Unique Aspects for Sparks of Secession-Westville, GA

[Jim of The SRR]

There are some unique aspects planned for the Sparks of Secession - Westville 1861 event in October:

Economy: Reenactors will have part of their registration returned to them in the form of repro, "Notes". Additional notes can also be purchased thru registration or at time of sign-in. Of the proceeds, $1 for every $10 will go to Historic Westville (also $5 of each registration will be donated to Historic Westville). These "Notes" are used to feed the economy and livelihood of Westville, GA. You will need these "Notes" to buy your basic neccesities (food, meat, supplies) as well as luxury goods (sutler items, clothes, show tickets, herbs/spices, stationary, tavern, pre-cooked foods, leathergoods) and services (cooking, Domestic, laundry, livery, tailor, ambrotypist, etc). There are no free rides so everyone must cook and prepare their own food. We will have several cookfires going throughout the town to cook your food. There is one working cooking hearth and we will have full-time cook preparing meals for those interested. You have to pay "Notes" for her services. Our hope is that by having some type of "working" currency that it will not only add life to the town but also increase the quality of our first person.

Sleeping/Camping Arrangements: Unfortunately, we can not promise a house for each person. Sleeping/ Camping arrangements are improvised for this event. Recruits will camp in the 21st GA encampment on the Courthouse lawn. Civilians will camp either communally in the available buildings, shelters, porches or in a seperate tent city. This tent city if off limits to the public and not part of the scenario (however you are to still try to remain in first person and keep modern talk in low tones in this area). It is, however, a place for you to sleep, change, cook, etc.). Both areas will have cook fires for cooking. We are only able to use about 1/2 of the buildings as some are off-limits and are furnished with antiques. Buildings will be assigned to reenactors depending on their roles and availability. You can bring a bed and personal items, and tools for your role, but do not bring additional furniture.

First Person: The event goes LIVE at Friday 5 pm. It is first person from then until Sunday at 2 pm. PLEASE PLAN TO ARRIVE BEFORE FRIDAY AT 5 PM! Take a vacation day and you can also see the Columbus Naval Museum, Fort Benning Infantry Museum or Andersonville/POW Museum. We will have interpretors/docents leading groups throughout the event. Everyone else is to remain in first person and leave the interpretation and modern conversations with the public to the Interpretors/Docents. Each reenactor is asked to research their role and be able to recreate the role, craft, duty, etc. Reenactors shoudl also bring any appropriate supplies, tools, etc to conduct their role. If you need a role assigned, we can provide you one. We also will start with two full-time Recuits who will be in the Military camp all weekend.

Vignettes: Each reenactor and their role is essentially its own vignette. As reeanctors do business throughout the town and interact with eacg other it will bring the town to life. We will have some scheduled large vignettes that include the whole town. ALL reenactors MUST take part in these scheduled vignettes. These will include BBQ and Fire Eater Rally (Fri evening), Mustering of the troops (Sat. Afternoon), Flag Presentation and Departure Parade (Sun 2 pm). At night the site is closed to the public, but we will remain in first person. Friday evening is the Rally and Saturday evening is Entertainment and Tavern is open.

Military: As men are recruited into the 21st GA, they will close shop on their civilian business and check in to the military camp on the Courthouse lawn and will now be military recruits. They should now follow their ordered military schedule. Women will thus either take over the males civilian business or close the business. Throughout Saturday all recruits will be in the Military camp.

The website summarizes these at: www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar/WestvilleIndex

Regards,
Jim Butler
SRR www.geocities.com/saltriverrifles
SCAR www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Jim,

I've got some serious research to do... But this event is going to be the highlight of the Fall this year for me.

From the discourse in this message, my role as a Banker will be more practical than I originally thought. Even better, I like moving out of the comfort zone. My thanks to you and the rest of the organizing committee for the opportunity to participate.

[redleggeddevil]

Mr. Batten is pleased to inform the good people of Westville that his tavern will be open for business on Saturday evening. Patrons will be able to sample a dazzling array of refreshing beverages-- Cobblers, Smashes, Toddys, Juleps and Punches, all made in the most genteel fashion.

Temperence beverages will be available for ladies, children and the infirm. :)

[Greg Barnett]

Sheriff Coats and I will be around for all of the good citizens. We will make sure that any and all ruffians are dealt with properly. I am quite sure it will be an experience!

Your humble servant

Deputy Sheriff

[trippcor]

and I will be there to ensure they all get a fair trail before they are hanged.

[Coon Dawg]

Jim,

It looks like much work has been put forth thus far. I believe we are all excited about all of the unique aspects that have been planned. I have a picture of what I am patterning my impression. See attached.

I have also been working on putting together a collection of the “tools of the trade” so as to create my vignette.

As I have said, if you need any help do not hesitate.

[Jim of The SRR]

Joel,

What I am finding amazing is how many modern craftsmen we have who also have knowledge of period techniques and tools of their trade from the 19th century. Each role will be whatever each person puts into their role/research and brings to the event.

Regards,
Jim Butler

[Coon Dawg]

Each role will be whatever each person puts into their role/research and brings to the event.

I believe this is what will make this event like no other we have ever attended. Don't get me wrong, I thoroughly enjoy living history through a progressive style reenactment; however, this will give us a snapshot… a window of history most of us have never experienced. I am just glad we will have time to research or roles ahead of time.

[Johnny Lloyd]

Capt. Butler -

I'd really like to do this event as well as bring my wife for her first progressive event. My issue is this: I don't feel my kit is up to this one as it is due to its heavy pre-war requirements. Bottom line: If I want to do this one, I will have to borrow much more than just 1 or two pieces from friends. I know others might be in the same boat.

I figure it this way, most of my kit is military and workable with few major modifications to ANV/AOP late 1861-mid 1864, which covers most events I do or have done. For this event, I have useable civilian pants, shoes, shirt, cravat, and civilian hat that would work, but not much else (proper vest, civilian frock, firelock, etc.).

Now, I know we have about 10 months to beg and borrow for the event, which I think I could do for myself, but to improve impression/realism for a pre-war/cusp of war event will there be a borrow system to help answer these needs? I know there is nothing official, but would this be an idea for an event like this with specific pre-war requirements, much as Kevin O'Beirne has done with W64's borrow/share list mailings? It might make it a bit easier for those that want to attend but might need certain items they don't have to improve their impressions.

For the record, this sounds like a tremendously fun and unique event.

Just a thought...

Thanks- Johnny Lloyd

[Jim of The SRR]

Johnny,

Keep in mind that we do need 2-4 guys who will spend the entire weekend as military recruits at the military camp on the courthouse grounds. In regards to a civilian role, it sounds like you just need a coat to allow you to be a working class civilian. Robbie Mitchell is going to update and fine tune the Mens Dress guidelines as well.

Regards,
Jim Butler

[Johnny Lloyd]

Johnny,

Keep in mind that we do need 2-4 guys who will spend the entire weekend as military recruits at the military camp on the courthouse grounds. In regards to a civilian role, it sounds like you just need a coat to allow you to be a working class civilian. Robbie Mitchell is going to update and fine tune the Mens Dress guidelines as well.

Regards,
Jim Butler

You're right, Jim... definitely something to look at in my own case.

A clarification: The idea behind my above post was a suggestion/idea ... not as much for my case, but mostly for other folks that might find themselves in the "borrow-heavy" position if they wanted to do the event (because of its citizen/early war scope) and needed the contacts as to who might have prewar/citizen's loaner gear.


I was also thinking my wife might want to attend the event and we'll have to "borrow-heavy" on quality Ladies' gear if she wants to come.

Thanks - Johnny Lloyd

[csabugler]

I am planning on doing a U.S.Marshal impression at some events, thought that might be a good one to try it out, but looks like you have law and order covered.
They were around and had some interesting duties. Oh well...

[Coatsy]

Pete,

US Marshals are definitely different than the local county sheriff and his deputy. Don't let that deter you from wanting to try the impression out. Talk to Jim and see if it will work.

Johnny,

If you need help with male civilian gear sent me a PM. I can probably help you out.

[Jim of The SRR]

Patrick, you are welcome to come as a US Marshall. We will only need one, so register soon to lock in your role. US Marshalls sought fugitives, enforce the Fugitive Slaves laws, served court papers, protect Federal Judges and Courts, transport prisoners, and enforced US Law in US territories. They are not the local law authority. that is the Sheriffs job.
The Sheriff is local law enforcement, maintains the jail, enforces tax collection, serves in court proceedings, protects local courts, etc.
You can also bring Woodrow. You need to get approved by Bob McClendon, who is the Equine Coordinator.

Herb, I just did a site walk-thru today. I checked out your office in the Courthouse (nice!).

Regards,
Jim Butler

[redleggeddevil]

Jim,

Any idea where I might be able to set up the tavern? All I need is four walls and a little space, but cooking facilities would be a huge plus. If not, I can still offer a limited menu of cold delicacies to entice customers and arouse their thirsts...

[Coatsy]

Jim, I saw the pictures you took. Thanks! A lot of us are jazzed up for the event. I'm working on getting some "lawyers" to attend as well.

[Jim of The SRR]

Jim,

Any idea where I might be able to set up the tavern? All I need is four walls and a little space, but cooking facilities would be a huge plus. If not, I can still offer a limited menu of cold delicacies to entice customers and arouse their thirsts...

Andrew,

We just did the site walk-thru and we are working on wear to assign each person, vignette, impression and sleeping areas. It is likely that a few areas will serve double duty (one thing during the day and another at night).
We will contact you directly as soon as we have all things assigned.

Thanks,
Jim Butler

[Victoria Rumble]

If anyone has any questions for me, or would like more information that I might be able to help with you can contact me at thistledewbooks@comcast.net I'm no expert seamstress and don't sew for anyone really but myself, but if any of the ladies have questions about what is expected, I'm capable of offering suggestions and sources and putting you in touch with someone who can do your sewing for you if you need it.

There are spaces still available, and as has been said, if you have an idea the time to ask about it is now - before someone gets registered before you. Some questions I've been asked on another forum that might be of help here are:

Are participants limited to the impressions asked for on the web site? Answer - no. If you have an idea for a unique but documentable impression offer it. I've had some people contact me and offer really good ideas that I was happy to approve. Those listed on the web site are meant to get you started thinking, not to limit anyone's creativity.

Some of the impressions are not limited to a single participant - for example, we can use more than one farmer. There are new gardens tilled up in the village which presents more opportunity than the one garden did in the past.

When we can get the information ready to post we'll be posting on the web site a list of what various people will have to offer for sale during the event. If you see something you want you'll have an idea how much cash you may want to bring along. If you need something you may be able to order now and pick up at the event saving postage.

I'm happy to help if I can, but I don't read forums regularly so you may be better to contact me by email. It took me 3 tries to remember my user name to log in just now. :-)

Vickie Rumble
www.thistledewbooks.com

[C.R. Henderson]

While bustling around town, stop by the wood workers' shop and witness the construction of a period child size coffin and possibly a couple of other neat things. I know, twisted- but pretty cool, nonetheless.:wink_smil

[Coatsy]

Chris, get ready to construct a man sized coffin. I might have to put Corbin down over the weekend if he gets uppity. After all the good folks of Stewart County didn't elect Sheriff just to sit around! :D

[trippcor]

You better watch it Mr. Coats. I would hate to have to find you in contempt of court and throw our own sheriff in the lock-up.

[OldKingCrow]

I am on the list but as more and more becomes available on the event it seems as though it is probably not the best place for someone not at the top of the hobby. It looks to be a pretty serious undertaking.

[Jim of The SRR]

I am on the list but as more and more becomes available on the event it seems as though it is probably not the best place for someone not at the top of the hobby. It looks to be a pretty serious undertaking.

Christopher,

Don't know if I have ever seen a ranking of people to know who is at the "top" of the hobby. This would be far too subjective. This event does have some minimum standards and we ask that everyone have a working role appropriate for a working class GA town. However, it is open to anyone willing to try and honor those guidelines. We have a Reenactor Refuge area for those that would like to be a bit more comfortable in the evening and provide an area to take a rest. This area will still have all period tents (no modern camping there) and no modern anarchronisms to be in sight. This area is off limits to the general public and just for reenactors to have an alternative place to sleep, eat, rest, etc.
This is a unique opportunity for military and civilian. But, if folks are expecting ladies in prom dresses to be waltzing down the street to the funnel cake and root beer stand, this will not be the place for that. If people want to come and portray a working class town in GA in 1861, then this IS the place for you! Other than that I don't think pigeon-holing folks is useful.

See ya there,
Jim Butler

[OldKingCrow]

FWIW - Mr. Butler I have witnessed and think your SCAR organization is first rate and by most accounts represents the top of the hobby. I am man that absolutely knows his place in the order of things, nothing more.

I just sent my registration.

Laborer.

I promise y'all to stay well out the way, mind my own funeral, keep my suck shut and just soak it up. Sorta like a spectator in really accurate kit. You won't even know I am there !

Chris Rideout

[redleggeddevil]

I promise y'all to stay well out the way, mind my own funeral, keep my suck shut and just soak it up. Sorta like a spectator in really accurate kit. You won't even know I am there !

Chris Rideout

Chris,

You are more than welcome to come and lurk at the tavern. Our friendly staff of fellow Floridians will make a place for you, and we need our quota of shirkers, reprobates, drunkards, layabouts and tavern-haunters.

[OldKingCrow]

Mr. Batten,

Obliged Sir.

I will make sure I shake your hand.

Be forewarned, I am not by any stretch a Tier 1 contender. EBUFU is self-admittedly out of this ole' boys lane. I am genuinely concerned and respect others experience in this regard.



Chris Rideout

[PogueMahone]

I suggest reading the historic information on the Westville site. The judge turned out to be a big war hero.

The 1860 census for Stewart County has been published. Has anyone got a copy?

[44thGa]

Just wondering if there are any more positions open for nineteen year old zealous men who would like to join the Southern army? This really sounds like a great event!

Thanks,

Ben Fowler

5th Ga/101st Ind.
GVB

[Emily Burns]

How many children will be there?

[Jim of The SRR]

There are certainly opportunities for zealous recruits heeding the call to serve the Confederacy. We are allowing some recruits to serve as military all weekend or you can start as a civilian role and change to military during the weekend. We will be portraying the 21st GA infantry, Co I, Stewart Infantry (Robbie is off for more research at the UGA Archives and I am off to Morrow to the State Archives for more research).

In regards to children, we have a few registered so far and w ehope to have more as we will actually have a schoolhouse and teacher for them to take part in a period vignette there. And they also should enjoy the period BBQ and Recruitment Rally on Sat evening as well.

Regards,
Jim Butler

[Bob McLendon]

Jim,
If the military camp is to be set up on the courthouse grounds, I suggest the courthouse be utilized as a military barracks. That should take care of all not sleeping in tents. The houses can be set aside for civilians and ladies. Any non-period camp can be set up out of site of the public and authentic reenactors. This should insure suitable accomodations within the village for everyone....... If you're going to Chickamauga, we can talk there. I'll be camping in the Federal cav camp near the Federal HQ with 4th Bn., Division Cavalry brigade.....Bob McLendon

[Jim of The SRR]

Since the courthouse will have civilian roles throughout the offices will be occupied by those reensctors working from those offices. In the evening the courtroom will be open as a sleeping area and all bedrolls must be up and stowed in the morning. A military encampment will be set up behind the Academy (this is noted on the site map on the webpage). The Tabernacle area will be a Reenactor Refuge area that is off limits to spectators. This is a place for reenactors to camp in period tents and they can bring creature comforts in those tents as well.

Thanks,
Jim Butler

[Victoria Rumble]

Emily, we have recently had several children register. I'd have to do a head count, but there are enough to keep our school master busy.

Vickie Rumble
www.thistledewbooks.com

[Victoria Rumble]

We'll soon start sending out email updates for registered participants so that everyone will be familiar with their friends and neighbors. There will be time on Friday to meet and greet and become acquainted with the 21st century person, and by exploring options and making sure everyone is familiar with what others will be doing we can be ready to interact in the 19th century. Everyone will be assigned a location prior to the event and be aware of where they'll be on arrival.

Some of the questions I've been asked recently were regarding the bank notes and how they can be used, the types of meals that will be provided, what the children will be doing in the academy, and some of the ladies have expressed some disappointment that they do not have a husband involved in the hobby to accompany them. We've discussed various circumstances, besides dying, by which a man might have left his family to fend for themselves for short or longer periods of time. We've also discussed that being a widow doesn't mean wearing widow's weeds - mourning periods didn't last indefinitely, unless perhaps you're Queen Victoria. In my case, my mourning is long over and I've returned to a relatively simple life - after all the old coot was a pain in the rear to begin with. :)

I've also been asked about children. We will have children at the academy, but I plan to split them into groups if there are enough, and to have short sessions so that they can run and scamper around as children are prone to do. Had I suggested to my sons they spend an event in "school" they would have been less than thrilled at the opportunity. Rather than the three R's they might have a singing lesson, our capable school master may feel the need to explain to them the goings-on in the town, or whatever else he deems appropriate.

I think everyone will enjoy the meal on Sat. night. Charles Heath has agreed to roast a hog for us, and Hank Trent has kindly offered to help. Anyone else who would be willing to take a turn at watching and tending the fires might inquire of Charles and offer to help. Susan Odom is preparing a list of breakfast foods, and sides for the Sat. supper she'd like to prepare, and I will be going over that with her when she's finished it. Our tavern keeper plans to offer stew at the tavern Fri. night, and the site mgmt. will provide Sat. lunch. That looks to be Brunswick stew and cornbread as of this time. Susan's last meal will be lunch on Sunday after which we'll be on our own as the event will end on Sunday afternoon. I appreciate the work these people are putting into our meals.

Jim is making updates to the website so I encourage everyone to check for those periodically. He's done a tremendous job in obtaining the census information and designing and maintaining the web site.

If anyone has questions regarding clothing, crafts, impressions, etc., would like to inquire about registration, or offer your particular expertise for the event you may reach me at thistledewbooks@comcast.net.

Vickie Rumble,
www.thistledewbooks.com