Selma 2008

[GWagner]

The Yellowhammer Rifles are attempting to build on an event within an event that we have done the past several years. We portray the common citizen who came to the defense of Selma, Alabama when called to do so. The event this year is April 18th, 19th, and 20th of 2008 in Selma. We wander in from town in front of the crowd, are issued weapons, and placed in the works. Reenactors and spectators alike have come to love our portion of the event, and we would really like to build on it this year. Please understand Selma is a mainstream event, but we are really trying to push the attendance for more authenticity...and the organizers have welcomed that effort. The more authentic reenactors that come this year, the better we can make it next year.

Our contingent is c/p/h and the guidelines for the event are basically authentic civilian clothing for mid 1860's, or a mixture of military and civilian clothing and accoutrments. Weapons are anything from Double Barrelled Shotguns to 42 Springfields...accounts show those who had weapons brought them, those who didn't were issued leftover militia weapons and some gear. Rations will be cooked and eaten, so bring anything you would like to add tot he pot. Please bring packaged cartridges so they can be issued to you.

If you would like to attend, please e-mail galen.wagner@dps.alabama.gov


We hope you will join us for a great weekend.

[huntdaw]

Galen,

You left out the month.

[Jubilo]

Dear Fellers ,
It's in April . This is not only a reenactment but a celebration of the Civil War with a ball held at Sturdivant Mansion and an inspiring (except for the traitorous Secesh rhetoric of Mr. Davis !) and educational commemorative service held at the gravesites of Confederate heroes William Hardee and Catesby ap Jones . The field works are exceptional as are the pyrotechics . www.battleofselma.com provides information .
Caveat : This event is not a total historical recreation however ; the Confederates are allowed to win on Saturdays .
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

[GWagner]

Thank you David...I added April to my post as well.

[Rev]

Let me add my agreement to David's comments. It is an event that is worth attending. The march from the park through neighbourhoods to the cemetery and the memorial service are not to be missed.

[Spinster]

Galen,

Last year we added a couple of fellers hauling for the nitre works, who got pressed into service carrying pikes.

They took quick opportunity to break and run, early and often. :D

If anyone else wants to carry pikes for this event, drop me a private message--we do have a man who is making an authentic pike for a reasonable price.

[csabugler]

Are you forming any mouted troops?

[csabugler]

Sorry, can't type. I meant mounted.

[Spinster]

Patrick,

While I don't know Galen's specific plans, I've seen at least one Citizen of Selma come in on the back of an honest mule. Then there is the munitions wagon itself.

And I'll make sure your civilian linen coat is done beforehand. Wouldn't do for you to be in uniform. Too blasted hot. Unless it turns off 35 degrees again.

[Thomas Alleman]

What do they need more feds or rebs? I like the burning house. Is Selma,AL near MI?

[csabugler]

My Dear Mrs Lawson,
Could you arrange for no tornadoes/ monsoon rain this year??
That linen coat is comfortable on a hot day.

[Rev]

On, I loved standing in full kit in the middle of a powerful thunderstorm with lightning popping everywhere for over three hours. That is the stuff of memories!

[Spinster]

Thomas,

I 65 South, until it gets hot and steamy, turn right on old US highway until you run off into a sandy river. Look for the statue of Abe's Lincoln's Sister-in-Law in the cemetary. Bout 100 yards to the works. Either side will do, but wear your civies if you want to play Confed. Must be able to throw down weapons and run like a turkey once Federals arrive. Pikes welcome. Tip the barmaids with the aw-then-tic tin pitchers full of cold lordyknowswhat, working around the musicians. They are all still paying for grad school.


Pete,

I swear, I've told them if I end up swimming one more time at Selma.........

At least I haven't gone airborne, unlike some other events I could mention

[Adams]

Pards,

I have not attended this event in a good while, but I really enjoyed it. Although it is a mainstream event, our unit found a quiet secluded campsite away from the bad element and was able to have a good experience. I would recommend going Federal for this event for that reason alone. The ball was also very entertaining!

Wayne

[csabugler]

Sounds like the weather-man got the dates wrong for Selma. Heard there were tornadoes near there over the weekend. Anybody know if the site / house were damaged?

[jeffdaviscannoneer]

As far as I know there wasn't any damage to the site. The damage was north of the city.

[Spinster]

While I have not been to Selma, news reports do not mention damage in Selma, or in Dallas County.

Instead, damage is concentrated an hour's drive east of there, along the I65 corridor.

[GWagner]

No damage I am aware of. Any planning to attend and fall in with the militia/home guard please e-mail me at galen.wagner@dps.alabama.gov

We would love to have you. While our camp is right out in the middle of everything, we always have a good time. Do not come expecting an immersion experience. We will have fles set up, and usually stay pretty dry. If the weather turns nasty (wind) there are plenty of low spots to hide in.

Look forward to seeing you all there.

[GASharpshooter]

Caveat : This event is not a total historical recreation however ; the Confederates are allowed to win on Saturdays

Alas, many mainstreamers are not satisfied merely going home with an empty cartridge box and needs be coddled thus...

[Jubilo]

Dear Mr. Rice ,
I think the provision of a Confederate victory at the Battle of Selma is due more to Confederate " sensitivity " than the urge to burn powder.
all for the old flag ,
David Corbett

[Spinster]

Mr. Corbett is keenly observant,( especially given that he is our token real Yank :p).

The first year the Citizens of Selma broke and ran like turkeys, I thought the spectators were going to (a) catch them and send them back under force of corndog sticks or (b) join up themselves.

Things have settled down a good bit now, and folks understand the action depicted. Still, since the Federals are obligated by record to burn structures, and they cannot rebuilt overnight, said Federals do not get full control of the place until Sunday, when everything becomes ashes and falls down....

[GASharpshooter]

I knew what you meant and I agree.

I understand Mrs. Lawson's point, but I see this "Saturday tactical, Sunday Reenactment" type stuff all over. Many people in the crowd, who only have Saturday to view the show, have a wtf??? moment at many events when the side that historically lost goes chargin in and scatters the side that historically won to the four winds.

Personally, and it takes all kinds of course, personally I don't mind losing. This is a rememberance of my ancestors who were lucky enough to make it out alive. I want to sit around the fire, talk some history, and burn some powder. I've taken my turn to take a hit before even firing a round, and I've stuffed 80 or so blanks into my cartridge box and had to borrow one for the salute later. It's all about bringing it to life for the spectator and remembering my ancestors.

Although I'll never forgive my parents for being in Massachussetts when I was born.... *sobs uncontrollably*

;)

Dear Mr. Rice ,
I think the provision of a Confederate victory at the Battle of Selma is due more to Confederate " sensitivity " than the urge to burn powder.
all for the old flag ,
David Corbett

[bqbowden]

Several years back (when I was a proud private) I had the honor of being on picket duty during the ball. That was the highlight of the evening for me. I had never done a change of guard before and it made for an interesting evening. Perhaps the event sponsor will gather up a group of privates and do this again for the 2008 event.

[Spinster]

Barry,

That round of pickett duty goes on each year--unless we are in a full blown monsoon, with hail, as was the case last year.

[GWagner]

Little Bump as the event draws near.

We have 25 on the roster. Any of you who can make it, we would love to have you. Look for us in the confederate area, under a tent fly or two.

[csabugler]

Galen, I read something about a memorial service. Do ya'll do that? Should I have my bugle on hand?

[Jubilo]

Dear Sir ,
You may have to follow miltary protocol and contact General Rambo , Colonel Neel , or Captain Redd before brandishing your bugle but the ceremony is superb and not to be missed if one is interested in history, heritage or military ceremony.
all for the old flag,
David Corbett

[Spinster]

Pack the bugle Patrick, I'll make the connections for you. This ceremony is quite impressive, and held Sunday morning, just a few blocks march away.

The large cemetary adjacent to the reenactment site is Live Oak Cemetary, a classic example of a mid-19th century 'park concept' cemetary, where families came not just for burials, but for picinics and quiet recreation.

Buried here is former Vice President William Rufus King, Catsby Roger Jones, William J Hardee, John Tyler Morgan, several other CSA general officers, US Senators and Representatives, the infamous George W. Gayle, and of course, Edmund Winston Pettus.

[Possum]

Only a 30% chance Rain on Friday and a 20% chance of rain on Saturday and Sunday. Let's hope it doesn't come a monsoon or a tornado like years past. Looking forward to seeing you again Mrs. Lawson!

[GWagner]

For those who know him Charlie McCulloh will not make the event as he was just released from the Infirmary with blood clots in his lungs. Please keep Charlie and Ruth in your prayers. Charlie is an old wore out paratrooper.

We look forward to seeing everyone one. There appears to be a chance of spotty showers but nothing so bad as in years past.

We will be setup in the Confederate area under a fly or two...look for the shirkers in civilian clothing, with a hodge-podge of rifle guns, and pikes.

[csabugler]

Mrs. lawson et al,
I have visited the cemetary on the 2 trips when it wasn't monsooning. A lovely spot. Regarding bugling for the ceremony, we must be certain not to step on anyone's toes who might already be planning to do it, (we buglers can be tempermental, you know) but thanks for the hook-up. I'll visit with you at your hq, will be glad to play if no one else is.
Pete
dismounted mounted bugler

[csabugler]

Galen, do you know Charlie's paratrooper affiliation? Linda's Dad was 32 years 82 and 101st.

[csabugler]

82nd and 101st, sorry.

[GWagner]

I believe he was in the 82nd for a while. I'll find out.

[Bruce Schultz]

I plan to be there making tintypes, and I'd like to make some pictures of the services in the cemetery as well.

[GWagner]

Bruce,

I again want to thank you for the image you struck of Garrett and I. I am very pleased with the way it turned out. I will send you a scan of it for your site if you would like.

[Bruce Schultz]

Please send it. Heck, post it here too.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself this past weekend. This is a quality event, and I was mightily impressed. Next year should be even better. I didn't get home til 1 a.m., but I wasn't sleepy during the long march home.

I'll try to post some of my work soon. It might be a couple days because I'll have to unpack, then mix a new batch of chemicals for Jackson Crossroads this coming weekend.

[Spinster]

Bruce,

Yours is THE most unusual work I've seen. While you modestly attribute the unique look to that original 1863 lense, I do believe there is some skill involved ;).

After all those school children, I was much too weary to climb even that modest hill with plunder in hand for an 'occupational' image. I know Mr. Morgan was getting up a list of folks committed for images at the small event at Maghee Farm in a few weeks. We hope we'll have enough folks to make it worth your while to attend.

[GWagner]

I'll post the image as soon as I get a minute.

[csabugler]

Galen, Mrs Lawson et al,
Thank you for letting me lurk about your event this weekend. I was very ill at ease about how I would deal with no horse, but you all put me immediately into a feeling that I can best describe as a comfortable old pair of shoes that I had never worn before. I had a great time. The obligations at home were really drawing me back on sunday morning but I was having too much fun to "skeedaddle".
Bruce, Linda was awestruck by the quality of the image you made of me. It is first rate. She did have a bit of trouble with how OLD I look in it! Can you get a lense to fix that?
Seeing Ostenteadt's (sp) roll up and over that breastworks was almost the coolest display of artillery horsemanship I have ever seen.
Again, thanks to all of you.

Until the next time

Pete

[Spinster]

Pete,

You are always welcome to sleep across our doorway. In fact, its a comfort.

I'm not sure if you saw the rehersal of that quite literally flying artillery or saw the actual execution of the maneuvor during the battle.

The rehersal was flawless, with horses, men, cannon, and limber sailing across that 6 foot wood and earth berm, landing at full speed, and dissappearing into the live oaks.

The second time, the horses got together and voted that this was not the greatest idea they'd seen, and they lost a bit of the necessary momentum. The sight of that limber caught an angle on the top of the berm and trying to turn over was as heart stopping as the original flawless execution. And once again , they disappeared into the live oaks, at about the same time the Citizens of Selma were running like turkeys.

When those boys first attempted to clear the road to practice, I figured something was up, and flagged down a new friend who is a professional photographer. Film at 11:00

[csabugler]

Thanks Mrs. Lawson. I'll work on the snoring!
Pics of that crossing would be premium!!
I saw the time at a LH at Chicky (I think) when they crossed a dry creek bed and the cannoneers fall off the back of the caisson and one got rolled over by the wheels.
Once we were sure he was alive, it was a very cool period moment.

I tried to scan the really cool tintype of an old man on our commercial grade office scanner, but it did not pick it up. I will try to photograph it and attach as my avatar

[GWagner]

http://us.a2.yahoofs.com/groups/g_3789877/a5e7/__sr_/f590.jpg?gr4TnDIBJOvMbdsJ

[csabugler]

Sweet. How did you get it in that format, Mr I.T.?

[GWagner]

I just scanned it in on a Lexmark Scanner, and uploaded it to our yhaoo group page.

[Spinster]

Galen,

There's something we need to do to lighten then up once scanned. The black/white contrast is there, but there's an additional editing process some of us need, depending on how sophisticated our equipment is, and whether or not it 'knows'.

Bob Szabo gave me directions for a straight scan once upon a time, but I've forgotten them. I've always had to mess with the image since then. If you know what it is, tell us.

And Pete--send me what is probably a dark image to my personal email, at the highest resolution you have. I may be able to work on it, hit and miss.

[csabugler]

The two scans I made, one with a backer and one without, both were too dark to even see there was an image. L has an old scanner at the house, I'll try that one in the morning

[L.S.Smythers]

Selma was great agaiin this year. The people that put on this even really know how to give a good show to the "taters".
Home guard is getting bigger and better and is about the most fun I have had at a mainstream event. Even learned a new song saturday evening by the front gate.
A note to all those sutlers that didnt think there would be enough attendence to make it worthwhile, there were an awful lot of folks walking around complaining about lack of wares for sale. I for one went home without buying a single thing for the first time in my 14 years of reenacting.
Met a lot of new folks and got reaquanted with some I havent seen in quite a while. Looking forward to next year.

[Lucky]

I thought the attendance numbers were lower than past Selma events, for one reason or another, but that accross the board the quality was better. There were plenty of good, quality, accurately made reproductions available for purchase from the vendor.

[csabugler]

My dear Mrs. lawson,
I took an image of my image, It looks as tho I did such. An post to you seperately to see if you can lighten it up. Can you make me young and handsome, also?

[Spinster]

Brian makes a good point. High quality plunder was there, but it required more than a walk through the big tops.

It required knowing the makers and spending some time on the items--in other words, research rather than off the rack. As fuel prices increase, we'll see fewer vendors in the field, and will have to spend more time hunting proper goods.

Here's our personal haul:

Replacing the Confederate States marked flour bags that wandered off during BGR. Bought one from Brian, will buy more later on. I purchase these sorts of expendables from the money soldiers leave for mending and buttons--and we didn't do as much of that at this event

1850's Linen double breasted frock, vest and broadfall trousers. Dang! Spot on, but you had to know what it was when you saw it, and be a 42-44. Somebody I know is going to Westville and he's gonna look fine!

Ladies pistol. Small enough for the hand, big enough to blow a hole.

Fitted corsets, properly made, on sale. Steels and busks to repair the one I snapped in two on Saturday. Oh yeah, and new laces.

Hand spun, hand knitted knee warmers. I hate doing that pattern because I don't have it memorized. Now I don't have to. The gal had wristers for soldiers too.

Wool paisley shawls at a reasonable price. What I should have done is brought all of them and hauled them up to Gburg and tripled my money.

A Hank Trent dress that nobody was noticing. That kind of work is right hard to come by. Doesn't fit me right this minute, but its Mine Now. And its not like I don't have 3 more.

Then there were the knit goods I had out showing for school programs. I didn't plan on selling those 5 tams, and actually have somebody waiting on that order. Gone now, and I better get to knitting.
Same thing on the big skein of handspun I was working on. At least nobody but me was waiting on that one.

Oh, and we sold a wall tent for Pete. If I'd been paying attention, we'd have sold the gun he had too.

[Bruce Schultz]

Folks, I had a fine time at Selma, and I appreciate your comments about the images I struck. I plan to be doing more at Tannehill.
For next year Selma event, I'd like to look into the possibility of striking images at the officer's ball at Sturdivant. I have UV lights that will actually work with wet-plate.
If anyone wants to send me their scans to tweak them, send them to schultzredfish at cox dot net.

[GWagner]

Bruce,

I'll send you mine...can you make me look 15 lbs lighter??

Feel free to post it on your site if you wish.