At High Tide, Gettysburg, 1863 Update

[Anders]

Well....

All firewood is no placed......all the fields have been cut a week or two back to allow for a more authentic "growth".....parking lots staked.......camps laid out...scenarios finalized.....water tanks go in this weekend and portajons the next tuesday.....

I think we have made it.

Many issues were overcome....bad press...typical politics...stolen water tanks...specialty impression screening....chasing down event site....permit processes...all finished and prepared for you. A Gettysburg event, but reenactors for reenactors, with enforced rules and regulations, unit based progressive scenarios, and all proceeds going to preservation and conservation.

Many folks asked for such, and now WMHF has come through, with the help of all our friends, from our hobby.

All the event is missing is you. We have room for about 300 walk-ons right now...folks ahve been emailing , so I thought I would post that here.

We are pushing CS at this point, as the numbers are still running about 60/40 US/CS. This is not a problem often seen in our hobby..lol...anyhow, so if you are gray, please bring lots of rounds, this is your chance to really feel like an outnumbered Reb!

Starting this weekend I will pretty much move in to the area, so if you have any questions try to catch me this week.

We ar all volunteers, doing all we can to provide you with the best stage on which to excel. And now the event is in your hands. It is what you make it, good or bad.

Bring your "A" game, and get ready, hydrate and roll those rounds.

Its time to start marching north.

Pards,

[MBond057]

Chris,

OUTSTANDING!

Thank you for your efforts.

[cwrematchr]

Herr Anders,

I'm sure you have been getting this a lot recently, but...

"Have the registration lists been updated?"

We just want to make sure $$$ got to you all soundly, and that we're all ready to go! Actually, where is that link located now?? I can't seem to find it anymore on the website...

Regards,

[Anders]

Was being updated....

:)

Pards.

[Swag]

Thanks a lot Chris I have a feeling this will be even better then September Storm! The Bully Boys are ready to take the Top Rail!

[jurgitemvaletem]

This is great! I have been looking forward to this since you announced it almost a year ago and now the time has come! 1 week from this morning, arround 4:00 I will be leaving central Ohio with 3 of my pards embarking on what is sure to be a great week. We will be hoteling and touring the battlefield and surrounding area until Friday morning when we move into the camp and do the Friday afternoon march.

Thanks Chris, for everything.

[flattop32355]

The following should be close, if not exact, according to the website list dated June 17th.

Breaking it down according to listed Parent Organizations:

None: 16
North East Brigade: 1
Birney's Division: 1
Fort Tejon Historical Society: 2
Susquehanna Rifles: 6
Stone's Battery: 8
Frontier Brigade: 6
Mifflin Guard: 5
Potomac Legion: 16
First Fed. Div./NSA: 13
Vincent's Brigade: 74
Army of the Ohio: 149
National Regiment: 166
USV (assume mostly 3rd Bgd) 181
Western Brigade: 270

Total Federal Military: 914

Someone with better eyesight than mine can take on the Confederate and Civilain numbers.

If that 60/40 ratio is correct, then there should be just over 600 Rebs.

[Company C, 9th KY]

This sounds like its going to be an awesome event! All the hard work that's gone into it won't go unappreciated. I've been looking forward to attending for weeks now!

Thanks for everything!

Respectfully,

Pvt. Kirk

[Silas]

We have room for about 300 walk-ons right now...folks ahve been emailing , so I thought I would post that here.

I just received a phone call about a walk-on. I understand the very nature of walking on, but how can I assure the individual that he's not number 301 of 300. Is the magic word to acceptance, Confederate?

[Anders]

:)

Tell him to come on down!

Pards,

[yankeecav]

I just read this article in the Gettysburg newspaper. It is decidedly a one-sided story but I am wondering if there has been any progress to belay the concerns of the township politicians. The story contains a quote about the possibility of having the event permits revoked.

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/articles/2008/06/17/news/local/doc48579aabee0f0310794810.txt

I am going to this event and have been looking forward to it for quite some time. Just hoping I don't drive all the way there to find out this thing got cancelled due to some stupid politicians whining.

[Micah Trent]

From what I read, it would seem that both sides should have has their ducks in a row months ahead of time. However, I belive, either way, the event will go on. I don't see this event getting revoked because it is a profit for the community.

[cjdaley]

That article was dated 5 days ago. I'm confident that if there was a problem the event organizers would have told us by now

Let's not panic folks, this isn't the first event that this crew has put on.

[OVI]

Rest assured the event will go on. Gettysburg doesnt need a bunch of pissed off folks in wool uniforms with firearms. The last time that happened, it wasnt real pretty.

Kent Dorr - Ohio
"Devils Own Mess"

[JEBeedle]

This article is trying to make something out of nothing, the permits were issue lets move on.
From what I am reading they are more concern about a “amusement tax” and getting police officers controlling the traffic from this “small scale reenactment”. Wow that’s a shock, Politicians want money from organization that will end up putting money back into land preservation.

Tom looking foward to meet you on Friday

[yankeecav]

I am not panicking at all. Just had a concern about the article. I know the folks putting on the event are good. I also know that politics has nothing to do with fairness and common sense.

I will be there and congratulate Chris and the gang for another great event.

Joe, I look forward to meeting you as well. I have been looking forward to this event for a good while.

[yankeecav]

Here is a separate acrticle in the same paper about the other event that was written by the same reporter just four days prior to the one about AHT.

Think there are some people with an agenda?

http://www.gettysburgtimes.com/articles/2008/06/13/top_stories/doc4852600e7bd55140342929.txt

Everyone knew that trying to put on an alternative event would be met with all sorts of angst but dang. Chris et al deserve a ton of credit for taking on the establishment for this one. Now I am all the more fired up to get there.

[Frenchie]

Why do I have the feeling this Freedom Township Supervisor Chairman Matt Young may have a financial interest in pulling reenactors from AHT to the other event?

Oh, Frenchie, how unkind! Politicians are like everyone else, they're just looking out for what's best for everyone... http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/Darkfold_2006/Emoticons/hm.gif http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m274/Darkfold_2006/Emoticons/sceptic.gif

[KJAir]

I am in contact with my partner in crime; all is well: press on.

Bring lots of good attitude, lots of rounds, and spare socks. A small hatchet would be a smart move as well. The sutler list is first rate, and some worthy preservation charities will have the bucket out, so some coin would be in order.

Kevin Air
Federal CO.

[Anders]

Having returned from a weeked of labor at the AHT site, I want to address that article.

It seems a certain reportor wrote that article, and then contacted me for my imput after my letter to the editor was recieved that same morning.

His comment of - "didn't have to to reach you for comment" made me laugh.

I also doubted that the Gettysburg Times would print my letter, which it still hasn't.

BTW- as a side note, Freedom township and Mr Young have been great to work with. Often what folks say can be taken out of context for personal reasons....this seems to happen a lot in Gettysburg.

The politics and underhandedness of some folks in that town, who all signed a letter dated April 12, 2008, that I have read, (oh and kept one thereof) and noted all signatures, was filled with lies, half truths and alarming accusations. This letter urged folks to turn us down, for the good of the community.

Phone calls placed to vendors strong arming them not to work with us have been placed.

And I understand why certain people are worked up. In coversations with ex contractors I have gained a new perspective. Whenever MILLIONS of DOLLARS of personal PROFIT are at stake, I guess one knows no honor. Yes I said MILLIONS of PERSONAL PROFIT.

I guess a score of hard working volunteers working thier butts off to put on an event by reenactors for reenactors and to donate all they can to preserving our heritage and sacred soil does make them look bad.

Just trying to get local folks to work with you can be a hassle when they think you are the "other" group, and they have been burned time and again by that group.

Have there been issues, heck yeah, always are, but you overcome them and move on. We have built the event folks asked for, and now challenge those same folks to step up and hit a homerun in the ballpark we have built for them.

Many many folks have given up thier time and busted their rears working tirelessly to put this together, and together it is.

Be prepared for every conceivable rumor to pop up in the next 7 days.

Do not believe them, for if there were any issues I would have told you. I am foremost a reenactor, and would never do anything detrimental to those who have trusted me with putting on an event, no matter what personal sacrifices have to be made.

We are full speed ahead, ready to go, and still ahve room for about 250 walkons now...been getting a lot of folks emailing, seems they missed the deadline.

I will not be on here much, too much to do.

Thank you,

[yankeecav]

Kevin,

Great news and as I said before, I am looking forward to his one. I also have the rounds and hatchet. We will see how much coin is left after paying for gas on the way there.

[yankeecav]

Chris,

Thanks for the update and more importantly for all of your hard work. I never had any concerns about what you were doing but rather the nefarious efforts of others to try and hamper your efforts.

I will certainly be there and hope to contribute in some small way to making your efforts worthwhile in helping preserve history both through the reenacment itself and the funds raised.

See you in a few days.

Your obedient servant,

[Ground Hornet]

Among my contingent there isn't a drive less than 21 hours each way. In our company we have a bevy of boys from sunny California and friends coming from the UK.

If fairweather patriots from closer by fail to live up to their honor it puts the efforts of everyone else to waste. I am sure that we have no such foul scum on the rosters for At High Tide.

My van full departs on Wednesday AM. Looking forward to seeing y'all out in the Keystone State.

Regards,

Fred Baker

[Craig L Barry]

We (son and I) were planning on attending the Mainstream Gettysburg with the Camp Chase Gazette crew, after reading this we will be making a change in plans. I do hate politics, and reading this whole thread made for any easy decision. The Watchdog Editors were already attending AHT and I will now be there with them at Glenna Jo Christen's Old Curiousity Shop sutler tent, which is The Watchdog tent when they use the other sign...low budget non-profit 501(c)3 operation and all.

Patrick Skeese has invited us to fall in with the 30th OVI boys, and we will be seeing all of you hale fellows there. Sounds like a target rich environment for the men "wearing the gray". Dollars and leisure time are like votes in a sense. We have an economic democracy so vote wisely. Anyway, only being able to do either one event or the other... my son, me and my pumpkin slinger will be attending AHT.

Thanking you in advance, Mr Anders, for your time and trouble in putting this together. I hope donations for battlefield preservation will be accepted at registration?

[OVI]

It never ceases to amaze me that people with their heads up their asses have a skewed vision of things. AHT is no threat to the obvious draw of the 145 GAC. Why the powers that be in GB and Adams County cant be tickled pink that TWO events are happening in their liitle corner of the world is beyond me. Are they really stupid enough to think that those of us going to AHT would be going to the circus if Mr Ander's fine event wasn't happening?
They must really think we are sheep, ready for shearing to line their collective pockets. Better think again boys.
As my favorite actor once said....Dont piss on my back and tell me its raining..

Kent Dorr - Ohio
"Devils Own Mess"

[Amy911]

We have a saying in the Adams County Emergency Services "Family." "If it happens here, it's news to the Times."

Consistently poor reporting and lack of fact collecting is the norm. Also taking into consideration Pennsylvania is a Commonwealth, not a State.....makes a big difference in local governments. As long as the I's are dotted and the T's are crossed, everyone behaves like grownups.......this should be a FABULOUS weekend.

I can't wait!!!

Just remember......park in the parking areas, stay off the lawns and smile pretty for the Times :) A friendly wave to Chief Then isn't a bad idea either, he's a decent guy stuck in the middle in a tiny Department.

Amy Nagle

"The Local Girl"

[yankeecav]

Amy,

Thanks for the local insight. I think the same people that run the Times there must also run the local paper here.

Good advice for us all as well to be considerate guests while we are there. I have no doubt that the folks coming for AHT will be considerate but a friendly reminder doesn't hurt.

[Anders]

Chief Then, Greenmount Fire Company and Midway Ambulance and Fire have been priceless.

The Township and volunteers folks have been great.

We are guests in this historic area, and I will my best to be sure everyone acts as such.

Pards,

[sallymoore]

Chris, Amy, et al-
Speaking as another local - hurray for AHT! I have been talking about the event with friends and visitors to the Burg. We are excited about this week/weekend...planning to register and set up Wed. evening. (Husband Gary now required to move surgery from August to July 2, -- asst. lab stuff to take place Thursday, the 26th.) We will be proudly esconced in the Camp of Convenience - I'll even have my antique quilt frame up under the fly for demonstration or for anyone to sit and stitch. My way of sharing ading the distaff side of the history.

Safe travels to all who will be coming...the Ryans from Gettysburg are glad you will be here!

[kayjay]

:)

Tell him to come on down!

Pards,

You needing any Union to don the grey ?

[Craig L Barry]

Actually, about a 60-40 Union advantage would be about right...

[RJSamp]

Actually, about a 60-40 Union advantage would be about right...

On which day? Which scenario? 1st day? Culp's Hill assault vs Greene's Brigade? Devil's Den assault? Wheat Field? Peach Orchard? If you take out 90% of the VI Corps and Mahone/Posey's Brigade's for the uninvolved.....it gets a lot tighter....and CSA has parity or numerical advantage as well as tactical advantage often.....