Florida Reenactors
Online News Magazine
written by
Robert Niepert
mayorbob@embarqmail.com

This News Magazine, its articles, photos and all the
information contained herein are copyrighted
and may not be reproduced in any form without
written permission of the editor and its authors.
 

Lee Jackson Memorial 2006

 
General Information Section
 
Mixed Up Photo.........In last month's issue, I posted a photo from Kathy Heitman in the article from Wes Mayhle.  The photo is the one of 3rd Maine Co. F. (Sgt. leading his men in prayer as he holds a Bible).  Sorry for the mistake.
 
New Event In S.C.........May 5, 6, 7, 2006.  Columbia, South Carolina - Battle for Columbia The Culler Farm, 15 minutes from Columbia, SC.  Living history and education demonstrations will be held on Friday, with battles Saturday and Sunday afternoon.  Sutlers, period demonstrations and other attractions will be presented.  Forbesfilms (contact at http://forbesfilm.com/home.htm) will be filming the movie Firetrail, based on the novel about Sherman’s march through the Carolinas by author Lydia Hawke.  As part of the production, a town will be constructed on location and burned for movie scenes.  Directions: Take exit 125 off  I-26 East from Columbia.  Go left on Highway 31 100 yards to another left on Valley Ridge Road.  Event site is 1.1 miles on the right.  For further information, contact event staff at bfcmail@aol.com or mail@battleforcolumbia.com or log onto http://www.battleforcolumbia.com/.
 
Fund To Help Restore Beauvoir.............In response to last summer's devastating hurricane on the Gulf coast, the Nature Coast Reenactment Committee has begun a fund of $500.00 to be sent to the restoration efforts taking place at Beauvoir (Pres. Jefferson Davis's home in Gulfport, MS.).  The home was severely damaged by Katrina and is in need of private donations to speed the clean up and restoration program.  All weekend at the Crystal River Reenactment, the event host will be collecting money to be added to their initial donation and submitted at one time.  If anyone would like to contribute, you can do so at the designated spot at the event.
 
Horse Ride On Gettysburg Battlefield..........My friends in Gettysburg wrote to tell me about the Gettysburg Equestrian Historical Society (GEHS)  founded in 1994 as a non-profit, volunteer organization.   Its sole purpose is to assist the National Park Service (NPS) in preserving and maintaining the equestrian trail system throughout the Gettysburg National Military Park.  In so doing, this organization could help preserve the park's equestrian resources while providing enhanced interpretive and riding experiences for all horse trail users.  If you bring your horse and want to ride it on the battlefield. their site features maps of the park's horse trails.  They have 3 1/2 hour fund raiser trail rides now and then for only $25.  You can also rent a horse at the Artillery Ridge Campground right across the street from the park.  Their website address is www.thegehs.org   If you are going to Gettysburg, get in touch with Diane or Rick. 

From Our Friends In Australia..............They wrote...."Everyone at our meeting the other night was commenting on the excellence of your monthly newsletter and the work everyone in Florida is doing and I thought you might want to give all the home boys a "WELL DONE" from their friends down-under.  We've just taken possession of another veteran headstone from Washington for a dedication ceremony next month and I'm ordering another for a veteran buried on the southern tip of New Zealand.  A birthday favor for the 89 year old mother who always wanted a headstone for him before she died.  The memorial website, www.acwv.info,  has been growing and am waiting for the webmaster to add another four to the site.
 
New Unit Forming.............Another new unit is getting together.  It will be the 21st Arkansas Co. C. Army of the Trans-Mississippi; for more information, contact Terry Maynard trsscs@aol.com
 
Lake County Roundtable.........Bob Grenier (President of the Historical Society of Tavares, Vice President of the Lake County Historical Society and a member of the 17th Conn. Vol. Inf.) wanted to let everyone know that a new discussion group has been formed in northwest central Florida.  The North Lake County Florida Civil War Roundtable meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM from October through May at the Tavares Civic Center, 100 E. Caroline in Tavares, Lake County, Florida.  Club newsletter, Impressions of A Nation Divided, is available at meetings and by mail.  For more information, e-mail Bob Grenier at bobbyg22@comcast.com
 
Living History Events
 
Living History................Kelli Rapaport (New Covenant Christian School in Holiday, Fl.) would like your help in teaching her students about the War Between The States.  The program would take place in either March or April.  The class should last for about 45 min. If in April, afternoons (1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.) is the best time.  They would like Confederate, Federal or civilian impressions to be presented.  The living history program will be for 4th through 8th grade students.  If you would like to help teach the children, contact Kelli at Rapjkzka@verizon.net
 
Compensated Living History Weekend Event..........The program will take place on May 4th through the 7th in the USA pavilion during the World of Nations Celebration in Jacksonville, Fla. (14th annual event).  The goal of the program is to create an interactive environment for adults and children while educating spectators concerning the American Civil War.  12,000 school children will attend from several counties.  They would like to have about five Federal soldiers, five Confederate soldiers, an artillery piece, at least one tent (to be set up with all accoutrements for display purposes) and five civilians.  All participants must be in period correct clothing at all times while on site.  Last year over 65,000 spectators attended this event.  Mr. Walker will compensate participants for their expenses to include hotel accommodations, mileage and fuel costs.  Dexter needs your reply ASAP!!  He is under a strict time frame and needs to get things moving.  If you would like to participate, contact Dexter Walker (Public Relations Specialist, Office of Special Events) at dexterw@coj.net
 
New Websites
 
New SCV Site..............The Sons Of Confederate Veterans Major W.M. Footman Camp #1950 (Ft. Myers, Fl.) has their new website up.  Check it out if you have time.  http://www.florida-scv.org/Camp1950/index.html
 
Large Civil War Information Website..........Mary Ables wrote to me about this website (University of North Carolina) and I think it could be of use to a lot of reenactors.  Mary wrote ..... "It has literally thousands of books, narratives, letters, etc. about the Civil War, that you can read online or print 300 page books if you wish, free of charge.  One of the best I have found. Warning, a person could wander around here for hours. The Link is http://docsouth.unc.edu/fpn/texts.html
 
64th Georgia..........The 64th Georgia is working on their new website which is located at http://64thgeorgia.com/
 
2006 Poster and Essay Contest:
"Save Civil War Battlefields"!
Get creative for preservation with the CWPT's poster and essay contest.

CWPT invites all students in grades 4-12 to compete in our annual Poster and Essay Contest.  With all of the issues and problems in the world today, why should Americans care about the past? Why should we protect and preserve Civil War battlefields?  You've heard from us - now it's our turn to hear from you! Remind all Americans that Civil War battlefields are endangered national treasures - and most importantly, tell them what to do about it!
The 2006 motto is ***"Save Civil War Battlefields."*** Poster entries must focus on the protection and preservation of Civil War battlefields.  Each poster must state this year's theme.  Artwork must support the theme. Essays can relate the importance of the Civil War, and why we are proud to preserve Civil War battlefields and continually restore and maintain these historic sites for future generations.
There are three poster contests: Elementary, for students in grades 4, 5, and 6; Junior, for students in grades 7, 8, and 9; and Senior, for students in grades 10, 11, and 12. There are two essay contests: Junior, for students in grades 7, 8, and 9; and Senior, for students in grades 10, 11, and 12.
Prizes: The History Channel has funded this program due to its generosity and ongoing interest in student growth!
First -- $200; Second -- $100; Third - $50 Students win cash prizes; teachers win History Channel gift certificates in equivalent amounts.
Deadline: All entries must be received in our office by ***May 1, 2006.***
Rules: Where applicable, students may enter either the poster contest or the essay contest in their age group, but not both. Students may submit one entry in their category of choice. Each entry MUST be labeled with the following information:
Teacher Name
School Name
School Address
School City, State & Zip
School Phone
Teacher E-mail
Student Name
Student Grade
Posters will be judged for originality, quality of artwork, visual impact, and strength of message.
Posters:
. May not be larger than 14" by 22"
. May be made with markers, crayons, paint, paper cutouts, pen and ink, or any other media that will not smear and will leave the finished poster flat and easy to handle (no chalk or charcoal, no gluing rocks or other three-dimensional items to the poster, etc.  If you glue items, make sure they are glued securely and won't fall off).
. May not use copyrighted materials such as comics, TV characters, professional photographs, etc.
. There were no red tri-cornered hats, green camouflage or tanks during the Civil War.
Essays will be judged for originality, persuasive quality, clarity, and strength of message.
 
Essays:
. Must be approximately 300 words long
. Must use proper grammar and correct spelling
. Must consist primarily of the student's own words
. All quotations from diaries and texts must be properly cited
Entries will not be returned and become the property of CWPT. Entrants will be notified of contest results in June of 2006 via letter and Hallowed Ground.
Mail Entries To:
CWPT Poster and Essay Contest
Civil War Preservation Trust
11 Public Square, Suite 200
Hagerstown, MD 21740
Need More Information? Call 1-888-606-1400
Sick Call
 
Ord. Sgt. Richard Todd of the 7th Connecticut Co. G. wanted to thank everyone for their help on the field.  He wrote........
 
 I wish to thank the Baker County medical unit and the medical personnel of Tom Alesio' Field medics.
 
  On Friday night I had to be transported into Lake City to medical center for treatment of  unknown stomach ailment and some mild chest pains. I had first contacted Tom and his group as I knew they were close to my camp and they confirmed I needed medical care and summoned the Baker County medics. I was loaded with great care in spite of my large size and was delivered to LCMC, where I was checked and found to have a mild stomach flu and then sent home. I returned to camp Saturday morning to find my gear all placed inside my tent and tent closed. I then sorted and packed and with the help of the Park Service Rangers and one of their Gators,was able to get gear to car and packed for trip home. Thanks to the Park Service Rangers as well as the reenactors who helped get my belongings secured.
 
 I do regret to say this will be the last year I will try to do the whole weekend event. I will day trip it as I live close and love the event and the people who do it. My health this past year has become such I just can't do it anymore and cannot risk mine or others health to try to anymore. I will see all of you good folks when I come out for the day.
 
  Thank you all again for your help.
 
Ord. Sgt. Richard Todd
7Th Connecticut Co. G.
 
Letters To The Magazine
 
The Sign
by Warren Feldman MD
Medical; Directors Report
Hardy's Brigade CSA
 

The first thing I saw at Olustee was a sign "No Pets".  The next thing I saw was hundreds of law enforcement officers.  After that, I saw a sign that said "registration".  There I was given a list of rules that stated with the sign "No Pets".  I was then told I could not dig fire pits, have a breech loader, kick the ground, and, yes, kill a federal bee.  It also said that if I didn't follow all their safety rules, I could be expelled.  Oh yes everything had to be period.  I had to ask myself the question " is there anything that we are allowed to do?"

This made me remember an old protest song from the 60s.  "Sign, sign everywhere a sign..don't do this, don't do that, everywhere a sign".  This list of rules exceeded anything I have seen at any other reenactment.  The only sign I didn't see was the one that said "thank you for coming."  "Thank you reenactors for helping Lake City and the surrounding counties bring in thousands of dollars".  If we didn't come, then a small back water southern town would have lost tens of thousands of dollars.  We also provided an educational experience for hundreds of their kids.  There is a need for an attitude change on their part.  The only sign we should see is "WELCOME.  THANK YOU FOR COMING".

What is with all the police?  There were more cops there then at the local prisons.  Maybe they thought we were all a bunch of escaped prisoners.  There were State troopers on the road.  I saw county police in the park.  We had State Park Service and National Park Rangers.  There were people from the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S.D.A., and the National Forest Service.  The only agencies that I didn't see were the F.B.I., the C.I.A. and the Secret Service.  I admit that they were all polite, but this is overkill.  There is a need for law enforcement and traffic control, but this should be a single unified agency.  They need to be unobtrusive and behind the scenes.  Olustee looks more like a prison then a historical reenactment.

The long list of rules is insane.  I live in South Florida.  Down here when you see a sign "No Pets" it means look out.  It means you are among condo commandos and are not welcome.  Starting with a sign like that right off the bat indicates hostility.  You need to ask yourself "What else are they hostile about?"  I have heard all the excuses about pets and they are all illogical.  All the dogs and cats that reenactors could bring will create fewer feces in a weekend then one horse in one day.  If they are leashed then the chance of someone being injured is very rare, far less then being stung by a Federal Bee.  The only reasons that I can, from a psychological stand point, see for such rules is that we are tolerated but not welcome.  I do not believe that we are really wanted there.

I love the rule about fire pits.  Here we are in a dry pine forest.  The authorities would rather we build fires on the bare ground among the dry grasses.  It is far preferable to them to run a much higher risk of a brush fire then put our camp fires in a pit where they would be safer.  I know there claim, "This is a battle field. You may find something".  My answer is "good" maybe we will find relics.  If we find relics they should be required to be turned into the park service.  Human events made this pine forest important to us Floridians.  Without the Human events that were the Battle of Olustee, this is just an empty pine forest no different then any other.  It is relics and other pieces of human presence that make this a museum.  They should encourage reenactors to be respectful of this park but, they shouldn't be afraid to let us add to it and its glory.  I believe that as Civil War Reenactors we have far more respect for Olustee then any Governmental agency.  We as historians truly understand that this is hallowed ground that needs protection and preservation.  We more than they understand what happened there and its importance to our history.

The list of ridiculous rules is endless.  There is not enough time dear reader to list and comment on them all.  It is time for a change.  We need to be the rule makers and the governmental agencies our assistance.  It is my medical opinion that the only reason for all these hostile rules is paranoia.  Officialdom is paranoid that we really do know more then they do and care more then they do.

I hope I have stepped on a few toes.  I hope I have gotten some people thinking.  There are many other issues including attitudes among some of our leaders and how the programs are run.  These however are for other editorials.

Without changes, the absurd regulations will eventually make this event ever more unpleasant and eventually impossible.  At the rate we are going, you will reach a day when we will not have powder to shoot and will be yelling "BANG" whenever we fire.

The only sign that should be at Olustee is "Welcome and Enjoy".

Respectfully submitted

Warren Feldman MD
Medical Director Hardy's Brigade
 
Recent Events
 
Ft. Zachary Taylor Event
Key West, Florida
by Capt. Palenik
14th Brooklyn Co. G.
 
The men of the 14th Brooklyn ("Tars") assemble
for morning colors at Ft. Taylor
 
We were sent to Fort Zachary Taylor to assist Federal troops stationed there due to elevated blockade runner activity.  Two Union vessels, the Yankee Clipper (our assigned vessel) and the Western Union (manned by the 3rd Maine) were put to sea after two blockade runners (later identified as the "Jolly Rover" and the "Appledore").  The Western Union engaged the two vessels while the "Clipper" was a ways out.  Our Ship's Captain unfurled full sail and we sped to the aid of The Western Union.  After several passes broadsides, we laid heated volley after volley into the profiteers and sent them running.  The evening was spent in celebration at local Key West taverns and we were lauded by the locals as 'heroes'. 

Will Baker-Palenik
Captain, Commanding
14th Brooklyn Co. G

 
Hardy's Brigade Purple Heart Award
 
Major Terry McGowan was presented the coveted Hardy's Brigade Purple Heart award at the Brooksville event last January.  Our beloved Major has fallen from his horse at least three (possibly more) times in recent memory and our reenacting season is not yet over.  In addition to his horsemanship problems, he has also received various other slip and fall injuries as of late.  As can be seen in these photos (by Kathy Heitman), he was not only proud of his award but was also overcome with tears of joy that he was able to walk to the front of our Brigade to accept it without falling.  Later he was seen tripping over his saber while walking and taking another nose dive (true story).  Major McGowan wore his purple heart with pride all day Saturday.
 
Olustee 2006
by Captain Stan Peacock
2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Company F
 
Ron Boyce from Chipley, FL, and I drove over in my truck on Friday, followed by Jon Gerlach, from Phillips Inlet, FL in his vehicle. We stopped for lunch in Lake City and we enjoyed Ken's BBQ restaurant and hospitality. We set up camp before dark and had a fine company street with the 7th FL, Company B, "The Straw Hats." Weather was cool, not cold, and we enjoyed the time around the campfire and visited the sutlers too. Sleep was fine and we arose early on Saturday. Before breakfast, we marched off to colors with hundreds of others at the monument with 20 men in the company under muskets.
 
Joe Richey came over from Marianna, FL and joined us on Saturday. The morning was bright and sunny, a little warm, and that afternoon, we had a fine hike and tour of the palmettos, the trenches, the swamp, and the pine trees to the north of the main battle field area. We fired all we could and we took the lose on Saturday. We dressed out about 20 soldiers in the company line.
 
Regina Boyce and daughter drove to Olustee on Saturday and stayed till Sunday. Robert Daffin, Adjutant, from the Marianna, FL SCV, and a friend, Mike Peel, and their families came by the camp for a visit. Woody Bollinger and Carmella King also came by the camp to say hello and to visit.  We also got to see Mike Mitchell, from Dade County and his newphew. Mike Mitchell is taking a whirlwind tour of South GA and North FL for cemetery markings and repairs while on his way to Biloxi, MS for some Preservation training and teaching.
 
After the battle on Saturday, we went back to camp, prepared chili, stew, and coffee, sat around the campfire and got better acquainted with our fellow soldiers. They had a dance at the big tent but I did not attend. I am sure it was excellent as usual. It got windy and cold that night. Woody Bollinger and Carmella King and I got to visit again later that night at their camp in the Cavalry area. Thanks, Woody and Carmela,  for the great cake, libations,  and conversation.
 
Sunday morning everything was wet and soaked with dew, some fog in the trees, and when we went to colors that morning, it was about 55 degrees. When we returned from colors, we checked our local Confederate thermometer (Capt. Mark Helwig's wife) and she said it went down to 49 degrees upon our return. With overcast skies and fine Confederate spirits, we marched off past the crowds and the monument on Sunday and disappeared into the pines. We spent the entire Sunday battle in the thick of it in the center of the field. We charged and overtook the Yankees line and they broke and ran. It was a fine Sunday for a Confederate victory.
 
Ron, Regina, Jon, Joe, and I broke down the camp on Sunday in short order and got on our way home to the modern world again! It was a great 30th reenactment and the 142nd anniversary of the Olustee Battle.
 
Captain Stan Peacock
St. Andrews Civil War Reenactors Club, Inc.
Gulf State Guards
2nd Florida Volunteer Infantry, Company F
 
The Battle Of Olustee
article and photos by
Wes Mayhle

Feb.18, 9PM - The few campfires that still flicker are silhouetting the good sized canvas tent town that has suddenly appeared overnight here, just east of Olustee, Florida. I walk down the road from the darkened tents that is only occasionally marked by the bobbing lanterns carried by couples and small groups going to and from the sutlers row. A few of the sutlers are still open gathering in what late night shoppers they can. And here among the larger sutler tents, I can hear the noise, music and merriment that carries over from the period Ball that is in full swing. Ladies adorned in their finest evening gowns allow the men in their finery to lead them around in dances guided by two bands. Each group plays its shift playing the music of the night for the joyous revelers. Later, as the temperatures drop, the crowd of dancers will slowly steal away to rest for another day. For another day of fierce fighting will come tomorrow.
This is the 30th annual reenactment of the Battle of Olustee. In this very area, during the Civil War, the Union forces were repulsed while attempting to raid inland Florida. The reenactment here is one of the Sunshine States' largest and draws a great crowd of spectators. More than 2000 reenactors came from the many Confederate reenacting groups that make up the Dept. of the Gulf and Hardy's Brigade. Union groups present included the 107th Ohio, 47th New York, 7th Ohio, 25th Ohio, and the 3rd Maine combined under the command of Maj. Tom Criscuolo. Included are 13 Rebel and 6 Union artillery pieces. Just under 50 cavalry dress for Blue side to make the reenactment more true. Additionally besides the troops, a sizable civilian camp was set up separately. 181 photos and an mpg can be seen at www.instydigipics.com

-The following history lesson is taken from literature made available by the park-
   The Union campaign that climaxed in the Battle of Olustee (or Ocean Pond) began in February 1864 when troops commanded by General Truman A. Seymour began an offensive in Florida. Their immediate objective was a fourth occupation of Jacksonville. The Union force could then disrupt transportation links and deprive the Confederacy of food supplies from Central Florida. It could also capture cotton, turpentine, and timber stores, gain black recruits for the Northern army, and induce Union sympathizers in east Florida to organize a loyal state government.
   Confederate forces noticed the movement of Federal troops and began preparations for an offensive. The defense of Florida was placed in the hands of General Joseph Finegan and Brigadier General Alfred Colquitt. Once it was apparent the Union forces were moving westward in Florida, General Finegan began searching for the Confederate army's best defensive position. Finegan found that position in Olustee, with a lake called Ocean Pond on his left, a nearly impassable swamp on his right, and only a narrow passage between. He called for troops to help defend Florida.
   On February 20, the Union force of nearly 5,500 men marched westward from near Macclenny. By this time, the Confederate forces almost equaled the opposing Army in number. Skirmishers were sent out early that day to drive the Union forces to Olustee. They made contact that afternoon. The battle ensued as troops engaged in a forest of virgin pines, free of underbrush, fortified with constructed earthworks. The battle raged until dark when the Union forces began a hasty retreat, having suffered a stinging defeat. Battle casualties amounted to 1,861 Union and 964 Confederate soldiers.
   Union forces remained in Jacksonville until the end of the war and occupied several coastal towns and various places along the St. Johns River. They carried out frequent operations against Confederate forces defending east Florida, but did not venture out in significant force again.
   In 1897, the Florida Division of the Union Daughters of the Confederacy began raising funds for a monument at the battle site, and in 1899 the Florida Legislature established a commission to oversee construction of the monument which was finally completed in 1912. The battle site was acquired by the State of Florida in 1909, becoming Florida's first State Park. The Olustee Battlefield Historic Site is cooperatively managed by the Florida Park Service and the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.
 
"Angels of Mercy" The little drama that could...
by the "Angels of Mercy" production team
 
What started as a conversation between friends after the 2005 Olustee battle festival, culminated on February 17th with the successful performance of the "Angels of Mercy" Living History drama.  The program was a new addition to the Olustee Battle Festival in Lake City.  The presentation was made to benefit The Lake City-Columbia County Historical Museum. Through the artistic talent of Duffy Soto and the hard work and support of the museum board, most especially Glenda Reed and Pat McAlhany, the drama was an enormous success.  The inspiration behind the drama was Duffy Soto's rendition of the 2006 battle poster entitled "Angels of Mercy" and depicting the women and civilians struggle to save the lives of wounded soldiers after the battle of Olustee. Carole and Tim Hollamby were honored to be pictured in the poster and decided to use the occasion to help the museum increase public awareness of Lake City history, heritage and civic pride. During the following year, they wrote and planned a walk through 15 minute drama through the Museums' Victorian era home.  The drama was designed to transport visitors to February 1864 for a few moments of what the residents of Lake City and temporary hospital workers experienced after the shooting ended. During the week preceding the festival, the local Lake City Reporter newspaper published numerous articles and photos about the poster and drama.  Over thirty volunteers came together on Friday night February 17th to perform the Living History.  The response was incredible as between three and four hundred spectators witnessed the walk through drama.  It was an unforgettable experience and a honor to add a new concept to the festival and help the museum at the same time.
 
Cast and Crew
 
Pam Borders                      Pat McAlhany
Everett Birchad                   Kim McAlhany
Kym Burcham                    Mike McAlhany
Penny Di Palma                 Sean McMahon, Ph.D.
Carol Jones                       Teddy Pruitt
David Jones                       Glenda Reed
Nicole Klem                       James Starling
Wesley Wilson, Jr.            Conor Whitethorne
Cheryl Libbert                   Craig Wolford
Dee Wolford                      Robert Reed
Carole L. Hollamby            Tim Hollamby
Thanks to all of the extras!
  
Special Thanks:
 
Mr. Duffy Soto - Creative Consultant
Mr. Mike Null
Mr. Bryan Jordan
Dr. Tracv J. Revels
Mr. and Mrs. David McCoy
Lake City Community College
The Columbia County Historical Museum and its Board of Directors
The Blue Gray Army of Lake City and the Olustee Festival
First Federal Savings Bank of Lake City
The Lake City Reporter
The Historical Sewing Society of Lake City
The Quality Inn and Conference Center of Lake City
The Columbia County Tourist Development Council
Columbia County and its Residents and the City Government of Lake City for their support and hospitality
 
Angels Show Tough Scenes
Lake City Reporter newspaper
Photos by Jennifer Chasteen/Lake City Reporter
 
If you passed on seeing the Angels of Mercy walk-through at the Lake City/Columbia County Historical Museum Friday night, you missed a stunning and somber event. It was well-thought and well-orchestrated and those who completed the 15-minute walk-through of the mock hospital left with a greater appreciation for the suffering of the day.

To recap, living historians who portray medical personnel from the Civil War time frame were honored this year by the Blue-Grey Army for their contributions as “Angels of Mercy” to the wounded and dying soldiers who fought at the Battle of Olustee near Lake City. The battle theme this year centered around honoring these people, so that led to the idea for the medical display, or medical re-enactment, if you will.

Anyway, I patiently stood in line with dozens of others for nearly an hour Friday night to get my opportunity to walk through the museum's grand hallways and rooms and see what life - and death - were like on one late-February evening in 1864.

It was an amazing event. The whole thing was scripted from the writings of Tim Hollamby of Davenport. He and his wife, Carole, were depicted in Duffy Soto's moving poster print that was selected as the official artwork of this year's festival. They have become recognizable fixtures in our community during the past several months and, rightfully so. They have added a lot to our Olustee festivals.

But back to the wait in line ... It's something I normally can't stand to do. In fact, I hate to stand in line for anything. This event was different. Somehow I knew what I was about to experience was worth whatever wait was in front of me, so I stood still and listened to people from Columbia County, and visitors to our area, talk about how they were enjoying spending time with us for the weekend.

The event was advertised for individuals aged 12 or older and a very polite woman in period dress came around to families in line who brought young children and explained to them that the medical procedures they would see acted out were only pretend and that they shouldn't panic.

We were allowed to go through the house in groups of 10 and there was a great anticipation for me, as my group made it onto the porch of the house and waited for our turn to go inside. It was dark outside and while waiting on the porch, we could look through the windows and see some of what was taking place inside. It was surreal.

I was the last one inside in my group and when I stepped through the doorway, I was completely shocked to see a mourning Confederate widow standing in black formal dress, complete with veil, hands clasp, as she stood silently facing us. I gasped.  It doesn't take much to startle a person when you're in a reportedly haunted house with history such as this. It's dark, lit by only candles and oil lamps and people are decked out in bloody bandages, moaning and wailing. Things go bump and I'll admit I was scared. I didn't scream or anything, but I was jumpy and uncomfortable. I honestly felt as if I had been transformed into another time and, while I appreciated the recreation of history, I didn't really enjoy being so close to the production.

In the parlor, there was Carole Hollamby of Davenport, digging a minié ball from the chest of a young, wounded soldier. There was blood everywhere. Hollamby barked out instructions that included chastising a nurse for getting the candle too close to the ether being poured onto a handkerchief to knock out the patient.

The next room featured a woman singing in soft soprano the Alison Krauss song, “Down to the River to Pray” to a group of wounded and dying men laid out on the floor. Modern song, but still a haunting spiritual. I kept moving. Other scenes were a woman reading a letter from home to a dying soldier, another scene with the mourning widow and the finale in the backyard with grave diggers and the spirit of a dead  soldier.
 
I was completely freaked out by all of this, but it was a great experience. I was shocked, but I could not look away. Great job by all who had a part in bringing another top-notch, unique event to the Olustee Battle Festival and Re-enactment.
 
Editors note: For more on the Hospital reenactment look at the Olustee website www.olusteefestival.com
 
30th Annual Battle Reenactment of Olustee, Florida
by Kathy Heitman “The Picture Lady”
and
Camp Chase Gazette Staff Photographer
 
It was February 20, 1864.  A fierce battle was waged in a small Florida town called Olustee, 50 miles west of Jacksonville in the northern part of the state.  It was a nasty time for all involved with the number of casualties, wounded and missing in the thousands.  The famed 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, along with the 8th and 35th United States Colored Troops were involved at Olustee and a number of them were killed by roaming bands of southern troops after the fighting ended.  The defeat at Olustee put an end to the efforts of the Union to organize and make Florida a Union sympathizing government in time for the 1864 election.  The defeat also made the Union soldiers ever more determined to harass and disrupt the supply of Florida cattle, supplies, food and goods to the Confederacy and thereby increased some areas of control.  This made  it easier for Florida blacks to reach Union lines and recruits to fill numbers of northern military units.  This could have been accomplished if the Union had just been satisfied to occupy Jacksonville instead of fighting at Olustee running up the casualty numbers to nearly 2,000.  The memories and diaries from the men that were engaged at Olustee that were found or passed down through the generations tell that this battle was the equivalent, if not worse than, the horrible fighting some of the battle-hardened regiments experienced in the Virginia and western parts of the country. 
 
That was 1864.  The reenactment of the Battle of Olustee has been taking place since February 20, 1977.  The first year, there was less than 300 participants.  There was a large number of spectators.  With each passing year it became better organized, spectator numbers increased, people and organizations offered support and today one would think they were actually stepping out of a time machine back into that period.  The reenactors make it that real.  Olustee is one of the largest reenactments in the State with over 1,500 infantry, artillery and cavalry reenactors and civilians in attendance.  Over 50 sutlers are lined up to do business with reenactors and public alike.  People come from several states just to visit the site, walk in the period camps, talk to the reenactors and watch the battle, sometimes both days.  On Saturday, there is a demonstration battle at 3:30 P.M.  At 1:30 P.M. on Sunday, the reenactment of the actual Battle of Olustee is staged.  The fighting is fierce with heavy artillery blasts, exciting cavalry action and infantry engagements on every part of the field.  It is definitely a sight to behold and gives you goosebumps.  There are pieces of trees and sections of ground that are blown up around the reenactors to simulate artillery shells hitting the ground.  The reenactors are so good at what they do, it looks as if they are actually being wounded or killed by a barrage.  Smoke from pistols, rifles and artillery shots fills the air.  The battle is narrated each day to give the spectators a better understanding of what is happening before them.  There are rows and rows of large bleachers.  They are always filled to capacity.  As a matter of fact, the crowd is so large that it extends out quite a way on either side of the bleachers.  It is thrilling. It is hard to describe.  You have to witness it yourself to get the true meaning and feeling of what happens.  This year, as I was sitting in the media area documenting the event for the Camp Chase Gazette, the action was so intense I was in tears at the end.  It made me proud to be a part of this wonderful and meaningful event.   During the course of the weekend, there are authentic camps to walk through, medical demonstrations, period music concerts, a Ladies’ Tea under the tent, a period Dress Ball Saturday night, memorial and period church services, Colors ceremonies for infantry, artillery and cavalry on Saturday and Sunday mornings, a dress parade for all the infantry and cavalry units along sutler row to the battlefield, period crafts, exhibits, War Between The States authors selling their books.  There is a lot of good food and much, much more.  If you can think of it, it is there.  These activities happen daily Friday through Sunday from 9 A.M. until 4 P.M. That should tell you that the Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee has something wonderful going for it.  It should tell you that the brave men who fought are not and will not be forgotten.  The Olustee Battlefield Citizens Support Organization works diligently to make sure the site will be there for generations to come.  If the past several reenactment weekends were any indication, this event will grow larger each year.  It will be around for a long time. 
 
On Saturday morning during the battle weekend, there is a large parade in Lake City with floats, high school bands, local U.D.C., S.C.V., S.U.V. representatives, local politicians, civic groups, other local organizations, complete with reenactors who are bussed over from the battle site to participate.  The locals love and support this event and the reenactors are extremely grateful to them for that support.
 
Each year there is an Olustee Festival that culminates with the battle reenactment.  It’s become so well known that it is listed on the Festivals.com website.  The Olustee Battle Reenactment website has garnered numerous awards and was chosen as one of the top 95 sites on the web in November 2000.  On October 16, 2003, the Olustee Battlefield Historic Site was given the Congressional Black Caucus Veterans’ Braintrust Award for it’s recognition of African American veterans. 
 
This event is made possible by the love, hard work and outstanding, tireless dedication of the people involved with  the sponsoring organizations:  Olustee Battlefield Citizen Support Organization, Florida Department of Environmental Protection – Recreation and Parks, Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, Key West, a Florida Civil War Park, U.S.D.A. Forest Service, Osceola National Forest and The Blue-Grey Army, Inc.  This event is their pride and joy.  It shows in every aspect of the reenactment weekend. 
 
If you would like to participate in this exciting and heart-thumping event or if you are just looking to witness a part of history, put the Battle of Olustee Reenactment on your calendar for February 16, 17 and 18, 2007.  The park is located on U.S. 90, 15 miles east of Lake City, Florida.  For detailed directions or additional information please call (386) 758-0400 or visit them on the web at http://www.floirdastateparks.org/olustee/default.cfm or email olusteecso@yahoo.com.  The Battle of Olustee worldwide website can be reached at http://extlab7.entnem.ufl.edu/Olustee/
 
If you plan to attend, please keep in mind that even though this event will take place in Florida, the weather can be extremely fickle.  This year the weekend began with beautiful blue sunny skies with temperatures in the upper 70’s during the day with nighttime temperatures in the upper 50’s.  By early Sunday morning, a strong cold front came through.   The skies were low and gray.  It was misting and  high temperatures were in the mid-50’s.  Fortunately, the mist had gone away and the skies lightened up in time for the battle.  The nighttime temperatures were in the low 40’s.  Bring along rain gear if the forecast gives any possibility of it being wet.  The Park Rangers are extremely knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming.  The reenactors take great pride in being able to educate the public about this period in our nation’s history.  There are plenty of accommodations in and around the Lake City area.  Make sure you book in advance because the hotels and motels fill up quickly for this festival and event.  Please be aware, to avoid a potential headache, the park does not allow pets.  You will definitely be glad you experienced the Battle of Olustee.
 
Additional Photos Of Olustee 2006
by Betty Tzoumas
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Annual Battle of Ballast Point
 
            This was the 6th annual battle at Fort Desoto, a nice small event to spread living history. There were a small number of sutlers set around to show and sell their wares and a couple of food vendors. A small authentic camp was set up by both Federal and Confederates right in front of the old Fort. From Camp Street, you could see the two open battery areas that still had two of the guns in each. The battlefield was set out to the left side of the Fort as you faced it, adjacent to the beach. There was a thin wood line across the field away from the beach that we could use as skirmish cover.
 
            Saturday morning came and I rose around 6:30. Making coffee and just taking in the morning enjoying the fact we were surrounded mostly by water only attached to the mainland by a small causeway. Sgt Miller was up and we chatted a bit and at 7:00 started rousting the camp. Breakfast cooked and coffee made, we set about doing camp chores till it was time to form up to march to Colors. Since it was only a small event, the commanders had the battalion form up, both Confederate and Union, and present arms as the color guard paraded in front. Then we were given the times expected to form for weapons inspection and the battle and then were dismissed. The rest of the time was given to wander thru the sutlers, or the Fort and museum.
 
            Time rolled around and we formed up in front of our Lt's. Tent and held weapons inspection. After all rifles passed, we marched out to the fort to join the rest of the Confederate Battalion. We were attached to another 5th Florida company B even though we had the more men; they had a captain and lieutenant. Maj. Kohl was in charge of the Confederate forces and we marched out towards the beach. We halted and stacked arms and waited. We soon started hearing gun reports and then some artillery fire. A cavalry courier rode up and requested a company of infantry to engage, The 8th Florida was sent out. Shortly after that more musket reports told of deepening battle and the rest of the battalion took arms and marched out. We had about 4 cannons firing against an advancing Federal line. The Federals also had a couple of smaller artillery pieces firing. We were ordered to take position between 3rd and 4th cannons and add our musket fire to the artillery. A couple of Union cavalry also made some charge advances on our guns and then fell back under a barrage of muskets. As our fire intensified, the Federals made a lateral move to our left attempting to out flank us. We answered by shifting our columns down to face them. Unfortunately that left a couple of our cannons open and unprotected from cavalry. It also forced us to march between cannon and limber box a couple times which is not supposed to be done. With our reformed lines, we started pressing the Federal line back and we advanced furthering the drive. They realigned their howitzer and fired taking out a portion of our company. While our artillery continued to pound them, we advanced and pushed them into the wood line. Finally seeing the hopelessness of the engagement, the Union commander surrendered.
 
            The engagement was ended and a moment of silence observed followed by the call for resurrect. We reformed our companies and marched in review of the spectators. Maj. Kohl gave a little explanation of the battle and the entire battalion fired the salute round thanking the spectators for watching us. Afterward we marched back to camp and broke ranks to tend to the normal camp chores.
 
            Sometime in the evening the rain came in droves. It poured and lightning flashed and thunder rolled nearly shaking me outta my bed. Turning over, I used the rain to lull me back to sleep. The rain had lasted through to the morning slacking up just as I was to get up. The wind was howling at about 15 mph. and still sputtering some rain through 8:30 and resulted in canceled colors.
 
            I was still able to cook scrabble for the camp and went about some morning chores. The sky starting clearing though the wind kept up for a bit. At about 9:45 our Lt called the infantry together for some drills and I was worried about a conflict of my church service, which was to be at 10:00. We practiced firing in two ranks, then right and left facing while doubling. After about 15 minutes, the Lt dismissed me and I went to the sulter row to announce services. After giving about 15/ 20 min sermon, my first ever, I dismissed church hoping I had given God's Word well enough.
 
            We formed up again at 12:30 and held weapons inspections and then marched to the rest of the battalion. We marched out this time to take up position near the wood line opposite the beach. We waited till we saw the Union forces marching along through the trees, a few muskets fired and we grabbed arms forming into our companies. We formed our battle line and engaged the Federals firing volleys by company. We received return fire but started pushing the Union boys back towards the beach. 5th Florida was on the outside left position and saw the Union cavalry moving in to try to flank. Our company formed two squads and moved to repel cavalry while attempting to hold of the Zouave unit 14th Brooklyn.
 
The Cavalry kept rushing up and handing out pistol fire and getting repelled by our muskets. Our line slowly pushed the Union back enough so our artillerymen could roll out their cannon and give some canister shot to them. We held them at bay till they shifted to the right making us shift as well. We left a few infantrymen as guards for the cannon against the cavalry as we rushed around some trees to face a reformed Union line. We kept up the push however forcing them out towards the water. Getting closer and fighting getting fiercer we started taking casualties. With ammo running low and wounded and dead increasing, we decided to pull back. The Federals saw and advanced on the retreating Confederate line all the while exchanging fire. The Federals however felt it wiser to pull off and ease back to the beach, neither side really losing. Again we resurrected and formed to give the salute to the crowd.
 
This was the conclusion of the 6 annual Ballast Point Battle. Till we meet again at Crystal River, I bid you farewell.
 
Pvt. John Butler
Chaplain 5th Florida Co I.
 
Cardiac Disease
Medical Directors Report
Warren Feldman MD
Medical Director Hardy's Brigade
 
During our recent event at Mt. Dora, one of our Union Friends became extremely ill with what we were told was triple artery disease and needed emergency surgery. It occurred to me that some of you may want a brief run down of what coronary artery disease is. I need to remind everyone that the average Civil War Soldier was 25 years old, 5 feet 8 inch and 140 pounds. Most were in good physical shape. We on the other hand average twice their weight and age and are not in the best of shape. We live in the 21st century not the 19th.

We should know enough to take better care of ourselves. When we have any underlying diseases, we must take care of them or risk injury on the field. Diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease cannot be ignored. Those with severe problems should not be on the field without the approval of their doctors. Medications must be taken properly and on time. Heart disease is a very serious matter. Its potential for debility and death cannot be ignored just because you want to play. If you have heart problems, see a cardiologist before doing strenuous exercise. You may need a stress test, a catheterization, or other diagnostic test to make sure it is safe to exercise. Heart disease has affected Civil War history. Lee was thought to have angina during the war. Many believe that angina may have affected Lee's judgment at Gettysburg.

What is angina? What is coronary disease? Both have lead to our friend being taken off to a hospital. Angina is pain or pressure in the chest caused by bad arteries. Unfortunately it may not be classic severe pain in the center of the chest. Classically this pain is described as severe pain in the center of the chest accompanied by shortness of breath and sweating. Unfortunately this type of pain is uncommon particularly in women. Pain from the heart can be only a sense of pressure with no sweats or shortness of breath. It can even be jaw pain. The interesting thing is that most of my patients noted that this discomfort occurs with minor exertion like climbing the stars or taking out the garbage. Many claim it is indigestion that clears with a burp.

If someone has damaged arteries, then blood flow to the heart slows down. This may have no ill affect if a person is at rest. Despite the decreased flow, the demand for oxygen is very low at rest. When the person is active the heart needs more oxygen but the partially blocked artery cannot deliver enough blood. The result is oxygen starvation and pain. If the blockage is mild then the pain resolves with a little rest. If the blockage is severe then the heart may not function well. It may develop abnormal rhythms'. It may be so stressed that it cannot pump well. If the pumping action is decreased enough then the person gets heart failure, the inability to move proper amounts of blood thought the body. This can lead to swollen legs and fluid in the lungs.

In a heart attack blood flow to part of the heart actually stops. In this case muscle tissue dies. With angina the blood flow is slowed but not stopped and the heart muscle is only stressed but does not die. If the heart attack is large enough then the heart stops. A small heart attack can also be deadly if it affects the system in the heart that conducts electrical impulses.

The bottom line is that heart disease is dangerous and cannot be ignored. Bad diet and cholesterol are problems. So is a bad family history. The worst thing is smoking. If you have problems, follow your doctor's directions. Always be honest about your symptoms. Never try to hide them. If you do get suddenly sick on the field, get help at once do not try to make it through the event.

Warren Feldman MD
 
War Between The States History Section
 
THE MORMON REBELLION-PRELUDE TO THE CIVIL WAR
By Randall K. Garvin
 
     So what do the Mormons have to do with the Civil War, you ask? A good question. I was on vacation last year out in Wyoming and happen to visit Fort Laramie while a living history was going on. There, I learned about the Mormon Rebellion of 1857-1858, or, better known as the Utah War. I decided to do a little research and found out a most interesting but little known history.
     The Mormons, a religious order that was persecuted because of their beliefs prior to the Civil War, had been founded in Illinois and had moved to what was then Mexican territory prior to the Mexican War. There, they sought sovereignty from the United States in order to practice their way of life. With Mexico ceding the area to the U.S. after being defeated in the Mexican War, President Milliard Fillmore appointed Brigham Young as the Territorial Governor of the Utah Territory when it was created in 1850 , and allowed him to deal with the Indians in the territory.
      In the 1856 Presidential Election, the Republicans charged Congress with addressing the "twin relics of barbarism-polygamy and slavery" in the new territories. After his election to the Presidency, James Buchanan sought to address the situation in Utah, especially after Mormon leaders refused to abide by Federal Government judges and agents sent to establish control over the territory. Also coming into question was the sanctity of the mail, which was increasingly being rifled or discarded by it's Mormon handlers. On June 29, 1857, Buchanan declared the Utah Territory to be in rebellion against the U. S. Government and appointed Alfred Cummings as the new Governor. 
      Buchanan ordered General Scott to assemble a force consisting of the 2nd Dragoons ( Ft. Leavenworth, Ks. ), the 5th Infantry  (Florida ), the 10th Infantry (Minn.) and the 4th Battery of Phelp's Artillery, a force of roughly 1500 men. Reno's Battery was added later. Scott also ordered 2000 head of cattle and six months of provisions to be made ready to travel with the Army. Gen. William S. Harney was originally appointed to head up the expedition, but was replaced by Col. Albert Sidney Johnston on Aug. 28, 1857. Harney, rightly so, deemed the expedition would fail and succeeded in persuading authorities to allow him to remain in Kansas. The force was judged to be a "posse comitatus" and were not to attack any body of civilians unless directed by Cummings, the marshals, the judges or the troops themselves.
      Supplies were forwarded to Ft. Leavenworth hastily and 6 companies of the 2nd Dragoons under Lt. Philip St. George Cooke were assigned to accompany Gov. Cummings. Major Fitz John Porter acted as Johnston's adjutant general. By late July, Brigham Young was aware of a possible expedition and made plans accordingly to defend. 
      Another factor that worsened the situation may have been the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 142 men, women and children by Mormon Bishop John D. Lee on Sept. 10, 1857. Lee tricked the settlers into laying down their arms after being besieged by Indians for five days only to murder nearly the entire party of Arkansas pioneers.
      On Sept. 15th, Young issued a decree as Governor that declared no Federal troops were requested from the Government (per Federal law, a Governor had to request troops ) , all forces hold themselves ready to repel an invasion of the territory, and martial law was in effect. On Sept. 18, Col. Edmund Alexander, temporarily commanding, and his troops left Ft. Leavenworth heading West. By Sept. 30th, they had reached Camp Winfield, near Green River, in southwestern Wyoming. There, Alexander received a copy of Young's decree. The Mormons were prepared and began implementing Young's orders to destroy supplies, harass the troops and generally cause havoc.
      On October 5, Mormon troops of the Nauvoo Legion captured one Federal supply train and subsequently captured and burned two other trains destroying 2720 lbs. of ham, 92,700 lbs. of bacon, 167,900 lbs. of flour, 8910 lbs. of coffee, 1400 lbs. of sugar, 1333 lbs. of soap, 800 sperm candles, 765 lbs. of tea, 7781 lbs. of hard tack and 68, 832 lbs of desiccated vegetables leaving Alexander with only 2 weeks worth of provisions.
     Alexander, in ignorance of his mission, decided to strike out and advance towards Salt Lake City in an abortive attempt to keep moving forward and resupply himself. While on this march, Mormons struck again and drove 800 head of cattle off to Salt Lake City. After running into many physical obstacles such as no road or path to travel over, Alexander retraced his path back to a point 2 miles north of Ft. Bridger.
      Col. Johnston, meanwhile, had reached Ft. Laramie and had enlarged his force by retaining two infantry companies bound for Ft. Leavenworth. As he headed south, he ran into heavy snow storms and bad weather which denied his animals forage. His draft animals and cattle were in sad shape and then another snow storm hit freezing several of the animals to death. He learned of Alexander's where abouts and linked up with him. After undergoing all the inclement weather, he decided against a winter move on Salt Lake City and decided to go to ground in the sacked and abandoned Ft. Bridger for the winter.                                                   
       Lt. Cooke's command faired badly also. Starting out on Sept. 17th from Ft. Leavenworth, he too lost animals to the lack of forage and encountered snow storms that killed off a number of animals and left his cavalry dismounted. Finally reaching Fort Bridger on Nov. 19th, he was able to only bring 10 horses of the 144 he started out with to safety.
      While the army was in winter quarters, Col. T. L. Kane, a Mormon ally in Washington, D. C., negotiated a peace between Buchanan and the Mormons. The Mormons, according to plans, had evacuated Salt Lake , piled anything flammable inside of the buildings while a rear guard remained to torch the town in case of a Federal advance. National and international newspapers carried news of the entire affair with international heads of state asking "Where are the Mormons?" With the advent of spring and summer, peace was restored and the "war" ended without a single loss of life. The whole incident was called Buchanan's Folly.    
                                                                     *****
     Little more than three years later, Buchanan faced the same situation, only on a larger scale, with secession of the South. He perhaps thought that he could successfully negotiate a compromise with Southern leaders like as he did with the Mormons and reach a peaceful end to a growing threat of another rebellion. However it was not to be, and, rather than launch another provocative military expedition that could result in embarrassment and failure, he chose to reinforce Ft. Sumter subtly with an unarmed ship, the Star of the West, loaded with 250 troops and supplies.
      Through a series of missteps, and betrayal by Federal government officials in the manner of Senator Louis Wigfall, Texas, as well as from Buchanan's secretary of the interior, Jacob Thompson of Mississippi , war came to the United States. Northern newspapers found out about the mission of the Star of the West, and Wigfall and Thompson telegraphed South Carolina officials about the mission. At the same time, Buchanan's orders to Major Robert Anderson did not reach him via the mail and The Star of the West was fired upon by the Citadel cadets.
 
      The rest is history.
      By Randall K. Garvin
 
Photo by Kathy Heitman (The Picture Lady)
 
Items For Sale And Wanted
 
For Sale.  Selling all reenactment equipment.  Many items including "A" frame and wall tent, different size uniforms (adult), two drums and attachments, one snare and one bass.  Contact rcrab16140@aol.com for list.
 
For Sale.  Cavalry items.  Contact Colin Carter at cartercp@yahoo.com for information.
 
Upcoming Events
 
March 2006.  Indian River Raid, Titusville, Florida.  EVENT CANCELED  This event has been canceled.  EVENT CANCELED.
 
March 10, 11, 12, 2006.   Battle at Crystal River.  (west coast of Florida).  This is a maximum effort Hardy's Brigade event.  The Nature Coast Civil War Reenactment Committee, Inc. will present the 9th annual "Civil War Reenactment".  This event is a Hardy's Brigade maximum effort event.  The reenactment will be held in the same place as last year at the Holcim, Inc. property site.  Part of the proceeds from this event go to historical preservation in the Citrus County area, college scholarships and the veterans memorial in Citrus County.  Powder ration for all pre-registered artillery pieces.  School day is Friday, March 10th from 10am to 2pm.  Contact Dawn Peters at curtis.peters@holcim.com if you would like to participate in the Education Day activities.  All reenactors who help with school day will receive a free BBQ meal Friday night.  A registration fee of $1 per reenactor nine years old and up to be paid at the time of sign-in at the registration desk.  Wrist bands to be worn by all reenactors nine years old and up while on property.  No four wheelers on battlefield outside of modern camp.  Authentic Civil War Era Sutlers only.  Sutlers, please contact Bill and Diane Micklon at trechuck@tampabay.rr.com for specifics.  Live fire cannon demonstration will be held during the weekend; live fire musket competition and mortar contest will also be held.  Contact Ray Smutko at ray1861@digitialusa.net for information about the musket or artillery competitions.  Living history demonstrations will be held throughout the weekend.  Civil War Battles take place at 2pm Saturday and Sunday, with pyrotechnic blasts for effects.  Ladies tea is Saturday morning at 11am.  Saturday night 1860's dance for reenactors and guests only.  Sunday morning Church service at 10am in the steel barn.  Authentic camps for CSA and USA.  Hay, wood and water on site for authentic and modern camps.  Modern camping (no hook-ups) on site.  Directions:  Seven miles northwest of Crystal River along US 19/98, site is on the left.  Site entrance signs will be on the highway.  From Dunnellon, take SR 488 West, turn North on US 19/98; or SR40 West to Inglis, turn South on US 19/98.  From Orlando, take the Florida Turnpike North to I-75, exit at first exit at Wildwood (SR44), go West on SR44 to Crystal River, turn North on US 19/98 and follow the signs (about seven miles North).  Or you can also travel from Orlando, go West on SR50 to US19, turn North to Crystal River and follow the signs.  As you pass over the railroad tracks, get in the left lane, go about a mile and turn left into the small one lane road.  GPS position: N28.56.596  W082.37.329  Pre-registration forms (for reenactors, artillery, cavalry and sutlers) are online at www.crystalriverreenactment.org  Contact NCCW Reenactment Committee: Curtis Peters (President) at curtis.peters@holcim.com  Marty Hoffman (Vice-President) at pvt-hoffman@earthlink.net  Marcie Bruno (Secretary) at mandjbruno@webtv.net  John Porter (Treasurer) at jlporter@digitalusa.net  Snail mail correspondence to NCCWC, Inc., 8154 W. Pine Bluff St., Crystal River, Fl. 34428-6930.
 
March 18, 19, 2006.  Fort Cooper Days.  Ft. Cooper State Park, Inverness, Florida.  Depicts skirmishes that took place during the construction of the fort in April 1836 (second Seminole war).  Battles twice a day at 11am and 2pm both days.  Military camps, modern and period arts and crafts, living history exhibits, entertainment and food and refreshments.  Sponsored by the Friends of Fort Cooper.  For information, contact Dianne at dianne.drye@dep.state.fl.us
 
March 24, 25, 26, 2006.  NEW DATE.  The13th annual Battle at Narcoossee Mill.  St. Cloud Fla. southeast of Orlando by Kissimmee.  Sponsored by the Jacob Summerlin Camp #1516 Sons of Confederate Veterans.  The Battlefield is on 150 acres of open and wooded land on the shore of  East Lake Tohopekaliga.  The event host will be checking coggins papers for horses at the registration desk.  There are no sutler or re-enactor fees.  Friday the 24th is education day which begins at 9:00am; re-enactors are needed to provide demonstrations.  A lunch will be provided for volunteers assisting with the school program.  There will be a ladies tea and military ball on Saturday.  Take Hwy 192 (Irlo Bronson Hwy) to Hwy 15.  Go 2mi North on Hwy 15, look for the park sign.  Another way to get there (from the North) is to take I-4 to the toll road 528 (Beeline Expressway) go east and get off on Hwy 15 exit (Narcoossee Road) go South on Hwy 15.  Another way if you are coming from the Florida Turnpike, get off at exit #244 and go east on Hwy 192 through St. Cloud, then turn North on Hwy 15 (Narcoossee Road).  GPS position: N28.16.448  W081.15.020  Contact the SCV Camp hotline at 407-931-7003 for more information.
 
March 24, 25, 26, 2005.  Battle of Charleston.  Sponsored by the SCVI and Legare Farms.  For more information check their website at  www.battleofchas.com
 
March 31, April 1, 2, 2006.  9th Annual Homosassa Old Farm and Heritage Show.  Homosassa, (west side in Citrus County) Fl.  New living history event.  Non-commercial, local Old Farm and Heritage show designed to be educational, interesting, fun, free and exciting for members of the community and community based non-profit organizations with deserving participants.  Show opens at 9am on Friday and closes at 4pm Sunday.  Early arrivals are welcome to set up camp on private show grounds Thursday and stay until Monday.  Attractive campsites are situated along wooded trail in a natural setting.  In door toilet and outside shower available.  Firewood provided.  Walking distance to restaurants, large flea market and convenience store.  Breakfast on your own.  Lunches are provided on site by local non-profit agency for donation.  Friday night barbecue dinner provided at no charge.  Saturday night is a huge potluck supper.  Reenactors need not bring a dish because of their contribution to the show in other ways.  Directions from Orlando.  Take the Florida turnpike north to end exit.  Go north on I-75.  Take first exit (quick) Highway 44 west to Inverness.  Stay on Highway 44 through Inverness.  Go approximately 10 miles west of Inverness on Highway 44.  Just past County Road 491 turn left on County Road 490 (Homosassa Trail).  Go about 5 miles to US Highway 19.  Turn left (south) on US 19.  Go approximately 5 miles turn left at traffic light on Cardinal Street by Emily's Restaurant.  Go 2/10th of a mile to show grounds on left.  Watch for fenced parking lot and signs.  For more information, contact Robert DeSimone at iam4mentoring@aol.com
 
April 8, 2006.  The Phoebe Pember chapter of the Order of the Confederate Rose will be having a Confederate Ball at 7:00 PM.  The ball will be held at the Miramar Community Center located a 6700 Miramar Parkway, Miramar, FL.  Cost is $25 each or $40 for a couple.  After the buffet dinner, there will be music and dancing so everyone brush up on your Virginia Reel.  Both Union and Confederate reenactors are welcome.  For information, contact Pat Ramirez at pattyr@bellsouth.net or Jolene Wiltsie at spookynharry@earthlink.net
 
April 8, 9, 2006.  Parrish Train Raid (southwest Florida).  The Parrish Train Raid is definitely a one of  a kind event.  This a small event with two short battles per day, one at 11am and one at 2pm.  Well, not really battles but attacks on the train as it passes.  The train stops and is boarded by the Federals or Confederates and "captured" or the attackers are driven off by the soldiers on the train.  Reenactors in period dress will be allowed to ride the train free if seating permits, this has not been a problem in the past.  There will be time to interact with the public both on and off the train if you like.  Artillery, Cavalry, Infantry and civilians are invited.  Confederates will camp to the left near the wood line and Federals to the right near the wood line (firewood and water will be provided).  Driving directions: Follow I-275 south until it hits I-75.  Parrish is easy to find.  From south Fla. take I-75 north to Ellenton like you are going to Gamble Plantation. Instead of turning to the west, turn east on Hwy 301 to the town of Parrish.  From Lakeland, go south on Highway 37 (It dead ends in to Highway 62).  Turn west or right on Highway 62 toward Parrish.  When you hit Highway 301, turn right and immediately right into the Post Office.  The train stop is right behind the Post Office.  From Orlando, come Highway 17 south to just south of Bowling Green.  Turn west on Highway 62 and take it all the way to 301. GPS position: N27.35.200  W082.25.496  Preregistration is appreciated but not required.  For further information Contact Barry King at king75thovi@aol.com
 
April 7, 8, 9, 2006.  Ft. Clinch, Fernandina Beach.  Sixth annual Ft. Clinch Ladies Encampment.  Join the ladies for a full three days of workshops, speakers and discussions geared towards expanding your knowledge, improving your impression and fellowshipping with other ladies in the hobby.  Camp onsite in authentic barracks.  Full registration details will be available in the Civilian/Refugee areas at the Brooksville Raid (January 20-22) and Olustee (February 17-19) or contact Shorty Robbins at goldteacup@aol.com
 
April 21, 22, 23, 2006.  Anclote River Raid – You are invited to Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park in New Port Richey Florida.  150 acre site in the Middle of Pasco County.  School Days – Friday April 21 beginning at 9:30 am, guides and stations please meet at sutlers row at 8 am.  Saturday 11 am tactical will begin in the forest and culminate on the field at 3 pm for the spectators battle; Sunday battle at 2 pm; Night Tactical Friday (in darkness) and Saturday if there is enough interest; Cabins available and must be reserved prior to the event and prepaid.  They will be available after 2 pm on the day of arrival; Powder Rations are ONLY for the first 4 Artillery pieces registered; Sutlers MUST pre-register, have period correct tent and merchandise and are subject to approval; Ladies Tea Saturday at 11am - Shuttle for the ladies will start at 10:30 am to the Nature Center; Grand Ball Saturday night 8 pm (inside), shuttle to the ball will begin at 7:30, ALL interested are welcome to both.  Cavalry – Ideal grounds with 14 miles of riding trails, corral will be available early.  Coggins papers on all animals are required to be shown at registration.  Living History Demonstrations throughout the weekend.  In town gun fights, hanging, gallows, etc. suggestions welcome to enhance the experience.  Thanks To the Park and Recreations Dept., Friends of the Park and SWFWMD.  Suggested DIRECTIONS: From NORTH of New Port Richey: 75 S to SR 52 Right; To Moon Lake Road make Left; to Starkey Blvd at stop light make Left and next left is Park Entrance; From SOUTH of New Port Richey: 75 N to SR 56 at exit go Left; Several Miles and past Gunn Hwy to Starkey Blvd. at stop light make Right/ North; 6 plus miles North to Jay B Starkey Wilderness Park Entrance, turn Right. GPS position: N28.14.460  W082.37.559  For information email AncloteRiverRaid@Yahoo.com
 
Monthly Meetings and Events
 
Historical Sewing Society Meetings.......On the first Saturday of each month this group meets at the Columbia Co. Historical Museum in Lake City.  They endeavor to recreate historically accurate clothing, accessories, and parlor crafts for ladies and children of the 1800's.  This is done through shared research,  guest speakers, workshops and seminars.  Each monthly meeting includes a period project or participation in a living history event and always lots of fun!  If you would like to be added to their email list for monthly meeting information or need help with a period sewing project, contact Glenda Reed historicsewing@aol.com
 
The Golden Teacup Society......The society has monthly meetings (second Sunday of each month) at Walter Jones Historical Park in Mandarin (South Jacksonville).  They meet from 2 to 4pm, and do a period activity (handcraft, sewing, impression improvements) and just fellowship.  For more information, directions or to get on their e-mail list, contact Shorty Robbins at GoldTeacup@aol.com

The Greater Orlando Civil War Roundtable.......The Orlando Roundtable meets every 4th Thursday at 730pm.  The meetings are held at the Marks Street Senior Center at 99 E. Marks St. between Orange Ave. and Magnolia St. in downtown Orlando.  GPS position: N28.33.399  W081.22.612  For information, contact Ruth Ann Wood at lady1861@netzero.net
 
North Lake County Florida Civil War Roundtable..........This Lake County group meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM from October through May at the Tavares Civic Center, 100 E. Caroline in Tavares, Lake County, Florida.  The club newsletter, Impressions of A Nation Divided, is available at meetings and by mail.  For more information, e-mail Bob Grenier at bobbyg22@comcast.com
 
Fort Clinch Federal and Confederate Garrisons..........Living historians recreate life at Fort Clinch during the War Between the States.  Activities may include black powder artillery demonstrations, marching drills, as well as soldiers and civilians taking up duty in the laundry, infirmary and kitchen.  Please pre-register prior to the event.  $10 per person covers entire weekend at the fort including your food on Saturday and Sunday.  GPS position: N30.41.834  W081.26.113  Contact Fred Jackobson at CSArooster@adelphia.net
 
Living History Group.  "Circa Of Friends".  Meetings will be held every third (3rd) Sunday of the month, unless otherwise noted, at the Maitland Historical Society's "Garden Clubhouse" from 1:00 until 3:00pm.  If you are a 19th Century enthusiast who enjoys learning and expressing the culture, customs and crafts of the 1800's, come and join other kindred sprits.  Some things the group will participate in are: Education through programs and workshops, the sharing of research, study of diaries, letters, textiles, garments, photographs and original artifacts of the period.  Hands on sewing and craft projects of the period.  Exploration of historical museums and sites here in Florida and elsewhere according to group interest.  Support of historical preservation and educational projects in the community through volunteer activities.  Period social events held throughout the year (lawn party, dances and socials) for fun and a chance to interact outside the military venue.  If you have never been through the Waterhouse Residence and Carpentry Shop located on the property, come early and take the tour. (House is open from 12-4 on Sunday.  Admission is $2.00 per person, $1.00 for students, children four (4) and under are free).  Driving directions: Take I-4 East to Maitland Blvd. - EXIT 90A.  Merge Right onto Maitland Blvd.  Turn Right onto Maitland Avenue.  Follow Maitland Avenue for about 1-2 miles.  Turn Right on Lake Lily Drive.  Drive around the Lake to the grass parking area.  Follow the sidewalks from the parking lot.  The Garden Clubhouse will be to your left.  Mapquest address: 840 Lake Lily Drive, Maitland, Florida 32794-1001.  GPS position: N28.37.284  W081.21.969  Contact Carol Everhart cleverhart@wmconnect.com or Nancy LaFleur nlafleur@prohealthmed.com  if you have any questions.
 
Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.........Lucius L. Mitchell, Camp #4, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War meets each first Saturday of odd numbered months at 1:00 pm at the Senior Center Annex, 702 Indiana Avenue, St. Cloud, Fl.  Full membership is open to lineal and collateral descendants of Union Veterans.  Associate memberships are available for those not related to a Union Veteran.  Contact camp Commander "Buck" Custer at buccus@aol.com or camp Secretary William Cavins at wrc_fl@yahoo.com for further information.
 
Lake County Roundtable.........Bob Grenier (President of the Historical Society of Tavares, Vice President of the Lake County Historical Society and a member of the 17th Conn. Vol. Inf.) wanted to let everyone know that a new discussion group has been formed in northwest central Florida.  The North Lake County Florida Civil War Roundtable meets the first Thursday of the month at 7:30 PM from October through May at the Tavares Civic Center, 100 E. Caroline in Tavares, Lake County, Florida.  Club newsletter, "Impressions of A Nation Divided", is available at meetings and by mail.  For more information e-mail Bob Grenier at bobbyg22@comcast.com

Your Obedient Servant,
Lieutenant Colonel Robert A. Niepert
Hardy's Brigade 3rd Battalion Commander
  Brigade Cavalry Commander
5th Florida Company  G Cavalry
mayorbob@embarqmail.com

(407) 448-4871

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