Wauconda, IL 2017

Wauconda's Civil War Days at the Lake County Forest Preserve is always a great opportunity to educate the public and enjoy good friends. This year was no different. (All photos are courtesy of Antina Richards-Pennock.)


Mike & Larry had a great time explaining the history of the Sharpshooters to all the public that the display drew in. Kudos to Antina and Mike for the awning and weapons/pack display. As you would expect, the Colt Revolving Rifle caught people's eye as they passed through camps and they stopped to inquire.

While the Colt was one of the first Army issued weapons to the Sharpshooters it soon became clear that it was dangerous to the handler due to potential for chain fires and although it had a quick fire rate, it was limited to 5 rounds and then the reload could hinder the overall rate of fire.


After the Colt, the Sharps Rifle was issued and it was the perfect solution for these specialized troops. The breachloading element allowed for prone loading and firing from cover and very quick reload, even while on the move.

Also of interest is the cow hide pack (see center of pic below at ground level) that was issued to the Sharpshooters. This pack was great from the standpoint of blending with the trees and brush while on patrol but the pack was heavy with its wooden frame and hindered speed of movement. When the pack was dropped just before battle it was rarely found again.





Mike and Larry kept the public busy and informed all weekend in a steady stream. When they stepped away, Antina or others in the unit would fill in.

Always a great weekend of sharing history!!

Wauconda, IL

Our unit had a marvelous turn out at Wauconda. Lisa Menkhaus, Kate & Erik Moan, Amanda Becker, Danielle & Larry Vance, Heather & Peter Cyzewski, Mike Pennock, and Jared Carlson all present. We had many occasions throughout the day to talk next to our display of Sharpshooter life. Lisa Menkhaus got to demonstrate making bread in the dutch ovens, also got to play a game of Shut the Box with Larry Vance. Danielle Vance got to make a pie in a dutch oven. Thank you ladies for all your hard work keeping us fed. Heather Cyzewski got to demonstrate how to make lace for the public while Peter Cyzewski made boxes demonstrating carpentry work. Kate Moan spun wool on the wheel to make yarn. We stayed in camp and did living history at Wauconda. The event battle was the Atlanta Campaign, which our unit wasnt apart of the during the war.

Stockton, IL

Photos Courtesy of the Pennocks

 

Tinker Harvest Festival

Photos Courtesy of the Pennocks

 

Wauconda, IL

AAR courtesy of Lisa.

Attendance: Mike & Antina, Lisa, Kate & Erik

Antina & I managed to set up camp with very few problems (and some help from the Time Keepers), leaving very little for Mike to finish after he provided our evening meal. After a run for mosquito spray (thanks Mike & Antina!!!), we had a pleasant evening preparing for the storm that was forecast. Because we had all prepared well, only a few hours of gentle rain occurred in the early morning.

Saturday opened to the public at 11, so our camp had a leisurely morning of visiting with each other, our neighbors, friends, spectators and various camps. In between all of the visiting (and a little shopping) a few chapters of the trashy novel Pride & Prejudice were read aloud to the company in my front parlor. Camps closed at 4 or so, but like many events with evening activities, we had interested spectators well past closing.

After dinner, preparations were made to the front parlor for the Sociable. We enjoyed the games played, the guests, and the questions and conversation that flowed during the evening with the candlelight tours. While Erik and Kate went off to enjoy the night fire, Antina and I spoke with a young lady eager to experience re-enacting. Afterward, we again enjoyed time visiting amongst ourselves and our neighbors.

On Sunday morning our friend from the evening before arrived to be dressed for the day. Between Antina, Shannon, and myself, we were able to dress her well for the day. When she arrived shortly before the battle, we thought she had had enough. Instead, she was returning to check in and go to see the battle. Yeah! We have encouraged another person to join our Hobby, whether with our Unit or someone else’s.

We had a great time being a group of civilians this weekend, enjoying the simpler life in “town” instead of on “campaign.”

Battle for Chaplin Creek - Franklin Grove, IL

Photos Courtesy of the Moans

Photos Courtesy of the Czyzewskis

Photos Courtesy of the Pennocks

AA report for Old State Capitol event Springfield IL

On June 5-7 members from Company C of the 1st US Sharpshooter and Berdan's Aid Society consisting of SGT Mike ,CPL "Rich" aka Antina, PVT Erik, Mrs Lisa and Mrs Kate were privileged to attend the festivities at the old State Capitol. The goal of this event was to help educate the public about the Sharpshooters role during the American Civil War as well as to provide color to the festivities.

Friday, consisted of basic set up of camp and getting ready for the coming of the next day when the site opened.

On Saturday all the redactors paraded threw the streets of Springfield from the old state capitol to the new state capitol. Under the watchful eyes of the statue of Governor Richard Yates we attended a ceremony in honor of the Illinois Militia and the Illinois National Guard while decked out in the colors of the 66th IL. From Here the attending troops marched back to the Old State Capitol in full formation to attend the morning flag raising. During the parade back one member was fortunate enough to ride in a horse drawn carriage with one of the honored speaker from the ceremony, somehow Lisa always finds in the right place at the right time.

After the flag raising the camps were open to the public and those in uniform switched to the greens of the 1st USS. From that time forward the five of us had a constant crowd of curious people interested in who we were and what we did. Mike, myself, and for part of the day “Rich” answered questions and educated the public about both the 66th and Company C, while the ladies did the same for the Aid Society. While the soldiers had the equipment essential to a fighting man in the field the ladies had several items that would be sent to help ease the soldiers life in the field on display. Some craft items included Mrs Lisa's Inkl loom as well as Mrs Kate's spinning wheel. Both displays fascinated the populace so much that we were still answering question well after the camps closed.

Many of the children attending the event were put on a mission to find items at each camp in a sort of scavenger hunt. Some items on the list included Rifles, brogans, and Union/Confederate bills.

My favorite thing on the list was the bonus item of finding General McGregor ( one of the unit mascots) . Some of the hints to allow the kids to figure out who he was were “ He is short in height and He likes to barks orders.” These lists once completed could be turned back in to the registration tent for a period toy, like a yo-yo or whistle.

On Sunday the members of the unit decided to tour the Lincoln Museum. We had the pleasure of examining many wonderful displays such as one of Mr. Lincolns stove pipe hats and two performance pieces about the life and times of Abe Lincoln. My personal favorite was entitle “Ghosts of the Library”. I was enthralled by the story and teared up a bit at the story twist. No I won't give it away, you will have to see it yourself. Upon returning to camp we had an hour till we could break camp and continued educating those folks who braved the threat of rain to come out to the site. We enjoyed a bit of rain that lasted about a half hour, then packed up. The unit left the site at 3pm on Sunday June 7th, hopeful to return next year.

Erik Moan

Photos Courtesy of the Pennocks