Ohio Civil War Reenactor Leadership Conference

October 27, 2012
10 am to 5 pm
Ohio Village, Columbus Ohio

I would like to invite members of Birney's Division to the first Ohio Civil War Reenactor Leadership Conference being held this October. Several of us in both the military and civilian reenacting communities have been been discussing ways to bring people together and meet face to face. This conference will not only help bridge the divide we may have in some areas, but also explore ways we can support the key events we have throughout the state.

The conference is open to all Civil War reenactors of any rank and branch (Union, Confederate or civilian), however I highly encourage all of our Battalion company officers attend (even those of you in PA). A registration fee of $10.00 will cover food. Go to http://www.facebook.com/OCWRLC to print the registration form and for more information.

Birney's 2d Battalion needs to have as strong of a presence at this meeting as we do on the field here in Ohio. If you have any questions at all, please email me at clsmith@5thohio.com.

Your Servant,

Christopher L. Smith, Colonel
Commanding
Birney's Division, 2d Battlion

Maryland My Maryland...

Greetings All,

First, I just wanted to thank all of you that came out to Hale Farm this past weekend. If you missed it you might want to start kicking yourself, because it was Awesome with a capital "A" baby! Second, is the Maryland My Maryland (150th Antietam) Event set for September 7th -9th. The last list I received from the folks putting on the event had the following folks down as being registered: Andy Kaminski, Ken Hillegass, Kent & Chris Smith, Zach Delaney, Scott Butler & Son, Carl Emerson, Ray & Dan Slattery, and Myself. Those that sent in registrations please let me know ASAP, so I can let Ray know how many people he will be commanding. Third, is did we decide as a group which battalion to fall in with? The choices are 2nd Battalion Birney's Division, or Army of the Ohio, and they are camping in two different styles. Birney's will be in the "Garrison" Camp which will feature Company Streets ("A'" tents and Dogs), then the civilian folks that have Wall Tents will be around the edge of the Company Streets. The Army of the Ohio will be in the Military Camp which will have some spots in the woods, and in a field. The folks that will be in there will have dogs, shelter halves, to no tents at all, and they are asking no "A" Tents or Wall Tents in this camp. So, with some folks having both we need to decided which battalion to go with, because I would like for all of us to camp together. Fourth, is there a carpool forming? If so please let us know who you are, because I know I would like to take advantage of that. I thank that covers it, and take care.

Respectfully,

Brian

Chairman, 5th Ohio

Attention! Orders for Hale Farm

I hope everyone is ready to go for this weekend's Civil War action at Hale Farm & Village! On behalf of the Federal Commander Col. Minton, here are some things you need to know for the weekend.

1. Setup is permitted no earlier than 10 am on Friday the 10th. The only exception are those who have been pre-approved by Col. Minton for Thursday night. You MUST check in at Federal HQ (the "First Settlement" Log Cabin near the sawmill) BEFORE you set up your camp.

2. All reenactors MUST check in at registration prior to entering the grounds. Reenactors who have not pre-register will need to do so at that time. Only pre-registered reenactors will receive a Sunday breakfast ticket and firewood chit. Firewood will be located at Federal HQ. You must present your chit to draw firewood.

3. Federal reenactors will be on the Visitor's Center side of the property this year as we are trying to change things up. The camp location map is shown here (or will appear as a separate post). The Confederate reenactors will be in the Village. A new programming area will be near the Visitors Center and Sutler Row will be on the path going into the Village.

4. We have two battles planned for Saturday. In the morning ("Pillage the Village", 8 am) for the reenactors and the tradition afternoon battle for the public. There will be only one battle on Sunday afternoon. We have added earthworks for the scenarios and there will be a great deal more cavalry than usual. Both Federal and Confederate riders will be on the field making it about 80 horse in action! You will receive a reenactor version of the schedule when you check in/register. There is a public schedule online at http://www.wrhs.org/Properties/Civil_War_Reenactment_Encampment#schedule


5. At this time, we would like to ask any Federal reenactors who have a Confederate jackets to bring it to the event. There may be a need to ask for volunteers who wish to galvanize for battles only. The is strictly on a volunteer basis.

If you have any questions at all, please email me at clsmith@5thohio.com

Birney's events this weekend

Birney's Division battalions will be doing two regional events this weekend, July 21-22. Walk-on registration is still available for both events. So grab your musket and come fight for the Union!

1st Battalion: The Battle of Funkstown - Lee's Retreat from Gettysburg
Funkstown, MD - http://www.battle-of-funkstown.com/

2d Battalion: Argus Park
Canfield, OH - www.facebook.com/ArgusCivilWar

Painesville event this weekend

July 14-15, 2012
"Trouble in Bordertown", Lake County Civil War Reenactment
Lake County Historical Society
415 Riverside Dr.
Painesville Twp., OH
http://www.lakehistory.org/


Now that the cooler weather is here, Birney's 2d Battalion and other area units will be heading to Painesville this weekend for the Lake County Civil War Reenactment. In addition to the Bordertown scenario and skirmishes, there will also be a raffle for a reproduction 1860 Colt for all pre-registered reenactors and a reenactor drawing for a number of $25 gas cards. Music provided by the 97th Regimental String Band and The Black River Boys.

Our own Capt Paul Baltzer will be leading the Federal forces this weekend as I am still on medical leave (hope to be released by my doc in time for Argus Park). Union camps will start setting up Friday afternoon. Please see Capt. Baltzer or Col. Tim Perry to get placed.

Thank you all for your support of this event and Lake County's Civil War museum. I will still be distributing information to assist Capt. Baltzer. Please do not hesitate to email questions to clsmith@5thohio.com

Hale Farm news

After this past weekend's planning meeting, more details are being released about this year's Civil War event at Hale Farm & Village (August 11-12). Here are a few things you can expect!


- Ohio's largest reenactment in 2012
- 50+ mounted cavalry (by far the most you'll see in Ohio this year)
- Saturday morning battle just for the reenactors
- New camp locations
- Earthworks and redoubts!!!!!!!!
- Expanded speakers in the activities area
- Scenario is the 1862 Battle of Williamsburg

Other good news is that the pre-registration cut-off date has been extended to July 31st! Pre-registration and walk-on fees are BOTH $10.00. You MUST pre-register to receive the Sunday morning breakfast and a firewood chit. Firewood cannot be guaranteed for those who register on-site. Click on the link below to download the form.

http://www.wrhs.org/Properties/Civil_War_Reenactment_Encampment#registration

Current Newsletter

Greetings All,

Keep an eye on your emails for the current edition of the Company Newsletter.

Respectfully,
Brian