Cedar Creek Thoughts?

[Stephanie Brennan]

Hank what you do takes so much time, talent, and research. You give so much of yourself to the impressions you pick. For me it's more about who I think I would be in the !860's taking a number of different resources and putting them together to make an 1860's me.  Then I take that and try to fit it into the given situation. I don't think I could ever  do different persona's- that is your talent.  Honestly I wish I could bend a bit more then I would feel more comfortable with civilian galvanizing, but for now I'm a Union girl true and blue, a tavern keepers wife, and a mother.             Stephanie

[Elaine Kessinger]

Stephanie- Are you aware that the 150th of John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry event is the same weekend as this event?

[Susan Peden]

Perhaps there is a better segment of this site for my next question, but barring spending lots of time trying to figure that out, I'll ask it here.  Do any of you other women who also portray men at times run into visitors who have trouble seeing you as a man?  I no longer look extremely feminine from a distance when I dress as "Silas" in my linen sack coat and gray pants but found one time when a woman couldn't get it that I was really portraying a man.  She kept asking what I was doing and I tried to get her to believe that I was a traveling musician and opportunist. - Susan

[hanktrent]

I don't think I could ever  do different persona's- that is your talent.  Honestly I wish I could bend a bit more then I would feel more comfortable with civilian galvanizing, but for now I'm a Union girl true and blue, a tavern keepers wife, and a mother.

Well, you could portray a unionist tavern keeper's wife and mother at more history-heavy events too. It's really got nothing to do with changing personas, though admittedly some fit better than others, but if you were willing to be treated as a unionist would be treated in the historic situation, it wouldn't be a problem. At the next Westville, for example, I'll be a boarding house keeper and Linda will be--no surprise  -- a boarding house keeper's wife.

The difference is that we'll have a boarding house, a real house, and be expected to actually run it, cooking and serving meals, making beds, cleaning, keeping the boarders happy, making a profit or at least breaking even, and also of course talking to any modern spectators who stop by. If we were unionists, we'd have to keep a low profile on political topics, but it wouldn't be impossible.

That's the kind of functional portrayal that's available at these kinds of events, and to me is what makes the difference between events where it's still got that mainstream framework of tents, battle, supper, dance, shopping, socializing, etc. so there's a firm upper limit on accuracy, and events where there's more opportunity to "live" history.

THe down-side is that they're fewer, so more travel is required, but to me they're well worth it. If anybody's interested in that kind of thing, I can let you know what I know about that's upcoming. Bevin of course knows about Westville too.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[bevinmacrae]

Susan, I haven't ever experienced visitors having trouble with my female soldier impression. If a visitor is able to ID me as female and not male, they usually get it that women had to disguise themselves if they wanted to soldier. I had one visitor ask me if women did this and how many and stuff like that. Perhaps this one person just didn't get it? It does help if you can "break character" in order to talk to them. It can be confusing if you refuse to explain the mystery, but rather try to carry on with it as you would if approached by another soldier. Besides the whole getting into first person that the guest has to realize, they also have the compounded difficulty of talking to a woman in drag who maintains they are male. You can see how it might be confusing for them. But you can get them to understand if you "confide" in them. You might not have to break into 3rd person to do it either. If they've IDed you as female, then you can say "don't tell the other soldiers. I want to serve my country, too, so I had to disguise myself." or something to that effect. Let them in on the secret so to speak.

I had fun with it while I did it, but not sure I'd go there again. Too stressful to think you could be "found out". I know there is opposition to that type of impression, and I was afraid that it would give my unit a bad name or something if I was found out. Though I have to say that I never experienced any bad reactions from other reenactors. It was likely more self-imposed! True, the women who actually did this had to deal with that stress throughout their service, but I'd rather not experience that again. Everything else was great, though. I liked the drilling and marching and carrying everything with you aspect. And I don't think I'll grow my hair out again!!

And if you are ever interested in an immersion event, go ahead and try it. It's more prep, but you always get out what you put in in my experience! They may not be for everyone, and it does take so much time and effort to prepare, but what have you to loose by trying one?
bevin

[Susan Peden]

Thanks, Bevin,

I think you are probably right about this person just not getting it.  I think she was confused about why I was dressing as a man, and I like you "confiding" suggestion.  I also felt that she had a problem "seeing" the 19th century and getting out of the modern box in which we live.  Thanks for the suggestions and with a little more work on my walk, perhaps I won't look like a middle aged woman in 19th century drag! - Susan

[bevinmacrae]

Ironically enough, and this is REALLY off-topic, if you visit Drag King websites, you can find alot of good info on how to perfect your disguise. Yes, just as there is a modern Drag Queen culture, there is a modern Drag King culture. Just warning about some web content. Be careful!
I've also written a long advice book (unpublished as of yet) for female soldiers. I'd be happy to send it to you. Hope it helps.
Bevin

[Elaine Kessinger]

Miz Susan- Has Mr. Silas ever graced a mid-atlantic region event with his presence? I think I may have seen "you" at an event... the "gent" I remember had a nicely dressed lady of distinguished years with him... very nice looking couple. I don't remember which event this was at, though.

[Stephanie Brennan]

 

Stephanie- Are you aware that the 150th of John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry event is the same weekend as this event?

Yes I did! Although John Brown's raid is done every year this will be a major event for Harpers Ferry this year. One of the places I like best at Harpers Ferry is the administration buildings at the top of the hill. The buildings originally housed the arsenal's upper mangement. It is a great place to escape to if you have the energy to hike the hill and don't sprain an ankle in period footwear, (not many of the public in sneakers hike up the hill either). The children and I hike up there for picnics and to sit on the large porch of Storer College. If you plan it out and drop food off at one of the buildings, It makes a lovely spot for a picnic away from the general public, maybe a nice after hours thing to do.
   
   Good News!   Cedar Creek has offered a special  civilian area for those who would like to forgo camping with the military. The plans are still contigent but at least it is a start.  The rest of the camping will be pretty much status quo from previous years.                 
                                                                                                               Stephanie


     




   
     

[Susan Peden]

Miz Susan- Has Mr. Silas ever graced a mid-atlantic region event with his presence? I think I may have seen "you" at an event... the "gent" I remember had a nicely dressed lady of distinguished years with him... very nice looking couple. I don't remember which event this was at, though.

Silas has attended 1st Manassas and Cedar Creek.  Otherwise he has been around Vermont and upstate New York.  I'll send you a photo of him via email.

[Jenn Miller]

May I state in response to some of the replys regarding authenticity or the lack there of.  It seems among the reenactment world there is a lot of arguing about what one thinks compared to another and so many are quick to tear apart another because of their style of reenacting.  I think a huge lesson on tolerance  needs to be taught to the reenactment community.  Yes we are all working towards being the best we can as a reenactor but none of us are perfect.  I think some like to put themselves up on thrones and believe they "know all" and are better than others who may still be in the early learning stages.  We must remember that we all were once" newbies" .

There are a lot of things I've seen this season so far that get under my skin with people who are not accurate, but I choose to love them, or get to know them as a person.  I do not pass judgement.  As one other person mentioned, we need to accept the things that we cannot change and quit griping about them.

We all do this hobby because we love it.  We need to keep in mind that not everything will suit us, but not to make another feel insecure or inferior to the point that the hobby is no longer a joy to them.

Sorry but I had to get that out. 

Jenn

[Leslie]

Well put, Jenn!  When I started I was so farby and I stayed that way for several years because I didn't know any better. If another reenactor had befriended me and showed me what can be done with period correctness then I would have come alot farther alot faster rather than trying to figure it out myself.

Thanks Jenn!

Leslie

[hanktrent]

I think some like to put themselves up on thrones and believe they "know all" and are better than others who may still be in the early learning stages.  We must remember that we all were once" newbies" .

I find that the quickest way to get the know-it-alls to quiet down, is to ask them to attend an event that's designed to be more accurate than what they usually do, so they may need to improve their own overall impression to fit in, or at least apply their knowledge and skills to the utmost of their ability.

Logically, they should jump at the chance to be challenged to do their best without so many of the anachronistic annoyances they complain of. In practice, their excuses for why they won't attend more accurate events can be quite amusing.

Hank Trent
(wish somebody would do that to me)
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Robin C]

Back to the thoughts on the reenactment--Stephanie, my suggestion is this:  Walk though the site as a present day spectator, or have someone do this for you. (This will not make the improvements this year, but will give you lots to go on.)  You will see and hear all kinds of things that are, shall we say, interesting.  This includes good and questionable. 

Robin

[Elizabeth]

It's not mocking or derisive to clarify and point out the very real differences in expectations and goals at different styles of event.

If a person is hoping for full immersion experiences, or even semi-immersion (still interacting with spectators), but attends an "authenticist" style event (accurate material culture, but lots of off-stage time, particularly after hours), they're going to be very disappointed. If the event goal and structure are clarified beforehand, that person can choose to attend, or not, as best suits their own history goals.

Large, "Smorgasbord" events have limitations to more complete accuracy. It's a fact we can't really ignore. That doesn't mean a smorgasbord-style event cannot have some great moments, and some great people with great impressions... just that there will be very definite limits to what *can* be accomplished, even by those with extreme desire. A carpe eventum is still bound by the limits of the event. It can be a lot of fun, but there's a mutual understanding that certain external elements will be willingly ignored.

As an impression-stretching exercise, I do find it very helpful to read up on "the opposition" to any impression I want to undertake. If I'm to be a Unionist, I'd better know how my direct Confederate counterparts think. If I'm to be a reluctant emigrant, I need to understand why others (including my spouse) are so eager to emigrate. If I'm pro-votes-for-women, it's helpful to know the other side's arguments against female suffrage. If I own a factory that pays small wages to immigrants, I need to know why that practice is roundly criticized as immoral and cruel by pro-slavery advocates.

Creating a persona for a full-immersion style event is not so very different from creating one for a smorgasbord event. You just get the chance to really integrate it for the whole time, without a break, and you have to be willing to experience *all* the consequences of the persona's choices, without thinking that others' responses are directed actually at *you*, because they're not... they are personas reacting to personas, and do not reflect the individual's real-life beliefs in all cases.

All that aside: short list to improving aspects of an event:

1: Contact Organizers directly for permissions, suggestions, and offers to help.
2: Gather a core group and discuss what you want to do with your "Accuracy Oasis".
3: Do pre-event mentoring and education as needed.
4: Do the event.
5: Hash over the event and see what can be improved for next time.
6: Begin again at #1.

[Stephanie Brennan]

Cedar Creek is coming up in approx 3 months. A few people have contacted me and I realize I need to make some basic decisions about what I can handle and the opportunities that have been offered. The options given to me by the organizers are these 1) a separate civilian camping area  2) the option to do scenarios at Heater House on Saturday
   Option one is reasonable for me to handle at this time. I plan to follow some of Liz's suggestions for  the civilian area. I will have a large central fly for activities. At this time I plan for penmanship , watercolors, readings, sewing circle, perforated paper work, picnic, and a performance by the children. Having four children of my own- I will include lots of children's things to do. Even if others do not choose to camp with us I hope they will come to join for activities.
   Option two is the area where I can help but do not feel I can do a the job it is worthy of- Heater House. Heater House is a work in progress and is not currently safe to use, but the park has made many improvements and sometime in the future will be usable. What is being offered is the use of the surrounding area of Heater House. The area can be set up temporarily for scenarios or something more like New Market but everything must be gone and cleaned up one hour before the battle on Saturday.  The park is offering to advertise this to draw the public. Quite bluntly I do not have the time to do the research or the free time at the event to set up and organize for the Heater House but I what to put this out there in case anyone else what's to seize the bull. Anyone is more than welcome to put this together- don't feel shy. The park will share what info they have about the house and people. 
   More information about the Heater House can be found on the Cedar Creek Foundation website. The house was abandoned during the battle. Mrs. Heater was apparently somewhat of a Unionist while her husband and sons were true to the South. She appears to be one reason the family farm was able to survive the war.  Belle Grove being an elaborate house next to the simple Heater House does not seem to have been the wealthier of the two. Heater House was on 600 acres at one time.  It will be grand to have many of these details brought out to the public.   Any thoughts suggestions please share   Stephanie

[jennifer tyndall]

Stephanie, I would really love to help with this. Unfortunately, I just don't have the experience something like this would take. I will be at Cedar Creek and can donate a few hours if that would help any.

[CivUSV]

Stephanie- Are you aware that the 150th of John Brown's Raid on Harper's Ferry event is the same weekend as this event?

The 2009 schedule sent out by Harpers Ferry earlier in the year lists that the main living history weekend in October 2009 for the John Brown Anniversary will be the weekend before Cedar Creek.  At least that's the impression I got from speaking with a couple of park folks about it.  The emphasis for the living history part of the anniversary month will be the weekend of October 10-11, while programs geared more towards park ranger tours & spectator events will be the weekend of 16-18 (the actual 150th anniversary of JB Raid.)  To double check, you can contact the Harpers Ferry staff who organize the living histories at the park.  Here's the info from the Harpers Ferry Calendar:

October 10th, 11th ,John Brown’s Legacy & At All Times Ready The US Marines:  Living History Event that features how the citizens, Militia, US troops, and the voters reacted to abolitionist John
Brown’s October 1859 Raid on the US Armory.  Although the Raid failed, it polarized the nation on the question of slavery.  Now both sides, pro and anti slavery, were willing to resort to violence.  Compromise between these factions became impossible resulting in an “irrepressible conflict.”  The visitor steps into a town under martial law and living in fear of future attacks or slave insurrection.  Military and civilian living history volunteers and staff will provide numerous reactions of the town’s former inhabitants.   
 
Oct 16, 17th 18th   Special John Brown 150 events.  US Marines at Engine House:  Three days of public education events focusing on the 36 hours of John Brown`s Raid on Harpers Ferry 150 years ago.  The weekend presentations include a full slate of music, drama, scholarship, living history, family & youth activities, and ranger conducted programs. 

Regards,

Stacy

[Stephanie Brennan]

Heater house  Is anyone interested in putting together a program for Saturday morning for a couple of hours???  They are ready to put out the schedule for Cedar Creek and I what to give them a positive no or yes on Monday.  Most of my friends and family are willing to participate but Heater House needs someone to organize, research, and finalize plans. PM me by this weekend if you would like to take on the task.      Stephanie

[Stephanie Brennan]

Walk through for Cedar Creek was done on Saturday- civilian camping is in several areas -living history with sutler row, beside the minimart union/ military or behind sutler row confederate civilian / military These are the same options as previous years. The other option is for the civilian camp which will be at the bottom of the hill outside union camp and confederate. Both the USCC and priests will be camped here as well as my family and several friends.  The area may or may not be marked on the map, but I will set up a large fly with R,W, and B bunting. I will be there on Thursday.
   The camping area is away from the sutler area but is closer to the stream and trees, with lots of room to run and play. I will post activities that I plan to put together in the up coming month. The main goals I will focus on are period conversation, skills, impression, and background.  Any civilians are welcome to join us. Please feel free to visit us as well. I love meeting new faces.
  For those of you that are not familiar with the Catholic priests and USCC . They are very knowledgeable and have won awards for their impressions. The priests on Sunday will have a period  mass and communion will be offered. The mass is partially in Latin and a choir is present to sing responsorials. The USCC will be there to help provide relief to our soldiers., but have large amounts of original information to share about their works and how it was carried out.               
  Please visit the CedarCreek foundation website for more information,--- Stephanie

     FYI- You may register as a independent if you do not belong to a partcipating group.  Stephanie