I'm Goin' To Jackson (Michigan!)

If you are a Civil War reenactor living in Michigan or in the surrounding states, then you know about the Jackson Civil War muster. It takes place every year on the weekend before Labor Day Weekend on a massive plot of land known as Cascades Park.
Cascades is divided into numerous sections: at the far end are the Civil War era civilian camps, where the living historians show life on the homefront - hoop skirts and sack coats rule the day.
Bordering two sides of the civilian camp is the military camps (both North and South). This is where one can see the camp life of a soldier.
A wall of trees separates the camps from the "battlefield." Of course, it's not a real battlefield, but a makeshift one, made up to look like whatever battle they have that particular year. Most of the major battles of the Civil War have been portrayed here over the past 24 years, and a number of smaller, lesser known battles - such as this year's Wilson's Creek - are also portrayed. They do a wonderful job giving the ground where the soldier's fight a make-over so it gives a pretty good impression of what the actual battlefield may have looked like. This year, a real cornfield was placed on the grounds to give it that 'look' of where the battle was fought back in 1861 Missouri.
Infantry, cavalry, artillery - all battling at once. It's an awesome sight.
Near this field is a 'Special Impressions' area, where one can meet the dignitaries of the day: President Lincoln, Senator Howard, Stephen Douglas, etc.
This is also where one can learn about medical practices of the time, see old-time photography, visit a saloon, and watch a period ball, among other things.
A large parking lot separates the "past" from the present: the modern "carnival" aspect of the Jackson event is just on the other side of this parking lot. Not well liked by many of the reenactors, vendors are lined up to sell corn dogs, cotton candy, rootbeer floats and the like. Unfortunately, this is a necessary evil - their rental space helps to pay for the Civil War event (although I could do without the rock, pop, and polka bands).
On the other side of this circus tent area are the sutlers. One of the best things for the reenactors themselves is this sutler area. It's here where many of the living historians purchase their clothing and accessories used for reenacting purposes. This is where folks can pick up lanterns, period music, paintings, and old-fashioned toys. This is where so many reenactors spend much of their time on this particular weekend!
Then there are the Boy Scouts: these young men are out in force, helping any and all for parking, directions, guidebooks, and even in the first aid department. God Bless the Boy Scouts!
If I had any complaints (yes, there are a few), one would be the reenactor parking. We need a better, more organized area for our vehicles. Parking a large van, truck, etc., on the hill where it slides down in the mud is not my idea of taking care of the reenactors. I refuse to park there - I won't slide down sideways again in an attempt to drive out.
Another complaint the lack of civilians during the battle. For instance, wouldn't it be great to have moms, dads, wives, sisters, wandering out onto the battlefield to find their loved ones wounded or dead, letting out a wail if the worst is found? That would show the patrons a different aspect of the War that many know nothing about.
How about allowing civilians to have a picnic during early battles, as was done in 1861? Yes, that really did happen. They thought of the battles as 'entertainment'... that is, until the battle got too close and they saw (or may have inadvertently become part of) the carnage.
A little bit of realism of a different type.
When all is said and done, I feel the really great thing about Jackson is the amount of reenactors that show up - literally thousands, which, between the military and the civilians, gives the patron a well-rounded impression of the era and the War. It is truly a magnificent slice of living history at its finest.

"There were no Dominos in the 14th century!!"

As a reenactor, this commercial has got to be one of the funniest I have ever seen:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptAjD-qTKl0
And it is causing great controversy in the "real world." Stupid comments about how violent the commercial is, how it is disrespectful to delivery drivers, how it doesn't make sense...I hope these folks never watch a Monty Python short - they'd be totally lost!
Anyhow, we in the reenacting community strive for '1st person,' where we try to give the impression that we are really from the era that we are portraying. This means, for example, that for Civil War reenacting you (hopefully) won't find (in the public eye) wristwatches, telephone usage, modern eyeglass frames, anything plastic, etc.
That's where the line in the commercial "There were no Dominos in the 14th century!" comes from.
Now, apply it to the 1860's: "There were no wristwatches during the Civil War!"
Same thing.
And you don't have to be a reenactor to laugh at it - you just gotta have a sense of humor.
So, for those of you who do get offended, I certainly hope you are not watching most shows on television in this day and age. They are far worse than this hilarious Dominos commercial.
Mmmmm....pizza...."Good afternoon, Dominos - I'd like to order...."

Me and Miss America

Yup - here's me, dressed in my 1860's finest, with 2008 Miss America Kristen Haglund, dressed in her 2007 finest, when she was only still just Miss Michigan. The pic was taken by my good friend, Mike, at the Oak Park 4th of July festivities and parade last year. I had my picture taken with the previous Miss Michigan the year before - I figured if I continued, eventually one of the Miss Michigan's would make it. Who'd of thought it would only take two tries?

Fighting Depression in the Bleak Mid-Winter

This is a tough time of year for me. I enjoy the Christmas Season so much - especially this past one - and keep so busy during November and December that the January/February months are a major let down for me. January is especially a drag because what follows January? FEBRUARY!! Oh boy. At least March, with its lengthier daylight and slightly warmer temps follows February. At that point you know it's up hill. For now, though, as I look out my window and see the couple inches of freshly fallen snow, the downhill slope is mighty steep!
This year, however, I've been keeping busy with my passion - history (yes, I have passion for my wife, but that's a different kind of passion!). I received a great many history books for Christmas - The Illustrated 1776 * The Postal Age in 19th Century America * 1607: Jamestown and the New World * Tavern at the Ferry - and have just begun to intently study them.
I have also continued writing my time travel story with great fervor, going over what has already been written and expanding/improving on the descriptive aspect. Researching upcoming scenes by contacting historians and specialists in the particular area of need has been a learning experience as well. Great fun.
After a three month break, Civil War reenacting has re-entered the picture, and I have been working on my impression as a 19th century postmaster for future events. I have also been planning events as well, such as a presentation to our local historical society of life for soldier and civilian during the Civil War. Then there is the Civil War Roundtable in Lansing this coming weekend and our unit's annual meeting in early February.
And, also in February, our local historical society will also be presenting 19th century clothing historians, Bill and Glenna Jo Christen, for a presentation of period clothing.
Throughout the fall and continuing on into the winter I have continued to make the attempt to slowly turn my home into a pseudo Victorian home. Our Gathering Room is almost there, so now to begin on the rest of the house.
So, I have quite a bit on my plate, which is good as it's only mid-January. And it's this historical business that will keep me going until the warmth of spring returns.