Florida Reenactors Online News Magazine

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General Information

Hardy's Brigade Suwannee River Raid work day

NOTICE......Hardy's Brigade Suwannee River Raid work day. September 25th and 26th, 8:00 AM to ??. Your help is needed. Gen. Hardy has requested that as many as possible attend - please do your best to show up and help. Free camping Friday and Saturday night. When you arrive, let them know at the front gate that you are with the work detail, register and set up your camp. The weekend camp will be established in the horse barn area (close to the bath house). The work will consist of cutting low hanging tree limbs from the battlefield and etc. This will enable spectators to see the battle better and reenactors will be able to move around the battlefield easier. The cut limbs will be used as breast works and cover during the battle. Bring your chain saw, pole saw, safety equipment and ladder. For more information, contact Gen. Goodrich at 352-493-0635 or rcgdmg123@bellsouth.net

New Living History Event.......November 12, 13, 2010. History Time Line. Brooksville, FL. The Hernando Preservation Society will present "Where History Lives" in downtown Brooksville. The event will honor our veterans of all wars starting from the Seminole war through present day. There will be a parade, living history demonstrations, fashion shows, a ladies tea, museum tours, bus tours of Brooksville's historic homes, reenactments, and art gallery openings with war memorabilia from all eras. Friday will be their education day for students. Throughout the year, they are planning to provide a forum for those interested in the history of the present Hernando County and "Old Hernando County" which consisted of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties. They will also promote educating the public through meetings, educational seminars, lectures, media presentations and tours. Information contact: Jan Knowles at janknowles@earthlink.net or check the museum's web page at www.hernandohistoricalmuseumassoc.com

New Event..........Andersonville Living history. March 11, 12, 13, 2011. Reenactors in Federal uniforms are needed to portray prisoners of war at an event called "We Are Prisoners Alike". Federal enlisted from all arms of service and branches are needed. For more information, email Capt. Harmon at hcove06@hotmail.com or check their website at http://www.georgiasharpshooters.org/Andersonville.html

Updated Website...........First Sgt. James Murphy has updated the Florida 7th Co. F. (Army of Tennessee) website. These reenactors portray authentic Confederate soldiers on campaign. They strive to present an accurate as possible impression. The 7th is active in many reenactments and living history events in Florida and out of state. Check them out at http://home.earthlink.net:80/~jamesmurphy5382/seventhfl/

Everhart.........Long time Florida reenactor Mike Everhart (and family) have settled in North Carolina. His family will remain active in reenacting and they are now looking for a group in the Hendersonville, NC, area. Their new address is 501 Garren Road, Hendersonville, NC 28792. You can stay in touch with Mike through his email address (which will remain the same) mecoh48thnc@wmconnect.com

New Federal Unit Forming.........12th New Jersey Company F. is a nonprofit American Civil War Reenacting organization which strives to accurately portray the common New Jersey Volunteer Union soldier during the time of the American Civil War. Company F. is composed of members throughout the state of Florida and is affiliated with the 12th New Jersey Company K. in New Jersey. If you have a love for history and would like to join our company, please contact Paul Saia at PSaia@12NJCoF.US or John Lund at kidtocorporal@yahoo.com Check out their webpage at http://12njcof.us/Content.htm

Final Roll Call

In Memory Of........Kathryn Hennard (Thickitycreek Sutler - husband is Larry). Kathryn passed away after a battle with lung cancer. Their sutlery was mostly set up in South Carolina, Aiken, Jonesboro and other central eastern seaboard events.

Reenactor's Mother Passes Away

By Kathy Heitman "The Picture Lady"

Jack Heitman, 5th FL. Co. I and Co. K, 3rd Battalion, Hardy's Brigade, lost his mother, Ruth Wagner Heitman-Gwinn, to a long battle with congestive heart failure on July 20, 2010 at the age of 88. Her family was at her bedside in St. Louis County, Missouri when she passed away. She lived a full, loved-filled life. Up until two weeks before she became bedridden, she was up and around, making everyone laugh as she delivered the mail at the assisted living facility where she resided. She touched many lives through her volunteer work. Two of her greatest accomplishments were the induction into the Who's Who of American Women and a Scholarship Fund in her name at the University of South Alabama, Mobile for students studying Geriatrics. She will be sorely missed by those who knew and loved her.

Book Review

7 Lbs. of Bacon, What A Mess!

Does anybody remember Scrubby Flatwood and the Palmetto Picker? Do you recall the early dances at the Ocklawaha River Raids on the 4-H Farm? Here's a hint, not too many years ago there was such a group that informally went by that name (by way of Craig Wolford - courtesy of Rick Moock's charming wit) and passed themselves off as such when pressed for the name of their group.

The name change came when the group was asked to play a second time at the former Anclote event and Craig was unavailable (commandeered by the 97th Regimental String Band to play in Yankee land). Without the Palmetto Picker, the remaining musicians decided to have a "Name the Band" contest at the dance (no prizes awarded). Because members of the group are also in the 4th Florida Co. G., one bright gentleman, John DeIorio yelled from the back of the dance hall "How 'bout 7 Lbs. of Bacon", which stems a season long challenge to cook 4 then 5 then 6 and finally 7 lbs. of bacon in the monster skillet the 4th uses to cook breakfast. Thanks for the name John, you're a genius.

Well, there you have it, after playing together around campfires for 8 years with a variety of friends, the 7 Lbs. of Bacon Band is now officially bona-fide. The band has received some notoriety having played for a host of events in

Florida (Ft. Desoto, Anclote, Narcoossee, and Ocklawaha), but in May the guys traveled to North Georgia to play their first ever out of state engagement for the Battle of Resaca. Not bad for a group with such humble beginnings.

In preparation for the event, the group decided it was time to record their first CD project. Inspired by the 97th and the 2nd SC String Band they did just that and traveled to Resaca (hoping to sell 100 CD's). Arriving on Friday afternoon, they found Bob and Debi Burnett (Loafers Glory) and set up a fly next to their tent having to promise Bob there would be no drums or bugles.

The spectator turn out was down but the event site was outstanding and the band played and hawked CD's all day Saturday. They set up in the rain Saturday night for a 7:00 PM dance to be held outside, with no tent, that's right, no tent .... under the stars, no lighting or power, just tiki torches and three long extension cords stretched across the field to a pool house. It stopped raining about 7:30 PM and they commenced at 7:45 PM.

The folks' spirits in Georgia were not dampened (maybe it was the spirits they dampened their insides with) and seemed to have a great time until it began to rain at 9:45 PM. They drug the equipment under the "bona-fly" to sit out the deluge (which lasted about 10 minutes). Sure enough after the rainfall, the dancers reappeared and the band played several more waltzes and ended with Dixie's Land about 10:15 PM. It was a great time and they did sell some CD's (not the 100 they took). Unfortunately, their Father's Day Special did not go over so well - one CD for $10 or 2 CD's for $25. Hmm.

The band will be playing the Ocklawaha River Raid dance again this year at the Florida Carriage Museum, November 5 -7, 2010. Be sure to come and say hello (and pick up your copy of the CD, 7 Lbs of Bacon, What A Mess! (Ocklawaha River Raid Special - one CD for $10 or 2 CD's for $24)

For more information about the band, look for "The 7 Lbs of Bacon Band" on Facebook, be a friend/fan. The group is made up of Brian Darsey, Joe Kurtright and Craig Wolford.

Recent Events

12th Running of the Parrish Florida Train Raid

by Victor and Nel Nevins

Civil War Courier

First a little history about the train and the train line. It would have been real nice to have had a period correct steam locomotive but that was not in the cards. A diesel locomotive and 1930's passenger cars did fine. The re-enactors are able to ride in and use the entire train as part of the show. The Florida Gulf Coast R.R. Museum provided an open air car for the attending general public to sit in and observe the action.

The actual right of way for the tracks is currently owned by Florida Power and Light they permit the museum to use it. The tracks are as original as possible. The rail line was started in 1903 and operated between Bradenton and Tampa by the Florida East Indies Railroad and Steam Ship Co. Over the years and various mergers CSX took it over from the Seaboard Coast Line and abandoned it in 1974. Years later, Florida Power and Light bought the right of way. The actual length of the train ride for the reenactment is 6.3 miles one way then back.

The Railroad Museum offers one of the most unique museum experiences in the world - you "ride the exhibits"! The museum operates weekend excursions year-round. Special events including Civil War, WW II and Cowboy reenactments are scheduled at different times. You can contact the museum at 877-869-0800 or www.frrm.org The closest town with lodging is Ellington exit #224 off I-75 in Southwest Florida. There is on site camping for reenactors participating in the event.

This event might have been held on the same weekend as the big Resaca GA. reenactment but it has proven to me you don't have to be the biggest to be the best. It was a tough choice for me to pick but I had heard so many good things about it that I told Capt. Barry King (photo at left) of the 75th O.V.I. who is the event host I would be there to cover it and I will be back again next year as it was such an enjoyable and well planned out event. Actually you can say this is a re-enactors event where there is an organized plan however much is made up as it moves along.

The re-enactment/skirmish is held in the one light town of Parrish, Fla., at the Rail Road Museum of Florida. This was the 12th year of the event but not the 12th annual as there was a small break in-between when a spectator had a gripe and management at that time went along with it. However, due to many people asking about it and a change of management, Capt. Barry King was approached about doing the reenactment again. The museum was aware of the need for the event to return and offered not only to advertise but to pay for the firewood, water and port-a-potties. All Barry had to do was guarantee them two shows a day for the weekend. Matter of fact, the event is so popular that just as it was starting off for the 11:00 AM a half a million love bugs showed up out of no where and hung around for the show.

As in any re-enactment, the Federals win once and the Confederates take the next battle. The twist comes with the way this occurs; this is the only re-enactment where the general public and spectators get to participate without their knowing they are going to. There are two shows if you will call them that each day. One at 11:00 AM and the next at

2:00 PM. They start out on the ground then move to the train then go back to the ground and finish up on the train.

Here now is how the two show scenarios go. There is a money box that the Union has to transport of which the south would like to get its hands on. Aside from posting the train guards Capt. King had a feeling the Rebs might try and pull something so he had his own surprise set up and as expected the Confederates did attack. With the money box safely on board and the Rebels advancing his escape plan came into play as the Rebs got close enough to one of his camps covered wagons the top was pulled back and four militiamen opened up on the unsuspecting Confederates killing all of them as the train moved out of the station.

The train ride takes you through a variety of locals, swamp, farm land and thick palm brush all the time watching out for a surprise raid. The train stops and back comes Charlie Butler one of the provost marshals telling everyone we have to go back to Parrish as the Rebs blew up the bridge just ahead and we can't proceed forward. Along the return trip, the train comes to a clearing and stops as several Union troops are holding Rebel prisoners. That is the ruse to get the train to stop. Capt. King and several soldiers get off the train to see what has happened and then the trap is sprung. Out of a large clump of grass and from behind old abandoned buildings out strike the Rebels. They kill most of the Federals on the ground; however, those that survive make it back and the train pushes on. It is at this time that some of the Florida Bushwhackers on horse back come out to perform for the attending public.

The afternoon show takes on a slightly different version. This time the Rebs capture the money box and make it onto the train leaving the Federals to ponder their loss. Most of the train ride goes the same as in the morning however this time the ambush is set up by the North. As the train nears a clearing, you see dead and wounded lying on the ground and Capt. King waving a white flag hoping to get the train to stop by saying his troops were ambushed and he is in need of a doctor if there is one on the train. The shoe is now on the other foot and after the Confederates stop the train and climb down the same surprise is sprung on them.

What separates this event from the others is that the public gets to join in and a lot is made up as you go and it really works out better than if actually planned out. Plus in my opinion over the years of covering these events, I think every reenactor should be carrying a S.A.G. card in their wallet.

As shown in some of the photos, Capt. King is showing wanted posters of a group called the Florida Bushwhackers wanted for armed insurrection, train robbery and general mischief and mayhem as well as one for a Lauren Carr (photo at left), a.k.a. Angry Cripster for some of the same offenses. He shows these posters not only his troops but to the general public spectators as he goes around and being sure he lets everyone know if you see these people, let him or his men know. As it turns out, several of these wanted folks wonder the train and sit next to or stand by the people coming to watch the event. Do you think a single person noticed them or said anything; matter of fact Lauren Carr was sitting next to a man Barry was asking if he saw her and he said no. When Capt. King pointed out that she was right next to him, he questioned him as if he had a part in hiding her. Poor old fellow did not know what to say and only sat there with that "I've been busted" look on this face. After her being thrown in irons, she was dispatched by firing squad after the train returned.

Actually the same thing happened after the Federals got the train to stop. The Rebs felt two of their men were Union spies and did the same thing to them, only they did not know (as it was not in the script) one of their fathers jumped out to the firing squad and started shooting them hollering "you're not gonna kill my son". He was killed and so was his son.

As you can see by reading this, the Parrish train raid is a really fun event and I hope it brings out more reenactors and another sutler or two to the next one. Speaking of sutlers. there was only one present. It was Stitches Wood and More out of Brooksville, Fla. There were 55 re-enacotrs present and the spectator count given to me by the Museum on Saturday was at just under 200. Reenactment units present were:

75 O.V.I., 17th Conn, Fla. Union Militia, Milton Light Artillery, 97th PA, Florida Bushwhackers, 38th Georgia CSA infantry and Southern Volunteers

Confederate Veteran Honored

James Gray (Brisbane, Australia) wrote.........

Compatriots,

On Sunday, August 1, 2010, I made a visit to the Confederate Warrant

Officer Richard William Curtis gravesite in Toowong Cemetery for the purpose of installing a solid concrete Sons of Confederate Veterans bronze Southern Cross headstone made by the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #2160 for Officer Curtis and his descendants. It has been accomplished and will be a tribute to a great forgotten Confederate Officer. It is aprox. 1 foot square with inclined front, constructed of solid reinforced concrete, has three coats of special paint, has a solid bronze Southern Cross and brass letters and numbers; set in concrete.

It is located in Toowong Cemetery, Brisbane, Australia and a dedication ceremony is planned for November 7, 2010; which will be attended by the public and his family of 16 descendants which I have uncovered. Each of the 16 descendants will be presented with a bound memorial booklet on the life of Richard William Curtis and a Southern Patriots Certificate; supplied by Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp #2160.

James Gray

Commander

SCV Camp 2160

Australia

Southern Volunteer Battalion Off Season Cookout/Drill

Lt. Col. Larry Rowe wrote............

The 10th Tennessee Cavalry hosted the S.V.B. Annual cookout/drill this year held at Seminole Ranch located in Christmas, FL. We were blessed with good weather and good southern hospitality and fellowship. I find it most important to keep the horses fine tuned and the men in shape. Everyone had a good time. Trooper Jo sent in an after actions report so with that I will say be safe and stay cool and see ya'll in the new season......not that it really ever ends.

Lt. Col. Larry Rowe

10th Tennessee Cavalry Co. D.

S.V.B. Cavalry Commander

Pvt. Jo wrote..........

S.V.B. After Actions Report Cookout/Drill

The 10th Tenn. Co. was rallied from near and far. We had several come from as far north as Jacksonville and as far south as Fort Pierce. We had more troopers from out west near Brooksville make it as well. All wanted to show support for the company. Fresh horses and fresh troopers were welcome, as they need to be ready before the first siege in the fall. Col. allowed civilian dress as to not attract attention from any of the enemy if they were near. The area was pretty clear as the Cow Cavalry had cleared this area to drive cows north for the troops. There was no enemy in sight so we proceeded together.

Col. and troopers Clint and Pencil were the first to arrive to the designated area. They were quick to secure the perimeter and set up command post with the Col. Several area civilians made it possible to meet and use the area. They deserve our thanks. They helped by supplying needed water and other facilities. Capt. Hackle and his Pvt. Arnie came later once meat was procured for the troops. The fires were started as to have them hot and ready to cook on. The procured meat was a local hog that happened to wander too close to the Col.'s homestead. It was thrown on whole at night as to not alert the locals to our presence. As the night wore on, Private Pencil kept the fires burning and kept a lookout.

Saturday morning: troopers started arriving by any means that they could. The Captain returned to make sure the grub was going to be ready as the troop movement was headed our way. Most of the troops that came on Saturday received ample rest before the trip and were ready for the day. The Battalion was ready to hone their skills. Total count for troops were sixty at the rally point on Saturday. Troopers from all over were in attendance and had brought some food they had scavenged along the way. As the Battalion Commanders held meetings at the Command Post, the Col. had his mounted troopers move out to refresh their skills and teach new troopers the ropes. Some of our fighters had acquired new mounts and needed to get their new horses accustomed to battle. Trooper Vic had a new mount as well as trooper Alfonso, Charlie and Sam. We had three new troopers: Phil, Kirk and last but not least, Marvin. Although Marvin may be assigned to another area as he is a younger fellow. I also shot off my mount Ice who has an aversion to battlefields. I have seemed to make a little headway with his stubborn streak. Sgt. Byron shot off his scavenged mount for the day as his trusty Diablo was unable to be crossed through the lines at the time. Byron was able to leave him at his homestead under the care of his wife and young son.

After shooting off of the horses and drilling with our advance and retreat tactics, we were all tired and hot as the south is notorious for June weather. We cooled the horses off in a nearby pond and headed back to the Command Post. Marvin experienced an impromptu bath as his mount decided he was really hot and wanted to lie down in the cool water. Trooper Alfonso came up and helped them and then told us he had been captured and forced to work like a dog before he had escaped on his mount. We were all glad to see him all in one piece. Once we returned, we watered our mounts and waited for the mess line to get established as the roast pig was done to perfection. Many charitable people brought side dishes as well as troops. Everyone was allowed to eat their fill. If you left hungry, it was no one's fault but your own. Thank you to all that helped with that as this will make us strong to fight again.

Milton Light Artillery command was on site as well. Major Hendrickson was accompanied by Cpl. Alcorn and Cpl. Jared and Pvt. Parker. Major Hendrickson did not bring the cannon as the lines were well guarded to the northeast of the drill site. He advised he could not risk the loss of his gun. We all understood although there shouldn't be any site of the enemy this deep in the country. Medical Corps were represented by Nurse Casey, she would need to know in advance of troop movements. The dismounted boys were represented by Lt. Moustache and trooper Manny. He had no drill, but then again we all are under him at some time or another if our mounts are absent.

The main brass had arrived from the trenches when we arrived back. General Brown and several others were in attendance. It was good to see them again. After eating, the Battalion meeting was begun and Col. Hayes took command. Col. Hayes advised that there was a particular area in need of our help in October. The Col. advised he would try to muster as many of the troopers as he could for this. We all are hoping to help out the Battalion as much as we can through this year's engagements. I believe that was the end of the Battalion meeting as the Col. took us off to the side for a Company meeting.

The Col. wished to acknowledge our newest member, trooper Ron. He has been fighting with us but has hard mixed feelings as his kinfolk were from the side of our enemy. The war is cruel but we all agreed to not shoot any kin of Ron's if we could help it. He understood and joined us to show his support for the company. We also needed to get some things straightened out with paperwork. You know how paperwork is in the army! Sgt. Josh was not able to attend but he was reached by wire. He was stuck in an ambush near the coast up north of us. He relayed the information for us so that we could let the troops know about the casualty fund. All troopers that were interested were asked to chip in to help out. I found what little I could spare to add to the pot.

After the meeting, we were free to explore the area. Several troopers and Col. made patrols to the St. John's River to watch for the riverboats. Not to mention the water is cool and our mounts could sure use the rest. That evening we wished all of those going on a safe journey. Some of us stayed so that we could enjoy the rest a little longer. We all let our mounts eat the fresh green grass all night, they don't get that very often on the trail. It was a real treat for mine.

Sunday started slow. Trooper Andy had the Col.'s coffee ready. He knows how to get on the Col.'s good side. After a late brunch, those of us that were left took a patrol of the Lakeoshit Road. The geysers were mostly quiet but the view was good. Not much happening over there as you can imagine. On our return, all was packed up and we left the area no worse for wear. Anybody would be hard pressed to find any evidence of our passing.

Reported as seen by this Private,

Pvt. Jo

Letters To The News Magazine

Civil War History

The Birth of U.S. Aerial Reconnaissance

by Mr. James B. "Brad" Hollingsworth, CTR

Thaddeus S. Lowe, a 29-year-old balloon enthusiast, went up about 500 feet on June 18, 1861, looked down upon Washington, and via a cable linking his balloon gondola to the War Department, telegraphed a message to President Lincoln: "The city, with its girdle of encampments, presents a superb scene..." It was the first wartime air-to-ground communication ever recorded in America. By linking the balloon to the telegraph, Lowe transformed what had been a novel contraption at country fairs into a tool for a new kind of intelligence gathering: real-time aerial reconnaissance.

The demonstration had been arranged, not by military officers, but by Joseph Henry, first Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, and an enthusiastic supporter of the use of balloons in war. With a note introducing Lowe, Lincoln nudged Lieutenant General Winfield Scott, commander-in-chief of the U.S. Army. The army soon accepted the new tool, forming the U.S. Army Balloon Corps. In March 1962, when Major General George B. McClellan began his "aeronautic train, consisting of four army wagons and two gas generators."

At 3 o'clock one morning, Lowe went up and stayed aloft until daybreak, "observing the camp-fires and noting the movements of the enemy" around Yorktown. Brigadier General Fritz John Porter went up next, getting, form 1,000 feet, an unprecedented view of an American battlefield. As soon as he landed, Porter rounded up generals and mapmakers and drew up maps showing the Confederates' fortifications, based on what he and Lowe had seen while aloft.

Lowe made frequent flights to obtain tactical intelligence. On June 14, 1862. for instance, he went aloft near Richmond carrying a map on which he noted, in red, "some of the most important earth works seen this morning." The map had been prepared by John C. Babcock and "E.J. Allen S.S.U.S"- the cover name of Allan Pinkerton. The initials stand for "Secret Service, United States," Pinkerton's name for the organization he formed while working for McClellan.

As the Union began to make routine use of the new surveillance system, the Confederates reacted. They shot cannons at the balloons, but artillery, aimed by formulas involving trajectory from cannon to land target, could not easily become antiaircraft guns. Confederate artillery officers soon learned that when they shot their guns, they became targets of fire directed by Union artillery spotters in the balloons.

Then, in the age-old rhythm of intelligence, an espionage innovation produced a counter innovation: The Confederates started camouflaging encampments and blacking out their camps after learning that Union balloonists counted campfires for estimates of troop strength. To fool daytime observers, Confederates painted logs black and arranged them to look like cannons jutting from defenses. They were dubbed "Quaker guns" and "wooden ordnance."

The Confederates raised balloons a few times. But the South did not have adequate equipment for producing large amounts of hydrogen gas or rubber. The first Confederate balloon was made of varnish-covered cotton and was filled with hot air. An observer drew a map of Union positions near Yorktown, but had trouble controlling the balloon. The next Confederate balloon was made of colorful swaths of silk (inspiring the legend that the balloon's fabric consisted of ball gowns donated by patriotic Southern belles). Filled at Richmond's municipal gas works, the balloon was tethered to a locomotive, which took it to an observation site. The balloon later was moved by a tugboat and taken down the James River. The tug ran aground, and Union troops captured the balloon.

Both sides soon gave up the use of balloons: the South because of the lack of resources, and the North primarily because Lowe and his balloons could not find a bureaucratic niche in the U.S. Army. Lowe resigned in May 1863, and the U.S. Army Balloon Corps was disbanded soon after.

Editors Note: For more about the use of hot air balloons in the Civil War check the history section on this website at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/baloons.htm

Items For Sale

And Wanted

For Sale. Two 1776 British uniforms. All accessories included - vest, shirt, breeches, cartridge box, waist belt with bayonet frog, leggings. 34 -36 waist with large jacket and 36-38 waist with large jacket. $400.00 each. Brown Bess musket (flintlock) $500.00. Contact mad8542184@aol.com

Huge Sale. There will be a big "blanket sale" over at the 3rd Battalion's cavalry camp at the Suwannee event. Friday, Saturday and Sunday mid-morning only. Many things from weapons, knives, eating and cooking items, uniforms, small camp items, cavalry tack and dresses. Everything needed for reenacting. Too many items to list here. Come over and check it out. Contact mayorbob@embarqmail.com for information.

For Sale. Paper cartridge tubes for infantry reenactors. Contact nspapercartridges.com

For Sale. Louis Prang Civil War series prints. Selling as a complete set of 18 framed prints. $200 each, $3,600 total + shipping. Chromolithograph published by the American Lithographic Co. Very good condition. Art gallery/framer that framed the original collection removed the backing of the framed piece so he could view edging. Discoloration, markings. Pieces are matted with a non acid free mat and taped at top in two places with tape. Backing is regular foam core and are not dry-mounted. No indication of discoloration under mat. No tears, blemishes. Prints contain both the Prang emblem of a rose and the American Lithograph Co. Also for sale are a set of six Prang Christmas cards dated 1973 from Prang-Mark Society. Contact Wendy at 407-462-7809 or Cheryl Collette at cellblk@earthlink.net

Items For Sale. Sile Sharps Carbine, lead shot, Federal coat, saber, leather belt, leather cap pouch, oil cloth haversack, leather ammunition pouch, ammunition and other various Accoutrements. Contact Scott in Maryland at scott@scottjmartin.com

For Sale. Ladies dresses (size 5 - 7). Camp dresses with apron-mourning top, shirt, veil, hat and other nice dresses (size 12 - 14). Ladies cloak with hood (lined) navy blue with gold trim. Great coat (large) excellent condition. Miscellaneous boots and shoes. Four red shirts, four pants, one vest, two shell jackets, one sac coat, two haver sacs, two kepis, gunners pouch, two western style hats, other miscellaneous hats. Lots of other mixed items. $700 takes it all. Contact Denny Rosenow at DebbieRosenow@cambridgemsi.com

For Sale. Historic, renovated log cabin and barns on twelve gorgeous acres near Elizabethtown, Kentucky. Perfect hobby farm or getaway. Out in the country but fifteen minutes to all the hardware and grocery stores in Elizabethtown! Visit kentuckyhideaway.wordpress.com for photos and details. $150,000 OBO. Contact owner: linda.paulus@gmail.com

For Sale. Enlisted man's double skirted 1847 Grimsley "Dragoon" saddle (Replica). Custom built by Doug Kidd. Brass over pommel and cantle. 14 inch deer hair padded seat. 5 inch gullet and 12 inch spread on the bars. Rawhide covered wooden tree with modified quarter horse bars. Tree is a true 14 inch size as per original. Saddle comes with two wool girths, six coat straps, sircingle and a set of period correct M1833 polished brass stirrups, five inch width. Hand forged stirrup hangers, staples and iron rings. Saddle is in excellent condition. Two years old. Originally purchased for $1395 asking $900 O.B.O. Contact Jason Klug at klugjm@yahoo.com or 352-466-4887

For Sale. Cohorn Mortar with box and tools. Contact Al Hartman at 850-875-1615

For Sale. Cavalry horse. Registered Tenn. Walker. 19 years old. Has been a reenacting cavalry horse for about 10 years so he knows how it's done. 15.2 tall. Contact Ralph VanDyke at shellev@msn.com

For Sale. Period Correct Wood Items. Cpl. Hamilton McElroy (25th Ohio Volunteers, Co. E.) has started a small company specializing in wood camp furniture called McElroy's Woodworking. His inventory includes common camp things like chairs, chests, boxes shelves and more including lamps, lavatory, benches and tables. Painting and stains are not included in the prices but you can have him do that to if you like. You can visit Ham's website at http://www.geocities.com:80/irishham97/furniture/ or you can email Hamilton at irishham97@yahoo.com

For Sale. Confederate POW MIA flag. The flag is a 3'X5' polyester D100 with brass grommets. A portion of the proceeds go to support SCV camp 2086 the Dixie Defenders in Cross City, FL. For more information and to order a flag, go to their website at www.confederatepowflag.com or www.rebelflag.com

For Sale. Window stickers, signs, vehicle lettering, graphics, magnetic signs, banners of all sizes and more. Will ship anywhere. Contact Robyn Banks (artillery) at southerncanoneer@aol.com

Upcoming Events

For a complete listing of all Civil War reenactments, living history events, and monthly meetings in Florida, please see the 2010 - 2011 Event Schedule at http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/EventRoster.htm or go to this magazine's home page and click on the Event Schedule button.