The Children's Halloween Fort Knox was held October 29. Elements of the 29th GVI arrived at the Fort in the late afternoon on the 28th to settle in for an overnight encampment. The three who stayed over did not experience any paranormal activities in the Fort although a very strange phenomena occurred on my way back home that night. We had closed the back end of the Truck but by the time I arrived home both sections were open. It was not a case of not being shut tight as there were three latch mechanism that needed to be opened in order for the back to be completely opened. The situation will probably remain a mystery and fortunately nothing was missing from the back.
I arrived at the Fort in the morning to find the Volunteer re-enactors on the parade grounds talking with Mr. Houghton who graciously thanked us for our support with the program. We were greeted by several FOFK Directors throughout the day as well as one from the TFOFK. All appeared please that we were able to help out.
I reported to the visitor center for the run down of the days events and what they needed for us to do. Upon returning to camp, we completed putting the cannon carriage together and set the tube "Miss Patti" into place. As we prepared to test fire, it was discovered that the Lanyard was missing. The test fire was delayed while I made a run to retrieve it. I arrived back at about 12:45 with the lanyard. We assembled and did a dry run on loading. Satisfied with safety we did a live run. Miss Patti "Camp mom" had the honor of firing the first shot. Hopefully Jason will be able to provide a photo today.
Naturally we drew a crowd and needed to fire a second time. From here we cleared and secured the piece and assembled for light Infantry drill. It was crowd please.
After a while we were called forth to lead the Parade of ghouls into the Fort.
I must make mention that there were many events going on at the Fort which included a Bagpiper on the parapet, a horse drawn wagon giving rides, several activities/games for the children and hot cider and donuts at the visitor center. The re-enactors had the honor of judging the many costumes on parade.
The weather was cold and windy. The Temps remained in the low 40s with a wind chill probably near 20. Despite this there were hundreds of little hobgoblins and spooks running about the fort. Over a 1000 visitors par took the activities.
The events died down at about 4:30 and everyone began to pack up with darkness approaching. We retreated to a local restaurant to celebrate another successful and fun event.
In all 8 military and 4 Civilians supported this event representing the 3rd and 4th Maine, 15th Ala, and 29th GVI.
Respectfully Submitted,
William Cotton Gillway
Capt, Haunted Fort Knox Detachment
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Well done everyone!
Thanks for the report Will.
If Jason or anyone else has a few good photos then send them to me and I will get the posted here for you.
Thanks,
--
Michael Johnson
A wonderful event
We were very lucky in that the weather co-operated and gave us a beautiful day. The kids had a great time with face painting & scavenger hunts. The costumes were a varied & creative bunch. We had a great time trying to judge the costume contests. The kids didn't make it easy on us. From cute ladybugs & Big Macs to super heroes & a tarantula, we had alot to choose from. They were a little scared by the noise of the guns, but we were greeted very warmly by all the children there. And I got to give aide & comfort to a chilly piper who repaid the hospitality by playing "Scotland the Brave" for me.
My sincirest appreciation goes out to everyone who braved the chilly day to help give their support. Mr. Timms, you did the 15th proud. Mr. Arsenault did the 3rd proud. Mr. Campbell did the 4th proud. And all of my 29th boys did me quite proud. My thanks as well to the FOFK for allowing us to be a part of the event. It was truly a pleasure.
~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
Well I'll be...
I was working a video production job on Saturday in Bath and I was able to get out for the day at 2pm. I figured I would run up to Fort Knox to see what all the fuss was about. I arrived just as folks were finishing up some drill. I was greeted by Captain Cotton and his lovely wife Miss Patti. I was also graciously introduced to the lovely Copperhead Annie who was outfitted in a lovely gown with amazing lace trim the DIE for!!!!
The lovely lass was gracious enough to give me a tour of the fort grounds and I must say I was duly impressed. A little track lighting and some brighter colors with some frilly throw rugs strategically placed to warm up those DREADFULLY monotonous grey granite walls.
Odd thing was just after I showed up everyone packed up and left. Thankfully the positively ADORABLE Miss Annie was kind enough to show me to a local eatery with the cutest waiter I've seen in a LONG time!!!
Tootles!
Major Eric R. Reeder
CSO, 1st Division ANV, Staff
Liberty Hill Signals
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
tootles?
Some days you worry me Mr. Reeder. You really do.
~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
tootles
oh my the copperhead has not seen such incoming and volies --------maybe Vicksburg???????????????????
Vollies...Schmollies....
Make with your Trim supplier.. Pronto!
Major Eric R. Reeder
CSO, 1st Division ANV, Staff
Liberty Hill Signals
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
Halloween
Huzzah! 29th Georgia for a job well done. I am sure the children enjoyed your efforts.
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."
Captain Cotton, Private
Captain Cotton, Private Steve, Jim, and I arrived at the fort on the evening of the 28th and took unloaded in the officer's quarters. It was unfortunate that we were unable to use the fireplace. And though we could make a fire outside, we were asked to put it out before we went to sleep.
Jim, Steve, and I, despite the cold, stayed overnight. We had a great time exploring the fort searching for yankee ghosts. After many cups of hot cocoa and howling through two step ally (sounding more like ghosts than actual ghosts) we bedded into a cold slumber. Steve proved to be one cold yank that night!
Will and his lovely wife showed up in the morning and were soon followed by other members of the 29th Georgia. Don and his family of the 4th Maine also joined us. One of my favorite experiences with the 29th this past weekend was having the honor of christening the three hundred pound cannon of Cotton's Battery. I served the number 1 position and grew quite handy with the worm. The temporary carriage that the gun was mounted on held wonderfully to the bark of the great piece.
We did some infantry drilling and enjoyed the attention of some large crowds.
My kepi is off to those who won the costume contests, though when they marched to the bag pipe melodies it reminded me of a funeral march. Was it the costumes of grim reepers or the melancholic notes of the bag pipe? The children all seemed to be having a wonderful time during scavenging hunts, and contests. Jim rode in the hay wagon, teaching a thing or two about the civil war and the fort to the little devils, witches, and spidermen.
The event seemed to fly by, as we were all having a great time.
I want to personally thank Patti for sewing two buttons back on to my coat that were cut off by yankee ghosts. And another big thanks to Patti and the most ardent rebel in the fort, Copperhead Anne, for the EXCELLENT food. I have never been fed so much at a reenactment before! The moose meat, biscuits, muffins, and sandwiches, filled me with the sweet taste of the South.
It was also nice to see Major Reeder at the event. Him spying the passing of a GIANT blue ship with his brass eyeglass was indeed a portrait.
I had a great time being with the 29th this past weekend. I look forward to serving with them in many more events to come. I was approached by at least three people who have been to many fright nights. They each expressed their gratitude that we helped out. The event was rewarding for everyone and I look forward to it next year.
All my thanks to the 29th, 3rd Maine, and 4th Maine for making this Henry County Pioneer of the 15th feel very welcome.
Mike, Steve and I took many pictures. I will scan them soon.
Thanks
Craig, the troops really did the Community proud. We were truly a band of brothers (and sisters) blue and grey.
Our deeds probably should not go so lightly as some have posted. This event pitted dear friends against one another over principle of honor and morals of what is right. Much like the War between our States, this conflict will probably not be a short one.
Zac it was a pleasure having you there help with the event. Ironically, in five years this only the 3rd time we have served together. You had manned every post like an experienced soldier and generally did not cause me any concerns this weekend.
(by the way...did the Ranger get the bathroom key back?)lol
We look forward to seeing you and the rest of the Henry Pioneer crew next season. We have a lot to work on a in pulling the Confederate community together in Maine.
My hat is off for a job well done by everyone who came this weekend.
Best Regards,
Will
Fort
Thanks Miss Pattie and Capt. Cotton you are always the best of the Civil War reenactment host and hostess. I look forward to spending time with the two of you each and every time. Zac I am sure glad you had a good time and I am looking forward to talking with you real soon. Can not wait until the next event at the Fort. Hats of and a great big Rebel yell to the 29th GA and all of those that helped out. Great event and such a worthy cause. CopperHeadAnnie
The guard did indeed get his
The guard did indeed get his beloved keys back. I do not believe there is any reasons why friends should pit against each other in light of the issues surrounding Fort Knox. We are all doing what we feel is the right thing and though some of us may disagree on what the right thing is, what is important is that we all want what is best for the reenacting community.
I feel that the 29th Georgia, 3rd Maine, 4th Maine, and 15th Alabama did the right thing this past weekend. All the happy smiles of the event organizers, visitors, and their children helped me feel that this event was the right thing to do. And again, I think everyone had a good time. God Bless all of you who showed up and to those who supported us from home.
I am so looking forward to seeing your Confederate gold ball gown, copperhead Anne!
It was...
...from what I saw an excellent event. I hope that the problems work themselves out with their "Friends" organization. I was just elected as Vice President of the "Friends of Fort McClary" down in Kittery. It was built in 1846... That's why I got the Mexican War duds. We are going to try to have some good living History events there this next season.
Major Eric R. Reeder
CSO, 1st Division ANV, Staff
Liberty Hill Signals
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
Fort McClary
Best of like Major Reeder with your election to office of the friends of Fort McClary. I feel it is always of importance to keep histoy alive in American. My best regards CoopperHeadAnnie
Thanks...
... my sweet friend, I know my endeavors will always be successful with your blessing.
Major Eric R. Reeder
CSO, 1st Division ANV, Staff
Liberty Hill Signals
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"
luck
Major I ment to say best of LUCK oh boy I need a few more cops of Java to get my day started
Yes....
... As you know I can usually decipher your cute miss-spellings.
You should see MY spelling when I'm tired!
Major Eric R. Reeder
CSO, 1st Division ANV, Staff
Liberty Hill Signals
2nd Lt Eric R. Reeder United States Army Corps of Topographic Engineers "Hawks and Eagles fly like Doves"