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Civilian Invitational
Fort Tejon
May 19-20, 2007
Part of the Marcela Vargas
Civilian Invitational & Military Tactical
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Rebecca Thelin Rebecca.Thelin@gmail.com
Andrew Grim grimreaper72@earthlink.net
CITIZENS OF CHATTANOOGA!
SAVANNAH [GA] REPUBLICAN, October 28, 1863, p. 2, c. 4
[Army Correspondence of the Mobile Adv. & Reg.]
Letter from Tennessee.
Army of Chattanooga, Oct. 16.
. . . Only three or four hundred of the citizens remain in the town [Chattanooga], including a few ladies, all of whom are much restricted in their movements, and liable to arrest for appearing within the vicinity of the fortifications. Some are in a state of destitution, owing to the consumption of supplies, and are compelled to depend for subsistence upon the Federal commissariat. Chattanooga is almost unrecognizable, houses being desecrated and property generally ruined. . .Civilian Setting
It is September of 1863 in Union Occupied Chattanooga, Tennessee. From the onset of war, the city has been almost evenly divided between Union and Southern Sympathies. Civilians are no longer permitted to travel without a pass and are frequently stopped, questioned and searched for contraband. Those with northern leanings are once again unfurling Old Glory and finding their lives a bit easier along with generous supplements from the Federal Commissariat. Conversely, loyal Southerners begin to display their patriotism in more subtle and creative ways and are finding it increasingly difficult to subsist. Homes and crops are laid waste and prices climb daily at the local markets due to hyperinflation. Normally demure citizens take to the streets in demonstration and storm the merchants taking cloth and food stock.Come join us in the following activities:
The list keeps growing….
- Living History with spectator tours coming through the Civilian Encampment first!
- Period appropriate interaction between northern and southern sympathizers
- Period appropriate interaction with both the Union and Confederate military
- Saturday Evening Pot Luck
- Dressing the Lady demonstrations
- Wood Fired Oven Baking
- Period Games
- Period Crafts
Things are still developing and a detailed schedule will be posted at a later time. Same as with the military Tactical, we are asking for pre-registration so that we get a handle on how many to expect. FTHA members will be free, with pre-registrants asked to pay $5 and late registrants $10. There will not be a break for those with membership cards from other associations as in the past few years..
PRELIMINARY (IN-PROGRESS) CIVILIAN SCHEDULE:
MAY INVITATIONAL, FORT TEJON*SATURDAY & SUNDAY*
Town Life: Ongoing interaction among townsfolk! Please feel free to interact in First Person, if you are comfortable doing so. FYI – a few possible scenarios are in the works, including ones for showing your political sympathies (be they Union or Confederate). If you have a specific demonstration/impression that you will be showcasing, or you have an idea for a scenario, please email Mr. Andy Grim (Civilian Co-Coordinator) at grimreaper72@earthlink.net.
Possible Civilian Scenarios:
1) Arguments & other “Fusses” between the different loyalties, with period appropriate language.
2) Lynching Party – As we should have an equal division of Northern & Southern Sympathizers, a group can be formed to hang an offending individual (a sympathizer), which can only be stopped by the Occupying Military force (Union).School Demonstration: Spelling Bee and possible School-Yard Games demonstration. (We will need volunteers to help demonstrate the games.) If your child is interested in participating in the Spelling Bee or School Yard Games, please contact the School Mistress, Miss Henrietta Kingsley (aka in real life: Diane Yoshitomi) at pvdame@cox.net . Location & times to be determined.
Fashion Show and Dressing the Lady Demo: These half hour presentations will fall back to back on both Saturday and Sunday, beginning with the traditional narrated fashion show for one half hour and following with a "dressing the lady" demonstration, more information on the details of civilian clothing, and Q&A. Ladies of all walks of civilian life will be showcased, as well as children and civilian men. In order to have time to truly highlight the elements of each model's clothing, both ordinary and unusual, we cannot guarantee that all volunteers will be put on stage. If you are interested in modeling your period clothing, please contact Mlle. Felicite LaFontaine (aka Amie Luther) ahead of time at brinnethkae@yahoo.com or (909) 518-5357. [On Site Location & Times to be determined]
Party Dances: daytime dances for both re-enactors & spectators, led by our own Ginger Alberti! Come out & join the fun! Location & times to be determined.
Children's Scavenger Hunt: Children (visitors) will be handed a Scavenger Hunt Questionnaire upon arrival. Each child will seek out various people in and around the Civilian Town who can answer the different questions (on the questionnaire). At the end of the questionnaire, each child will need to find Mrs. Lily Cressman and show her the completed (or attempted) questionnaire to receive a prize (a piece of period candy, such as taffy or rock candy).
If you are interested in assisting in the Scavenger Hunt, we need the following participants:
1) People who are have (and are willing to bring) period items to show off and talk about (i.e. - a pocket watch, a tin-type, eye-glasses, a darning-egg, musical instruments, cloth doll, button shoes, butter churn, etc.), that are unique, fun, and interesting. (Note: these may already be items that you bring to most events).
2) Specific characters or impressions that would be willing to answer questions about themselves.To participate as one of the stops on the Scavenger Hunt, please email Rebecca Thelin (Civilian Co-Coordinator) at Rebecca.Thelin@gmail.com.
*SATURDAY ONLY*
Hair Demonstration/Workshop: Ladies, in need of ideas for your hairdo, especially for the Saturday Dance, then please feel free to stop by! Please be sure to contact Mlle. Felicite LaFontaine (aka Amie Luther) ahead of time at brinnethkae@yahoo.com or (909) 518-5357, to indicate interest in attending this workshop (so we can gauge the level of interest ahead of time.)
5:00pm Potluck: Civilians only. As we are expecting high numbers, the military & civilians will eat in shifts, allowing the Civilians to start first at 5pm, and the military to start at 6pm. Be sure to bring plenty of food to share, as we'll have a lot of mouths to feed! (Suggested servings per dish: 10-12) Please contact the Potluck Coordinator to sign up for a dish to bring (whether you already know what dish or need an idea). Note: Another reason for eating in shifts is so that Civilians can have some extra time to change and get ready for the Dance, if needed.
Potluck Coordinator: Rebecca Thelin (Civilian Co-Coordinator) at Rebecca.Thelin@gmail.com
[6:00pm Potluck - Military]
7:30pm-10:30pm Dance: Please come and join the festivities! Music will be provided by "Rosin the Beau" and led by Ginger Alberti. Refreshments will be provided (but please feel free to bring some more if you have a favorite period dish or drink that you'd like to share!)
*SUNDAY ONLY*
Church Services: Morning Services are typically held around 8am, near the large Oak Tree on the Field. More details to follow when available.
Spectator Camp Tours: Spectators are lead through the different camps, beginning with Civilian Town. This will be a great opportunity for those of you who relish First Person (and even for those just interested in practicing/trying out their First Person Techniques)!
**GENERAL REMINDER: If you will be setting up a Tent &/or Fly (awning), please email Mr. Andy Grim (Civilian Co-Coordinator) at grimreaper72@earthlink.net with your space requirements. **
REGISTRATION
Registration is free for FTHA members but we ask that you fill out the online form presented below.If you are not a member and wish to become one, your membership will entitle you to free access to all of the FTHA events during 2007. You may download an FTHA membership form here: FTHA Membership Application Form (Requires free Acrobat Reader)
If you are not an FTHA member, we would still welcome your participation! A day pass (good for both the Saturday Tactical, the Sunday battles and the Civilian Invitational on that weekend) is $5 for those who pre-register by May 1, 2007. Registrations after that date will be $10. Civilian families are $10 for those who pre-register, and $20 after May 1 (Military day passes are individual and in addition to civilians). Registration fees are non-refundable.
All participants (members and non-members, civilians and military) are asked to pre-register using this online form:
Non-members must also fill out an application for a day pass and a liability release:
Day Pass Form
(for non-members) (Requires free Acrobat Reader)Mail it, along with your day pass check or money order made out to "FTHA" (no cash), to: Marshall Neal, 6900 Valley View Dr. #204, Bakersfield, Ca. 93306
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Marshall Neal
marshallneal@gmail.com
LATEST NEWS
April 4, 2007 Update
Greetings! We just wanted to give y’all an update from the Civilian Coordinators (Mr. Andrew Grim & Miss Rebecca Thelin) for the Marcela Vargas May Civilian Invitational at Fort Tejon. Things are shaping up splendidly, and we’ve been busy planning for the May event.
As you can see, we have a preliminary schedule now posted on the website (http://www.forttejon.org/civilianinv.html), with some great activities lined up. But please don’t forget the focus of the event – Civilian life in the 1860s! We want to highlight the daily life of civilians living in a town evenly split with political sympathies. As we get closer to the event, we should be able to fill in more details (such as times & locations for specified activities, as well as details of specific civilian scenarios), so please check back frequently.
We currently have 25 civilians pre-registered (as of 3/28/07), and are eagerly awaiting further registrations! If you have not already registered, and you are planning on attending, please do not forget to pre-register as soon as possible. Registration is simple, easy, & online!
As a reminder, FTHA members are Free at this event. If you are not a member of the FTHA, please fill out and submit the Day Pass Form along with your Day Pass Fee. Please note that the Day Pass Fee is currently discounted, but for a limited time only! Right now, the Day Pass Fee is $5.00 per individual for the entire weekend! As of May 1, 2007, however, it will revert to its normal rate of $10.00 per individual (for both days). The Application Form, with Instructions, is available online at http://www.forttejon.org/civilianinv.html .
If you are planning on setting up a Tent &/or Fly (Awning), please email the Space Coordinator your required dimensions (even if you’re already registered). If you represent a group of people, please email the entire group’s size (instead of each individual tent/fly dimensions). Also, if you would like to have a space next to a particular individual/impression, please let us know, and we’ll do our best to be accommodating. Mr. Grim will be walking the site on April 14th with the FTHA to go over with them just which areas we have to work with for the event.
Also, if you are planning on participating in the Potluck, please email Miss Thelin, even if you’ve already registered. The Fort will be providing the Meat (Roasted Pork) and participants are asked to bring a side dish. If you know what dish you will be providing (or you need an idea), be sure to include the dish in your RSVP email to Miss Thelin. We need to get a head-count as soon as possible so we can make sure to have enough Meat on hand!
If you have any questions about the Tactical, please check the website for any updates http://www.forttejon.org/tactical.html .
Your Obedient Servants,
Mr. Andrew Grim & Miss Rebecca Thelin
February 20, 2007 Update
Dear Friends,
I know so many of you are planning to come to this event. Already I have plenty of registrations. But I must remind all FTHA members to register online. A majority of the registrants are non-FTHA members.
Also, there is a substantial volume of information that you will need to review. If you are not an FTHA member, now is the time to get your registration in. If you plan only to purchase the day pass, do not hesitate to send in your day pass form and check. Also, please register online. All these steps are vital for this one-of-a-kind event!
As for the event itself, the details are being hashed now, with planning on the actual execution of the tactical aspect. Barb McCreary and Rebeca Thelin are still working on the civilian plans. For civilians, pre-registration is critical because camp layouts need to be drawn up. This is also true for the military, but a little less so, as we have more room to work with. Sutlers, if they plan to come definitely need to be in touch with me as their site is still to be determined.
On March 3rd, we will have a meeting that will further develop the details of the event as well as map out the remainder of the year to some degree. Finally, the Civil War Council will meet in April to finalize plans for the tactical. After that, it will just be a matter of passing the days to the event!
Have a good day and get your registration in today! Remeber registrations go up after May 1st and late walk-ons are not admitted.
Marshall Neal FTHA
February 15, 2007 Update
Dear Reenactor!
This letter contains important need-to-know information to make your experience the best one possible. If you are yet to do so, please send your membership or day pass application with appropriate fees as soon as possible, as your registration is incomplete until then.
First, this event is named for Marcela Vargas, a young reenactor and founder of the Winstontown community. Her youthful energy and vitality as well as her personal drive for excellence, revived civilian reenacting at Ft. Tejon and has generated a renaissance of civilian activity in Southern California. Sadly, we tragically lost Marcela last year, but her struggle and accomplishments still remain as an example to all. The Fort Tejon Historical Association is proud to honor her with this event.
Second, we'd like to thank Don Worth, as his ideas, encouragement, and website support, was critical to the development of this event. Also critical, is the California State Park Staff who has adopted a "can do" attitude and has moved boldly forward as partners in this project.
Third, I wish to remind all that you will be enjoying your time at a State Park and genuine historic site. I am sure you understand this, but bear in mind that there will be more rules and restrictions at the site than at the average event. Also, the Fort Tejon Historical Association is chartered to support the preservation of the historic site and development of its programs, so please, kindly keep the following concerns in mind.
- Preservation First! As a genuine, period historic site, Ft. Tejon features many historic buildings as well as several archeological sites in the area. Most sites are fenced off for their protection. Buildings will be open for limited use and tour. In all cases, we ask that you use common sense and show respect for the structures and artifacts in these areas.
- Natural preservation is key. As a state park, Ft. Tejon is also committed to natural preservation. Activity that severely impacts the natural environment is strictly prohibited. Remember that all animals are protected on site and should not be handled. Some animals may be endangered or pose a danger to you (e.g. rattlesnakes, mountain lions, bobcats). While contact with people is rare, give these protected and important creatures a wide berth, should you encounter them!
- Site Preservation is important too! Please use and treat all facilities with respect. Obey all park rules, and pay particular attention to parking areas and avoid driving on the grass, or otherwise off the road or into restricted areas. If you are in doubt in regards to safe driving and parking areas, ask first. Nothing ruins a weekend at the Fort like a citation!
- Please treat all park staff with respect at all times, even if they are out of uniform. They share a common goal with the FTHA and we are their guests. Whatever they ask of us is for the common good and as respectful folk we should comply with their instructions in all matters.
CIVILIANS
Barb McCreary (Winstontown) Rebecca Thelin (Oak Street) will direct civilian reenactors. Additionally, a civilian staff and the Civil War Program Coordinator, as well as officers of the FTHA and the State Park will assist Barb and Rebecca as needed. Their job will be to ensure compliance with FTHA and State park rules and guidelines, ensure each civilian is protected by our insurance, and direct the layout of the camp and the conduct of its activities.
When arriving at the Fort, please locate and check with one of these individuals to determine where you should set up before unloading your vehicle. Also note that we expect heavy civilian attendance, so as a courtesy to those arriving later, we ask you unload first, and then move your vehicle, before setting up your camp.
You are permitted to arrive and set up after 1200 hrs on Friday, May 18th.
Once you are set up, make a point to check in with the civilian staff to ensure you are registered for the event, have paid your day pass fee and are given a card. If you are already an FTHA member, your membership card will suffice. If it's missing, but you have paid your dues for 2007, and your name is on the current membership list, you will receive a free day pass. Please present your card on demand, if someone should check; this is for your benefit as well as ours.
This event will have a strong civilian emphasis. Living history tours will be coming through your area on both Saturday and Sunday. Saturday's living history will be more or less unstructured, but Sunday will feature organized tours. Please have your camp "defarbed" at all times possible from Saturday morning until the end of the event on Sunday.
Because we wish to create a more authentic experience for all involved, during public hours, we greatly encourage "authentic" interaction between all folk at the park.
Please bring something for the potluck dinner! While we will serve roasted pork, any period appropriate main dish or side dish that you bring will be much appreciated. Please bring enough for at least 6-12 people. Remember, hungry soldiers will be joining us!
If you have questions as a civilian, please contact:
Barb McCreary: stnpride1@msn.com
Rebecca Thelin: rebecca.thelin@gmail.comSUTLERS
The area behind the Officer's Quarters (the former Confederate camp in recent years) has now been designated for your use. Civilians will be using the areas below, so there will not likely be room for set-up there. Because we expect heavy turnout for the event, we may use the former CS camping area for troops, therefore, we may ask Sutlers to set up above, near the campground as per usual practice. Check in at the event with an officer of Park or FTHA before setting up. Those who set up in reserved areas may be asked to move or leave.
IN BRIEF:
- Don't forget to register online and mail your day pass application or membership form with the appropriate fee. FTHA members are asked to register online only, the event is free to them.
- Respect the park and its rules. This is a public state park, not private property.
- Respect the flora and fauna of the site.
- Follow all common sense safety guidelines as well as authenticity guidelines.
- Arrive early and check in with the right people.
- Stay for the Sunday battles.
- Tell your friends about this wonderful event coming up at the fort!
Thanks for reading this missive. I know it's a lot of information, but I wish you to be well informed!
You may email me with further questions or comments:
Sincerely,
Marshall Neal
FTHA President and Chairman
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tejon@forttejon.org - last updated 5/16/2007 |
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