10 More Material Contributions to the Hobby

[Bill_Cross]

Well, as I suspected, there are certain folks who can't abide anything positive (unless it's from them), so I will try this again. Below is a RANDOM list of ten folks (NOT A TOP TEN LIST!!!!!!!) who have made a material contribution to the hobby.

disclaimers:

It's not a TOP TEN LIST
It's not a TOP TEN LIST!!!!
It doesn't matter why the list got started, so shut the $%#& up.
If I left off a name, then add it! The list should go on and on....
If you don't like the list, add to it. Or go away. Either works for me.
Oh, and it's NOT A TOP TEN LIST.

I invite y'all to add your own 1, 5, 10 or 20 names, and (said as politely as possible) if you can't say something nice, then shut the $#*@ up! Start a thread about lists of names, but don't make Mod Tom shut down this thread, too.

1.) Lodgewood Arms: gunsmiths: If you want to defarb your Enfield, start with one of LA's guns. They have done 50% of the work for you. The rest will be an after-market sight, stripping off the "black" painted blueing, then re-blueing with a hot-dipped version, stripping off the finish and restaining, oiling, etc. But I get ahead of myself. These folks are decent, sincere, and have given us better long arms.

2.) Becky Nall, seamstress: If you want authentic CS clothing, this lady is a sweet person to deal with, has reasonable prices, and makes a mean jacket. I ordered a CD from her that I actually sold for more than I paid for it, since it was a honey. But don't call her on the phone, she'll charm your pants off, then sell you a new pair.

3.) John Peterson: tinsmith: Makes the most authentic hot-dipped tin I've seen. Unlike some who work with modern sheet tin, then dip it in molten metal to give it that "period" look, John works with tin that has the telltale wavvy pattern, just as THEY did back then. In the interest of full disclosure, I should point out that period tin is virtually impossible to get today, even if you make it yourself, for reasons that only The Watchdog would care about.

4.) John Tobey, expert: Why are most of the articles I dog-earred or committed to memory in my copy of the original Columbia Rifles Research Compendium penned by John? No knock on the other contributors, but John has a breadth of information and learning that I only wish I had the time to master. I can't think of any topics to work on because John has written about most of them already.

5.) Mark Jaeger, "Dutchman": Mark, like Schapp's clearking, has a niche he's mined for years: Germans in the Civil War. He has helped point me to sources for the two incarnations of a "Dutch" company I led at McDowell, and is generous with his help. I believe he also got the nod to do the German section for the CRRC Volume 2. Ausgezeichnet, mein lieber Freund!

6.) Mark & Faith Hintzen, friends of Ft. Delaware: Mark and Faith are people I have issues with, but I won't bore you with the details, and they've likely forgotten. Let's focus instead on the deep respect for the love they have put into Fort Delaware as unpaid volunteers. IMO it is a Sisyphian task trying to keep alive the Civil War legacy of a pile of stones out in the Delaware River that the State of Delaware has mixed feelings about. The Hintzens have put in all kinds of time there, and that deserves high praise. There are scores of people like slogging away at preserving our history simply by showing up and informing a public at NPS and state park battlefields and preserved buildings around the country. Sadly, that public seems to care less and less about the past, so hats off to all those who are fighting a rear-guard action to save the Civil War from becoming what has happened to the Revolutionary War.

7.) Chris Piering: I couldn't come up with a good sobriquet for Chris, he's done too many things both within the hobby and without. Since 9/11, he has worked tirelessly to preserve the memory of the fallen, but prior to that, he has been a stalwart with the Potomac Legion (back when that name still meant a company or two at an event), led the Federals at Recon2, and is one of the more decent folks in the hobby. A shout out to Dave Grieves and the other members of the 122nd NY, and Marc Riddell of the PL!

8.) Eric Tipton, energizer bunny: Eric has put on events, helped bring the Authentic Campaigner forum back from the edge of computer destruction, and is working on what promises to be the hit of 2009: Sherman's Bummers. In a time when many of the better event organizers have left the hobby, stopped putting on shows, or just learned that there's little or no reward for doing a great event other than the satisfaction of seeing the smiling faces of the attendees, he keeps on going.

9.) Chuck "Amos" Reynolds, First Sergeant: Many have been in this role, but few have inhabited it like Amos. He not only has a way with handling miscreants (yes, I remember my KP at Ft. Pulaski) and officers. Another one whose "arc" in the hobby seems winding down, any time in the field with Amos is a good event for most of us.

And finally, a personal "atta boy" to 10.) Mike Murley, who has been a friend, mentor and fellow Rowdy Pard. He has led men in the field in real life, so his leadership skills at events are natural. He knows his history, and can sing period tunes (something most of them could do at the drop of the proverbial hat in the age before MP3 players). I wish Stumpy all the best, and hope there will be another event sometime where he can put me under arrest as he did at "Into the Wilderness" when I "rebuked" him for something an underling did, knowing it would lead to a good bit of period "theater."

[Kevin O'Beirne]

Some of those folks have actually some good for the hobby at large.

[8th TexCav]

Chris Sullivan of Stony Brook Company: Chris' attention to detail on his museum quality Deering and Schuylkill pattern Union trousers along with his willingness to educate and just chat has been a true contribution at least for me and others I know. I have owned a few of his trousers and will continue to go back for more!

Joe Hofmann of Jersey Skillet Licker: Joe brought the hobby to another level by getting some of the best in the business into an in-stock professional model. By getting some of the best makers to concentrate on producing goods and not having to have them worry about the business end, it made it a great experience I think for all. I'm afraid to look back at all of the receipts to see how much I have spent with you over the years! I am sorry to see your business down for now but my new wife is probably happy for that!

[3rd_PA_Artillery]

If I might add one...

Heather Hibbs: Mrs. Hibbs is a seamstress from central PA. Her specialty is mainly 19th Century civilian and military fashion. She's made quality reenacting gear for us at decent prices. Need it be added that she does all of her work by herself with two kids and a husband in her hair all day, yet seems to always get orders done on time.

[Pvt Schnapps]

Hats off to the many who came before and whom I don't know, and the many up and comers I hope to know. But here are some folks who come immediately to my mind:

Kevin O'Beirne. A number of folks conclude that Kevin simply doesn't deal well with other carbon-based life forms. The fact that he doesn't suffer fools gladly -- or much at all -- and has at times in the past had comments about a few who weren't fools, has made him offensive to some. But his level of commitment to historicity is such that I doubt it bothers him much, and probably it shouldn't. Kevin is an engineer, and as such, cares most about facts and basic truths. This has tremendously enriched the hobby, both in terms of research materials and in the promotion of some truly ground-breaking events. On a personal note, I must acknowledge tremendous gratitude for his support to me, not just for my research on clerking, but for other times when I stuck my foot in it and he interceded with advice and support. He cares about getting it right.

Charles Heath. Charles is the Roquefort of the hobby. Some people find it exquisite, and others compare it to vomit. It's definitely an acquired taste. Charles also cares passionately about the hobby and doesn't mind offending people who don't. His occasional offensiveness owes much to his wit. For most of us, the problem with Charles isn't Charles, but the number of epigones who want to buy campaigner status on the cheap by aping his insults without expending the energy that he does on research and event support. Charles and I have fought about some things and agreed on others: from both perspectives, I'm kind of glad he's out there.

It is not by accident that in the same context that I mention the above notables I mention Alexandra "Bug" Garbeck and Audrey Scanlan, as well as several other women I've seen in the field, at least one in each of the regiments of the USV and a couple in the Federal City Band. These women have chosen to portray male soldiers, and to take the steps -- from closely cropping their hair to adapting their forms to male clothing -- necessary to making the impression work. They have to deal with problems on two fronts -- men who won't even consider the fact that a woman can portray a civil war soldier as well as they, and women who keep their pony tails, wear Annie Oakley outfits, or otherwise present themselves as parodies. Despite this, they soldier on, and keep the bar raised for the rest of us.

Bernie Biederman. Many people have made special, individualized contributions to reenacting. Bernie has devoted himself to the cause of tolerance. We all owe him. Those who don't know they owe him probably owe him most of all.

Thanks, Bill, for reviving this theme.

[Huck Finn]

Mike:

You have a place on such a list as well. In a part of this hobby many would care to ignore (paperwork) you are the hands-down guru. The amount of time and energy you expend on research, then translating this research into "getting it right" is a testament to your dedication.

Those of us who have served, and been served by you, smile when clerking is simply mentioned. The Army runs on paperwork. You have taught us well.

[skamikaze]

Doug Dobbs: For pushing the limits of human endurance with an event that features the most underrepresented aspect of the hobby: getting there. It may not have been a stitch for stitch accurate event but it changed my mind of a lot of things I took for granted in the hobby, such as how much things weigh, how wet clothes get, how far a mile really is, how bad (but not THAT bad) your musket gets abused by not even firing it, that cotton socks and camp shoes on campaign are a total joke, and how bad an army must have really smelled.

[tompritchett]

In order to keep all the names in the same thread I am taking the liberty of pulling the nominated names from the previous thread. If a name has already been mentioned, I will try to avoid duplicate but I apologize in advance if I missed any.

From Bill Cross:

n no particular order:

1. Michael "Schapps" Schaffner, Clerk: Schnapps has reintroduced the lost art of "red tape." The term comes from the red ribbons tied around folders of paperwork during our era, and while the term is discredited, it certainly is an important component of Army life in 186X. While it's more fun to burn powder, march or even sleep under the sky, the plain fact of the matter is that armies of our period produced voluminous reports. One of the Rowdy Pards once found fault with Schnapps because he always wants to be a clerk, usually in blue. As I pointed out to my fellow RP, Michael has revived something that most of us would find too boring to do ourselves, and thereby has materially enriched our understanding of (and experience within) the period.

2. Don Hubbard, Logistics: The late Don Hubbard will likely be remembered more for the Field Music School he started at Ft. Delaware, or for his squabbles with Alex "Bug" Garbeck over music issues, or even his belllowing "Principal Musician Cross!" at the Berkeley 100 event some years ago, but Don is most significant in how he revived our understanding of provisioning an army in the field. Ration issues are no longer any big deal; in fact, some argue that ration issues are simply boring and overdone. But time was that most events were "full haversack" affairs, where bringing your own rations invited all sorts of abuses as pards would pack up convenient modern victuals instead of period fare. Don found sources for slab bacon, fresh bread, dessicated vegetables, whatever event organizers wanted, acquired them at the best price possible, delivered them on-time, and brought along his SUV piled with period gear for setting up a commissary in the field. I don't know what happened to all that gear, but seeing the ration issues at most events now reminds me how much Don contributed to our understanding of and ability to recreate a period ration issue.

3. Curt "Heinrich" Schmidt, Mountain Man: Many of you younger fellers probably have never met Curt, and sadly he posts so little on EITHER forum these days, but his store of knowledge about most things to do with the material culture of the war is vast and, one hopes, being transcribed for a book akin to The Hardcracker Handbook or The Columbia Rifles Research Compendium (I don't know John Tobey well, but he's another one in Curt's stripe who has forgotten more about the WBTS than most of us will ever know). Fully defarbing my Enfield, properly tarring my haversack, even the expression PEC ("plain, everyday, common"). I owe so much to Curt.

4. John Cleaveland, Event Builder: John and I will never exchange Christmas cards, and I doubt we'd even shake hands in public-- we have reeactor "issues" I won't bore you with. But this wild man from GA and his pards in the Critter Company not only have the best cavalry impression I've ever seen, but John puts on some of the best events. Inventive, authentic, challenging, the next time John comes back with a new event, make sure you attend. I have "borrowed" ideas from him and will do so again, since he's made a material contribution to the hobby.

5. David "Duke" Culberson, Leader: Duke was a natural-born leader, someone who would step into a leadership role and set a high standard. His fiery personality alienated folks, and in truth, he loved the hobby but it generally didn't love him back. Yet he was generous with opportunity, and brought along a bunch of folks by saying to them "do this job because I have confidence you can." We worked together on several fine events, and were good friends off the field, but I single him out because we need more people who care enough to take chances, try new things and give new people the opportunity to learn from their mistakes and get better.

6. Andrew "One Day" Doddington, tent maker:. Andrew lives close to many important CW sites, and has a beautiful new wife, so it's no wonder he tends to show up for a day and then head home. But he has a helluva impression, and makes a fine shelter half. Most events he goes to, Andrew ends up selling the half he brought into the field to some admiring pard. I single him out, not only because he's a fine living historian, but because he has found a niche that needs filling. There are many others out there making quality, authentic gear (Karin Timour for woolen goods, John Peterson for the best damned tinware I've seen, BJ from giltwire@aol.com for corp badges, officers ranks and other embroidered ornamentation), I just happen to know Andrew.

7. Bob Denton, Event Organizer: Bobby D. has been one of the ramrods behind the McDowell events, and I have always admired the way that small rural community has nurtured its CW legacy and the bi-annual event that bears its name. The McDowell event has morphed over the years from mainstream powder burner to campaigner challenge to a mixture of the two, all the while adding new features. Most recently, we've been allowed to reenact the battle on the original ground. Not something that happens regularly. Bob and the others working with him (and forgive me for not acknowledging them by name, I just don't know them) have gotten the landowners to play along, and the result has been 10 years of good events. Good luck to them as the event changes yet again, but I won't spoil the surprise.

8. Steve "Boomer" Pannier, LH Organizer: Boomer is still a fellow RP, though I fear his "arc" is about done. But over the past 5 or so years, Steve has set up an annual Living History at Gettysburg that highlights some of the lesser-known units who gave the last full measure of devotion in obscurity. Usually held at Spangler's Springs, these LHs have been divided pretty much equally between blue and gray in the part of the battlefield that gets too little attention from both the public and the NPS. Steve not only meticulously researches the units highlighted, but is an excellent presenter to the public. And while not technically part of the hobby, Park Ranger Tom Holbrook deserves a nod as well for his staunch support for the RPs even when our numbers have been less than all would hope for.

9. Hank & Linda Trent, Authentic Civilians: In my estimation, there are no finer civilian living historians than this couple. They bring a professionalism and flair to any event they attend, and can out first-person even my hardcore son! But I don't want to give the impression they are stick-up-the-### weirdos. Nothing could be further from the truth. At an otherwise forgettable event some years back, Hank sold the officer I was portraying "a piece of the rope used to hang John Brown." It was a small, but memorable bit of first person that I remembered and referred back to during "At High Tide" when I commented to Hank during a rare moment of firper how we'd recently hanged a scalliwag for selling pieces of the John Brown rope. He and Linda want to "do it right," and so push both other civilians and the military they interact with to be as authentic as possible. Their work on the civilian component of "War on the James" was brilliant in my opinion, and if I ever organize another event, I know I can call the Trents, get them on-board, and not have to worry about the civilian impression.

And finally, but not lastly,

10. Nick Sekela, tailor: Whatever you might say about Nick, he has advanced the knowledge we have of period clothing, has put his money where his mouth is by producing garments and accessories no one else would bother with, and has spurred us to do better in so many respects. I'm not even sure I won't be hearing from his lawyer for mentioning him at all (that's a joke, Nick, if you're lurking!), but I continue to be amazed and delighted at the items turning up in his workshop: a knit Federal fatigue blouse, leathers that have long been the "gold standard" for most of us, a batch of officer "infantry horn" ornaments at AHT that blow away what I've seen before, what will Nick come up with next?

From Darrell Cochran:


Brian Pohanka. Say what you will about him either personally or professionally, but it's hard to deny that the late Mr. Pohanka helped to bring Civil War history into the realm of popular culture via his appearances and other support of Civil War Journal and his editorial contributions to the Time-Life Civil War series, both of which contributed to interest in the hobby and the history we attempt to portray. And underneath it all, Brian was a reenactor, too. I won't claim to know him because I only spoke with him a few times, but I will say that I can recall when he was a sergeant in the 5th New York ...

Jari Villanueva. Like Mike Schaffner with his paper and ink, Jari has brought a sorely neglected facet of the Civil War armies back to the fore: Music, both the field and band varieties, and by his taking ownership of the Field Music School he helps to ensure that that part of the hobby will continue to grow and improve. And with all the other irons he has in his fire, Jari is still listed as Principal Musician on our unit rolls. I'm proud to call him my friend.

to be continued

[Bill_Cross]

Thanks, Tom, for doing that. I applaud ALL those who have made good faith nominations, and there should be some real positive energy circulating out there.

[tompritchett]

More nominations brought forward:

From Doug Cooper:

This is easy, but my list is heavily tilted toward preservation, which I see as the one legacy we ought to want to have, and God willing, we will. These were or are today pioneers and leaders. In no particular order, except for #1...who remains the most influential person to ever don the uniform, God rest his soul. If I could have a #11, it would be Don Patterson and Mike Kraus, who conceived and lead us through the 125th and most of the 130th series, before the hobby split up and lost its way.

1. Brian Pohanka - preservationist/historian
2. Charles Childs - clothing, etc
3. Joe Covais - clothing, etc
4. Chris Anders - current event concepts east
5. Dusty Chapman - preservation
6. Dom dal Bello - leadership/drill
7. Fred Baker/Tom Yearby - current event concepts west
8. Kevin O'Bierne - soldiering at every level
9. Rob Hodge - preservation
10. Terre Lawson - civilian

Honorable Mention - The Lazy Jacks, the hobby's best, most published unit.

From Noah Briggs:

Someone else in the civilian end of things needs to be shoved into the spotlight - Elizabeth Stewart Clark, who has saved countless feminine souls from the insidious ravages of Fanny and Vera, "triangle thingys", the evils of polyester whatever (to name a few). She guides and points said feminine souls towards the light of accurate womens' material culture and the extended knowledge of the culture which goes with it. All done with a smile and lots of tact.

And standing right next to her should be Carolann Schmidt. Same paragraph as above.

The Sewing Academy discussion Forum speaks for itself.

From Ron Myzie:

I would add Bill Watson to the list. Bill has a unique ability to blow on the embers when the fire needs revitalizing, throw a damp blanket on them when they get too hot and shift the ballast when the boat is in danger of capsizing, all without getting himself into an emotional state.

In addition, he is able to compartmentalize his reenacting experiences so as to be equally at home (or at least appear to be) among the most authentic folks and the blatant farbs. His "incubator company" concept of providing a comfortable home for reenactors making their first attempts to go a step further has brought many who would never consider going that way into the more authentic world.

If ever there was a stabilizing, levelheaded influence on the hobby, especially in the keyboard reenacting world, it is Bill.

To be continued

[tompritchett]

Even More:

From Huck Finn:

Another name that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath is Dusty Chapman. Over the past several years he has sponsored a number of events and spearheaded the raising of tens of thousands of dollars for preservation.

Three finer folks you would never want to meet.
(Note the other two individuals he was referring to were Charles Heath and Kevin O'Briene who have already been mentioned above)

From John Wickett:

I'd say Charles Childs deserves to be up there. He and his products were outfitted many of the ground breaking authentics back in the 1990's, and his quality has been consistent from day 1 through today (my opinion). His selection had dwindled quite a bit until FHW left "the biz", but he stepped up quickly, offering a wider selection of fabrics in short order.

Guys like Curt Schmitt, Geoff Walden, Mess'r Barry, Todd Watts, Bill Osbourne and several others have done a great deal to expand our knowledge of historic firearms, giving us the knowledge to "scrub up" the appearance of our Italian repops.

Mess'rs Szabo and Calloway for grabbing ahold of the internet, while still a fairly new concept and putting it to use very effectively for the hobby. Much of what we enjoy today in terms of "that other end of the hobby" is facilitated through the A-C. Times have CHANGED!

There's more, but that's just off the top o' me head.

From RJ Samp:




Originally Posted by ejazzyjeff
I agree. Back when I started in 1999, this website and the AC was the only two places I visited. I am not sure if the AC had a forum back then, I went there for the excellent articles that help with my impression and kit.

Back in 1997....it was Bob Braun, John Wedeward, Scott Thorson, et al and the 33rd Wisconsin Website (and the 3rd Wisconsin/Badger Boys concept) and all of their marvellous research articles..... the 2nd Wisconsin website was / is one of the more extensive.... those two sites 'recruited' me after I had attended a local reenactment and 'caught' the bug.....

From Jari Villanueva:

Since Don's name was brought up and many may not know who he was or his contribution to Field Music I thought I might post these links:

http://www.tapsbugler.com/DonHubbardPhotos.html

http://www.tapsbugler.com/DonHubbardPhotos2.html

http://www.nationalcivilwarbrassmusi...onHubbard.html

Don was friend and true visionary when it came to field music. I really miss him and not a reenactment goes by when I don't expect him to ride up on Rosco.........

RIP Don. I'm trying my best for you

[tompritchett]

Lastly:

From Robert Massella:


Chris Anders: Chris has organized many events which appeal to each wing of the hobby. As many of you know, Chris organizes events which have and enforce authenticity standards, use historically based senerios, and generate money for preservation. Can't ask for much more!

From Kent Dorr:

The list needs to include Rob Hodge, who was a punchline about button pissing when I got in the hobby. Today, hes a fine filmaker and a constant reminder that reenactors need to use their knowledge and passion as a platform for preservation.

And from Craig L Barry:


I have a suggestion for someone who does...Nicky Hughes. Wrote the Campaigners Manifesto twenty years ago. Started The Watchdog in 1993 as an eight page newsletter, later with Bill Christen concocted the Citizens Companion then worked as Editor of both Camp Chase Gazette and most recently Civil War Historian. Who can top that bio?

[Linda Trent]

Wow, I wouldn't even know where to start! Well, I know where to start, that would be Nicky and Susan Hughes. Susan in particular because she's the one who talked us into getting a computer in the first place. Without the computer I don't know if we could have hooked up with all the cool people we have over the years. :cool:

The computer has made it possible for us to find people who enjoy doing what we do in the hobby, so we can attend our kind of events together, put on a carpe' eventum, or hold our own event altogether. I don't think those things would have been possible without the computer.

Nicky has been helpful in so many ways with getting permission for us to use the Sullivan House (talk about material goods) for such events as the Inn at Peak's Mill and the Kentucky Trial event. He was also open with research, and if he didn't have it, knew who to send us to. Without Nicky and Susan, well... we'd be lost in the hobby, and I haven't even gone into their work with the publications. :rolleyes:

Beyond the two of them, I wouldn't even venture any further into the waters. There are a lot of great people and I'd be terribly afraid of offending someone I forgot on my short list.

Linda Trent
lindatrent@zoomnet.net

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

How about CMH members...Fred Gaede & Paul Johnson?

Their work on Civil War Material Culture is unmatched, and they can be credited with the research behind many of the Cartridge Boxes, Cap Pouches, Blankets, Shelter Tents...which have fueled the hobbies best manufacturers.

Paul B.

[DColeman]

Jonah World's Jonah Begone,
With all his wit in reminding us that we can still have fun and have a sense of humor.

[LibertyHallVols]

Joe Bordonaro, Doug Dobbs, Mike Schaffner, and the others involved with the Sixth Corps March:

That has been the most thought-provoking and inspiring thing I've heard about in quite some time. It seems to me that marches such as this provide the first-rate opportunities to teach both the public and ourselves about soldiering during the war.

My hat is off to you fellows!

[VanceGuardsLT]

Both Les Jensen and my friend Dr. K.C. McDonald of the Lazy Jacks have done tons of research on Confederate uniforms and should be included.

[Curt-Heinrich Schmidt]

Hallo!

While a pleasant thought and high compliment!! Sadly, IMHO, to include any one lad is to exclude another somewhere.

Especially for the lads in the Way Back Daze of the 1970's/1980's and early 1990's in the era of hand written letters, long distance telephone calls, unit newsletters, underground publications, car pool discussions, campfire sharings late into the night, sit downs under a shady tree, or wearing out the booths at McDonald's or Burger King for hours long rag chewings.

Those lads who evolved, built, pioneered, innovated, and invented many things that lads in the current "Era of the WWW" take for granted on a daily basis.
Such as research, documentation, unit and personal standards, persona, immersion, projection, the 24 hour scenario, or the wonderful advances in Material Culture whether textiles, materials, patterns, adopting and adapting original garments, accoutrements, gear, or firearms to reproductions, sewing and crafting, etc., etc.

Especially those lads (and lassies) who are dead, gone, no longer participating, and whose names and direct and indirect contributions are now no longer remembered but their mark and signature on reenacting and living history in particular and the CW Community in general, are profound and indelible.

Three Cheers and a Tiger to one and all!!

CHS
Naming one does not diminish the contributors of another Mess

[Anders]

Laura Anders- for doing registration for

FOTM 2000
Mortons Ford
Draytons brigade
To the Gates of Washington
Bukittsville 1
Sumer 0f 62
War on the James
October 1862
September Storm
At High Tide

If you folks saw the hours each night she spent typing in registrationafter working 14 hours as an RN and at times staying up all night to get data bases sent to folks, you would appreciate it.

[tompritchett]

Laura Anders- for doing registration for

For nominating her, does that mean she will forgive for losing the ring? :D Seriously though, hats off to her and all those that work the long hours to pull together all the administrative details necessary for conducting our events.

[indguard]

And Laura Anders for...

See, now here is where we end up and this is why this "list" is essentially meaningless.

Now, of COURSE Mrs. Anders' work was greatly appreciated, essential even... there is no reason to detract from her work. I'm sure it was top notch for what it was. She deserves the thanks of each and every person who attended those events.

But, does "registration" efforts count toward great strides in the hobby? No, of course it doesn't.

But, since there is no real national notice for any of these people, no real way to quantify their efforts, and since this hobby is essentially intensely localized by regions (merely because of travel distances, hence why we rarely have more than 2 events a year that attracts large numbers of participants) we end up with "lists" that will have names on them that do not look familiar to the largest number of reenactors.

For instance. I could say that the hobby was quite heavily advanced in the Midwest by Nick Medich and David Shakelford. These two men had more to do with reshaping the events in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois than any other two men in the entire 45 years of the hobby. They are responsible for turning events here from everyone on their own hook to battalion coordinated events. In turn, that focus improved organization, improved the experience for the men and the public, not to mention created a higher level of safety for all. Further, I'd say their influence has been felt nation wide at the higher levels of command.

However, if I were to say either name to some private in the 354th Pennsylvania reenactment group somewhere in the eastern part of this country, why that private wouldn't have any clue who the heck I was talking about. Neither would his Sergeants or Captain. Heck even some of his battalion staff might not know them.

So, in the end, since this really isn't a nationally organized and controlled hobby, the "movers and shakers" are transitory and mostly unknown to the bulk of the reenacting community. And this prevents single individuals from easily rising to national notice. Pile on top of that the fact that there really is no source of records that we might refer to and see who did what and when in this hobby and we end up with no way to quantify anything.

And THAT makes these lists but exercises in localization, it all ends up being a list filled with guys we like because he's-my-pal, lists created because such and such guy ran the last cool event I attended.

After all, it is telling that about all the names we have thus far are contemporary to the current state of the hobby. Few names have appeared here from decades ago, most from guys we all know of today. Where, for instance, are the guys from 1960s? Do we know who was a mover and shaker then? Few do, that's for sure, because few of us go back any farther than the 1990s in the hobby (I started in 1983, by the way).

So, in essence, this list is a feel-good, meaningless effort.

WTH

[Duff]

We need to add Scott Washburn to this. He is one of the best battalion commanders in the field and his knowlage of drill is simply amazing.

[Pvt Schnapps]

And Laura Anders for...

See, now here is where we end up and this is why this "list" is essentially meaningless.

Now, of COURSE Mrs. Anders' work was greatly appreciated, essential even... there is no reason to detract from her work. I'm sure it was top notch for what it was. She deserves the thanks of each and every person who attended those events.

But, does "registration" efforts count toward great strides in the hobby? No, of course it doesn't.

But, since there is no real national notice for any of these people, no real way to quantify their efforts, and since this hobby is essentially intensely localized by regions (merely because of travel distances, hence why we rarely have more than 2 events a year that attracts large numbers of participants) we end up with "lists" that will have names on them that do not look familiar to the largest number of reenactors.

For instance. I could say that the hobby was quite heavily advanced in the Midwest by Nick Medich and David Shakelford. These two men had more to do with reshaping the events in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois than any other two men in the entire 45 years of the hobby. They are responsible for turning events here from everyone on their own hook to battalion coordinated events. In turn, that focus improved organization, improved the experience for the men and the public, not to mention created a higher level of safety for all. Further, I'd say their influence has been felt nation wide at the higher levels of command.

However, if I were to say either name to some private in the 354th Pennsylvania reenactment group somewhere in the eastern part of this country, why that private wouldn't have any clue who the heck I was talking about. Neither would his Sergeants or Captain. Heck even some of his battalion staff might not know them.

So, in the end, since this really isn't a nationally organized and controlled hobby, the "movers and shakers" are transitory and mostly unknown to the bulk of the reenacting community. And this prevents single individuals from easily rising to national notice. Pile on top of that the fact that there really is no source of records that we might refer to and see who did what and when in this hobby and we end up with no way to quantify anything.

And THAT makes these lists but exercises in localization, it all ends up being a list filled with guys we like because he's-my-pal, lists created because such and such guy ran the last cool event I attended.

After all, it is telling that about all the names we have thus far are contemporary to the current state of the hobby. Few names have appeared here from decades ago, most from guys we all know of today. Where, for instance, are the guys from 1960s? Do we know who was a mover and shaker then? Few do, that's for sure, because few of us go back any farther than the 1990s in the hobby (I started in 1983, by the way).

So, in essence, this list is a feel-good, meaningless effort.

WTH

Well, maybe. And maybe it's a way to at least temporarily get away from "us vs. them," and all the other divisive BS (OK, mea also culpa) that from time to time threatens to shiver the hobby to pieces, and just sit back and thank people for the good they've done. That's a little more than just a "feel good" exercise, it's a way of recalibrating the discourse. Instead of talking about "the problem with [your least favorite category of reenactor here]" we can think of people who we think have done the right thing, shake their hand, and maybe try all the harder in our own contributions.

I'm embarassed to be on anyone's list, but I'm deeply grateful, and will try to behave myself a little better from now on. Sooner or later that might be worth something to somebody. :)

Apart from that, "handling registration" kind of understates Laura's contribution. Without denigrating Chris, while he may have provided a big part of the inspirational leadership for a series of important events in the east, he couldn't have done it without staff work, and Laura really was key.

You wouldn't have any way of knowing it, because to our shame we've never covered it in our AARs. Laura didn't just take names down and bank the checks. She prepared detailed staffing lists sorted by unit identification and type. As Federal AAG for several of the Anders-Air events, I know that getting those sorted Excel spreadsheets from Laura on a timely and regular basis allowed us to give regular feedback to unit commanders on how many of their folks had signed on (so they could go after the laggards), showed us whether or not we would have to adapt the scenarios for changes in the numbers and composition of the forces, and a host of other matters both tactical and logistical. She was in fact a critical member of both armies' general staffs, whether they knew it or not.

Along those lines, and since I'm here anyway, I'd like to toss in another name, that of Kevin Air. Kevin has been Chris's federal partner for a whole series of events. I first met him at "Fire on the Mountain" in 2001 and had the honor of serving on his staff from "Gates of Washington" through "September Storm." While Chris was in the forefront of organizing those events, Kevin was right there with him, and often had the challenge of trying to hold together significantly more polyglot forces on the Federal side. Without his intelligence, tolerance, presence, and forbearance (many are the times I was not taken out and shot) several of those events would have degenerated into exercises in costumed goat-roping.

Last thing I'll say is that I hope this thread goes on. It's a breath of fresh air to hear folks being praised.

[Linda Trent]

And Laura Anders for...
See, now here is where we end up and this is why this "list" is essentially meaningless.
...does "registration" efforts count toward great strides in the hobby? No, of course it doesn't.

I'm proud to say that I attended several of Laura's events. :p Burkittsville '01, War on the James, and October '62, (all cutting edge immersion style events). The influence from her efforts on these three fine events have had a great deal of influence on the development of immersion-style events for civilians.

Her influence has been felt in many events that have been put on by those who attended her events, for example, War on the James actually was one of the great influences on my in my organizing Struggle for Statehood which was held in Cabell County, WV. So whether her name is known to those of the midwest, her influence has been felt, and I think that's what this thread is all about. Definately, Laura deserves a spot on this list. :D

Linda.

[Brian Wolle]

Bill Frassinito inspired me many years ago. He put the myth of it in real terms -or something like that...

[Bill_Cross]

I could say that the hobby was quite heavily advanced in the Midwest by Nick Medich and David Shakelford. These two men had more to do with reshaping the events in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois than any other two men in the entire 45 years of the hobby. They are responsible for turning events here from everyone on their own hook to battalion coordinated events. In turn, that focus improved organization, improved the experience for the men and the public, not to mention created a higher level of safety for all. Further, I'd say their influence has been felt nation wide at the higher levels of command.
And so you have. Bully! We can't know all the folks who have made a material contribution to the hobby, that's why I invited everyone to say so. I know about John Wedeward, because "Weed" and I used to talk all the time on the phone. The 33rd Wisconsin has spawned a lot of good. But living in the East, I don't necessarily know all the groups out West. My failing.

However, if I were to say either name to some private in the 354th Pennsylvania reenactment group somewhere in the eastern part of this country, why that private wouldn't have any clue who the heck I was talking about. Neither would his Sergeants or Captain. Heck even some of his battalion staff might not know them.
So? That's why this thread, Dude. Tell the world, don't hide your candle under a bushel.

So, in the end, since this really isn't a nationally organized and controlled hobby, the "movers and shakers" are transitory and mostly unknown to the bulk of the reenacting community. And this prevents single individuals from easily rising to national notice. Pile on top of that the fact that there really is no source of records that we might refer to and see who did what and when in this hobby and we end up with no way to quantify anything.
When people ask about the "leaders" of the hobby, I just smile.

And THAT makes these lists but exercises in localization, it all ends up being a list filled with guys we like because he's-my-pal, lists created because such and such guy ran the last cool event I attended.
You have not read this thread and the other carefully. Several of us have mentioned folks who are not friends (enemies in some cases) or notoriously difficult personalities. Like isn't the point. I don't have to like someone to appreciate their contributions. Disliking them may require some vomit-suppression to say so, but that doesn't change their contribution.

After all, it is telling that about all the names we have thus far are contemporary to the current state of the hobby. Few names have appeared here from decades ago, most from guys we all know of today. Where, for instance, are the guys from 1960s?
Lest I bore everyone, this isn't a top ten list. It's a list. If you know someone who was important, then by all means let's hear it. I could list Dom dal Ballo or Cal Kinzer (Hardcracker Handbook), but I didn't think of them when I was compiling the original list. If you go back that far in the hobby, then tell us who's being overlooked.

So, in essence, this list is a feel-good, meaningless effort.I don't know how much meaning there is in recognizing excellence or influence. But I like hearing about folks whose good works are unknown to me. Your mileage may vary.

[Soreback]

And so you have. Bully! We can't know all the folks who have made a material contribution to the hobby, that's why I invited everyone to say so. I know about John Wedeward, because "Weed" and I used to talk all the time on the phone. The 33rd Wisconsin has spawned a lot of good. But living in the East, I don't necessarily know all the groups out West. My failing.

So? That's why this thread, Dude. Tell the world, don't hide your candle under a bushel.

When people ask about the "leaders" of the hobby, I just smile.

You have not read this thread and the other carefully. Several of us have mentioned folks who are not friends (enemies in some cases) or notoriously difficult personalities. Like isn't the point. I don't have to like someone to appreciate their contributions. Disliking them may require some vomit-suppression to say so, but that doesn't change their contribution.

Lest I bore everyone, this isn't a top ten list. It's a list. If you know someone who was important, then by all means let's hear it. I could list Dom dal Ballo or Cal Kinzer (Hardcracker Handbook), but I didn't think of them when I was compiling the original list. If you go back that far in the hobby, then tell us who's being overlooked.
I don't know how much meaning there is in recognizing excellence or influence. But I like hearing about folks whose good works are unknown to me. Your mileage may vary.

Bill, you and I both know that while the Chiefs should always get the laurels, it is the unknown man who makes it work.

My vote is for every SOB I have ever "served" with who put himself above the need for the modern world, loved his brothers in arms and sucked it up. I have not always been that man. I know some who have. I envy them.

[tompritchett]

There is one name that has yet to mentioned - Silas Tackitt. I have never met the man myself but I have utilized his Drill Network webpage many times and have referred many a person to it. You also have to respect someone who is willing to serve as a staff officer for the AoT while living on the West Coast.

[reddiamond]

When I got into the hobby, back in the early '80s, there are a few names that I remember that pushed and pulled the hobby for the good.

The folks at C&D Jarnigan: The got us in wool uniforms on a grand scale and made us look "uniform" for the first time. Back in 1985 my whole unit was dressed in Janigan uniforms and were looked upon as being hardcores and were labeled as "snobby" because of it.

The Fry Boot Company: First people to really mass produce Civil War Jefferson Booties. These got many of us out of wearing desert boots and engineer boots with the straps and buckles cut off.

Navy Arms: They came out with the model 1863 Springfield and let us put away the originals, and gave us an incentive to pass on those Remington Zouave muskets to the new guys. Then Euroarms of America came out with the Enfield.

Paul Smith: Uriah Cap. NOBODY has done better or has even come close.

Greg Connell: Shoes and boots. NOBODY has done better or even come close.

Spence Waldron: Frock Coats...again, nobody better.

Terry Daley: Put himself forward and pulled together the first real regiment that functioned, and all the fellows who were there from the begnning. I was in the U.O. and not yet good enough to be apart of that endeavor. (I really wasn't)

Mike Kraus: My friend and mentor. He organized a division of 10,000 Federal troops on the field (Pickett's Charge 1988 ) and we all were wearing the same die-stamped Second Corps badge. It was the first time that I felt like I was part of an army.

Chuck Hillsman: I'll never forget those April afternoons in formation in front of his ancestor's house on the Sailor's Creek field, while he told the story of his family's plight during the battle. They don't make gentlemen or generals like him anymore.

Bill Keitz: Camp Chase Gazette and all the early contibutors. If you want to know when and where the hobby first got serious, check out the issues from 1985-1987. Most "new" research used to be common knowledge.

Most "Old-time" Civil War Collectors: These guys knew about canteen covers and cartidge box types, and what came first, and button back marks, and all the minutiae. They have known for years what we've been trying to uncover for ourselves and make it come alive. If it weren't for them and their publications we'd have no idea what is correct or not.

Geeze, I could go on and on.

Scot Buffington
3rd USV