled, nor will it be a Lodge meeting. As there will be no Junior Warden to handle refreshments, I would ask that each Brother bring something to share.

If you are interested, please let me know, along with your Lodge affiliation. I would request that if you are participating in this gathering, that you bring your current Dues Card to the event.

By the way, there was a Masonic Lodge located at Athens. The exact history I am unsure of at this time.

[Deborah Hyland]

In the Cannonball House at Athens, you can see a lamp from the Athens Lodge.

[M_Kupsch]

Deborah,

Now that is something I did nto know, and will definitely make it a point to see. Thank you for mentioning it. Do you know any more about the Lodge that was there? I trust Brother Brenton will be there at Athens?

[Deborah Hyland]

He will be there.

I wish I could tell you more about the lodge. I know I read a bit about it prior to the last event at Athens. If I recall, the 1887 History of Lewis, Clark, Knox and Scotland Counties, Missouri talks about it a bit, but only so far as to mention that it was there. I did a site visit a few weeks ago & spotted some Masonic graves up in the Athens cemetery. I did find one post-war masonic grave, and the last name was shared with several of the soldiers listed in Skim Milk Yankees as having fought in the Battle of Athens. I was short on time and didn't have a chance to really explore the cemetery much, unfortunately.

For those of you who have the chance, the cemetery is around the bend from the Widow Grey house, up on the hill overlooking the site of the battle in the cornfield.

I've loaned out my copy of Skim Milk Yankees; perhaps someone could look in there for any mention of the lodge.

[Arch Campbell]

Unfortunately, I don't think either Skim Milk Yankees or Anders mention the lodge at all, though I will check both to be sure.
The cemetery does have quite a few period graves, though several are, sadly, illegible these days. The highlight is definitely the grave of William French, David Moore's orderly/bodyguard throughout the war. His family's home is within the park now, though it orginally stood a couple miles to the south. It is the westernmost house in the park, the one nearest the church. Unfortunately, due to a lack of funding the foundation has yet to be reconstructed and the house is on blocks.

[M_Kupsch]

Currently. I have only 3 Masons that have expressed an interest in gathering Saturday evening. Holler, Arch..you boys want in on this?

[Arch Campbell]

Brother Michael- as long as I am not forgetting some commitment that we might have already made for Satuday evening, I'll be there. I'll drag Holler with me (he's not so good about attending lodge regularly :))

[M_Kupsch]

Brother Arch,

LOL..well drag him along. This will be a short and sweet gathering. The goal is to honor our fallen Brethren and to get to know some of the other Brothers within the hobby..with an eye on arranging future gatherings of this nature at various events, ie Boonefield Village in November would be nice.

Of course we do not have a dispensation to hold Lodge, but we can certainly gather as Mason and share in the Brotherhood of the Craft. This is something we try to do at WIG events, so I think it would be fitting to try and do similar at events in our region.

I plan for us to meet at dusk at the Widow Gray's house, then we will make the short walk to the Athens cememtary. This should last no longer that 30 minutes unless everyone wants to stay a bit longer.

[fahtz]

Gentlemen,

The State Guard side of things are comign together with each passing day. From the look of things we have some super high quality guys in the ranks. The log gun will be operational and will shower rounds down on the home guard by dawn. We have an original 6pdr that will be on the field as well. I urge those of you who have not sent me the registration form, to do so ASAP. I will need a hard copy, e-mail me if you have any questions or concerns about getting me a hard copy.

See you in the mild temps of North Eastern Missouri in August!

[Chihuahua]

Pards,
I was at Athens earlier today talking with Park Superintendent Roger Boyd. This will be his last Athens Living History Celebration, as he is retiring Oct. 1 of this year.
The whole place looks great, and we're counting on the best time ever.
Mark Warren
Hairy Nation (Kahoka Home Guard)

[Arch Campbell]

When I see Roger in a couple of weeks I intend to thank him profusely for all he has done in his tenure at Athens, both for the park itself and its preservation and improvements (it's come a long way since he arrived,) as well as for us as living historians who interpret there.

In that second category, Roger deserves special recognition for his courageous (and locally unpopular, at first) stand in allowing high standards and attendance restrictions to be put in place for the battle years, starting in 2002. If you don't know to what I refer, ask anyone who was in attendance in 1999 and earlier battle years. The improvement is drastic.

[Abrams]

As the time to the event grows shorter, and I get more things together, (like my beeswax lined gourd canteen--it held almost a quart of water for 3 days without a lick of water coming out of it--although I blistered my thumb making it, heh) I'm getting pretty jazzed-up about this event.

The excitement brought on by thinking about it this morning made me do a happy-dance to burn off the excess energy and make this post. :)

[huntdaw]

Roger is one of my colleagues - we started in Missouri State Parks the same year. I have always enjoyed his company. I am in another district now so I don't see him much anymore and wasn't aware he had actually set a retirement date - he's been talking about it for several years. I look forward to seeing him at the event. He's a good fellow.

[toolmaker1967]

Anyone interested in car pooling up to Athens from the Kansas City, Missouri area. I am driving my nissan pickup and have room for 1 passenger. Truck has a locking hard cover to keep stuff secure. I have friday off and planning to leave sometime in the morning.
PM me or e-mail if you are interested. tothetop62@comcast.net
David Hardman

[toolmaker1967]

Will there be any sutlers at Athens?
If so who are they and contact info would be nice. There are a few items I may be interested in if they have them.
Thanks
David Hardman

[Possum Stew]

Did the pig farm ever go in? I wanna swim in ther river!

[Hairy Nation Boys]

The Des Moines is running very high right now. May not be the best for a dip.

When we were at Athens in May the hog farm didn't even come up.

[fahtz]

Weather Forecast for Athens Missouri...

Mid 90's and sunny. Sounds like a typical Athens weather pattern. Drink plenty of water before you get there friday(or thursday for some)... and Prepare to be forced to drink water as well.

It should be a good event even with the weather. When you all get there go to registration, and check in. If you need to talk to me, I should be around registration for the majority of Friday.

The Friday night site is across from the parking lot, near to where we advance out of for the battle. We will be under passes to get out of camp, and pickets will be posted. There really isn't a lot around Athens, so leaving to the local bar really isn't an option!

See all you Fellas Friday or Saturday!

[MoFed]

Site Update.

I've been contacted by a couple of people who looked on the park website and saw that the campground is closed. This does NOT, repeat NOT affect the historic site. There was a big storm that went through on Sunday night that down a lot of trees. Folks came in from other parks and are working to get it all cleaned up, but it will NOT affect the event. As Mitch noted, the weather for this weekend looks great. Have a safe trip and we look forward to seeing you at Athens 2008. Now, back to sharpening my bayonet...

[M_Kupsch]

Excellent news! Anyway, the Masonic Gathering will take place at 7:00 pm near the Townsend Gray House. Since the area flooded around the Window Gray's House and that area is contamenated, we have changed venues.

Oh, and Charles..stop sharpening that bayonet please lol!

[Henry_Rifle]

I hope my shotgun and various other traps I sold made it to Athens this year, as sadly, I cannot.

[GWHall]

I got home a short while ago. As always, it's good to see friends (or meet new friends) in the field. I enjoyed myself, got to hear Jake Wickham's views on the world, was fed well, and can say I lived through "the Thunderstorm Scare of 1861." I'll be back next time, as this is the closest battlefield to my home.