Table of Contents

“Opening Shots” by Lindsey Koch

Business and Upcoming Events by Scott Macbeth

Elizabethtown Library Event

This Reenactor’s “R” and “R” by Rick Brouse

Book Review—From Home Guards to Heroes: The 87th Pennsylvania and Its Civil War Community by Scott Macbeth

Civilian Pages

New Events

Military Pages

Mifflin Guard Executive Committee Notes

Request for Uniforms

Regimental Field Music

Reenacting Pages

Newly-Elected Officers for 2007

Other Notes

Opening Shots

 

From Lindsey Koch, Editor :

 

      Hello from State College! Our profuse apologies that this is the first newsletter of 2007 – we hope you enjoy its content despite the lateness of its arrival! Here are a few tidbits to inspire you as we eagerly await the arrival of another exciting reenacting season. Thank you to all who submitted articles and information for this newsletter. Enjoy!

 

Lindsey Koch

 

 

Business and Upcoming Events

By Scott Macbeth, Treasurer

 

LCCWLHA 2007 Event Schedule:

 

 

Registration and Treasury Update

 

The schedule of events for the unit is included in the newsletter and posted on the website.  We will continue to update the listing of events as dates are added to the calendar.  Please contact me on the events you would like to attend and send the appropriate registration fee(s) to me at: Scott Macbeth, C/O LCCWLHA, 4111 Holly Drive, Columbia, PA 17512. 

 

For the Cedar Creek Reenactment you will need to complete a waiver form which can be found at http://www.cedarcreekbattlefield.org.

 

Reminder to please submit your membership dues for 2007.  Please make checks payable to LCCWLHA.

 

Ironville United Methodist Church 150th Anniversary Weekend

 

The congregation of the Ironville United Methodist Church will be celebrating their 150^th Anniversary on May 19 and 20, 2007.  We have been asked to participate in the weekend by having civilian and military living history demonstrations.  We can work out more of the details at the April meeting.  Great opportunity to thank the congregation by supporting the Ironville United Methodist Church for their kindness in allowing us to use their facilities for unit meetings.  This is a local event and excellent recruiting opportunity. 

 

Recruiting Materials

 

We have been working on updating our recruiting handouts and materials for both Civilian and Military prospective members.  We will share the updated materials at the April Meeting and will be breaking out into groups to review the materials and determine next steps in enhancing our marketing of the unit.  There is a supply of flyers and brochures for members to use for recruiting days.  Please let Scott know if you need flyers or brochures.  

 

 

 

Elizabethtown Library Event

 

      The Elizabethtown Public Library will host an event on April 14, 2007 from 1pm – 3pm. Our unit will be set up on the library grounds and can use this opportunity for living history and recruitment. The courtyard will be available for Military use, and the Patriot Daughters of Lancaster will have a table inside the library. We are asked to come early to set up. Soldiers are allowed to bring rifles, but cannot fire. The Library has requested that the Military bring wooden rifles to do drills with children. They would also like for two dog tents to be set up as well as campfire wood to simulate a fire. Fife and drummers are invited. Civilians should provide period games for children.

Amanda Miller (bluebelle1863@yahoo.com) is acting as Civilian contact and James Meisenbach (Meisenbach@mycyberlink.net) is the Military contact for this event. If you wish to attend, please contact the appropriate person.

Directions to the Elizabethtown Public Library on 399 N. Hanover St.:

From 283 W to Elizabethtown/Hershey Exit (PA 743).

Turn left 743 S to second traffic light (PA 230)

Turn left PA 230 E to High Street.

Turn Right. One block, turn Left onto Peach Alley. Library is on the Left.

 

THIS REENACTOR’S “R” & “R”

By Rick Brouse – Landis Valley Museum Volunteer

 

      

     

     

 

      Some of you from the unit may know my name.  Some may know only my face.  (for those – please see the enclosed picture).  Although I may not attend monthly meetings, I do, however, consider myself somewhat of an “associate unit member” as I most honorable and graciously pay my yearly unit membership dues (usually at the LV event).

 

      I have been a “history buff” most of my adult life.  My interests focus mainly on early American history from the mid 18^th to the very early 20^th centuries.  I have been a volunteer at the Landis Valley Museum for 16 years.  At LV I do anything and everything ranging from Associate Board Member to selling food at special events and everything in between.  I have been a member of the “Civil War Village” planning committee since the event’s conception by Mike Riley 9 or so years ago.  I am also a volunteer at the Hopewell Furnace National Historic site for 8 years in the “Collier” program. As a “Collier” at Hopewell, (while in full historically accurate – filthy - costume) I demonstrate the historic art of charcoal making and it’s process.

 

      It was at one of those demonstrations, about 2 years ago, when I was interviewed by a newspaper reporter who was gathering information to compose an article about this lost “art” of historic charcoal making.  It was then that I came to realize why I love history, museum volunteering, tour guiding, reenacting, teaching, educating, etc., and why I do what I do.

 

      And as a result of that interview, I’ve developed the title for this article.  And I would like to share what I discovered with ya’ll (sorry).  At first glance one would think that the title refers to a reenactor’s “Rest and Relaxation” – as “R” & “R” usually refers.  However, for me it has a different meaning.  Allow me to explain.  During this interview, the reporter asked me this simple question, “why do you do this (charcoal making)”?  My response was equally simple.  I said, “because, I like to”.  Well being the good reporter that she was, she dug further by coming back with, “well, why do you like it”?  I said, “because, it’s fun”.  She again asked, “well, why is it fun”?  I said, “because I like history and historic things”.  Once again she asked, “why do you like historic things”?  OK, now I’m getting a bit tired of this.  So I take a big breath and collect my thoughts (before I tear her head off) and I said, “look…I have so much (unbelievable) “RESPECT” for people of our early American past.  From our Native American ancestors to our most recent forefathers (and women), who went through unbelievable trials, tribulations, hardship, wars, etc.  And aside from that “respect” I feel a tremendous “RESPONSIBILTY” to pass on the things that I’ve learned about them to others by any means that I can.  And with that said, I finally came up with a response that not only satisfied her, but for me, it caused a very bright light-bulb to on over my head too.  With that one response I too realized why I do what I do.  Why I study history, why I reenact, why I am a tour guide at L.V., why I develop a character and present him in first person.  And thanks to the prodding of that reporter, I finally realize why I’m so passionate about history.

 

This reenactor has “RESPECT” for our past and feels a “RESPONSIBILITY” to pass on what I’ve learned about it.

 

So, that is this reenactor’s “R” & “R”!  Shouldn’t it be that way for all of us?
Book Review

From Home Guards to Heroes

The 87^th Pennsylvania and Its Civil War Community

By Scott Macbeth

 

From Home Guards to Heroes takes a fascinating look at the York and Adam’s County communities as they anticipated and lived through the ordeals of the civil war.  Dennis Brandt’s research is tremendous.  The footnotes are on each page referencing the source(s) of the information used as well as additional information on the topic being highlighted.  This book is easy to read and leads the reader to want to learn more about how the participants felt and reacted at the same time gaining a better insight into the minds and souls of the inhabitants.   This work delves into the personal thoughts, emotions, struggles and joys of what the men from South Central Pennsylvania were dealing with before, during and after the American Civil War.  Brandt does spend several chapters focusing on the military exercises and campaigns of the 87^th Pennsylvania soldiers – guarding the Northern Central Railroad, duty in Baltimore, Second Battle of Winchester, Cold Harbor, Monocacy, Mine Run, Petersburg, winter quarters and Cedar Creek.  However, most of the book focuses on the issues of the period – sectional differences between North and South - Maryland and Pennsylvania, politics, slavery, economics and money, race, religion, immigrants, vices, and social graces from the perspective of the communities as well as the impact on the soldiers. 

 

The opening chapters are fascinating in highlighting the political landscape of York and Adams counties through the Democratic and Republican newspapers.  Background information of what the men were doing prior to enlistment and how their lives changed throughout the 4 years is captivating to see how war erases past discretions.  Mr. Brandt through his research provides the “real” truth in many instances of how soldiers actually died.  Several cases are presented where cause of death was listed as disease when alcohol was involved.  Discipline was a constant struggle for commanders and officers and we learn that many of the troops lacked discipline and were in trouble prior to their enlistments.  Chapter 5 is chock full of officers sharing their disdain for the lack of discipline, military protocol and commitment to details from their citizen soldiers.  Many quotes from officers in the 87^th as well as other units are shared.  Desertion was common and the many reasons for men deserting were explored.  Counts of how to avoid the draft and pay communication fees are shared as well as insight into how the younger men felt about men over 40 years of age.  The discussion on age is quite interesting and caused me to reflect on how many of the reenactors today are over 40 years of age.  The younger men encouraged men over 40 to leave the Army due to physical limitations whether founded or not.  Details sharing how bounties continued to increase and how communities went into debt trying to increase bounties paid only to levy taxes to pay for the bounties they couldn’t collect.  Several men received $680 for enlisting from their community alone!

 

There are several pages of nice CDV’s of the men of the 87^th and pictures of York are included.  The numerous tables depicting the demographic make up of the 87^th are informative.  Several tables are included highlighting the age of the men, age at death, and battle records.

 

Additionally, Dennis has an article in the May 2007 America’s Civil War Magazine.   The article focuses on the court martial of Andrew B. Smith, which is from Chapter 8 in the book.  Smith is the scapegoat in how self preservation at any costs will affect others.  Smith was unjustly court martialed and railroaded by superior officers and the rank and file during the battle of Mine Run.

 

From Home Guards to Heroes is a great addition to your reading list!

 

 

New Events

By Kay Lingle

 

      The ideas are rolling for another season of interesting activities. Although we all bemoan the cancellation of the Landis Valley Event, other ideas are materializing. These new events will be discussed at the April 22 meeting at Ironville Methodist, but mark your calendars now!

 

1. July 7 & 8, while the military are doing the Pennsylvania Monument event the civilians may be involved in an event being organized by Lois Wonder (Mifflin Guard Civilian Coordinator) at the Daniel Lady Farm on Hanover St. At this event we would portray regular citizens during the war. Handwork, garden work, housework, sewing for the cause or any other home tasks could be done. Military who are not doing the monument could portray wounded soldiers. This is a great chance to see this interesting ongoing restoration of a farm that was on the edge of Camp Letterman (hospital). More info to follow.

 

2. Sat. Aug. 11, Renfrew Museum, Waynesboro, PA (20 minutes west of Gettysburg on Fairfield Rd.) It seems that the civilians who went to Manassas made an impression with the organizer of this event, Nancy Rogers, She spoke with Luann who referred her to us. It sounds like an easy way to see a museum & do Patriot Daughters & almost anything we want. Does anyone have something new that they’d like to portray? Military is cordially invited. It’s a Vincent’s Brigade event with their provost marshal Dr. David Rogers, Liebz2@aol.com in charge. Any other impressions are invited to contact her. Period camping on Friday or Saturday is welcomed. Anyone who wants to demonstrate to the public on Sunday is welcomed, also.   A good chance for anyone who wants to camp, do this event & spend time in Gettysburg. The PDL will mostly day trip & do this  event.                                        

More info will be at the next meeting. Meanwhile, check out their website 

Renfrewmuseum.org

 

It’s nice when we hear what others are saying about our unit. Here are Nancy Roger’s comments from 2 separate emails:

 

I told Luann that I was looking for some living historians who could portray a ladies soldiers' aid society, and told her that a nice group allowed me to join them in Virginia, was it Manassas? I described the group as having a quilting frame set up, gentlemen in their group and very friendly. 

 

My memory of your group's strivings for authenticity, yet being accepting of reeanctors who stopped by to visit who were not as aware of authenticity, was something that really got my attention.  That's a difficult mix to find in this hobby.

 

3. 1^st weekend in March 2008!  (Date could change.) Reenactor Appreciation Weekend in Gettysburg. We missed it for the first 2 years that they had it and we don’t want to do that again! Free or discounted events all weekend!  If the Ladies & Gentlemen of the 1860s Conference is the same weekend, some civilians want to go to the conference Marketplace on Friday  & then hit Gettysburg on Saturday. Mark those calendars!

 

Union League Programs in Philadelphia:

 

Some of our civilians have expressed interest in traveling to Philadelphia to see the following programs:

 

Sunday, April 29, 2:00pm
A New Kind of Recruit: Teachers and Medical Workers
Featuring Clara Barton, “Mother” Mary Bickerdyke, Charlotte Forten Grimke, Esther Hill Hawks, Susie King Taylor and Mary Edwards Walker

 

Sunday, May 20, 2:00pm
In The Crossfire: Women and Military Service
Featuring Mary Elizabeth Bowser, Frances Clayton, Sarah Edmonds, Jennie Hodgers, Harriet Tubman and Elizabeth Van Lew

 

All programs will be held at:
The Union League of Philadelphia
15th Street at Sansom Street
Free and Open to the Public

 

Visit A Separate Battle, a temporary exhibit at the Museum.

 

 

 

Mifflin Guard Executive Committee Notes

 

January 21^st, 2007

1.  Corporate and field officers will remain unchanged for 2007.  Bill
Magargle continues as battalion Major.

2.  Annual MG dues are payable.  $10.00 per unit to be made out and
sent to Rich Mendoza, 13 Brookstone Drive, Voorhees, NJ  08043.

3.  Unit contribution to the Vivandiere's fund is $30 and payable to
Mary David.

4.  Membership status approved by the executive committee for full
membership vote on March 3, 13th PA Reserves, 28th Mass.

 

MG supported events for the year:

 

Maximum turnout effort events:
March 2,3 & 4 - School of the Soldier and Civilian/Annual membership
meeting, Kingston Armory
April 28, 29 & 30 - Neshaminy (registration $7.00 by April 1)
June 2&3 - Pennypacker Mills (registration $2.00 by May 1)
June 30 & July 1 - Gettysburg NPS Living History
September 7,8 & 9 - September Storm-145th Antietam (registration $15.00
by February 28) WMHF.org
October 19, 20 & 21 - Cedar Creek (registration $10.00 by August 15)
November 17 - Remembrance Day

Other events being attended by MG units:
February 28 - "Drill Til You Drop" with the 28th PA
(mharris28thpa@hotmail.com)
March 11 - St. Patrick's Day Parade in Philadelphia - 28th PA
May 19 & 20 - Havre de Grace, MD
June 16 & 17 - Down The Valley Campaign - Cedar Creek
June 23 & 24 - March to Destiny - Shippensburg
July 14 - Rockwood Museum, New Castle, DE civilian event
August 18 & 19 - Eckley Miner's Village Living History
(eckleyminers.org or sdk1199@bwkip.com)
September 22 & 23 Balls Bluff Living History
September 29 & 30 - Ridley Creek
October 13 & 14 - Mullica Hill, NJ - 12th NJ

 

Request for Uniforms

By Mike Cassidy

 

The Lancaster County Civil War Living History Association has recently granted the BSA Troop 53 Fife and Drum Corps recognition within their organization as the Regimental Field Music of the 1st Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer Corps.

 

This year, Fife and Drum Corps members from Boy Scout Troop 53, Maytown, PA, took part in the Remembrance Day ceremonies and the parade in Gettysburg on Saturday, November 18, 2006. In the morning, the Troop 53 Fife and Drum, dressed in full Civil War Union uniforms, borrowed from area Co B reenactors, marched with reenactment units representing the 1st and 2nd Pennsylvania Reserves. Reenactors from the 1st and 2nd PA Reserves lead by eleven members of the Troop 53 Fife and Drum Corps, joined by a few other unit musicians, marched along the line of battle as the units laid memorial wreaths on regimental and company monuments. In the afternoon, musicians from Troop 53 joined with the Mifflin Guard for the Remembrance Day Parade. Scouts also joined with other reenactment musicians at "jam sessions" held throughout the weekend.

 

Earlier this fall, four Fife and Drum members attended the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps Junior Workshop. The weekend event was sponsored by the U.S. Army Third Regiment and was held on October 6-8 at Fort Myer in Arlington, VA. Members of the Troop 53 corps also attended the Civil War Field Music School at Fort Delaware in June.

 

Troop 53 currently has 13 scouts as FDC members and a few more may join this year.  Troop 53 has supported the corps effort by purchasing fifes and drums as well as covering other expenses. Boys in the Troop53 Fife and Drum Corps who are in 9th grade or older are also members of the BSA Explorer Post 1863-- a post dedicated to Civil War studies and living history.

 

In order to sustain its involvement in civil war living history, the Fife and Drum has begun to solicit permanent donations of used uniforms and equipment.  The FDC are also looking into purchasing new 1st PRVC musician uniforms as scarce funds permit. They will gratefully accept any donation of used uniforms items--bummer or kepis; sack coats or infantry frock; belt with "US" or NCO buckle; ski blue pants; suspenders; brogans, and items such as canteens and haversacks. The items will be used by the Fife and Drum Corps members of the BSA Troop 53 and the BSA Explorer Post 1863. They are looking into providing a tax receipt for any items donated but that is an unusually complicated matter with the Boy Scouts--But, the scouts promise to "do our best!"

 

If interested in learning more, or in making a donation, contact Mike Cassidy, Troop 53 Assistant Scoutmaster (and Explorer Post 1863 Committee Member) at newrycassidy@comcast.net of phone h.717-426-3941 or at work 717-787-3085.

 

 

 

Regimental Field Music

 

Photo submitted by Mike Cassidy. Featuring members of B.S.A. Troop 53 Fife and Drum Corps serving as Regimental Field Music for the 1^st and 2^nd Pa Reserves at Gettysburg in November.  See Troop 53 in the Remembrance Day Parade 2006 here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=5hMzG_jq2Gw

 

 

 

 

Newly-Elected Officers for 2007

Military

Coordinator:                  Joe Coleman

Assistant Coordinator:   Bill Magargle

Secretary:                     Bob Slamp

Historian:                     Vince Slaugh

Board:                          James Meisenbach

Field Commander:        Bill Magargle

Captain:                       Joe Coleman

Sergeant:                      Tom Reed

Corporals:                     Steve Crandall, Bob Slamp

 

Civilian

Coordinator:                  Lindsey Koch

Assistant Coordinator:   Kim Hostetter

Secretary:                     Nancy Koch

Historian:                     Don Pentz

Board:                          Pam Groff, Kay Lingle

Treasurer:                    Scott Macbeth

Newsletter Co-Editors:  Vince Slaugh, Lindsey Koch

Authenticity Com.:        Lindsey Koch, Carol Scott, Dianne Wepy