Great this is a good idea and you know for sure I will do some cooking for all of you. Sometimes you have to follow the Big Dipper North to find what you are made of CopperHeadAnnie

Put me down for sometime in feb or april. or could I be more vague?
I will host anyone!
Seamus

"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth

If you give me some idea of what you would like to learn I would be happy to do some home work and give a talk.

Thanks Mike, How about February 25 in Farmington?

I don't think we will waist anyone's time with alternate dates for weather. If we cancel an evening due to weather or the unforeseen then we will just move on to the next months meeting. So just hope for the best. Still looking for volunteers for March and April. As to the dates, I'm choosing the last Saturday of the month. If you wish to volunteer and prefer another date then please speak up.

I'm glad you volunteered Laurie. Otherwise I would have had to coerce you into it. I'm not sure I know what exactly we should cover. I'm hoping Craig will chime in with his thoughts. I'd like to find a topic to put some focus on the evening. Not that we can't drift astray discussing other things but just to give us someplace to start.

I'm also looking for a few people to volunteer as moderators. The idea being that they can guide and direct an informal panel discussion before we devolve into general banter.

Again, these are just my thoughts. Other than the date and place for the January Kitchen Conference, nothing is set in stone.

--
Michael Johnson

Greetings,
Can CopperHeadAnnie talk about our living history impressions both as reenactors and in our encampments?

What do you guys think?

Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."

...can do whatever whenever she pleases!

Major Eric R. Reeder
CSO, 1st Division ANV, Staff
Liberty Hill Signals

I would be able to host one in March or April, what ever works.

Lt. Jason Porter
29th Georgia Volunteer Infantry
ferinus vis quod ignarus

Thanks Jason, How about March 25 in Turner?

Need one more host for the April meeting. Anyone?

--
Michael Johnson

Mike,
It would be idea to host the April one down your way as we will be planning a decoration even in Durham around that time. The 29th GVI can make a day of it.

Will

Boy is this exciting!!!!!! Ok guys I know that this is not going to make you all feel warm and cozy but I think one thing that we may need to work on would be proper manners. I am not saying that our manners are not fine but they are not polished as in the 1860s If any one in the room is like me I have 2 left feet and am expected to dance with the infamous Gen. Jackson so I think maybe a night of the Tennessee reel and the "Ladies come forward and Gents fall back" would polish some of our moves on the ball room floor. Lets stand out when we are at the events as " look at them they are the reenactors from the units of Maine" What do ya'all think?

...and reports for us that can get away from the grindstone for those meeting would be appreciated, too!

Is that April 29th Will? The Durham event?

We can plan it for the same day. No problem.

--
Michael Johnson

actually we could use some of that training, as I remember at the 140th G,Burg having asked a lady to dance and offering her my arm she said to me "I dont know you well enough to take your arm" and she instructed me that only a hand for strangers...theres quite the maze of etiquette and protocol that ranges far above the drill manuals...just compare the size of a drill manuel to a book on manners.

Sounds like a good topic!

Seamus

"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth

I have updated the opening Post with all the dates and locations. This is temporary.

I intend to create a series of pages to organize the dates and agendas around these gatherings. Look for this early the coming week.

Now with all the dates and locations set I want to focus on the agendas.

Carolyn Lawson has lectured to the Third Maine several times on the topic of manners and etiquette. Some of it has sunk into to me. But it's something that I must practice all the time. I would welcome this as a possible topic.

What elese folks? We need some ideas and volunteers. Then everyone will have plenty of time to organize their notes and thoughts for discussion.

--
Michael Johnson

Ok, so it didn't take me too long. I have created a location to organize all the information on what I am now calling Kitchen Conference Maine.
http://mainemilitia.com/kcmaine06

I created a way of RSVP'ing online as well. Please post one comment at this link. I will create other links for each event as they approach.
http://mainemilitia.com/node/348

We will continue to discuss and hash out the details in the forums but I wanted a static location to put the details as we determine what they are.

Feedback is always welcome. Thanks everyone.

--
Michael Johnson

I've been pondering this more and I think I'd like to save etiquette as a later discussion. I think we need to build a foundation for future discussion and gatherings first. Perhaps the best way to do that is to have some thoughts on where we consider ourselves now, where we want these gatherings to go and how might we get there? A "State of the State" if you will.

Some of this we can have online, here in the forums. For instance, I think most of us have an opinion of where we are.

But I am not clear in my own mind on where I want this to go. I am speculating, but since no one, except Laurie's suggestion on etiquette, has jumped forward and made some suggestions I assume others are in the same situation I am.

I have a weakness when it comes to good intentions with this discussion. I want to be a better living historian. But my time has only allowed me to get out five or six times a year. The problem with this frequency is that when I get to an event and free moments allow for it, all I want to really do is socialize and catch-up with friends and aquantances that I have not seen in months.

It's easy enough when drilling or when crowds of spectators are milling about asking questions. They keep everyone busy. But what happens at a slow event? We talk about our kids, our families, our favorite sci-fi shows, Monty Python skits, recent books we've read, politics, work, etc...

I am the worst offender. I enjoy the comraderie I have found in this hobby. The like-fondness in history brings us together. The good people keeps me coming back.

So, the big question I want answered is, How do I solve my problem? Do others share this problem? What activities can we organize through the day to keep me on task?

I assume I am not alone in this. But I have tried to not accuse anyone else of this issue. I mean no offense.

--
Michael Johnson

how about the interaction of the contending sides? the infamous picket exchange, the stories about sides getting togeather for barn dances where for one night they were just young men looking for a good time. scouts being captured and shot or not depending on the circumstances oter items might be those who sew can discuss tips on the "trade" and a general theme for all of these gatherings is how we can get the word out on reenacting....we all need people.
Seamus

"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth

What an excellent idea, to have one meeting a month.
Chances are everyone will make at least one meeting.

It's also a great way to set up your schedule for next year.
Andy Danish
Armorer
US Naval Landing Party
"Rescueing the Army......Again"

Michael I think it is real important from the start to get our hearts heads and souls in the right fashion. Any one can get dresses up and look like a civil war reenactor but it is the reeanctor that sees feels and has the heart and soul of a citizen of the 1860's that is a keeper of history. I would suggest one of our first gathering to include what these folks belived amd felt and why. When I played Mrs Andrew Jackson I spent months learning not only what the history of the era was but how folks felt. I learned all I could deep down and personal about the lady . Befor you can look like you just steped out of the 1860's you have to feel with your heart soul and mind the way the folks of this war felt. You know it is simple things that make a big differece in your reenaction skills

Greetings,
This might be interesting and if we had a small group
of reenactors for the program, they might modify it to
meet our needs. Anyone interested?
Craig

48 Hour Live-In at Norlands

Come to a Norlands Family Live-in for a hands-on
experience in 19th century rural Maine life.

For two days and nights, you will experience the ebb
and flow of daily life as you role-play a member of a
19th century farm family in the beautiful setting of
the Washburn family home.

As a member of the family, you will help with farm
chores, cooking and cleaning, play games of the period
and attend school. You will also have an opportunity
to learn about the Washburns, delve more deeply into
the background of your character and take a tour of
the historic buildings.

This is a structured program under the full-time
supervision of our staff. It is expected that minors
will be accompanied by an adult. Live-in participants
should be open to trying all new experiences. While
there was little leisure for a farm family, a little
free time has been scheduled.

Sleeping accommodations are old fashioned bunk house
style and bathroom facilities are chamber pots and
privies.

Pricing for Live-In's 2004

Adult - $175.00

$25 deposit per person holds date, payment in full
must be received at one month prior to scheduled date.
We accept payment via check, money order, MasterCard
or Visa.

For safety reasons, the physical activities, and the
need to participate, children under the age of six
must be accompanied by a parent at all times.  .

Live-Ins are limited to sixteen participants with a
minimum of ten. Fee includes 6 authentic farm meals, 2
evening snacks, 2 nights’ lodging, instructional
materials and registration fee.

 
Refund Policy
A full refund of the program cost minus the deposit
will be issued for cancellations received at the
Norlands one month before the date reserved.
Cancellations received less than one month before the
date reserved will be responsible for 50% of the
program cost.

Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."

So many different subjects to cover. I am befuddled to begin to decide which would be a good opener. Not all re-enactor will do first impression, in fact very few ever do. While at Gettysburg the NPS we are told not to do it. I sense that a number of folks are interested in learning more about the other's portrayals. This will be almost as tricky because the western Armies were by far different than the eastern Armies. This is further complicated by the fact that each unit in this remote section of the Country has developed it's own culture and interpretation of what their impression should be.

Discussing our basic differences and unit structures should prove interesting as well as possibly setting some ground rules as to how to deal with different situations. ie..minors in the ranks, round grainage, two banders, cci caps, pistols...the list does go on. Given the multitude of things to discuss I would rather wait on the fine tuning such as ettique, manners and 1st impressions. Having this so early on will be lost by the time active campaigning comes along.

Just a thought.
Will

post note on Craig's post,(posted as I was writing) This might be a great time to work on manners, first impression and learning modes of 1860's living.

I am very interested in Norlands any more info?

These sounds like a great ideas - I wish I didn't have to go to work!

Are CCI caps banned or not acceptable, or frowned on, in all, certain or some situations?

Tom according the M-D Alliance, six winged cci caps have been banned for the past two years. However in checking with the USV's and ANV rules, there is no mention of CCI caps. So at this point of the game to make a statement that they have been banned is foolish.

I can only say that the Liberty Greys do not allow them to be used in the ranks.

The premise behind this had to do with a NPS voluteer being injured by them at a presentation. They were banned shortly afterwards. The fact that they are not in the safety rules seems to be an oversight.

It would appear we need some decussion in this area.

Will

Perhaps we could go at this the same way we would train new re-enactors. The basic ground rules of saftey & ettiquette. I know there are a lot of different avenues to explore but if we start with the basics we should be able to keep it somewhat on track. After all we're going to get a mix of new re-enactors & old hands, so we'll all be able to learn something new or just refresh our memories. And once we get the refresher out of the way it should lead to discussion of the next conference subject.
~Miss Patti

Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind~Dr. Seuss

I agree Miss Patti, it is also best to start at the beginning, so lets talk about the basic ground rules of saftey & ettiquette.

Pvt/Lt Craig Young
3rd Maine, company A
"I ain't as good as I once was. But I'm as good once as I ever was. I used to be Hell on wheels Back when I was younger man. Now my body says 'You can't do this boy' But my pride says 'Oh, yes you can."

If anyone is interested at one of these shindigs I go attemp to fail at making fire with flint and steel, to show how simple it is (to embarrass yourself in front of a group with a failed demo!) to make fire....
Seamus

"it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifing......nothing"
MacBeth

I know everyone is very busy and that real time to write is hard to come by. But I would like some more substance.

It sounds like many people want to start with the basics. That's fine. But if none of us disagree or if everyone is already aware of the basics then there is very little to discuss or share, is there?

Craig has posted in the past on reenactor etiquette and I don't think I heard anyone spring forward and protest. I think we all pretty much agreed with the points Craig made.

As to safety, between the Liberty Greys and the New England Brigade and the ANV and USV rules, we are all pretty much in agreement. There are some procedural differences but for the most part we are in the same camp of the safety issue as well.

So please enlighten me as to what the discussion will focus around. For I don't think we need to meet and talk about something we all find the same conclusion on.

That's not to say that the discussion needs controversy. It doesn't. I am only using the idea of controvery to demonstrate a point. My point is that I want to learn something I did not know. Teach someone else something they did not know. Discuss an idea we have never persued. Solve a problem that we have always dealt with or skirted around. Or increase our appreciation of something that needs expanding.

I'm sorry for being vague in that last paragraph. But I hope most everyone gets my point.

So, let's start with the basics. We will have about three hours to do it. My question is what specific item or interest will we try to cover in that time? How will speak on the subject? And if a great debate ensues from it then who will moderate the discussion?

Thank you,

--
Michael Johnson

I see these kitchen conferences as a chance to learn and grow as a reenactor – to learn more about the hobby and the time period. There are so many subjects to cover and I think that things such as safety can be addressed elsewhere. My major desire in all this is:

Impression: It would be neat to learn a first impression, but I want to walk first. To be able to describe what a Confederate Infantryman did in battle and in camp to present his reasons for taking up arms and why/how he continued on in the struggle for Southern Independence. On my own I have been reading books on the general subject and memoirs of those who fought. So, I have the knowledge base, but I want to develop the skills to present that to the public. Then grow from there and someday have a good first impression in my haversack.

To help build that ability, learning etiquette is a major part of that in my opinion. It is too easy to stay in 20th century mode throughout an event. At places such as Fort Knox and Norlands where we interact with the public, it certainly provides a better show for them if we are living our part. After all that is our purpose at places like that – to teach/entertain the public. So to be able to hide our modern ways and farbisms makes for a better experience for them and also us.

Maybe a lack a confidence in our “delivery

Great post Mark it was well worth 3 cents. I think the fact that you just don't show up for the week-end with out doing some reading shows that you want to be better at reenacting. I know you read alot and that is always a great way of learning. Mark if you want to do some period correct cooking I have more than a few books even have a few with famous Heroes of the War of Nothern Aggresion favorite recipes. There are items in the book like Ellsworth's famous silver tube cake, Ole Jeff Davis and his lady fingers and then there is my favorite Joe Wheelers corn bread with custard made over the open fire. Who would ever believe that Henry Wirz{ commander if Andersonville Prison} would enjoy his favorite thanksgiving treat of bacon biscuits. They could not be as good as the 29th GA moose biscuits. But they could be as good as J.E.B. Stuarts wholewheat biscuits but ole blue eyes Stonewall himself liked rye biscuits better. Sorry I need to go cook some good ole hamhock and pinto beans. " Well men let us cross over the river and rest by the shade of the trees" last words of Stonewall. All is well that ends well. CopperHeadAnnie