hallowed ground dispatch - acws.net
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AMERICAN CIVIL WAR SOCIETY
Hallowed Ground Dispatch Official Newsletter of the American Civil War Society
American Civil War Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation
of our history for future generations.
Signed editorials and letters are the views of the author, and do not
necessarily represent the opinions of the American Civil War Society.
November - December 2014
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ACWS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pres ident – Dave Grimsrud V ice Pres ident – Ken Serf ass
[email protected] [email protected]
Secretary – Karen Norqu is t Treasurer – Ken Serf ass
[email protected] [email protected]
Membership – Michael Akkerman Confederate Division–Col. James R. Tebbetts
[email protected] [email protected]
Union Divis ion – Col . Ken Dacey Civilian Corps – Michele Akkerman
[email protected] [email protected]
Publ ic Relat ions – David Cartwright Newsletter Edi tor – Michael Akkerman
[email protected] [email protected]
Board Member at large – Jason Coffey
Federal/Union Division: Confederate Division: Division Commander: Col. Ken Dacey Division Commander: Col. James R. Tebbetts
Adjutant: Capt. Dave Bolin Division Adjutant General: Major Dave Grimsrud
Division Sgt. Major: Michael Quinlan (Degregorio) Division Sgt Major/Provost: Vacant
Infantry Battalion Cdr.: VACANT Division Clerk: Sgt. Jay Stilson
Artillery Brigade Cdr.: Major Gary Wear
Division Chaplain: Rich Holt and Anthony Delgadillo Confederate Brigade Staff: Cavalry: VACANT Infantry Brigade Commander: Lt. Col. James M. Stytle
Infantry Brigade Adjutant: VACANT
Infantry Brigade Sgt. Major: Sgt. Major Ray Daniel
Cavalry Brigade Commander: Major Scott Peca
Cavalry Brigade Adjutant: Capt. John Riddler
Cavalry Brigade Sgt. Major: VACANT
Artillery Brigade Commander: Lt. Col. Mike Collins
Artillery Brigade Adjutant: 1st Lt. Jose Justiniano, Jr
Artillery Brigade Sgt. Major:
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Editor’s Note:
This is the last Issue for 2014, what a year we have had, and I hope you are as excited for an even better 2015. If you have an interesting story or pictures from one of our events to share please send it to me at [email protected] . I hope to hear from you at the upcoming events. Have fun, be safe, and love one another. Remember, ACWS is people and pet friendly (yes, your dogs are welcome). I want to thank everyone who has come out to our events, and all of our new members who have joined ACWS so far this year. Below are those folks who have or will be celebrating a birthday in these two months. This is the last bi-monthly newsletter, starting next year we will be switching to a Quarterly distribution. Please join me and the rest of the ACWS Board in wishing them all a Happy Birthday and Welcome!
Happy Birthday New & Returning Members
November December NEW MEMBERS
Michele Akkerman David C. Baker Aristotelis Eliades
Donald Black Marti Barth Jan K. Fretthold
Marjorie Codding David Crichton Edward Headington
Kenneth Dacey El Roy Codding Sr. Devon Headington
Raymond William Hill Clay W. Cowgill John E. Hallenbeck
John E. Hallenbeck Roger De Coster Seth Munoz
Kelly Holt Ralph Finisterre Hubert Poole
Bailey Ledford Martha Gibbons Barbara Poole
Darlene Hipsher-Griffin Patricia Grill Pete Perez
Terry Milkoff Edward Hopper
Benjamin Kruk Susan Hopper
David Kaya Stephanie Hurley-Ledford
Ms Sheri Lee Lundberg Kirk Illian
Shelley Peters Kristi Lujan
Nikki Pelley Richard Magwood
William Prescott Alexander Mussenden
Mary Nell Debbie L. Quessenberry
Jacob Reising Shane Snelling
Mateo Torres Rory Strippel
Tom Talbott Everett Tomlinson
Deborah L Valdovinos Jean-Paul Valencia
Joshua James Wear Wendy Webb
Rosa Walters Julie Wear
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A Word or Two From the PRESIDENT
Wow, November already; this is my last column for 2014. Where did the year go, it sped by. We will
not have a Christmas get together this year; sadly we could not find a spot to hold one that was available
without spending a large sum of money. We do end on a very positive note though; both a group in Julian
and a church in Agoura have expressed interest in holding a reenactment, we will continue to work with
these groups and hope for a positive outcome. Orange Empire Railroad Museum will be hosting an event in
May, and in April the SZ Ranch in Cuyuma will also host an event. The SZ Ranch is over 1,000 acres; the
owner has built a small town in one section, great terrain for battles, lots of room for the event, and a large
barn for a dance or how down. We will be inviting central California reenactment groups to attend too; this
could be an excellent site once we promote it.
So, another reenacting year has ended, as you head to “Winter Quarters” I want to wish everyone a very
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. Our season begins with the Live Fire in
January, and our reenacting year at Calico in February. As always, I am open to any comments,
suggestions, and complaints, anything to help make the ACWS better. I was very encouraged that some
groups in Nevada want to join the ACWS, most noticeably was the 4th California in Las Vegas. I want to
thank you all for a successful 2014, please get your renewals in and lets work for a better 2015.
Regards, David Grimsrud
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A Word or Two from the Vice-PRESIDENT
November 2014
From the Vice President:
Greetings from the east coast my friends and
comrades in arms. It’s been an interesting second half of 2014 for us here and I hope all reading this are healthy and happy.
The drought in California may have curtailed certain events for safety reasons, but hopefully as winter
approaches it will bring some rain to make those reenactor battlefields less dusty and more a natural green.
The season ends soon enough across the land, with
the largest eastern event being the 150th Franklin, TN battle and of course the Moorpark regional event in So
Cal. An event outside of Richmond last month gave me some very good impressions of how extreme the dedication can go with reenactors, and it was my first foray into
bringing my Grant role to such events south of the Mason Dixon line. I also enjoyed the privilege of playing a period OTS tuba with the Federal City Brass Band over that weekend, so it was quite eventful all around.
Gettysburg is now gearing up for the annual Remembrance Day activities, with wreath laying’s, the grand parade, evening balls, and the massing of the brass bands on
Little Round Top before sunset on Nov 15th and a cemetery candle- luminary after dark. I will be riding a carriage in the parade along with a new Lincoln-friend who does an amazing interpretation of the 16th president, and I look forward to more partnering with
him following this. The 19th of November is equally anticipated for the cemetery ceremony to commemorate Mr. Lincoln’s speech, and an annual USCT recognition at the
“colored” cemetery on the west side of town. As of this writing I am working on details to participate in that ceremony as US Grant.
At the end of September I took a day to pause and review the summer activity and
our state of the state, so to speak after moving back east. Aside from coming back to So Cal for the Huntington Beach event, over Labor Day weekend, I had participated on
the east coast at three civil war events, and gave 4 group talks and numerous
walking tours in town. Several friends in our activity remarked that I am moving pretty fast to be that involved out here,
and I’d have to agree. I mention this as a testament towards determination and a
quality product being offered. I’m sure many others joke about the “farb” content of certain events, or even reenactors, but
it’s no joke to say that if you present your impression to the highest standard, it will be noticed and appreciated.
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I made a declaration at the beginning of
October about my relentless optimism and how that month was going to begin a bigger presence within the living history and reenactor scene on the east
coast, and it certainly has been so. The summer months were the orientation period to get acclimated and introduced. Being a self-employed
entrepreneur is not easy in most any field, no less that of a living historian, but using the example of
Ol’ Sam Grant’s gritty determination, October was a month to open many new fronts and reinforce other
points in the line into a strong position on very good ground.
I had a special honor to assist a civil war friend in Wisconsin in honoring an ancestor of his who fell in Herbst Woods with Co. E, 7th Ws, in the Iron Brigade on July
1, 1863. He discovered that Pvt August Gehring is among the unknowns in the Wisconsin section of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery here and requested me as Gen. Grant to lay a stone on his marker. There are 20 such unknowns among them, apart
from the hundreds set aside in the unknown section, but resting still among the marked dead of Wisconsin. So, rounding up a friend or two here we created a five minute service to remark on their sacrifice and honor them with the stones and a playing of
Taps by my friend Jari Villanueva. It was moving and a profound honor to salute them and it does much for this gentleman’s family to know how the tribute played out for
them. I’ve begun a partnership with a company that presents battlefield carriage and
horseback tours, riding as a regular trail guide for them as well as providing a “General
Grant ride-along” experience for the guests. Of course, any day to appear as my personal hero AND ride a horse is hard
to beat! After getting to know the owners better and them developing an appreciation for what I offer, they are also assisting me in booking appearances and we enjoy reciprocal
endorsements of what both entities can provide for tourists. While not flesh and blood horses, an additional cooperative partner runs a replica 1860’s steam locomotive, 30 miles
east of Gettysburg, and I’ve begun riding their daily runs and providing a narrative for the riding guests from Gen. Grant’s
point of view regarding the development of US railroads and their importance to the war efforts. For any of you seeking ways to have your own impression gain a wider notice,
guests who visit places in motor coaches are a great way to spread the word about what you can offer to them on future
visits!
Activity for the east coast unit of the Antebellum Marine Band is also picking up as the year closes and 2015 dawns. Locally, the Rupp House has booked the band for
four concerts, and we’ll also participate in the Cornets & Cannons 2015 addition that we are developing as part of the Gettysburg Brass Festival next June.
So while there is a certain element of living history and reenactor folks looking for
days after the sesquicentennial to slow down, others of us see no end in sight to continue teaching about our endeared period. Your living history persona or reenactor
character can be as complete as you wish it to be, and the more you do to enhance it, the deeper your own understanding will become. There are opportunities for presenting
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your impression in many ways, and teaching our history is a great way to recruit for our
activity and keep history alive. I hope my readers see this for what I intend, as an inspiration to take your game
to the next level and get the most out of your adventures in time.
I hope sincerely that you are all finding time to learn more about our favorite period and it helps you become better at your impression and you gain more understanding about the why’s and who’s in the civil war.
I am planning to visit the west coast at the very beginning of December for a modern orchestra gig in San Diego and some period brass fun at the Drum Barracks
and for our own ACWS Christmas party. The last two years have been wonderful in our celebration in Victorian style and I would hope that all our members see fit to make time for fellowship to close another year.
I would ask of you all, as members, to think on what events and activities you’d like to see our society
engage in for 2015. We all know of the live-fire event each year in January and our highly anticipated event at Calico every February over the Presidents Day
weekend, and many others of ours or those to which we support, but we are always seeking other sites to provide for the best possible experiences in the realm of
reenacting and living history. This is an organization that encourages member participation, so please
communicate your thoughts to we the BOD with ideas and possible new events for the final year of the sesquicentennial. I wish you all well as we come down
to the end of the year.
Best regards and Semper Fidelis, Gunny Ken
AKA Lt. Gen US Grant/ Bandmaster, AMB/ CO, Mar Det USS Wabash
Yours respectfully,
Kenneth J. Serfass
VP ACWS
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MILITARY DISPATCHES
CONFEDERATE DIVISION
From: James R Tebbetts, Col, ACWS Confederate Command To: Readers Members of the Confederate Command Date: December, 1864 (+150 years) Subject: Confederate Command Report Delayed Articles - sorry for missing past couple of newsletter. After carriage crash, just not feeling well. Right now up to about 70% back to normal. ACWS Raffle - As a military member, you are eligible for the ACWS Raffle held at the Calico Event. To earn tickets you must attend an ACWS Event (sponsored, or supported). You get one ticket for each day you attend. IF there is a third day, like Calico on Monday, you can earn two tickets. You can also earn tickets if you do some work for the ACWS at the direction of Division Staff, like helping out the sutlers at the SMR event. Soldiers, please ensure that your First Sergeants/Company commanders have filled out Morning reports, submitted them to the Battalion Commander (Peca, Stytle, Collins) who then will forward them to the Division Adjutant (Grimsrud). Major Grimsrud will consolidate the listing and forward to me. I will then indicate those on the consolidated list that are ACWS members and assign the number of tickets eligible. We pull the ticket after the second battle on Sunday at Calico. The winner need not be present. Facebook - I put together a Facebook page. Mostly oriented to ACWS events and information and general (Confederate Oriented) news articles. It is found at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/455448831266818/. Basically it is for information of interest to the hobby; ACWS and other group events, articles of interest, and such. If not a member let me know and I can send out a ‘friend request. Past Events - SMR - I was able to participate for all three days of this event (Friday to Sunday). Friday
Night/Saturday Early Morning the event was hit with high winds and rain. According to the local weather forecast, winds were in the lower 50 miles per hour range in this area. About one-third of an inch of rain. We lost four sutlers due to setups being knocked down. This includes breaking of 2x4 ridge poles!!!! The event went off well with about 50 people on both sides. We lost a large number of reenactors due to soggy clothing, equipment, and the like. Good turnout of spectators, figure a couple of thousand over the weekend. Think a smaller turn out as the weather was ‘iffy’ until mid-morning on Sunday. To the right is the tent of Don Jolley Art.
Reagan Library – A living history/celebration of Veteran’s Day. Washington Artillery, 43rd Virginia Cav, and 8th Louisiana (Co F) were there. There was a fly over by 5 WWII era planes,
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mostly T-6 (?) trainers and perhaps an actual WWII Japanese Zero. There is one that operates out of Camarillo, and a spectator said that is what it was. A contingent of US Navy Seabees where there too. A speech was presented from a WWII vet. Uncle Abraham and Sam Grant were there too. Future Event December 6-7 - Drum Barracks - ‘A Civil War Christmas’ celebration. This is a Victorian Type celebration. For those available. 11AM to 4 PM Location - 1052 Banning Blvd, Wilmington, Ca. Directions - Get on I-110 (Harbor Fwy) like you are going to Ft Mac. Exit at Pacific Coast Highway. Go east to Avalon Blvd. Turn right and go to Denni St. Turn left and go to Banning Blvd. Turn right and go to event site, on your left.
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UNION DIVISION
From: Col. Kenneth Dacey, Commander, ACWS Union Division
To: Readers Members of the Union Division Date: September 1, 1864 (+150 years) Subject: Union Division Command
No Report was submitted for this Newsletter’s press time.
Civilian Director’s Report
Greetings, ACWS civilians!! As the new Civilian Director, my vision is to revitalize the role of civilian reenactors at our events. There were over 100 civilian members of
the ACWS this year, yet our civilian ‘town’ was nowhere to be seen. The constable’s station and the temperance union tent are not a civilian camp. As living historians, we need to encamp together when presenting our impressions and demonstrating our
knowledge to the public, and not spend the day in the military camps or just show up for the ladies tea. Even if you don’t have a fly or a tent, there would be plenty of places
to sit during the day if several people set up a fly and everyone brings a chair. And if that isn’t enough, there is the very ample Civilian Corps tent and fly that could be set up.
One of the goals for reviving the Civilian Corps is to have a general meeting so that civilians can present ideas for activities and discuss concerns. I would like to have this
meeting at Calico next February since many of us attend the event. A suggestion has already been made that at each of our events a short workshop is held for civilians
focusing on one of a variety of topics—honing our impressions, period social courtesies and manners, songs, etc. Another goal is to revive the scholarship program for ACWS members attending college. Further yet, I would like for the Civilian Corps to host a
major tea party as a fundraiser, as we did in years pass (and that were very successful).
But to achieve these goals it will take your COMMITTMENT AND PARTICIPATION. Volunteer to announce or be a model for a fashion show. Host a tea. Greet the visiting public as they enter the event. Gather some members, sit under a tree, and sing period
songs. Most importantly, reevaluate your reasons for being a Civil War reenactor—why do you travel long distances to wear layers of clothing (gentlemen included)? Why is it worth experiencing difficult weather (as at Spring Mountain Ranch)? Why do you pitch
a tent and eat food cooked in a Dutch oven? Why is all this worth it?
In closing, I hope that 2015 will be the year of renewal for the ACWS Civilian Corps, and that I will be able to see all of you in the civilian camp once again. Have a blessed Thanksgiving, a memorable Hanukkah, and a most joyful Christmas!
Regards,
Michele Akkerman Civilian Director [email protected]
951-678-8979
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Board Member at large
Dear ACWS Members,
For the last 9 years, it has been my pleasure to thank you for taking the time to come out to Las Vegas for the weekend.
Several members of the ACWS drive down to the LA area approximately 3 to 5 times a year so that we can partake in the larger weekend events. Many of us have been doing so for over 10 years with various ACWS Units. As such many of you are like our family, and we enjoy seeing you every time we get a chance to be at an event together.
What you do when you come out here once a year, is not just make us feel better, or the ACWS, Inc. to look good. You are actually doing something others do not have the courage or consideration to do. Unlike in California where many Reenactors live, Las Vegas has a much smaller quantity. So your mere presence these last 9 years makes a huge difference in our town. You help to bring the magic of an American Civil War Reenactment to a town that would not ordinarily be able to have one. We had a nasty little storm Saturday AM, and at least once before on a Sunday AM. Unfortunately these things happen, and are not unique to only this event. It is a chance that we all take in an outdoors hobby, and none of us enjoy. It means a lot to me personally that our organization understands that, and is able to move forward with what we set out to do - educate and perform for the public.
Nevada State Parks, along with those of us that coordinate Living History in Las Vegas as the SNLHA, including myself... just wanted to take a moment out to thank each and every one of you. Not just those that made it out this year, but those that made it out in the past, those that tried to make it out, and also those who took the time to tell your friends (Spectators or Participants) about what we are doing here. Together we make things better. Next October will be the 10th anniversary of this event. This year we were able to bring back a Rifle Raffle, and also our Sunday AM Tactical. We were pleased to offer both of these for our State's 150th anniversary, and plan to retain them moving out of the recession. If you have any other event feedback or suggestions please feel free to Email them to us at [email protected] Thank you, Jason Coffey Event Coordinator Spring Mountain Ranch
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MEMBERSHIP REPORT
As of this newsletter, there are 322 members: 105(33%) US combatants, 94(29%) CS combatants, and 123(38%) civilians. For current members’ renewals beginning Nov. 1, there will be a discount of $5 if renewal is received or postmarked by December 31. However, the $5 discount does not apply to children’s memberships. New applications are now available on the website and in this Nov.-Dec. newsletter—PLEASE DO NOT USE THE 2014 APPLICATION TO RENEW FOR 2015, because there will be some changes made. My first day as Membership Director is Nov. 2. I have decided to fill-in the vacancy that Michele has vacated to take over the as the urgently needed Civilian Director, especially since the numbers have grown to 38% of the population, and that ACWS is adding events that need greater civilian participation. Now that we again have a Civilian Director, Current civilians should now check in with Michele Akkerman at any event so you can receive another ticket for the end-of-year drawing. I hope your thanksgiving will be pleasant, and that your autumn is cool and colorful.
Regards and best wishes, Michael Akkerman Membership Director MEMBERS — The ACWS is a non-profit corporation, and as a volunteer your expenses are tax
deductible. Expenses include food, equipment, clothing, and mileage when traveling to events. So,
remember to save your receipts and document your travel mileage in order to claim them as a tax
deduction when filing your income tax returns. The ACWS tax ID number is 33-0747524.
Additional organizations and links of interest:
PACWR: http://www.pacwr.org/events.htm
Fort Tejon: http://www.forttejon.org
NCWA www.ncwa.org
SWCWA http://www.swcwa.com
We Are History: http://www.americanheritagefestival.com/ACWS
The History Channel Club: www.historychannelclub.com
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ACWS 2015 Calendar of Events Sponsored and Supported Events
Dates are subject to change, but not more than a week or so.
Date Event Name Sponsor Sponsored or
Supported Location
January 16-18 16th Annual Live Fire Invitational IVLHA/ACWS Sponsored Seeley, CA
Jan. 31- Feb. 1 CW Days @ Yuma Quartermaster
Depot
Yuma Qmstr Depot
State Park Supported Yuma, AZ
February 2015 Calico ACWS Sponsored Calico, CA
April 2015 150th Anniversary of
Lee’s Surrender TBD Supported Appomattox, VA
May 16-17, 2015 Civil War Days @ OERM ACWS Sponsored Perris, CA
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Ad Space For Sale $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
If you are a vendor and want to reach every ACWS member 6 times a year and not just at an event, then this
could be a cost effective place for you.
You provide the copy and pictures you wish to display. We will be selling space based on the size of your
ad and the number of times you run it. You may buy a 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 or even a full page and change the copy
each cycle of the newsletter. All art and copy must be sent to the Editor 45 days before the edition in which
you want it to be published. Your check for the run of your ad must be received 30 days before the first
cycle of the newsletter in which you want it to be published. The editor reserves the right to refuse all or
part of an ad, and you will be notified of changes to or if your ad is rejected for publishing.
Advertising fees as of 1/1/2014
Frequency
Full Page
Cost/Issue
Half Page
Cost/Issue
Quarter Page
Cost/Issue
Eighth Page
Cost/Issue
1 Issue $ 20.00 $ 15.00 $ 15.00 $ 10.00
2 - 5 Issues $ 15.00 $ 10.00 $ 10.00 $ 8.00
Year - 6 Issues $ 10.00 $ 8.00 $ 8.00 $ 5.00
For Members wanting to place non-commercial “Want Ads” or “For Sale” ads, there is no charge. Be sure
to include a description of the item, sale price, and contact information. So if you have any equipment or
clothing that is not being used and is taking up space for new items, take this opportunity to let members
know that you have something to sell.
***** FOR SALE by MEMBER ****
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ACWS NEWSLETTER
Michael Akkerman
20170 Ross Road
Wildomar, CA 92595-8273