Gettysburg Anniversary

My dad and bro got paid for G&G's. But dad had a speaking part that ended up on the cutting room floor and little bro got wired up with squibs and got to get shot on camera. So maybe that's the only reason they got paid.

Just remember, if you've ever gone down with heat, it will be easier to have it happen again. So keep hydrated and have fun. I know you want to "live" through this one, but take a hit if it gets to be too much. It's sad when someone one goes down for real at one of those.
DH is gonna go with our unit. They're really looking forward to it. I don't know if I'll go and reenact or not. I haven't been able to get to one sence the twins came along and we started farming full time, but I also went to the 135th as a kid so I won't be missing out too much to stay home and let DH go.

I hope you have a blast. It's gonna be epic.

Nomad,
A couple tips from another experienced cw reenactor (albiet a younger one, I retired when I got married and had kids because I didn't want to drag around the wall tent/camp stove/rope bed thing.)

-I would opt for the CSA unit. Why? Because depending on unit history, you can certainly play off a less "regulation" (COOLER!) uniform for 1863, and you may be able to use a canvas coat and breeches instead of the wool. (Again, depending on your unit's history.) By mid war there was a lot more "making do" as supplies got shorter and shorter.
Union uniform regs are a lot more stringent as well as better supplied so there's really no getting around a wool hat, wool trousers, cotton shirt and wool vest bare min in the interest of authenticity.

-Second rule of reenacting; When out of cartridges, weapon is misfiring, or you're just plain tired, "take a hit" under a nearby tree

-Drink lots of water and eat your pickles to replace your salts (tell the tourists it's to prevent scurvy)

I miss it sometimes. I was with a unit of cavalry "regulars" that were recalled from indian fighting in the territories when the war started. I played as an NCO's daughter when I was 14, laundress and cook when I was 16, and did the disguised soldier thing when I was 18.

If we did it again I think we would do a civillian impression. I've got a hankerin to polish up my german or slavic accents and run a tent establishment for the "providing of civilized female company and wives". Not nearly enough women of ill repute out there to accurately reflect the time period and place imo

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There is a time and a place for decaf coffee.
Never, and in the trash.
Are you an AZ farmer too? Arizona Backyard Farmers on facebook

Have enjoyed this thread. First off, if you haven't read (but you probably already have) Confederates in the Attic by Horowitz. I've read it twice. Very enlightening and entertaining book about reenacting the War between the States. There are the "hardcores" who don't take processed food...they take chickens, etc. They sleep in tents on the battlegrounds, not in Holiday Inns, etc.
My brother in law has taken his four boys to Gettysburg every July1, 2, and 3 for the last 20+ years. I have been debating on going this year...as you mentioned it is the 150th anniversary.
I took my family to Gettysburg (during April) several years back...someone mentioned "ghosts" so I thought I'd include this in my response...There is a Celtic cross erected where we happened to be driving about, and I looked at it, as I was driving. Beyond the cross on a hill, for perhaps three seconds, I happened to see (just as if it were actually happening) a wagon being drawn by a team of horses, their mouths open, eyes wide, lots of dust being kicked up, men around the wagon running toward one another with swords swinging wildly in the air...the light was being reflected off the swords...this was all in full colour, but there was absolutely no noise...it all happened in complete silence. After three seconds, it was gone. Now, I am a truthful person and I don't make stuff up. I don't crave attention, etc. In fact, I didn't even mention it to my family until well after the vacation had ended. Some people believe me, others don't and it doesn't matter to me either way if you do or not. I just know that it was as real to me that day as my coffee cup is sitting here on the desk as I type.
I have read almost everything James Alexander Thom has written, and was curious about the book someone earlier mentioned. If they could provide the title, I would be interested...I would like to read what he says about the subject. I heard him talking about purchasing one of the earliest sets of encyclopedias for the purposes of putting himself into the mindset of what people back in the 18th century knew about the world back then...about eclipses, and solar system, etc.
I would urge you to do your best to get into as good a shape s you can, take precautions but be a part of it...What a wonderful memory you can give to yourself, that will be priceless for you for the remainder of your life. I hope you try, and if you do, please post photos, and give us some updates and threads about your experience. Take care

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"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow the fields of those who don't."-Thomas Jefferson

I never doubt anything someone sees at Gettysburg. I'm thinking the cross you mention is the Irish Brigade Monument a little west of the Wheatfield. Just past there and ahead around the bend is a sharpshooter monument. More than one person has reported seeing the sharpshooter turning to look at them when they rounded the bend in the dark. Since he is facing the opposite direction, that would be interesting. We have had a lot of paranormal experiences on the battlefield but only my oldest daughter has seen something. I haven't read the book you mention. I mainly read the history of the war, but I will try to find the book and read it. If I do go I won't be able to take any pictures. I wouldn't have any way to secure my camera when I wasn't using it. People have actually had muskets stolen at reenactments, so a camera would be nothing for someone to take. I had my cell phone in my pocket at the last reenactment I attended. I slipped on the ice and fell and unbeknownst to me my phone fell out of my pocket. Fortunately the first sergeant picked it up and gave it to me later. How embarrassing. I have some templates I can print out of labels for canned goods. No sense letting every one know I'm eating Dinty Moore beef stew. lol

Speaking of seeing things there...a few years ago just the wife and I went in the spring. We were having something to eat at the picnic area along Confederate Avenue and all of a sudden a black Monte Carlo with a big number 3 on the side went driving by. It was an exact replica of Earnhardt's car. I think that was carrying the ghost thing a bit far. We saw it again driving through Devils Den later when we were on Little Round Top. By the time I got the camera out and took a picture I didn't get a very good shot. Never saw it again. But the same day and just before the sharpshooter monument I mentioned the wife saw a monkey sitting by the side of the road. I didn't see it, but she swears it was there. I suspect it wasn't a ghost but someone's pet that got loose. And no, we don't drink.

Nomad

As far as remembering forever the event in your memory. I dont know how old you are, but ive been in 3 major SCA wars, and 4 or so smaller battles. I hardly remember them at all. The last was around 10yrs ago or some more. Im 65, and I can tell you that, if you are a active homesteader, gardener, farmer, youll have so much to think about that alla that will be just what everybody says it is, HISTORY

The last event I attended was December 2008 and I remember it very well. I had my heart surgery two months later and haven't been in the field since. Sleeping on the ground when it's 16 degrees leaves a lasting memory. It started to snow the next day as we were getting ready for the battle. By the time it was over there were 4-6" on the ground and still coming down. We were supposed to stay another day, but most packed up and went home. I am not active at all and have nothing to think about, so I may remember it.

Nomad

Disagree... in the 10 years since I quit reenacting, I've gotten married, started a family, and started homesteading and I still treasure those memories.

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There is a time and a place for decaf coffee.
Never, and in the trash.
Are you an AZ farmer too? Arizona Backyard Farmers on facebook

DB I wager your aways away from your mid 60s tho.

NO, Ive had 2 ribs broke, both collar bones fractured, Slept IN the rain, fopught during a tornado 5 miles away, Fought in chest deep water,
I KNOW I did that, But I can only remember peices of them all. I cant remember all the local fighter names I fought with EVERY sat nearly for 25yrs

I say go. You'll regret it if you don't.

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"Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens. Let us not forget the religious character of our origin."- Daniel Webster(1782-1852)

Cedar Cove Farm

Cedar Cove Farm On Etsy

Enjoying this thread! I would go and do what you are physically comfortable doing (well, as comfortable as one can be in the gear and the weather.) The 150th, especially since it may be your last, will be something to cherish forever. And I understand the emotional part of it. Stood in the ditch at Antietam in my early 20s and wept like a baby. The power in that moment was and is, 30 years later, unforgettable.

Cannot be at Gettysburg myself, but will be at Chickamauga as an observer. Can't reenact, screws in my ankle. And at 56, too old to be a hooker

PS - are you, or anybody else here on the Civil War Talk forum? Just found it a few weeks ago.

I think you should go for it. Try and get yourself in better shape by then. Maybe drop a few pounds and start walking everyday, maybe try working out with some light weights too. Every little bit will make you stronger and more able to withstand the heat and extra activity....be sure to stay well hydrated.

The first time I walked out to the Point of the Woods at Gettysburg, a guide was talking to a group of young fellows he was going to lead across Pickett's Charge. I listened to him tell them to be quiet and respectful on their walk, because those boys are still out there. That's when I lost it. I walked back the path with tears streaming down my face. I was a bit embarrassed when I walked past people, but since then I have seen others who responded the same way and I know how they feel. Guess I wasn't so odd after all.

I had a brief vision at the Bloody Lane at Antietam a few years ago. I had walked out into the field where the attacking Union forces came from. As I turned around and was going to start walking back to the lane, I saw a volley fired through the fence right in my face. The flash of the muzzles and smoke, but no sound at all. It was brief but it happened. One of my heroes, John Gordon, was wounded five times in the lane during the battle...and survived. Love your last sentence. LOL

Nomad

Are you saying I'm fat? I think I'm just fluffy. I make sure to stay hydrated all the time and they have a rule at the event that your canteen must be full. That is one thing they really watch. I have some 5 lb and 10 lb weights on the floor right behind me. I was using them until my back started acting up after my last snow blower activity. I'm going to start with them again today. Three us us want to walk together here. We all could use the exercise. The youngest daughter is normal size, so she probably won't bother.

Nomad

I am a member of the Civil War Message Board, but I don't think it's active. I just went and looked at a thread about Gettysburg I posted on last May about us going there in two days for our 27th time and there hasn't been any response since. I'll have to check out the one you mention.

Nomad