Westville AAR

[Matt Woodburn]

WOW! Jim Butler and all the rest of the people behind this event deserve highest praise. It was magical in my book. My thanks also go to the people running Historic Westville. ALOT of planning and lengthy work went into this event which was quite evident after studying my character packet upon arrival. I was to become Samuel Atkinson from Columbus, Geo. who was a cotton broker buying cotton from local farmers, and working for a local brokerage, McDonald and Associates.

Upon meeting another cotton broker Saturday morning, I learned he was actually Mr. McDonald and thus my employer. So with that I decided surely I must be his newly arrived associate from Columbus and this would be my first day to meet him and work in his employ. So being new to town, I felt it only fitting that my Mr. Samuel Atkinson character should be a man of questionable background. Over the course of the next 24 hours, Mr. Atkinson swindled cotton farmers with low rates, passed conterfeit currency, and became involved in jury tampering, his office being located at the court house. It was a busy day. You've heard that news spreads fast in a small town and Westville, Geo. is that sort of small town. The local judge and sheriff were smart and alert men and had Mr. Atkinson arrested and in manacles in very short order. The judge had Mr. Atkinson paying restitution as quickly as he'd been placed in the manacles. Mr. Yarborough, owner of the local tavern, was made whole from a bad note although he banned Mr. Atkinson from returning for the next three months. The other complaintant who claimed to have received a bad note in a cotton transaction, a Mr. Edmonson as related by the sheriff, was not found to have done business with McDonald and Associates after an examination of the companies Cotton Reciept Logs. This was verified by the sheriff and the complaintant, Mr. Edmonson is now in question. For the record, the amount of lawlessness in this small burg was appalling. In addition to the above, there was mugging, stealing, bribery, stabbing. Something for everyone really in this charming town. All of this and general small town affairs while the army enlisted the able townsmen in the service of the state. The weekend in a word: delightful!

And now that I'm back to 2008, I owe the portrayers of the following characters the amounts by their name: Mr. Loverd Bryan, $1; Mr. William Harper, 50 cents; and the charming Mrs. Sophia Ball, $1. Please PM me your address so I can forward the funds to you. To everyone who came and brought your charater to life, you have my thanks and praise. The list of registered names reads as a who's who in the hobby, and I was priveledged to participate with all of you. I look forward to reading the activities of others there.

[trippcor]

Well said, Mr. Woodburn !!
This was a grand and unique event. I can think of none other that I have attended in recent history that has left such a posative impression. I will treasure the memories from this event for years to come. Thanks to Mr. Butler for all his efforts in organizing this event. We impressed the staff of Westville so much so that they have invited us all back. This is no small feet considering they have been very adimit about not allowing any Civil War event to be held onsite until this one.

[Victoria Rumble]

Matt: For the $1. you owe to Sophia Ball - please make arrangements to pay that amount to P. Palmer Dry Goods (Kay Gnagey) as I, unknowingly, passed on the bad bill to her along with notes I took in for merchandize I sold in the spicer shop for a new bonnet. I honestly thought that whole counterfit bill thing was part of the scenario worked up for the court house and did not realize I shorted her on payment for the bonnet until last night. I rounded up her cell number and promised to make good on Sophia's remaining outstanding debt. I am pretty embarrassed, because as event co-coordinator I should have known the difference. After the lasik and 7 other eye surgeries I can see well enough at a distance, but I remain blind as a bat up close so I couldn't read anything or see any details on the bills, letters, or other correspondence. I did notice it was larger than the others which should have been my first clue. I have apologized profusely to Kay and promised to make good.

I want to thank everyone for their participation. I had expected to work the weekend and really had no expectations of participating in any of the vignettes, however, I found myself involved in the courtroom drama which made for a magical weekend for myself as well. It's no secret I've spent more time in the 18th century than the 19th the last couple of years, but, the enjoyment I got from this event could well entice me back to the 19th on occasion. Everyone who participated in planning the courtroom vignettes (which I really knew nothing to very little details about) is to be commended for the most excellent job you did. After getting tripped up by the opposing attorney while on the witness stand I hope I never find myself really in that position. I cannot forget to say how totally impressed and pleased I am with Ed Henry, Andy Sjogren, and all the others who helped bring the Nuckolls tavern to life. When we saw that building on the walk through I never dreamed it could be transformed into what I saw when I went to supper on Friday night. It was truly magical.

Now, to regress - you did an excellent job of your shady character. In fact when my son, Greer, came to tell me while I was in the dress shop that you wanted to see me next door, I peeked out the door, saw the look on your face, and immediately started to formulate a plan of getting out of that store without having to have another encounter with the cotton broker/dishonest jury foreman. You can ask the proprietors of the shop, I actually looked out the window to judge the distance to the ground and assess what chance I had of exiting through the window without breaking my neck. The kind ladies refused to consider allowing me that form of exit which given the distance even if I did no bodily harm would have made for quite the spectacle for anyone who happened to witness my flight. Instead they decided to go out into the breezeway and admire their bonnets allowing me to exit by the steps behind the cover of their hoops. Before that I never realized how large a target you can actually hide behind those skirts. LOL. You, sir, are a scoundrell and should be ashamed of yourself for your attempts to solicit money in order to sway the jury - money you attempted to extort from a lonely widow woman. Thankfully Mr. Logan and Mr. McDonald offered me wise counsel and Mr. Logan even told me that there could be serious consequences if I gave you money to bribe jurors. Thus, my efforts to avoid contact with you late afternoon.

Sophia Ball/Victoria Rumble

[Charles Heath]

Been a while since I helped a lovely young couple elope.

[Jim of The SRR]

Event photos are staring to come in:
Here is a link to Rachel Ochs' event album:


http://www.new.facebook.com/p.php?i=505195338&k=6ZG2PXS2Q6WMZDDFYC64S

Regards,
Jim Butler

[Eric Tipton]

The pictures look great. Congratulations to Jim and all who helped organize and to those who attended. By the accounts so far, it sounds like you guys had a great time. I was on baby duty this weekend, but was thinking of you guys. I will be reading the AAR's with great attention.

Congrats everyone!

[csabugler]

I had visited the site a few times prior both in period and modern so I was anxious to see it full of proper folks. I was not dissapointed. It was an awesome scene. All that did not attend missed a truely rare opportunity.
Working with the infantry reminded me very quickly why I "jined the cavalry":rolleyes:

[MD_Independent]

Well, after crossing the Susquehanna at about 3 am this morning, I've found myself hoping for another civilian event of this caliber to appear in the next couple of years. Nothing would tickle me more than to spend a week in Westville. Three days proved to be enough time to get into trouble, but not enough to get out of it.

Between beating the p!$$ out of the school master, stealing a few ten cent notes, busting in on the Hibernians, and various other equally lofty pursuits, I was pretty exhausted by Sunday morning. The girl(Sarah Sherman/Kortney Schmidt), from all of her testimony, enjoyed her first event immensely. With the generous assistance of Mrs. Vickie Rumble and Mrs. Terre Lawson, she was made as comfortable as possible. Now, well, she'll probably join this forum and start searching out events that interest her.

Mrs. Rumble: I apologize for slipping out on Sunday morning without a farewell or a thank you. The nature of our intended exit would have been marred if I had been wondering around loose in town. So, just want to say thanks for all you've done, and it was a real pleasure seeing you again...

Mr. Butler: Your attempt at waylaying me late on Friday night was very effective. Those two gentlemen were able to slow me down considerably as I was stalking you in pursuit of those Papist swine. Monsieur Trent and myself wore ourselves out, peeping in every window in town, calling out "Hail Mary" in the darkness as a sort of 'duck call', but we trust that we frightened you all enough to make our weariness worthwhile. As a convinced Catholic and havinng a great deal of Irish blood, the entire "Know-nothing" experience was new for me. All for the history...

Mrs. Lawson: I appreciate your tolerance of a misbehaving. foul-mouthed, lazy young man like myself. Your kindness to both my girl and myself went above and beyond my own hopes.

To our Deputy Sheriff: Thanks for allowing me a chance to pluck away on your banjo during my short incarceration. When you finish putting the gut strings on it, and install some better tuning pegs, you'll have a very nice piece.

Well, I find myself in a quandry. I was going to thank everyone that helped make this event something for me, but I don't have the space here to do so. It was amazing, being the first ones on site, watching as the town took on a life of its own. Everyone was busy, doing what a 19th century person would be doing. Just looking down the streets on Saturday morning was an experience well worth the drive....

Oh, and Mr. Heath... Thanks for the ride down. When can we do it again?

Billy Birney, formerly Greer Ball

[Spinster]

Been a while since I helped a lovely young couple elope.


T'was a scandal to the crickets too. Or at least to everyone in her boarding house. To think!

More Folks Gone To Texas..........

[Coatsy]

Jim and Vickie,

Thank you very much for planning this event. Thanks need to go out to the Westville staff for letting this event happen. Thanks to all of the participants that stuck to their characters/personas as well as they did. I'm getting spoiled on great events with persona/character driven emphasis. First Winter of 64 this past winter and now Westville this fall. There was so much that went well this weekend and made it an amazing event. I am very glad that from my perspective very little modern talk was heard. It is all fine and dandy to have kewl gear and inhabit a great little village, but if the participants did not put forth that final effort then it would have been for naught. Thank you everyone! I studied a little on my “guy” that I portrayed. Daniel McKennon the local sheriff. I hope the folks in town enjoyed Sheriff McKennon as much as I enjoyed fleshing the person out. Yeah he was a little shady, the fines levied were not quite legal, but all in all he liked his town to be run by the rule of law. Well, his law. But the town has a better Sheriff now in Mr. McDonald since McKennon has up and left for the army. I know the deputy is still around too.

To the tavern keepers, kudos gents! I did not expect what I got to see and experience there on both nights. You gents ran what I would consider a great period watering hole. Too bad I had to abstain from most drinking on Saturday evening. Hey I had to keep the streets clean!

To my deputy, Greg thanks for going along with shady sheriffs. Your help was much appreciated and needed since I was constantly moving ALL weekend long.

To the Court Room Drama Club, (Tripp, Deese, Hicks, Matt Young, the corrupt and vomity jury and all of the witnesses) thanks for making what could have been fairly boring scenario become one of the highlights of the weekend.

To Tim and Preston, my super Tennessee Darkness Vision trouble making comrades. I smelled a rat, and I should know since I was King Rat of the town. And know as your personas head north back to Tennessee you will probably meet up with the Columbus Sheriffs and become detained since I sent a courier Sunday morning to them and all of the other county seats nearby to be on the lookout for you. Mwa ha ha ha ha!!!!!

To Hank, thanks for your part with all of the shenanigans. Truth be told I really wanted to be at the tavern Saturday evening with my pals, but as the brave and ever vigilant Sheriff McKennon I knew that he would have definitely helped the locals out. I need my constituents alive for the next election. Hope Mr. Lewis’s wounds heal quickly.

To the occupants of the Bryan House. (#15) With Mr. Ball and his sweetie (the Judge’s Daughter no less!) spending time there it was always fun to make my rounds to see what type of trouble was brewing. The good news is that along with the Tennessee Terror Twins, if there was more time the good Sheriff would have sent more messages via courier to the surrounding counties. Hey, he has some ties…. (Billy, sorry we didn’t get the photo made. I hope the deputy was available for the wetplate)

To Cpl. Mustache, So Jeeeorgia Furst By Gawd! You have now been initiated. Especially with the lovely GVB quartet’s version of “Old McDonald had a Deformed Farm.” I hope you had your fill of sweet tea and bbq.

The Chawls, Thanks for the hard work getting that pig cooked. The rain worried me on Friday night! The sheriff cares about his town getting a good bbq, and particularly if he gets his stomach filled with glorious piggy! The food all weekend was excellent. Thanks to all of the folks helping with this endeavor.

To the merchants: Guys and gals you knew what your trade and I was happy that I got to visit every store. Being able to do business with a carpenter, a general mercantile store, a tavern, a tailor, a leather worker, laundresses, and a gunsmith was truly a treat.

To the folks that I served papers, mail to or arrested the different looks and reactions that you gave me were great. Chris Rideout I hope you enjoyed your letter. Not that the sheriff would know what was in there.

The only downside to the event……. I didn’t personally know all the reenactors and it was difficult trying to serve some of the folks the court summons, etc. But (cough cough) if the event were to be stretched over a longer period of time let’s say 4 ½ days, etc then I’m sure that this problem would have been rectified very shortly. Then I think the town would have had a very true sense of community.

Once again this event has been the highlight of the fall for me and it along with Winter of 64 have been the best first person intensive events that I have been lucky enough to attend.

If anyone reading ever has a chance to go to Westville just to visit I highly recommend that you do. The collection of buildings, homes, stores, cotton gin, church, tavern, etc is amazing.

I think the best moment of the weekend was Friday evening with Hunter Poythress, Pete B, Chris Henderson, and a few others in the tavern around the table just having a great fir-per moment talking about politics, the war, and religion. No script, just good living historians making it happen.


Benji for Mayor!

[Bushrod Carter]

WOW!

There is so much to say and so many people to mention.

First, to Jim Butler (and all the others who worked behind the scenes to make this event happen) THANK YOU for setting the stage for a great event, pushing everyone in the right direction with the suggested personal interactions provided in our packets and then allowing a fantastic group of dedicated living historians the opportunity to do what they do best! And you did folks. You all did an outstanding job!

During a conversation with another WIG member after the event, a comment was made to the effect:

"At Westville we had civilians and militia recruits. At Shaker Village we had civilians and recruits. BUT, this event [Westville] blew the doors off the other! Why?" I replied "At Westville we were the heart of a beating town. We WERE the town...not just playing dress up and walking up and down the street."

For many years Joe Smotherman and I have talked and dreamed of a town where we could use the buildings to recreate life during the mid-nineteenth century. This past weekend we found it!

One of the many positive things to come from this past weekend was having the time to catch up with: friends who I'd either hadn't seen in a long time, familiar faces who I got to know better, and best yet, rekindling old friendships.

Again, Jim, I had a GREAT time! Thanks for giving us the opportunity! You did a FANTASTIC job! I'm already looking forward to next time.

[SCTiger]

For the benefit of those not there, you will get a very lengthy and detailed description of life through the perception of one Ezekiel Jonas Kukery, Clerk o' Court, Stevens County, or Zeke for short.

Although I was assuming the role of a fictional first person character, my core personality was intact, covered with the skin of a semi-successful, low level bureaucrat caught up in the throes of war. I didn't have to think about the character, the situations, work and environment helped shaped that. My composite Zeke, hailed from North Carolina and was trying hard to gain acceptance from small town native Georgians. Something I experienced in modern life in Augusta, Savannah and the modern Columbus.



Friday was gloomy and the town was filling with strangers and opportunists of all sorts. Strange characters roamed the streets. Georgia Recruiting officers had taken up residence at the court house, and had turned the already busy court square into a military camp.

Zeke had already served before 16 years earlier with another North Carolinian, Lt. Braxton Bragg in the U.S. Artillery at Buena Vista And Monterey and even fought alongside William T. Sherman. His Old Republic service is disregarded by the festooned peacocks of the Georgia Regiment. He is insulted by the recruiting officer and challenged to prove his courage, without knowing any of Zeke's background.

Zeke has to stay with the defense lawyer Carl Evan's in the Clerk Of Court's office. They are no more spare houses or hotel rooms in Westville. Zeke gets along with the Courtroom crew and the Sheriff''s Office, it's just six of them to maintain law and order in this small town. Zeke's wife Isabella is still in Columbus with their seven children. The Judge promised to provide suitable living quarters, but the war got in the way, Columbus was more settled and safe at any rate.

The recruiting drive brought in transients and suspicious characters from all over the county. Bounty jumpers and bounty hunters alike. The sleepy Westville became a rowdy recruiting camp. The tavern was populated with men with rattlesnake like reflexes and a hunger for fighting,. The town resembled the ocean warf in Wilmington.

A robbery and assault occurred during the night, the next morning an investigation was launched and suspects were rounded up. Kurkey was ordered to service 17 subpoenas and witness summons, along with two arrest warrants.

Judge Isaac Sherman was indeed a corrupt man, but on a level that was far above petty street crimes, which he did not tolerate. The Cotton broker would later find out the hard way, when he failed to pay this judge off properly. Sherman ran the town, Kurkey ran the errands. So Kurkey stayed busy for hours, arranging for the court, coordinating attorneys, notarizing documents, levying fines and notices and handling the light work for the Judge. He almost summoned the entire town for the Ball and O'Shields cases

The Yarborough tavern had increased their prices along with the Mercantile store, inflation, high demands for goods and the war was making everything expensive.
Zeke only visited the place early in the day when most of the layabout bums and drunks were still sleeping it off. He would make his rounds during short breaks and visit the town people. When he approached with legal paper, they ran and hid.

The trial was quickly put together and haphazardly prepared. The Judge wanted to conclude the trial before the participants joined the Georgia State Militia. The County Attorney B. S. Worrell was ambitious and relentless. Worrell went after the accused like a rabid dog, and attacked defense attorney Evans with the court going "in camera" several times during the court sessions. The defendant in the robbery case "Greer Ball" also did not help his case by pleading not guilty. His influence and standing in the community did not exceed that of the Judge. Also the public did not know that the Judge was not compensated for the huge cotton sale by the Balls' that had occurred without his approval.

During the court proceedings all sorts of riff raff floated in and out of the "Hall o' Justice". Kurkey despised the two Unionists from Tennessee Arnold and Todd. They were hanging around the town with no purpose, no money and no intention on joining the Army. They were opportunity hounds looking for an easy score and not honest work. Zeke advised the Deputy to watch them like a hawk.

During Supper and Dinner time, Zeke enjoyed his meals at the Harris Farm and visiting his friends the Banker James Canady and the gunsmith James Cooper. He bought a new British Enfield for $40, that was guaranteed to shoot 700 yards. He liked to discuss the town's current affairs and Zeke was the source for many rumors and true stories.

During the evening the Recruiting Officers made grand and glorious speeches about the war. All Zeke could think of was the hot sun and long marches of 1847. The bad food and strict discipline. The pressure to join was enormous. Although people clapped and cheered, they had no inkling on what war would be like. Zeke did not think this war would last long, but young men would still die. Still the old patriotism stirred in him and he hated to see these young men march off alone. He was also tired of Westville and the lowly Clerk job. If he wanted to run for future office, he would need to participate in this war.

That Saturday night a knife fight broke out at the tavern, Zeke remained at the Court house and played cards and drank his own whiskey with the Tax Collector. His office was closed and the Sheriff would have to arrest now and ask questions later.
Zeke went to sleep for the last time in the warm office.

Sunday concluded the cases, Greer was found guilty from a "hung over" jury. The Jury Foreman and cotton broker McDonald was also apprehended for issuing counterfeit currency and witness tampering. After the trial he resigned his position and joined the 21st Georgia. Before noon he sent word via stage coach to Isabella and the children to meet him at the Columbus train station, he would buy transportation for her as well as he had over $6300 in the bank. If the 21st went to Richmond as he suspected, he would then contact some high level friends in the CS government and he would transfer to the Adjutant General corps.

Before reporting for drill, he visited the store, the gunsmith, the banker, the laundresses Mary and Elizabeth Kolb, he had one final beer at the Yarborough tavern before the drum command of assembly was sounded. He had bought a canteen, blanket and enough spare food to make the 2 day march to Columbus. He also visited Doctor J. L. Porter for a two minute physical which rarely resulted in exemption. Zeke also found out that Doctor Porter also served in Mexico.

The drill session sobered the recruits up to the reality of military life. Their lives no longer belonged to them. The overly dressed, parade ground sergeants and officers contrasted to the plain dressed civilians, some of which carried shovels and obsolete squirrel guns instead of rifles. The Orderly Sergeant was a parade ground soldier and martinet that did not treat volunteers well, he reprimanded Zeke for breaking ranks to retrieve a pipe he dropped.

The flag was presented and Zeke was impressed, but felt no connection with Georgia, he had tried for months for acceptance in the small town but, even his enlistment did not impress them. No one was close to him and he had occupied an unpopular post, so no one waved good bye, still Zeke felt sad for them as all the decent men had joined up, leaving behind the old men, the young boys and the cowards behind. The town was empty of it's manhood and the Stewart Infantry marched off to eternity, most would not return.


As you can see, I had no shortage of material for first person. This event kept me busy from start to finish and the "citizen" role was three times harder than my usual role of soldier. As a a clerk, I ws forced to interact, speak and maintain a public persona. As a citizen you "are" a 19th Century person, as a soldier you "were." You just can't say, "before the war I was_____", in the civilian mode, you have to work it.

Jim Butler and Vicki Rumble hit a Grand Slam with this event. it has set a new standard with preparation, planning and flow. Jim did indeed pour sweat and blood into this. The Staff of Westville was also incredible and extremely hospitable. It was great to see everyone again and I learned a lot from the experience. If I have a complaint I can't think of it.

Thanks

[csabugler]

"still Zeke felt sad for them as all the decent men had joined up, leaving behind the old men, the young boys and the cowards behind. The town was empty of it's manhood and the Stewart Infantry marched off to eternity, most would not return."


This is not Pete the Bugler, but from Lucy Walker.

Mister Kukery,
Indeed! You have helped me understand my feelings as I watched the menfolk march off for, eventually, Virginia. I was surprised to find myself angry- it was an unexpected feeling, but as I looked at the faces of the neighbors standing in formation, I was saddened and mad. The citizens were left behind and although not aware of the hardships to come, it was obvious difficulty was in store for the ladies, children and old men.

Sunday morning I overheard the sheriff in conversation with the gunsmith regarding the need for an able bodied man to take over the duties, as the sheriff intended to enlist. This truly caused panic for me. My apologies again to Mister Canady, the banker, as my pacing in the store was distracting enough that he asked me to stop.

It is interesting to read the posts and learn some details after the fact. I became suspicious of the judge when I saw him and the cotton broker in conversation at the tailor shop. This was shortly after I informed the judge and the Ball family lawyer that the cotton broker assured us an innocent verdict for Greer if we provided him enough notes. Later I asked our lawyer if the judge was a trustworthy man, which he assured me and Sophia that he was..... and Sophia and I walked away thinking we were just letting our female minds run wild.

Thank you to the entire town, it was wonderful. Thank you Vickie and Jim for encouraging me to "get back in the saddle". After four years of being out of the hobby, I suppose I never truly was since I felt I never missed a beat.

Kindest Regards,
Linda Nyland
aka Lucy Walker
"Hope no one comes to town and works up a Number 6 on us....."

[Jim of The SRR]

Thank you for all the kind words about Westville and it truly means alot to me from THIS group of reenactors. As many of you have organized events and/or reenacted for many years, I value your opinions. I need to take a moment to thank a few people here and I am sure I will miss some. To all the SCAR representatives who showed up early and helped with all the the set-up, sign-in, errands, BBQ labor, tear-down you have my deepest thanks. Thanks to Vickie Rumble for helping me in this effort and guiding me through the hurdles of civilian reenacting/impressions. Thanks to Jordan Roberts and Pat Craddock for not only playing the parts of masons and carpenters, but also doing repairs to the Village as part of their impressions. Thanks to Robby Mitchell for handling the military research and the military encampment. Thanks goes to Rob Murray for also getting the camp ship shape. Thanks to Joe Blunt for refining and updating the mens clothing guidelines and for my dandy new clothes (I think half of this event may have been an unintentional Joe Blunt fashion show). Thanks to Charles Heath for the excellent period BBQ! Thanks to Susan Odom and Sara Moorhead for all your hard work feeding the townspeople (thanks to the other volunteers who also helped in the kitchen)! Thanks to Andy Shogren and Ed Henry for going over the top and bringing Nuckoll's Tavern to life (that place had not rocked that much since Mr. West's honeymoon). Thanks to Historic Westville for allowing us this gem of site to serve as our playground. Most of all THANKS to all the participants for bringing this event to life. I have never been really good at first person, but this site and event was magical in allowing everyone to stay in first person for the entire weekend. I did not engage or hear even one modern political discussion or topic all weekend. And with todays economy, it was a nice rest from our modern worries and troubles. I apologize if I missed anyone in this list, but again thanks.
We are planning to do this again in mid October 2010. So please email Vickie and I any ideas you have and what timeframe and thought you may have for us.

Regards,
Jim Butler

[Jim of The SRR]

I am wondering if everyone really knows all the intrigues that were going on at Westville? Here is a list of things you may or may not have known was happening over the weekend:

- More Irish workers had been in town replacing the jobs of boys who had left to go to war. Some of the Know-Nothings in town were quite vocal about their hatred for these Irish. The Irish met in a secret meeting of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Once the Know-Nothings got wind of this, they began trying to find their meeting spot. Late friday evening, the Know-Nothings searched thru town crying "Hail Mary". In the midst of the Hibernians meeting they heard some noise and doused the lights. However, the Know-Nothings spotted a silhoutte in the darkness of the McDonald House kitchen. The jig was up and the Irish were forced to run for it and scattered into the town still wearing their masks thus maintaining their identities. You may have heard the yelling on friday evening or even seen masked figures darting off into the darkness.

- Billy Birney, played Greer Ball, who was a defendant in an assault on the schoolmaster. Greer had to face the Judge at court. Ironically, Greer was courting the Judges daughter. Rather than face the music, Greer and the Judges daughter secretly eloped Sunday morning. Now Greer is a fugitive.

- Kiev Thomason was a fugitive slave hunter. Fugitive Slave Hunters were usually and unwlecome and low character sort of person. So many of the townspeople were not too thrilled abou that. He posted signs and was in search of the McDonalds escaped slave "Moses". Many were also worried that other slaves might also escape, including "Nathan", played by Marvin Greer. Nathan knew where Moses had gone but told no one.

- Maggie Hogan (portrayed by Bevin MacRae) was the new Irish Domestic for the McDonalds. There was some tension there as the Gardner, William Lewis (played by Hank Trent) was a Know-Nothing and had little love for the Irish. He also had a dislike for the Unionist travellers, one who was going to testify against his friend Greer in court. This caused a knife fight on Saturday evening between the two, leaving the Gardner with a nasty wound.

- Hardin Arnold (played by Tim Arnold) and JR Todd (played by Preston Todd) were travellers from TN. They even had me convinced they were heading home to join the Confederate army in TN. However, it seemed clear that they had conned us and they were a bunch of Unionists. This fact used in court by the Defending attorney in court to smear Mr. Todds testimony. Of course, the Judge and Prosecutor would have no part of that.

- Matt Woodburn portrayed a new cotton broker in town. He played the part of a very professional business man, but by Sunday it was clear he was a man of low character. He had tampered with the jury, passed counterfiet bills, and probably more. By Sunday morning the Sheriff and Judge were on to him and had him arrested right in front of the court gallery and taken away in handcuffs.

- Matt and Penny DiPalma did a fine job playing Mr. and Mrs. Loverd Bryan. I am not suer if people realized that Loverd Bryan had served as Senator of GA for two terms (and was from Lumpkin, GA).

- Benji Stoker, played by Phil Campbell, was Mrs. Stokers (Terre Lawsons) mentally infirm son. He tried to enlist in the army and was declined. So, he made up his mind that he wanted to be in the cavalry anyways since he had a mule.

- Joshua Kinard played 16 year old James McDonald. Although his parents would not yet le him enlist, he later did enlist in the cavalry to fight with Wheeler in the Atlanta campaign. Historically, James actually captured Union, General Stoneman's horse in a raid and sent it home to his father Edward McDonald (portrayed by Ken Giddens) as a trophy. Ironically, Edward was not a big Secessionist and also lost everything after the war.

- Woodworkers James Roberts (portrayed by Gary Bergstrom) and Eldridge Hardy (Chris Henderson) built a childs coffin in the woodshop for Elenor Chamline (portrayed by Sandra Jusak) who had lost a child. Not only was the coffin a fine piece of woodworking, but they all played their parts out very realistically.

- 1st Lt. William Richardson (portrayed by Skip Owens) was a wounded veteran returning from the front. Many of us who played to enlistees had various questions to ask about what was it like, waht we could expect and if he had ever "seen General Jackson", etc, etc.

- Postmaster James Logan (me) and Postal Clerk E.J. Davis (portrayed by Joe Smotherman) steamed open some letters so as to attempt to find some juicy gossip.

- Thomas Crocker (potrayed by Burt Page) was the Tax Collector and sent out tax notices and collected taxes from those that were due.

- I also picked up on a rumor around the Village that Charles O'shields, the mason, (played by Jordan Roberts) had been fined and had to appear before the Judge for some very unusual charges with livestock. Maybe someone can confirm, deny or elaborate on that.

There were many other things that happened, but these were some of the noteworthy events. I know there were many that I was not aware of as well and I would like to hear more.

Regards,
Jim Butler
(Postmaster James Logan
and Capt. Michael Lynch)

[Jim of The SRR]

Sandra Jusak also took some photos for your viewing at:

I do have my very few photos posted on my flicker account. http://www.flickr.com/photos/sljusak/sets/72157608219779552/

Also, the same photos, with names of the ones I know, under my facebook account, http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=38852&id=561513533 I hope I made this one public.

Sincerely,

Sandra Jusak
(aka Eleanor Chamline)

[bevinmacrae]

Well, I had a great time at my first immersion event. I want to thank everyone for letting me test out my annoying Irish accent on you! And for the rides (Sandy Jusak) and great tour of the Navel Museum (thanks, Matt!)

I have to say that Maggie was quite upset about the noises on Friday evening. She told Mrs McDonald about it in the morning and Mrs. McDonald was so upset she told the sheriff and he had to deputize more men just to keep the ladies feeling safe! Maggie slept on the floor by the door to prevent any more disturbances by those hunting for "papists" in the middle of the night. She also heard footsteps several times at the summer kitchen and feared that Nathan was making a run to join Moses. The noise coupled with the hostility from the gardener at the McDonald house, Willie, who gave her the stink-eye all the time and said things like "you better be careful going up those stairs. Wouldn't want you to get hurt now." was enough to make her want to return to Charleston and the events there she had tried to escape.

The tavern provided her some comfort with it's singing of many familiar Irish tunes and the meeting of men eager to buy her a drink or two. She watched as Willie sank deeper into the shadows, himself feeling more uncomfortable that his friends might be embracing this immigrant, confirming her suspicions that it was he whose footsteps and voice around the house she heard. While I think Maggie and Willie may have found a way to work together in the McDonald house, he's still pretty certain that she had something to do with the Hibernian meeting he disturbed there.

Maggie heard, and spread, many rumors along with many other ladies at the SA meeting. Rumors about the robbery, and the elopement of the mayor's daughter with a scoundrel. A very few ladies had been to court, so we knew almost nothing about events there.

The McDonald's were kind and generous employers, frequently giving time off and paying wages in advance, and she got on well with Nathan, their slave, just as she had with the blacks in Charleston. She tried to prevent the McDonald's son from running off with the army by threatening to tell his mother what he was up to. That is, unless he gave her some extra money not to tell. She found friends in Elizabeth Kolb and her daughters, trying to survive as laundresses, but thinking that they may have to return back to Ireland or starve.

Maggie was kept most busy by cleaning the house before the rally. She must have swept that place a dozen times of the sand there. And the rag to dust the railing on the top porch was near black from dirt! Decorating the house with bunting for the speeches and many fetch and carry errands, some personal, some for the McDonald's, and some for others, took her all over town. Many people commented that they seem to have seen her everywhere.

I hardly slept a wink, preferring to get to meet all of you, only several of which I had met before the event happened. I will certainly be trying to get back to the south, perhaps for Olustee, to see everyone again. It's true what they say about the South and hospitality. I found everyone to be welcoming and agreeable. Should any of you ever venture north (Hopewell Furnace next fall is supposed to be much like Westville was) do not hesitate to make contact so that I can reciprocate the rides to and from the airport, etc!

Jim, you really steamed open some letters!! That's funny!

Next time we meet can't come soon enough.

Bevin MacRae
aka Maggie Hogan

[csabugler]

Hey, some of you techie kind of folks, Lucy Walker used my address to post this morning and added a new avatar to a pic of her. It seems that now all my posts have that avatar. There's a "guest" spot on the User cp link, but I can't figure it out. Can you have more than one avatar?
hey, i'm a bugler....:cool:

[OldKingCrow]

Seems as though my thank you letter was deleted. If this is inappropriate, please advise privately. Thanks


http://i267.photobucket.com/albums/ii312/floridaconfederate/thanks-1.jpg?t=1224616735

[Greg Barnett]

I would like to thank the organizers for the event and the Westville folks for a wonderful site. I would also like to thank my family for allowing me to leave home.
Thanks to all of those who prepared food and to the tavern staff who worked their arsess off each night.

Good friendships were strengthened and new friendships were begun.


As Deputy Sheriff George McKidd, a life long Stewart County resident, I fully enjoyed the experience of the weekend. My only regret, however, was being unable to enlist with my good friend, Sheriff Daniel McKinnon. I waited until the last minute, in hopes my wife and three children would return so that I might say my farewells. Upon their return from Madison County, where her family lives, I will make my way to the Stewart Infantry.

Friday
Friday evening I found myself settling into the Sheriff’s office and organizing my thoughts and things. I did acquaint myself with the order of the court house and its offices and office holders. The good Sheriff and I got our plan for the weekend and put together our thoughts on local law enforcement.

The next stop is the most obvious one, Knucoles Tavern. There I found good, honest, hardworking men enjoying stew, bread and a cold brew. Of course I began to partake. I consumed my share of drink and smoke and shared in the festive conversation. My manhood was soon challenged, as usual, by Mr. B F Smith. Odd remarks were made and exchanged. Talk around the table consisted of secession, enlistment and places traveled.
Nathan, the MacDonald’s man, was present and quite in the corner. He seemed to draw in the excitement, but stayed just out of the conversation and the light of the candles.

It wasn’t long before Benji pulled a sword on a man for taking his mule. I dismissed him to his mother’s care. My handling of the situation was challenged by Mr. Smith. I felt it appropriate. Mr. Smith tried to provoke me and others in usual manner.

Having just settled in to another beer...Cries came from the front of the tavern. This time someone reported assault. I ran to the seen in a matter of seconds, much less than the full minute Mr. Worrell drew upon in the court session. There I found the school teacher on the ground. He knew the attacker personally, but did not know his name other than Billy. I questioned all witnesses and those present and took their statements. Report was given to the sheriff, promptly. Of course by this time the rain had settled in.

I returned to the court house and presented my info to the Sheriff. I then realized that I was due for a secret meeting of the Hibernians. I made my way to the specified site, the MacDonald kitchen. During the meeting, good discussion was made and before long we heard voices and knew that we had been found. We all ran into the darkness. I ran out the back door in my hooded cloak. I was in the darkness and did not know that there was a brick footwall in my path. I struck the wall in full stride. After lifting my self from the ground and gathering my pistol and cup, I dashed into a briar thicket and hid as the searchers surrounded me. They soon moved on and I slowly made my way to my office. There I changed from my wet clothing and proceed back to the tavern for a much deserved beverage. I soon informed the citizenry that the town streets were to be clear by midnight. I then patrolled the quiet streets alone. Bed was quite welcomed.

Saturday
After a good breakfast, the warrants for arrest and witness summons were dealt and soon were delivered. This is a wonderful way to meet the folks of a village. Most were reluctant to receive a folded piece of paper from the deputy. The witnesses came and left and more papers were dealt and delivered. The Sheriff and I were finally able to apprehend the suspect, Mr. Greer Ball, after much grief and questioning. Most folks thought that Mr. Todd had something to do with the matter. The court session was fantastic. Both attorneys spewed their hot air in good fashion and drove the jury to sleep and drink. The Sheriff, Dept Bishop and I found ourselves calming our nerves as well.
Court was dismissed around 3 pm. I was then allowed a very special opportunity. My Brothers asked me to join them for a photo of unprecedented occasion. I will allow this to surface as time passes. I was truly honored to be a part of this. It was great to share this time with my new found brothers on my journey.

Dinner was consumed and a small respite was required before patrolling the town with the Sheriff during the Rally. We checked on all of the town dwellings and listened to the powerful speeches given to pump the crowd. Georgia First by Gawd!!!

Naturally we settled into the tavern. The Sheriff was vigilant and sat on the front porch and stayed dry. He knew there would be trouble between Mr. Lewis and Mr. Todd. There had been trouble between them all day.

More to come… Ran out of time Right now

Deputy Sheriff George McKidd

[minieball]

Greetings All.

I would just like to express my sincere compliments to Jim and Vickie and all of the participants for a truly remarkable weekend. There have only been a handful of events in my life as a reenactor (30 years) that truly capture a window in time. This event blew those away. I think this sets a new standard for LH civilian events. Thank you so much!!

Here's a sample of the collodian images I made over the weekend.


12010

12011

12012

[Pvt. Wing]

Great event! On behalf of Thomas, John and George Yarborough at Nuckolls Tavern (aka Andy Shogren,Ed Henry ,Dylan Henry) I want to thank the organizers and staff at Westville for your hard work and for making the event outstanding! Working in the tavern listening to conversations and watching the acting in first person made it feel like it WAS 1861.I have too many stories to list. I loved the scenarios even when the tavern took in the conterfeit note from that scoundrel! ...We felt sad tearing down the bar and taking the pictures off the wall. It went by too quick.We met alot of nice people and we'd love to do it again!


Y.O.S.
Ed Henry
S.C.A.R.
Plug Ugly Mess

stooge4@aol.com

[SCTiger]

Some additional pictures.

[SCTiger]

Here are some fine pics as well.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Ladies & Gentlemen,

First I’d like to extend my sincerest thanks to the event organizers Jim Butler and Victoria Rumble. The extent of the work between these individuals, to work with the site, and coordinate with the participants must have been some feat, and I believe their hardwork paid off. When has an event such as this been conducted and to the extent that it was, in such an AWESOME setting?

Second, we all owe a deep debt of gratitude to the individuals who cooked/served meals to us throughout the weekend. These men/women./children were able to remain in character, use period methods of cooking, and feed all the participants which I estimate neared 100. The food was truly amazing, and for this Southern-boy working up North…it was like coming home. Much appreciated menu: ham, grits, eggs, gumbo, cornbread, beans w/ham, “real slaw”, pickled okra, pickled peppers, pickled cukes, Real “Q”, bacon, oatmeal, bacon…lemonade, tea…oh and a hearty warm cup of coffee first thing in the morning.

Thirdly, the tavern...some sight...to the Tavern keepers...what you transformed that space into was very reminiscent of a frontier tavern...and it fit the setting well. That Yarborough Hammer, went down simple enough...yet packed a hearty punch...due to my impending ride Sunday, I'm glad I limited my intake.

Lastly, A deep and hearty thanks to all the participants who had well defined/researched roles. The men working the Cotton-Gin was something to behold…as were other professions seen in town…woodworking, blacksmiths, gunsmiths, law & lawyers, basket-weaving, yarn dying, tavern keeper…as well as the recreational venues as well…quilling, lace making, quilting…etc.

By the way…Jury-duty is boring no matter what century it’s in…and the decision to drag the case from Saturday into Sunday, no doubt had a deep impact on the Jury’s decision to convict the defendant.

The town really had started to come to life by Sunday…and you can bet that my vacation would be well spent in a couple years if we extended the event to be a 4-7 day experience. Just think if we were able to host 2 x the amount of individuals…and also contribute in some small part to the refurbishment of the town (fixing steps/leaky roofs/painting siding…etc.).

The trip was well worth it to me…bringing me back to the land of pork/cotton/tobacco/peaches/peanuts…not only experiencing Westville, but also taking the opportunity to visit the Naval Museum in Port Columbus.

Thanks Again for a Wonderful event, which now ranks in top 5 experiences within the hobby.

Sincerely,

Paul B. Boulden Jr. (a.k.a. Albert Strong~ who was supposed to be selling fish at the event, but through unforeseen circumstances found himself pursueing other activities).

P.S. Pictures to post this evening...

[SCTiger]

By the way…Jury-duty is boring no matter what century it’s in…a

The photo below can vouch for that statement.

[minieball]

More wet-plate images from Westville

[Coon Dawg]

I cannot express in words more than what has already been said. I enjoyed seeing again many of my friends as well as meeting and making new ones. Special thanks goes out to Jim and all for all of your hard work.

This was a truly unique opportunity for me. This event exceeded my expectations beyond imagination. I would love to have the opportunity to get to do it again.

Here are a few of my highlights:


Picked Okra
Pig Roast
Great 1st Person
Nuckolls Tavern
A Real Slave Hunter
Guns in Court
10-Cent Beer
Period Songs
Not having to lug around a musket until the very end of the weekend
New Friends
Damn Union Sympathizers
Big Open Fireplaces
The Tidewater
VMI
Slap Him In Irons
The Milky Way
Frock Coats
The Tired Postman
Old Alabama Town
Bay Rum
Silk Tobacco Pouches
Reminiscing
Cravats
Damn Irish Catholics
Folks Who Can’t Read
The Gunsmith
Man with 10 Canteens
The Beautiful GA Flag
The Oath
The Pike
High Cotton
Sugar Cane
Where was that Moonshine Still?
Crazy Indian Speech
Cold Grits
Nice Red Kepi
Jam and Butter


Joel Phillips
Valdosta, GA
The Coon Dawg's Mess (http://coondawgsmess.googlepages.com/)

[Coatsy]

One moment that I negelected to mention was when Mr. Hardin (Tim Arnold) and I were walking about and we saw the carpenter (Chris Henderson) deliver the casket to the poor mother. That was a very sobering moment and on Sunday no less!

Again, one of the best events I've ever attended.

[Charles Heath]

The sugar cane was danged tasty. I'm sad more folks didn't try it, but then again what the site staff said may be somewhat true. Speaking of fun, we could have used some yardbirds running around in the farmhouse area, and maybe that can be provided (at least until Sunday dinner prep time) at some other rendition.

Listening to the pigs whilst cooking one of their own was good. I wonder if the leftovers went into their slops? Not the meat, of course.

Lumpkin and Westville had a heck of a lot of stray dogs. I kept mentioning this to the Right Honorable High Law Dawg, but he didn't seem to get the point.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I think the best moment of the weekend was Friday evening with Hunter Poythress, Pete B, Chris Henderson, and a few others in the tavern around the table just having a great fir-per moment talking about politics, the war, and religion. No script, just good living historians making it happen.

Herb,

My thanks to you, Hunter, Chris, Hank and the whole crowd for letting a novice participate, experience and learn a great deal about really doing First Person. The discussion on Friday evening was my highlight of the event also, that was followed by a period correct hangover the next morning thanks to the Yarborough Hammer...

[C.R. Henderson]

Pete and my co-conspiritors of the Friday night tavern, none of you will know what it's like to get sick out of the second story of the boot shop after 9 beers and a couple of shots...I do and it was one of the highs (or lows) of the event. I had such a great time getting to work in a fully stocked, totally functional woodshop. I was like a kid in a candy shop all weekend! It was such a shot in the arm to stay in fir per (almost) all weekend ("Fir Per off!" ~Herb Coates:wink_smil). Thanks to Sandy, Doc, Gary, and Dylan for playing along with my morbid fantasy, too. I've always wanted to build a coffin in the period way with period tools and this past weekend, we did- and we did it in the right time frame, too. Who knows, when I get back to taking orders I might add those to my repitoire.

Thanks to Jim, Vickie and the crew. Vickie, you've got more hugs coming, don't you worry.

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

Pictures of Westville:

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

More Pictures from Westville:

[Greg Barnett]

These are all folks I meet for the first time, this weekend. I met them in first person and even had a word or two out of first person.

Tim Arnold * Stagecoach Traveller / Recruit - Hardin Arnold
Mark Barber * Teamster / Recruit - B.L. Blouse
Gary Bergstrom * Woodworker / Recruit - James Roberts

Peter Berezek * Banker / Recuit - James Canaday
Truly a business man during the day and a tavern dweller a night.

Billy Birney * Laborer / Recruit - Greer Ball
Paul Boulden * Fishmonger / Recruit - Albert Strong
Al Bouler * School Master / Recruit - Henry Sherman
Joe Blunt * Clothier / Recruit - John Singer II
Jim Bruce * Physician / Recuit - J.L. Porter
Ann Burgamy * Laundry services - Elizabeth Kolb
Jim Butler * Post Master / Recruiting Officer - James L. Logan
Phil Campbell * Apprentice / Recruit - Benji Stoker

Greg Deese * Court Clerk / Recruit - E.J. Kukery
Tavern dwellers aren't so bad. Just join in!!

Kevin Edmiston * Farmer / Recruit - William Harper
I remembered your name, Georgia boy.
Sam Franklin * Blacksmith / Recruit - Wiley Pope

Marvin Greer * House slave - Nathan
Great to met you. Hope you enjoy the pipe.

Todd Harrington * Ambrotypist / Recruit - John Garland
Dylan Henry * Student-Tavern Worker - George Yarborough
Ed Henry * Tavern Worker / Recruit - John Yarborough

Bevin Macrae * Domestic - Maggie Hogan
I never understood a word you were saying immediately. I actually had to think about each sentence.

Linda Nyland * Visiting relative / Docent - Lucy Walker
Are you still following me?

Rachel Ochs * Laundry Services - Mary Kolb
I truly enjoyed our conversation on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Best of luck to your future.

Skip Owens * Returning Veteran - 1st Lt. William Richardson
You are a fine young man>

Burt Page * Tax Collector / Recruit - Thomas Crocker
Christopher Rideout * Teamster / Recruit - Wilham Johnson
Vickie Rumble * Herbalist/Spicer - Sophia Ball
Benjamin Salada * Apprentice to gunsmith / Recruit - Byrd Welch
Andy Shogren * Tavernkeeper / Recruit - Thomas Yarborough
Kirby Shogren * Student/Shoe Shiner - Jerome Bergstrom

David Stieghan * Gunsmith / Recruit - James Cooper
I am building my own militia flintlock. Thanks for the knowledge

Preston Todd * Stagecoach Traveller /Recruit - J.R. Todd
I know you are up to no good.

Hank Trent * Gardener - McDonald House - William Lewis

Matthew Young * Lawyer / Recruit - Carl Evans
Heck of a drinking song reportois!!

Geo McKidd Deputy Sheriff

AKA

[Resaca]

Had a GREAT ! time. I can't wait for Westville II. Thanks to Jim and Vickie for all their hard work putting this together. I met alot of nice folks and had alot of fun.
( I should have gone to the tavern more often!)

Tony Patton
(Thomas Barr-Printer)

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Peter Berezek * Banker / Recuit - James Canaday
Truly a business man during the day and a tavern dweller a night.

Greg,

I have to ask... when I gave you a hard time about the fine for being out after Curfew on Saturday morning and demanded a written citation, did you just give in or couldn't you find someone willing to write out a citation?

[Greg Barnett]

Greg,

I have to ask... when I gave you a hard time about the fine for being out after Curfew on Saturday morning and demanded a written citation, did you just give in or couldn't you find someone willing to write out a citation?
Peter,
I honestly had the hand written citation in hand. The sheriff and I carried hand written citations for a few offenses. They are: Spitting, Cursing, Curfew, and a General citation that covered other items of interest. I was unable to collect on any citations and did not force the issue since we had other crimes to get to trial. I figure we were even anyway. You kindness and friendship was worth more than 30 cents to me.

I would be happy to send the citation to you, if you like.
Until the next time,

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Peter,
I honestly had the hand written citation in hand. The sheriff and I carried hand written citations for a few offenses. They are: Spitting, Cursing, Curfew, and a General citation that covered other items of interest. I was unable to collect on any citations and did not force the issue since we had other crimes to get to trial. I figure we were even anyway. You kindness and friendship was worth more than 30 cents to me.

I would be happy to send the citation to you, if you like.
Until the next time,

It would have been priceless if you'ld asked to use my pen and ink to fill it out in the store. I would have paid it then and accosted you that night to buy my drink. In return, I'll buy the first round when the next chance offers itself.

[minieball]

Even more wet-plate images from Westville

12087

12088

[prestontoprail]

Well what an incredible time that was! Even four days after the event I can't help but sit back and think of all the bizarre, exciting and hilarious times that we all had. My compliments to all who were involved in making this actually happen and to allow so many of us to be there to represent a "full" town atmosphere.

What is amusing to me now is the difference of perspective everyone had on each others character as the weekend progressed. Tim and I were portraying travelers from Tennessee through the weekend. Our role was that we were working in South Georgia with distant relatives trying to work and save money to send home before our enlistment (in a TN unit). Therefore we had to assume that we would need to move our families out of Shelbyville, TN (a predominantly unionist town) and head to west TN. However as the weekend went along we were actually looked at as the shady Unionists troublemakers from out of town, hardly anyone would trust us. Therefore we took on this role pretty well by Saturday afternoon and assumed the position of a couple of Sh**kickers at the tavern.

My time at Westville was very rich, considering that I was a key witness in the "big" court case for the weekend, AND I had made bitter enemies with the persona of Hank Trent once I pointed out his "cousin" in court, AND I ended up being accused by members of the town and court of being the actual culprit of the mugging! So I had a lot to play off of and I hope everyone knew that I was only being in character by seeming agitated and fed up with accusations.

I'd like to thank Matthew Young and Brian Hicks for their wonderful, outlandish attorney impressions, I had to fight not to laugh during Young's questioning of me on the witness stand referring to my "Tennessee Super Vision" I surely possessed to see the accused in the night. Watching the jury falling asleep or throwing up outside the window added a great deal of character and detail to the court case (which I constantly referred to as a Circus). Being called to the witness stand in court was one of the creepiest feelings I had at the event, considering I have never been in such a position before. Wonderful seeing the whole court house alive with clerks and deputy's running one way or another accomplishing tasks or issuing paperwork to the citizens of the town.

After words Tim and I assumed our role in the town and became local tavern denizens, after all we were waiting for our stage coach out of town that wouldn't arrive until Sunday afternoon. Many a good time was had in the cavern on Saturday night. Drinking, singing, pipe tobacco galore, buying more drinks and knife fights. Yes, Hank Trent came into the bar and started antagonizing me for being a liar in court. After some heated words we took it out side for a quick knife fight settlement. After I gave him a good slash to the forearm (a cheap shot by the way), he was hauled off to the doctor for the knight and I had a celebration glass of peach rum (thank you Yarboroughs!).

I also need to mention that at any moment during this event you could look out of the corner of your eye and see some sort of period activity happening, it was almost too much to take in. On Sunday morning we went to visit Chris Henderson at the wood working shop and as we entered he was finalizing the details on the coffin for the 8 year old who had died of disease earlier. As I looked out the back door of the shop I saw a platoon of militia marching by and drilling, one with a pike even! When I looked at the front glass window I saw a hurdle of women, children and men coming from church service in their best duds. When I looked to the left I saw the court house with Skip Owens manning the recruiting table and Sheriff Herb Coats running out the door flying off on some errand. There was truly an immense amount of detail to behold and I could never account it all in this post.

To wrap it up, Tim and I had the most unique time of our living history careers and I now have an absolute obsession with the civilian aspect of the hobby, I'm completely sold. There are alot of good ideas floating around for the next time we do this and all I can call for is a LONGER EVENT! This event has more potential than any to benefit from a longer stay. I absolutely didn't want to leave on Sunday and Craddock had mentioned that we could use the extra time to restore the town in period manner.....what a fantastic plan!

I will post more later, considering I'd like to mention the specific moments and impressions I got from all the historians I interacted with. There are so many to thank, more to come.

Your local Westville tavern denizens......

[PogueMahone]

In the future, all mail will be picked up at the store and not delivered. My dogs are killing me.

When I got there Friday, there was already about 150 pieces of mail to be delivered. Saturday morning, after I had already made some deliveries, I got another 25 pieces or so. Mr. Haus was adding to my misery by placing his 3rd class junk mail in the slots while I was out. Thankfully, 3rd class mail is delivered on Mondays only!!

I had a great time! Even though I am incredibly bad at remembering names under normal circumstances, I can now tell you who each resident is and where they live.

We need street addresses.

Thanks, everyone!

[SCTiger]

There are alot of good ideas floating around for the next time we do this and all I can call for is a LONGER EVENT!

We should do a post-Gettysburg/Vicksburg, 1863 era 4 day "home front" event complete with:

The town folks (especially the ladies aid society) completely engaged in the military industry, making cartridges, comforters and uniforms, gathering rations etc. Sending boxes to the front.:D

Confederate government bureaucrats, agents and politicians. Selling bonds, buying or confiscating goods, enforcing new Confederate war laws.

A Wayside hotel or hospital for recovering Soldiers.

A steady supply of war news, casualty lists, and letters from the front.

Black market operations, to get around Confederate taxes and levies. Hoarding of food & goods etc. More tax collectors. You would work harder to find the things you need and pay a higher bill. Bribery and corruption are of course abound. Shortages are common.

Home Guard patrol and Provost Marshall, looking for shirkers, draft dodgers and deserters. Conscript officers serve in addition to recruiters.

More Women wearing mourning dress.

It would be a more subdued and desperate time versus the heady days of 1861.

Of course we wouldn't have too many Unionists lounging around in 1863!

[bevinmacrae]

Like Preston, I'm still digesting everything that happened. It's so very interesting how everyone had different experiences and I only heard through town rumors some of the things that happened. While yet others knew nothing of some of the main incidences I got to experience.

I, too, enjoyed that everywhere you looked was something period. No coolers or modern wear to distract anyone from the time. It only occurred to me when I got home that, for once in my reenacting life, I did not have to concentrate to ignore modern items I might encounter, they simply weren't there. I totally forgot about those things, too! Even the very small cameras that a few had I didn't even notice. There was too much good stuff going on!

Another thought that occurred to me is that, unlike so many events that one gets to attend, this event was all about civilians. So often it is the military reenactors that get to experience really cool events: great marches, campaigning life, play-by-play battle scenarios. But there's never very much for the civilians to do. At High Tide this year, many great civilian reenactors were attracted to it, but when they arrived, they found nothing to do at all, and almost nothing to work with to create scenarios out of boredom, whereas the military had a full weekend of great moments, including a period production of McBeth. Had I not been with the military at that particular event, I would have been stuck! So it's very comforting to know that there is an event out there that not only accommodates civilians, but relies on them. After all, most men were civilians before they joined and I think this event really brought that home to us. So I'm very glad that many of you who usually do military got to experience some civilian stuff and even liked it! Hey you get to wear really cool duds and not have to obey orders or get up at the crack of dawn: what's not to love!?

Being that we created a town, it also gives one pause to think about what we are doing at those big mainstream events that we sometimes find ourselves at. The experiences at Westville, our own little "Brigadoon", are a treasured memory we can carry with us to other events to flesh out our experiences there. How often have we stood on the field and thought of petty things like who "took a hit" or of the long drive home after the weekend was over, without a thought to comparing the violence of the battlefield to the security and comforts of home and family? Now we can think of the times back in town and wish we were home again. No longer can I think of myself as someone who plays "dress up" for the weekend and travels long distances to run around with a rifle. I will remember Westville, an experiment in archeology, and try to experience a little of what a small-town person from GA might have when he sees the horrors of battle for the first time, the immensity of the field, the boom of the cannons, and the missing of comrades. I challenge all of us, Union, Confederate, man or woman, to carry this precious experience with us to lesser events. It can do nothing but enrich our understanding of what our forebears had to face, and after all, isn't that what we've been trying to get to?

Rambling on again,
Bevin MacRae

[Traveler]

This, I will never forget. I wish there was a way to write to each one of you, and thank you personally for your efforts, time, talents, love and appreciation for (and of) this Fine Art of bringing History to Life.... or should I say, Life to History!

My "normal job", is to teach. My students enjoy History, because I try to bring things to life for them, with stories, photos, and info on events like such, that they are able to visit. They are so excitable when I come back with things for them to see, and to try. (The Westville Newspaper to read, Handwriting Practice sheets, Cedar shavings to create with, ink and "pen" to write with, sewing to practice...yes, even the boys liked it!!!!) I don't know about you, but I hated History in school, until there was that one teacher, who made it REAL! (Did you have one of those?) I want to do that for my "kids". I teach elementary now, but I have taught College Speech & Broadcasting. I miss that, so "Fir Per" Living History/Reenactments are what I truly enjoy!!!

It was amazing, to be wrapped up in such a tremendous act of Daily Happenings. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this memorable occasion. When I attend an "Event", I am greatly bored with sitting on my tail, doing nothing but watching. (Mind you, I enjoy watching, but I'd rather be running about, or involved with something!!!) This was an excellent opportunity to do so, from the witnessing of the scuffle Friday evening, to almost missing the 1st session of court Saturday, being questioned, and badgered on the stand that afternoon, to other little bits here and there all throughout the weekend. (Thankfully, not much laundry was done, and "Mother" did it all, since I was gallavating anyhow!)

For those of you who spent time speaking with me, of which I am truly honored. Thank you, for your friendship, and the wealth of information, the kindness and time you shared.

Mr. Logan: Many thanks, for all you have done, and continue to do!!!
Mr. B. L. Blouse: I appreciate your gentlemanly nature, and hope there men like you will continue to survive the centuries.
Deputy Sheriff Geo. McKidd: Your kindness and conversation was the highlight of my stay in Westville! Thank you for many things; from matches, to marital advise, and more.
Mr. James Roberts: A pleasure to meet you, sir! And thank you for not burning the wood shavings!
Greer Ball: I wish you the best in where ever you may be hiding...
Mrs. Corby: I do desire that we may become better acquainted, and perchance share some needlework lessons presently!
Mr. Sherman: My sisters were not in attendance for your lessons, and are sorry indeed...
Mr. E. J. Kukery: I greatly enjoyed my history lesson at lunch! Looking forward to learning more.
Mr. & Mrs. Byran: May the Lord look down upon thee and smile! Bless you both. Your friendship and love gladdens my heart.
The Pope Boys: A lively bunch indeed. Thank you!
Mrs. MacDonald: Your hospitality was so very kind, and the special cookies a treat! May I also say, your husband has fine manners, and is greatly appreciated indeed!!! Thank you sire, for escorting me to find a friend.
Mr. Eldridge Hardy: I am happy to have met you this weekend! Thank you for the wood shavings, and the lovely talk Saturday evening. I much enjoyed your humor, and my letter!!!
Mr. Worrell & Mr. Evans: May you continue your quest for knowledge, clear answers, and even tempered witnesses that cannot be badgered.
Mr. Todd: An honor Sir, to meet "another devil" such as yourself.
2nd Lt. W. Warren: It is always a pleasure to meet one of "Mother's" friends. I did so enjoy your conversation, as well as the refreshment. To Maggie: Saturday night was quite an experience! I am glad you were there as well! It was lovely to meet you, and you've inspired me to get moving on more sewing!!!
Mrs. Ball: Although I was not able to converse with you much, it was good to see you, and thank you for allowing me to be a part of this weekend.
Mrs. Cherry: I enjoyed meeting you! I shall have to look for a wind-up locket watch now....
Mr. E.J. Davis: I am sorry to have contributed to your tired, sore feet, Sir. But I am glad of your kindness! You are appreciated!!!

Now, for the "fir per off" - Whoever found my cell phone in the mud, God bless you!!! Thank you for getting it to Jim, then Bob. It does work, partially... Second.... As I am a teacher, and had to drive after classes 2.5 hours, I came in totally late. I am SO SORRY for ruining everyone's period moment by driving through town to unload. Please, I beg you forgive me. (And if you didn't know it was I who did that, forget you just read that....)

I sincerely hope to be allowed to "play" with you all again in 2010. This was a very special time for me.

[pipthelimey]

I had an incredible time at Westville and I would like to echo the well-deserved praise that has been heaped on Jim Butler and Vicki Rumble. For those who didn't go, each person who registered got a envelope brimming with background, scenarios to be played out, and a portion of period scrip/stamps to facilitate the "economy" of Westville.

My only regrets were two-fold: As a clerk to the recruiting officer, I didn't have much free time to wander around the town and interact with everyone. We were outsiders, (which thankfully freed me from having to remember anyone's fist person name), so our interactions always followed introductions. There was no familiarity, no invitations to visit with people, etc. Also, I'd forgotten to hit the ATM to exchange for more period currency, so I couldn't interact with the local economy (read tavern) quite as much as I would have liked.

Here's my highlight reel for the weekend:

1) The amazing sensation of being in a working period town. I mean working because it was 3-D, and there was no sensation of any boundaries. I didn't do too much exploring, but there was no sensation of a dividing line between 2008 and 1861. It's impossible to describe if you weren't there.

2) The rich personalities and immense knowledge that each player brought to the table. It was highly evident that each person who was considering recruiting had major apprehensions about leaving his family and his obligations. There were several who had well thought-out reasons for NOT enlisting, such as Mr. Woodburn's character who reasoned that without commerce, there was no taxation to pay for the war effort, etc. The women of the town were reserved, and even those I knew in 2008, acted as if I was an outsider, and common courtesies had to be observed.

3) Chris, Gary, and Dylan in the woodshop. You'd never realize what talent, 1860's technology and hard work can produce. These guys added some amazing depth to what had been an old carpentry shop.

4) Jordan Roberts and Pat Craddock: Although I didn't see Mr. Craddock doing his repairs, I know that he did a good bit of carpentry repairs for the town, and I did see Jordan, (who is an actual brickmason at the age of 19 I believe) do several hundred dollars worth of repairs to some crumbling brickwork around town. He didn't talk much, he just walked barefoot around town, covered in dirt and quietly went about his business, which he obviously knew. I have to agree with other posters that a longer event, (maybe 3 whole days) in which some healthy repairs could be conducted would be a great event concept, and in the finest traditions of historical preservation.

5) I think one major advantage going forward for all the civilian participants is that it gave everyone a good idea of experiences that they would have carried to war. Most of us portray military soldiers, and at various times we have had to talk about "pre-war experiences" that we've oftentimes had to draw from books, or educated guesswork. Now, many of the participants have a ready-made persona, as well as a glimpse into the actual experiences of that person. Whether it be a postman, a mason, a carpenter, or a merchant, that glimpse is real.

6) Of course the tavern: I have to say we may have stumbled on to something here. The concept of "drinking for preservation" just might take a firmer hold then a fence-rail drive. :D
The fact that the barkeeps were able to make a nice donation to Westville (or "Wetville") was a welcomed touch. In a future event, I would like to see the tavern possibly set up in a larger building, but it still worked very well. Three cheers for the bully barkeeps.

Kind Regards,
Andrew Jerram

[Rob Murray]

I would like to thank Jim and Vickie for hosting (planning) this incredible event! Also the particapants that made the town come to life. It challenged me on so many levels. This was my first civilian event as well as my first having anything to do with the Confederacy.

Being full time military I did not get to see much of the normal running of the town. I did however make trips to the gunsmith, tailor and the dry goods store as well as hanging out in the tavern after hours.

Being a dyed in the wool "Unionist", I had misgivings about all the talk of seccession as well as taking the "Oath". During the speeches on Sat. night I found myself thinking that we didn't have a clue about what we were getting into, especially after recieving a letter from the front warning me of the privations and that "army life" wasn't what it was cracked up to be. I even went as far as trying to get out of my enlistment. I wonder how many of those feelings were actually felt back then.

Again, thanks to everyone for making "Westville" come alive. If there is another rendition, count me in.

[Bushrod Carter]

We may not have had the machinery to capture the moment, but I will gladfully (and soberly) testify before Judge Sherman that I heard John Dudney (AKA Rob Murray) drink to the health of the Confederacy!

[Spinster]

No doubt. But ROB did not take the oath.

We were watching.

His mustache did not move. :D

[Yellowhammer2]

I've done quite a few unique events in the last few years (TAG, Picket
s Mill '04, Morris Island/Ft. Sumpter, I600, A.P. Hill March, etc.), but I think this one may be the "icing on the cake" so far. Although I did a volunteer recruit impression for the weekend, the interaction with the civilian element gave me a chance to more fully contemplate and appreciate the other side of the tragedy of "the late unpleasantness." False hopes of an abbreviated war, vain glory, abandoned sweethearts, false bravado, every day tragedies of the common folk (such as the death of a child, the agonies of childbirth) etc.; every emotion played out in the characters so aptly portrayed by the participants. Kudos to all who put so much into the weekend, and especially to Jim and Vicki. I'm ready for some more, and I'll gladly volunteer some time towards helping with a facelift of Westville.


Yellohammer Rifles
Blind Pig Mess

[Jim of The SRR]

More modern images, Reviews from the 2008 event and the Citizens of Westville page by Todd Harrington have all been added to the site for your review at:

http://www.geocities.com/scar_civilwar/WestvilleIndex

Regards,
Jim Butler