Renacting renacting

[Colonel Dave]

Two Manassas events, Two Shiloh events...and it is just April of the first year of the 150th cycle.
It would seem that the collective hobby has learned nothing over the past 25 years. Personal agendas, the lure of the dollar and the awe of fake rank appears to still prevail within the world of reenacting. We went through all of this for the 125th events and we have the scars to show for it.
Granted, there are some very eloquent presentations as to why each of the competing events exist but all in all, it will have a negative impact upon a hobby already fraught with division, gas prices, shaky empires and politics.

While certainly based on bad experiences and well intended ( as in **** is paved with said good intentions), the groups who say they will not attend or support an event unless they are in command need to, nay, must change their bylaws, constitution or whatever document they rely upon to rationalize their attitude.
Perryville, Kentucky is a good example. The hobby has a chance to reenact the 150 on the actual ground but.........
Read this and shake your head or pick up your phone or head to your computer and insist on changes for the good of the service.

[hanktrent]

Read this and shake your head or pick up your phone or head to your computer and insist on changes for the good of the service.

Are you attending many events this year as a private or civilian without command over anyone, like most participants in the hobby? If not, it's probably the same mindset that motivates others to want to be the group in charge at what they attend.

Hank Trent
hanktrent@gmail.com

[Quickstep]

Two Manassas events, Two Shiloh events...

I've heard about the competing events in Shilo, and that is a shame, but that is not the case for Manassas--there is no competing battle reenactment here. There are two big battle reenactments on July 23rd and 24th as well as a series of living history events and other activities leading up to those dates. Let's not create a problem where none exists. If anything, the organizers for Manassas should be commended for planning all these events and activites so as to maximize the experience for both the reenactors and the public.

[Spinster]

Why Hank, what a concept. A private or a private citizen are qualities that are often in short supply.

A number of men have figured that out for Perryville. Plans have been tumbling around in various low places for some months.

Mr Bauer is certainly correct. In an environment in which useable land is scarce, the concept of scattering living histories at smaller appropriate venues and having a battle reenactment in a different location is a fine thing.

Shiloh battle reenactments, yes there are two. I think that's a shame, and folks have tried to resolve that. I've experienced all to be Men of Goodwill, but with differing philosophies. At this point, it seems inevitable. We can take comfort that there is plenty of land for all, and room for each to reenact in his own style.

[billwatson2]

Ego then, ego now. Some things seem to be constants, only the symptoms change.
However, as John Wickett eloquently said in a recent post to the young fellows who want to do a "documentary" on reenactors: It's not about us. Every time we put on a uniform we represent people who are not here to defend themselves against the mistakes we make and the distortions we inject, accidentally or maliciously, into the story of what they did. Which leads me to set up my own criteria for competing events: Who wants to be in charge to create history as best we can? Or, the extreme range of the other side of the coin, who wants to be in charge to make sure propane fires, animal parts on hats and sub-par impressions will be allowed? Or that their group gets star billing in the recreation of history?
This year I'm really preaching what John Wickett said. Misrepresenting those people from the past to fulfill a modern agenda is really a form of disrespect and a wonderful example of hypocrisy.
I am glad there are people in this hobby who have the steel nerves necessary to actually organize and put on history-heavy events that are as representative of historic reality as we can get it. I am dismayed there are people who still try to parlay their numbers into taking control of events organized by others.

[gwagner]

Interesting to me is that so many folks seems to have this huge desire to have rank on their sleeves or collars.

I'll be sipping some whiskey by the fire while you are changing the guard, or attending officers' call!

My ancestors were privates...and that is all I care to be. Would I help out as a Cpl or Sgt if needed for a day...of course. But I'll come to your event, and help where you need me.

[Pete K]

I have too much responsibility as a Father, teacher, Scout Leader, fraternal organizatons, Sunday School teaching...I like being a lowly enlisted man who occasionally wears corp. stripes as a clerk or in the kitchens... Why take on more work during a hobby weekend?

[Colonel Dave]

Ask any Federal in the Midwest who "Nub" is and you will get your answer.

[jeteeple2]

Well said Bill.

[50th VA Corporal]

I don't totally agree with the ego of want to attain rank - at least in my reenacting world of the Independent Guard Confederate Battalion. Most privates want to stay privates is the trend I see.

I was pretty happy as a private; felt pretty good as a corporal; only stepped up to 1st Sergeant with much trepidation to fill a void - and studied and practiced to earn the elected rank; then with some reluctance went to now fill the rank of captain to fill that void, with the same trepidation, when our captain was elected as major in the battalion. Once again studying and practicing to earn the priviledge of leadership.

Yes, reenacting was much easier as a private, but there are some who have to step up to the plate to provide leadership - quality leadership - for others to retain their comfort levels of remaining privates. And I can find no fault with that.

I honestly don't see any leadership aspiration egos in our battalion and affiliated companies in the staff, company commanders, nor NCO's.

Jas. T. Lemon
50th Va Corporal