Pontoon Boat Adjunct for "Fire on the Rappahannock" - December 7-9, 2012

[Pvt_Sullivan]

I'm coordinating a team to construct two reserve train ('french' or wooden) Civil War period pontoons to be used to recreate the landing of the 89th NY during "Fire on the Rappahannock" (http://www.Fredericksburg150.org) the 150th Anniversary comemmortative reenactment of the Battle of Fredericksburg that is scheduled for 7 to 9 December. The Ferry Farm site in Stafford County has pledged $2000 for materials so they can keep one of the Pontoon Boats after the Fredericksburg Event.

There will be two distinct groups involved in this effort. The first group will be the portraying the 15th NY Engineers and will be handling the pontoons. The second group will be portraying the 89th NY and will storm the city dock and clear it for the rest of the army. I need individuals to help handle the boats, providing living history demonstrations for the public and finally officers and soldiers to portray the 89th NY. I do need four officers to command the companies of the 89th NY, if you can recruit 25 soldiers for the role please contact me directly.

Name - Pontoon Boat Adjunct for "Fire on the Rappahannock" (http://www.Fredericksburg150.org)
Dates - December 7-9, 2012
Location - Fredericksburg, VA
Coordinator - Pete Berezuk (pete.berezuk@gmail.com)
Event Type - Authentic Adjunct
Impression - 15th NY Engineers and 89th NY Infantry, Authenticity Guidelines will be published shortly
Registration - TBD, includes donation to fund construction of pontoons that will remain at Ferry Farm

If you have any questions concerning the activities planned, please feel free to contact me directly.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Since I wrote this post earlier this month and this event passed through the Authentic Campaigner's Event committee, there have been a few updates.

The Pontoon Boat Adjunct is being coordinated by the Washington Guard (http://www.thewashingtonguards.com/index.html) with support from several other living history groups throughout the mid-Atlantic.

The Registration Fee will be $35 (broken down to $15 for the "Fire on the Rappahannock" event registration, $15 to support the Pontoon Building Fund and $5 for rations). Registration for this event will be by individuals. A registration form and instructions will be published shortly.

There are two distinct elements to this Adjunct...

A section of the 15th NY Engineers (25 individuals maximum) will assist in the construction of the pontoons and will handle them during the crossing of the Rappahannock on December 8, 2012. After completing that task, the 15th NY Engineers will remain at the City Dock and Ferry Farm to provide living history displays. There are five weekends scheduled for the actual construction effort at Ferry Farm. The dates and the expected tasks to be performed are listed below.

June 9-10 - 1st Weekend - Prepare materials, build frames. being planking
August 4-5 - 2nd Weekend - Complete Planking and Gunwales, prepare exterior for painting
September 22-23 - 3rd Weekend - Paint exterior
November 11-12 - 4th Weekend - Finish details (oar locks, compartments, cavil), Test run in river
December 1-2 - 5th Weekend - Back-up Weekend in case of delays

4 officers and 100 Soldiers of the 89th NY Infantry will participate in a compressed but documented recreation of the activities they took during the battle. They will picket the Stafford County bank of the Rappahannock starting before dawn. They will assist the 15th NY Engineers in moving the pontoons down to the river and launching them. In the morning, they will cross the river by pontoon and clear the Fredericksburg City Dock of Rebel resistance. During the day the companies of the 89th NY will be assigned a number of tasks including guarding the middle bridge crossing as troops come across, securing key points in the town, and providing living history displays at looted homes and hospitals. In the afternoon, the 89th NY will be the last unit to assault on Marye's Heights. After the conclusion of the assault, the 89th NY will return to the city dock and march back across the bridge into Stafford County. Attached to this message is a historical account of the 89th NY's action in crossing the Rappahannock.

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The organization of these elements is in progress. I will be in overall Command and portray the Lieutenant Colonel of the 89th NY. The Joe Caridi and Billy Birney will fill Commissary and Quartermaster roles for this organization. Michael Comer has signed on and will portray Captain Seymour L. Judd of Company G. The three other officer spots are open to individuals interested in and capable of raising 25 soldiers to participate in this endeavor, please contact me if you can commit and support this endeavor.

The historical records indicates the 89th NY was equiped in New York State specific clothing and equipments and was armed with Enfield Rifle Muskets. The 15th NY Engineers appears to be in the standard garb of volunteer infantry in the Army of the Potomac. Material Standards for the 89th NY Infantry and 15th NY Engineers are being reviewed right now and will be published shortly.

I have a growing list of individuals who are interested in participating in this effort. If you have interest, please send me an email at pete.berezuk@gmail.com and I will add you to my contact list and keep you informed.

[Silas]

It's one of those rare opportunities where I wish that I resided in Virginia and could participate for the several things listed on the schedule.

[PetePaolillo]

I know Pete has been doing a "BOAT" load of research on this one. Pardon the pun...;) After the success of TBEB with moving people across water and all the logistics that went with that, there is no doubt in my mind that this will be an epic adventure not to be missed!!! Come Hell or High Water I must be there.!!!

[huntdaw]

This should certainly be a bang up event that you won't have the opportunity to duplicate in my opinion.

[unclefrank]

Sounds very cool. I'm interested.

[huntdaw]

I'd be delighted to have you in my company if you so desire Frank.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

I am grateful for the enthusiasm and interest. Please send me an email at pete.berezuk@gmail.com to express your interest. I'll send you a confirmation and add you to the contact list.

Registration will open in Mid March, those who have expressed interest and sent me their email address will recieve the form and instructions first.

[PetePaolillo]

You have my email Pete :)

[Rufus]

Sounds like a blast!


Tyler Underwood

Co. E 15th Iowa

[Matt Woodburn]

And now I know why God does the cool things He does. #4 for 2012 jumps up. Pete, put me on the list for the 89th NY infantry. I want to be a private. rmwoodburn@aol.com

OK, I can't wait to ask...two pontoon boats...so I'm guessing a span of something like 30-40 feet??? How wide is the river where we cross? The Rappahannock? Do we cross and go up Marye's Heights? This thing has sizzle!

[Pvt_Sullivan]

OK, I can't wait to ask...two pontoon boats...so I'm guessing a span of something like 30-40 feet??? How wide is the river where we cross? The Rappahannock? Do we cross and go up Marye's Heights? This thing has sizzle!

We're not building a bridge. We're building two pontoons to ferry the troops of the 89th NY across the Rappahannock from the old ferry landing on George Washington's boyhood home to the Fredericksburg City Dock. The river is approximately 75 yards wide at that point. After clearing the City Dock the 89th NY will be assigned a number of tasks in the city before reforming and assaulting Marye's Heights per the history of that regiment.

I promise to post more details, especially of the details for constructing and handling the pontoons. Matt, I've got your name on the list with Mike Comer's company.

[Prodical Reb]

Pete,
I'd like to lend a hand in either companys capacity. I don't have much boat handling skills but I am a quick learner! I'll help with building pontoons also. Since I live here in Stafford just point the way! And I have an Enfield rifle musket.

[JLynes]

UPDATE 29 Feb 2012. Registration for “Fire on the Rappahannock” commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg is now open. Visit http://fredericksburg150.org/registration-form/ to see instructions and retrieve the application and release forms.

Thank you

Jerry Lynes
28th Mass, Co B www.28thMassCoB.org
Battle of Fredericksburg Commemoration Committee
www.Fredericksburg150.org
Fredericksburg, VA

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

Material Standards for the 89th NY Infantry and 15th NY Engineers have been completed. They are listed below in this message. If you have any questions concerning them, please contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com.

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[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

Attached to this message are the Pontoon Adjunct Registration and Release Forms and instructions for completing and submitting them. If you have any questions about them, please contact me directly at pete.berezuk@gmail.com.

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[JLynes]

All: Information about the Pontoon Boat Adjunct to "Fire on the Rappahannock" can now be found at this link: http://fredericksburg150.org/pontoon-boat-adjunct/.

Fidelis
Jerry Lynes
Fredericksburg

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

Bob Bowser will portray Captain Frank Burt of Company K, 89th NY Infantry. The Registration Form has been updated to reflect his role leading that Company and is available at the following link...

http://fredericksburg150.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Pontoon_Boat_Adjunct_Registration.pdf

The two other officer spots are open to individuals interested in and capable of raising 25 soldiers to participate in this endeavor, please contact me at pete.berezuk@gmail.com if you can commit and support this endeavor.

[Pvt.Bowz]

Step up lads! Put your name on the roll for Company K!

[Becky Morgan]

This will be something to see! How often can something on that grand a scale be recreated?

As a side note, the 459th Engineers hold regular pontoon practices on the Ohio and were, at least several years ago, the first unit to bridge a river under fire since WWII. While they deal exclusively in modern pontoons (and have put them across the Euphrates), they might be a good resource for dealing with Coast Guard permits and the like. Here's an article:
http://theintelligencer.net/page/content.detail/id/509626.html?nav=510

[Rufus]

In order to work with the Coast Guard; which i'm sure has already been done they would need to contact USCG District 5 Headquarters in Portsmouth, Va.

[huntdaw]

Now that Shiloh is past us, it's time to start thinking about the rest of the year. Remember that companies are limited to 25 men so be quick to get a spot if you want to cross the river and please consider signing up for my company if you plan on attending.

[IowaYank]

Just getting back caught up with things after graduating from OCS, I just now saw this. I'm game! Starting in June until December I'll be back in Quantico for TBS. I'm game for helping out in all stages of the game!

[Rufus]

Does anyone know if there will be any authentic civilians there? My girlfriend and one of her friends plan to attend and will go crazy being around the masses of PB&J family battalion camp.

[Coatsy]

Pete B is the man to contact. Also, he is on a vacation this week. Be patient, and he'll get back to you.

[Rufus]

Thanks Herb

[JLynes]

UPDATE 7 April 2012: Hello to all! See: http://fredericksburg150.org/registered-participants-lists/ to see if you have successfully registered for this event. Lists is updated thru 1 April 12 and will be updated monthly on or about the 1st of the month.

Thank You

Jerry Lynes
Battle of Fredericksburg Commemoration Committee
www.Fredericksburg150.org


Event News:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/150thFredericksburgCommemoration

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CampCrier

[desotobob]

Did not see any of the Pontoon registrants. Will this be a block registration done shortly?

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

In particular order....

Bob... Yes, I haven't sent in the first group of 89th NY and 15th NY registrations yet, once I do they will show on the main Fire on the Rappahannock list.

Tyler... there are going to be Authentic Civilians in the event. I'll get you in contact with the right person for that effort.

On my to do list is some additional coordination with VA Department of Inland Fisheries and the local law enforcement to get all the ducks in a row. Thanks for the questions and thoughtful responses.

I was away at Shiloh last weekend and have been visiting Mickey since. I'll catch up on my correspondence next week.

[colorado infantry]

Sending in my registration today Pete, should be another excellent experience.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

My apolgies for the delay in posting the first group of registrations for the Pontoon Boat Adjunct for "Fire on the Rappahannock", I was delayed by the Shiloh reenactment and then a visit to the Magic Kingdom. This week I am catching up on my correspondence and sent off the first group of registrations to the registrar for "Fire on the Rappahannock" the list published below are those that have completed the Pontoon Boat Adjunct registration form and sent in their registration fee as requested.

15th NY Engineers
Bertone, Carter
Johnson, Brett
Oakes, Doug
Tyler, Steve

89th NY Infantry Co G - Mike Comer
Davenport, Ed
Orrand, Robert

89th NY Infantry Co K - Bob Bowser
Bordenaro, Joe
Brandt, Jeremy
Keller, Gregory
Wrightstone, Mark
Zartman, Dale

89th NY Infantry Co E - James Owens
Schwartz, Gary


89th NY Infantry Co A - TBD


If your name is not on the list above, either I have not recieved your registration yet or it was done incorrectly. If you believe you are registered, please contact me at pete.berezuk@gmail.com as soon as possible so we can work the problem out.

Information on the Pontoon Boat Adjunct is on the "Fire on the Rappahannock" website at http://fredericksburg150.org/pontoon-boat-adjunct/

The Pontoon Boat Adjunct registration form is available at the following link - http://fredericksburg150.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Pontoon_Boat_Adjunct_Registration.pdf

If you wish to register, please consider doing it as soon as possible. The money from your registration will be put into the fund for constructing the pontoons and we're in need of the funds now to put materials on contract for the building this summer. I am in debt to those of you who have already registered, I am grateful for all who can commit to this project and get registred soon.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

I wish to thanks those who have already registered to support this endeavor.

The "Fire on the Rappahannock" event is approaching the cap for Federal participants already. The 89th NY has the largest number of remaining slots and I am daily recieving inquiries about participation. Now is the time to get registered to make sure you can participate in this experience. Also, a portion of the registration funds goes to the pontoon building supplies and those funds are needed as soon as possible to ensure materials are ordered and recieved for the planned work weekends this summer. The current registration form and event release form with instructions is attached below. Please register as soon as you can.

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The current registered list is below by company. I will update this list regularly.

Staff
Berezuk, Pete - Commander

15th NY Engineers
Ball, Raymond B.
Ball, Raymond L.
Bamann, Bill
Bertone, Carter
Johnson, Brett
Oakes, Doug
Tyler, Steve

89th NY, Company G - South and West
Comer, Michael - Commander
Coffman, Martin
Davenport, Ed
Evans, Lou
Orrand, Robert
Serour, Mark
Smallwood, Gene
Underwood, Tyler

89th NY, Company K - Washington Guard
Bowser, Bob
Bordenaro, Joe
Brandt, Jeremy
Calcagni, Scott
Keller, Gregory
Wrightstone, Mark
Zartman, Dale
Salland, Pat

89th NY, Company E - Potomac Legion
Flemming Paul
Schwartz Gary

89th NY, Company H - Old Northwest
Roscoe Andrew
Roigoni Keith

[rayzor30]

Peter,

Ray and I are still hoping to come in August but can't confirm just yet. Definitely glad to see a few other Engineers out there. I know we have a few more coming with us in December. This promises to be a tremendous event.

If any of the gentlemen on this list are looking for an Engineer unit to join more permanently, Co. A US Engineer Battalion (Regular) is always looking for recruits. Have a look at www.usengineerbn.net if you might be interested. You can also reach us at usengineerbn@yahoo.com

Essayons
1st Sgt. Ray Ball

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

There has been an overwhelming interest in the larger "Fire on the Rappahannock" and because of that, I have been given a deadline to register participants for the Pontoon Boat Adjunct of July 1. If the available slots are not filled by then, they will be released for the wait list of the larger event. I am honored by the eagerness of those who have already signed on to support this event. If you have been thinking about participating but haven't sent in the registration form, there is no time to waste now. I am daily getting contacted from individuals and groups looking to participate and will need to take applicants on a first come, first served basis. Attached below is the current registration form...

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I am proud to announce the fourth company will commanded by Andrew Roscoe. The Old North West is making a strong showing filling in their company.

Here is an updated registration list for the Pontoon Boat Adjunct. I have indicated the company commander's and posted their email addresses so individuals can contact them about joining their companies.

15th NY Engineers
Ball, Raymond B.
Ball, Raymond L.
Bamann, Bill
Bertone, Carter
Doyle, Mike
Johnson, Brett
Oakes, Doug
Tyler, Steve
18 Slots remaining

89th NY Infantry Co G - Mike Comer (huntdaw@gmail.com), Commanding
Coffman, Martin
Davenport, Ed
Evans, Lou
Orrand, Robert
Serour, Mark
Smallwood, Gene
Underwood, Tyler
18 Slots remaining

89th NY Infantry Co K - Bob Bowser (bowser625@comcast.net), Commanding
Bordenaro, Joe
Brandt, Jeremy
Calcagni, Scott
Keller, Gregory
Wrightstone, Mark
Zartman, Dale
Salland, Pat
Utter, Dane
17 Slots remaining

89th NY Infantry Co B - James Owens (jdo@npmhu.org) Commanding
Flemming, Paul
Flemming, William
Gillis, Jonathan
Schwartz, Gary
Taylor, Simon
28th NY TBD
28th NY TBD
18 Slots remaining

89th NY Infantry Co H - Andrew Roscoe (andrew.j.roscoe@gmail.com) Commanding
Adams, Christopher
Bevard, Jeremy
Cook, Robert
Marshall, Michael
Roigoni, Keith
Stafford, Robert
Steele, Thomas
18 Slots remaining


If your name is not on the list above, either I have not recieved your registration yet or it was done incorrectly. If you believe you are registered, please contact me at pete.berezuk@gmail.com as soon as possible so we can work the problem out.

[Tom Craig]

Hey Pete,

The whole pontoon thing seems like an awesome idea, and I totally applaud you for making it happen. I am interested in the event, but I have to ask what to me is the $5 question. I haven't been to a Fredericksburg event before, but I am familiar with the town. Will most of the activity at this event (beyond the pontoon portion) happen in the modern downtown? I know they've done this event for years and years, I just can't wrap my head around how it will work with such a developed area?

Thanks,
Tom Craig

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Tom,

This is one of those events where modern intrusions are everywhere. But the thing about Fredericksburg is you can stand at any intersection in the original town property and see buildings that range from the Colonial period, through the 19th Century and into the modern day. Through the years the 28th MASS and the 47th VA have identified some locations where they can achieve the desired results and have a successful commemoration of the battle with opposed battle scenarios.

There are three planned battle scenarios.

The first will be the pontoon crossing from Ferry Farm and the clearing of the city dock which are relatively undeveloped and free of modern structures. This is the primary focus of the Adjunct effort.

The second battle scenario is a street fighting engagement which will occurred on December 11, 1862. They have used a couple of different locations in the city, the specific one has not been approved yet. This requires a built up residential area for the desired effect.

The third battle scenario is the assault on Marye's Heights and for this year's event the College of Mary Washington is again allowing the use of a section of undeveloped land that is adjacent to and north of the NPS unit at the Sunken Road. This is the original ground and the event participation is scaled so this area gives the experience of the event but is not overcrowded nor sparsely covered.

The key I hope to relay in this discussion is yes there are modern intrusions throughout but the event is designed to recreate what is possible inside the modern town. There are also multiple areas where period homes and properties in the town will be utilized by civilian and military participants. This will alllow those who desire the chance to find their 'bubble' and experience.

I signed on because I saw an opportunity to recreate something unique and provide an experience for like-minded fellows. For me my experience is being on the original ground with soldiers around me and I can look past and ignore most modern intrusions for that experience.

I hope that helps and provides a clearer idea of what the level of modern intrusion is and what participants can expect at the event.

[Tom Craig]

Thanks Pete!

That was precisely the info I was looking for. I thought that what you described was the case, but I wanted to make sure that I understood entirely what I'd be getting into. Knowing what to expect, and setting your expectations appropriately is the key to having a good time at events.

Take care,
Tom Craig

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

Those of you who have registered for the Pontoon Boat Adjunct at "Fire on the Rappahannock" have been sent Pre-Event Communication #2 which covers expectations and the general scheme of manuever for the event. If you believe you have registered and did not receive it, please contact me immediately via email at pete.berezuk@gmail.com

As of today there are 40 slots remaining for the 89th NY Infantry and 13 slots remaining for the 15th NY Engineers. If you are interested in participating there is no time to delay. Registration for the 89th NY will close on July 1 and any remaining slots will be turned over to the event registrar for the growing wait list of Federals.

You can get the current registration form here: 39253

[28thny]

Mr. Berezuk. I received a communication from you on Thursday listing the members of my company who are registered with the adjunct but nothing beyond that. Please let me know if I have missed some communication on this subject.

Thanks,
Simon Taylor
28th NY
Niagara Rifles

[Rick C.]

Hello,
I'm in Ohio so not able to help build the boats but would like to help with the handling and could be over a couple of days early to help set up. Can I sign up for the 15th?

Rick Compton
30th OVI
4th OVI, Killbuck Mess

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Rick and Simon, I got your emails and replied. I had to travel for work this week, so please accept my apologies for the delay.

Comrades,

As of Tuesday June 19, there are 35 slots remaining with the 89th NY Infantry and 11 slots remaining with the 15th NY Engineers. Registration closes on July 1. If you're sitting on the fence, now is the time to get off and register. First Come, First Served for remaining slots. If you have any questions on which company to register with please contact me by email at pete.berezuk@gmail.com.

[Matt Woodburn]

I mailed in my registration earlier this week and sent the word to a small group I intend to bring from this side of the mountains.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Thanks Matt,

It will be good to have you along for the adventure.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

The registration deadline of July 1 is five days away. I am receiving registrations daily and as soon as I receive them, I am contacting the individual by email and verifying their placement.

Company B (James Owens) and Company H (Andrew Roscoe) are filled. At this point only a handful of slots remain in Company K (Bob Bowser), Company G (Mike Comer) and the 15th NY Engineers. I will fill the remaining slots on a first come, first served basis and will let each registrant know what positions remain if your requested company is full.

I am grateful for the community's support of this effort.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

Registration for the 89th NY Infantry is closed. All available slots have been filled and I am contacting the individuals who have sent in registrations over the available slots with how I am going to deal with them.

There are a handful of slots remaining with the 15th NY Engineers, I will fill those with paid registrations as I receive them and once it is filled I will make an announcement and deal with extra registrations by contacting the individuals.

A final registered list will be sent to the company commanders the week of July 14 and all individuals registered will be contact at the same time.

Thanks for the support for this endeavor.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the interest in the Pontoon Boat Adjunct. As of today, all available slots have been filled. I am going through the additional replies and asking each individual for their choice on whether they want to be on a wait list or have their registration returned to them.

More details will follow concerning the work weekends for pontoon building as well as historical background for the unit portrayals.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

The pontoon construction efforts for "Fire on the Rappahannock" will be documented on Facebook in the 15th NY Engineers - Fire on the Rappahannock (http://www.facebook.com/groups/382344998486011/) group.

The next work weekend is August 4-5 and periodic updates will be sent to the Facebook Group, this forum and by email to interested individuals.

If you would like to get on the pontoon construction email list please contact me at pete.berezuk@gmail.com.

[Prodical Reb]

Since Pete hasn't posted an update on the building of pontoon boats, I thought I would. We had our first work weekend on 4 & 5 Aug at Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, VA. All tasks were accomplished and all kneebraces (ribs or frames) were assembled for 2 pontoon boats for the upcoming event in December. The hardest part of assembling the frames turned out to be aligning the knee braces and drilling the hole for each of the six bolts used to secure the knee braces with the timber framing between them. Also built were 4 saw horses to support the boats during the build.

In attendance were Carter Bertone, Jacob Borror, Matt Borror, Mike Doyle, Joel Hummel, Brett Johnson, James Owens, Steven Price, Mark Ragan, Jerry Todd, Bob Wolfhope, and myself. Pete says "Thanks!" for volunteering your time and efforts to this endeavor!

Keep up with the building of these 2 pontoon boats by checking in on our 15th NYS Engineer Facebook page:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/382344998486011/

Better yet come out to Ferry Farm for our next work weekend, the 24th & 25th of Aug, where we will start "planking" the boats. This is the process of nailing the boards to the the kneebraces. The boats will actually start looking like boats instead of a stack of frames!
3988839889

[Rufus]

Mike, thanks for sharing this. I'm looking forward to seeing the final product.

Very Respectfully

[GrumpyDave]

I know you folks are really busy. Any photos from the last weekend's work? Yes, I'm living vicariously...

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Grumpy... here are a few pictures from our August 4-5 work weekend to whet your appetite...

Mike Doyle translated the drawings to dimensions and Brett Johnson did the measuring twice and cutting once. Laid out here are 10 of the 12 internal frames for one pontoon...

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-snc6/s720x720/251815_3555347449805_576582595_n.jpg

Each frame has four metal knee braces to hold it together. The first step was to line up the parts for one side and apply the the knee braces using 8 screws to secure it. Bob Wolfhope and James Owens are working here...

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/578916_253622124756076_1903083810_n.jpg

Next, after flipping the frame to the opposite side, holes needed to be drilled through the timbers so bolts could be passed through to secure both knee braces at each corner. Mike Paquette is drilling out the bolt holes here.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/418372_253622238089398_1912264514_n.jpg

Then the remaining screws needed to have their pilot holes drilled and screwed into place to complete each frame. Joel Hummel is drilling pilot holes and Jacob Borror is driving home the screws.

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/418651_253622158089406_488304504_n.jpg

There was also work done on saw horses to support our pontoons during further construction...

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/386994_3555347889816_1218920661_n.jpg

You all will note we're using modern tools to accomplish this work. We have a schedule to meet and although there is a great group of volunteers there are just not enough period hand drills or volunteers in the world to drill all the pilot holes necessary for this project. Our materials have been selected based upon the period specifications contained in Organization of the bridge equipage of the United States Army (http://books.google.com/books?id=05UDAAAAYAAJ&ots=RqVREcu88O&dq=Bridge%20Equipage%20of&pg=PA27#v=onepage&q&f=false) published in 1870. We've had to make some substitutes of materials (The knee braces are made of steel not iron) to keep our costs down but otherwise our pontoons are build to period specifications with correct materials.

You can follow the progress of the pontoon construction by checking in on our 15th NYS Engineer Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/382344998486011/

Our next work weekend is August 25-26 at the George Washington Foundations' Ferry Farm Historic Site in Stafford County, Virginia. We can use some additional hands in the project. If you are interested, please contact me via email at pete.berezuk@gmail.com

[GrumpyDave]

Ahhhh...my fix for the day.

[Alexander Vasquez]

Projects such as this sometimes makes me wish I lived in the East...kudos to you all for what appears to be an excellent, memorable experience!

Alexander Vasquez
Late of Co. C, 15 IA

[Pvt_Sullivan]

The second work weekend will be upon us shortly...

I've sent an update to the registered participants and interested parties. We will begin work at 9:00am on both Saturday August 25 and Sunday August 26. If you are in area of Northern Virginia and are interested in swinging a hammer and learning something along the way, please contact me at pete.berezuk@gmail.com

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen,

We're going to be back working on "Mary" and "Betty", aka Pontoon #1 and Pontoon #2 this weekend on Saturday September 22 and Sunday September 23. The attachment below is the current progress on "Mary"

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We'll be at Ferry Farm and will be focusing on the following tasks:

- Assemble the clamps and secure frames 2 through 11 on "Betty"

- Build and install frame 1, frame 12 and the bow and stern timbers on "Mary"

- Secure bottom planking on "Betty"

- Complete bottom planking and secure side planking on "Mary"

- Build and install frame 1, frame 12 and the bow and stern timbers on "Betty"

The goal is to have "Mary" fully assembled and "Betty" to a point where some additional work days can be scheduled to work leading up to the October work weekend. Your dedication to this task is what is making it a success and I am grateful for all of your efforts.

For this weekend, I would like to have between 8 and 12 participants. If you can make it even for a portion of the time please let me know.

We learned during our first work weekend that we had no where near the number of tools we could have used. We will be using electric tools as needed for this task and those that have them are encouraged to bring them. Specifically we need electric drills to both drill pilot holes and to seat screws, please bring one if you can. I will have sufficient drill and driver bits needed for your drill. Also, remember to bring an extension cord to plug it in with.

During our last work weekend we learned how to work with the boat nails for this project and normal framing hammers are insufficient for driving and clenching them. If you have a hand sledge hammer, please bring it because it will be used. Also, we can make use of large clamps, specifically bar-clamps at least 6 inches and up to 54 inches wide. Look at the image of "Mary" and you will see examples of a small 12 inch bar clamp and a larger 48 inch bar clamp.

For this work weekend, those who wish to can camp on site Saturday Night so we can continue working until the sun sets and begin work early in the morning. If you are going to camp out you can camp period (civil war) or modern. Please bring what you need to be comfortable. You will need to bring your own food for this weekend. If you are going to camp out please let me know as soon as possible.

There is no requirement for your to wear period attire for the work weekend. However if you choose to, please come as a Federal Private in Fatigue Dress, we are going to be working. No need for Sharpshooter, Zouave or Marine impressions. The simple government issue Dress Hat or Forage Cap, Sack Coat, Trousers and Brogans will be more than sufficient and all that is desired. If you have any question on what is or isn't appropriate, please ask.

[Prodical Reb]

Several updates since last post on progress of the 2 pontoon bridge boats. See the 15th NY Engineers Face Book page:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/382344998486011/

[Pvt. Lewis]

The progress looks good, gentlemen. Excellent work! Looking forward to crossing the Rappahannock with you!

[Usp45nh]

Looking forward to this event! Wish I was closer to have lent a hand on these work weekends!

Greg Henderson
Co A 5TH NHV

[rayzor30]

These guys are amazing me more with each update. Essayons gentlemen! We are looking forward to being there in December and rowing the men over to stop those damn sharpshooters.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Thanks for all of the good wishes... on Sunday December 2, 2012 we were able to launch and test "Betty"...

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/21706_297869673664654_931766569_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/67665_4011355569723_1648119386_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/556888_4011357169763_228478196_n.jpg

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/68480_4011357329767_658378532_n.jpg

The work on "Mary" was nearly completed and once she gets a coat of paint on Tuesday, she will be ready to launch and participate in the event...

http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/60492_297867370331551_1241617048_n.jpg

More information about registration, parking, the camp and the event schedule have been sent out to the participants. There will be one more update prior to the event start this weekend.

I wish everyone safe travels and I will look forward to seeing all of you at "Fire on the Rappahannock."

[Spinster]

My, how exciting! After a day of ordinary spinning in the chimney corner of a nice toasty period kitchen, I was a part of a group of ladies escorted to the City Dock, and helped into the pontoon boat for a pleasant outing before the military portion of the event went live.

My thanks to Peter for providing for us.

[Pvt_Sullivan]

Gentlemen of the 89th NY Infantry and 15th NY Engineers, Without your efforts, my crazy idea would never have come to past and the memories we all share would never have been made...

http://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/64020_4044754044664_1264355140_n.jpg

150 years ago today the original 89th NY Infantry and 15th NY Engineer made their place in history and a number of them gave their last full measure of devotion during the Battle of Fredericksburg. Please remember them today and every time you think about the memories we share.

Thank You for your enthusiasm, spirit and devotion this past weekend. It was my honor to work with you and to lead you during the "Fire on the Rappahannock" event. I will look forward to seeing each of you on the field or in camp again soon.

[huntdaw]

It was truly a privilege to be in that first boat to cross in 150 years and land in the same spot the original guys did. It's been done twice now and I doubt if it will ever be done again.

[rayzor30]

It was both an honor and a priviledge to be in those pontoons moving troops across the Rappahannock for the first time in 150 years. Great thanks are due to all the planners and coordinators- especially Pete Berezuk for his vision in having the boats built exactly as those were in 1862. The US Engineers were/ are proud to have been a part of it all.

Essayons!