NATIONALBLUES


Hosted by The National Blues



A FURLOUGH HOME

May 5-7, 2023



Bishop Hill, Illinois



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A FURLOUGH HOME - The swedish guard - 57th illinois

Infantry, Company D


EVENT INFORMATION



The Primary focus of our Event will be Honoring the Men who served in the 57th Illinois Infantry, Company D - The Swedish Union Guard as well as the Civilian Swedish Immigrants of Bishop Hill, Illinois. The men of Co D were primarily from Bishop Hill and the Surrounding Areas. We host this event ever 3 years.


This Progressive Event will be a step above your Local Civil War Event with elevated Standards of Authenticity. Please Read the Uniform and Event Guidelines below. These are easily conformable standards that everyone can achieve. The goal is to provide the most accurate visual representation to the public possible. Each reenactor should begin to acquire the proper items and be able to hold a standard impression within the ranks. Many event standards are moving away from the Cheap Overseas Wool Garments, Gear, and Incorrect Patterned Uniforms. Having the Correct Garments and Gear will open yourself to entirely new opportunities and experiences. Standards must be kept and will be Enforced. This is not meant to be offensive to anyone in then reenacting community, but merely setting a goal within ourselves and the events site hosts that demand Authentic and Accurate Living History.


As this is mainly a Federal oriented event, we are asking any reenacting attending as a Confederate that is willing, to Camp and Dress Blue for the Weekend (changing for the battles) If you wish to camp Confederate, we have section designated for your camping. If at all possible, it is our goal to get as many people as possible to dress in Federal Gear for at least Saturday morning’s Activities(then switch to Confederate after)


This event is being hosted by The Bishop Hill Heritage Association as well as the National Blues. The BHHA owns over a dozen buildings in town and has raised millions for Preservation. The Illinois State Dept of Natural Resources owns several Buildings in town as well as the park where we will set camps which they graciously let us use. There is NO Reenactor Fee for this event


Military Structure

We will be raising one company for each side. 63 men heard the First Call in Bishop Hill and Mustered in on December 26, 1861. Our goal is to recreate as much of the company as possible. Leaders will be announced in the Months before the event.


School Days

On Friday we will host several hundred students and adults for a school days. If you are interested in participating, please list it on the registration form and read the school days section below.


Saturdays Military Activities

• School of the Soldier

• School of the Company

• The Return of Company D

• Photo in front of the Steeple Building

• Roll Call

• Inspection

• Skirmish


TBD Activities

• Rations

• Mustering Officer for 3 more years of service

• Bayonet Training and Drill


Other Saturday Activities

• 1850’s Baseball Tournament

• Brass Band Concert by the 33rd Illinois Band

• Talks by various Speakers

• Building Tours throughout the Town

• Street Dance Saturday Evening


We ask for everyone to dress Federal for Saturday morning. If you have a federal infantryman’s impression…. please wear it upon arrival and throughout Saturday morning. Those wishing to change afterwards may do so.


We plan to give our reenactors several hours to explorer the town before our Street Fight(through authentic houses and buildings) and Public Battle at 3:00pm on Saturday.


During the Day there will be speakers and Brass Band music at the town center.


At 7pm the 33rd Illinois Band will serenade us with Waltz and Reels for the Street Dance (Weather Permitting)


Sunday’s Military Activities

• School of the Soldier

• School of the Company

• Cemetery Ceremony honoring Company D

• Roll Call • Inspection

• Skirmish


TBD Activities

• Bayonet Training and Drill


Civilians

We want to encourage all civilians to Partake in Welcoming the troops home on Saturday Morning as well as various activities throughout the weekend. More activities for the Civilians are being planned and we will release information on those when it is available.


The Civilian Camp is in a beautiful location surrounded by Civil War and earlier houses and buildings. Along with the Military Camp in the Park, the Civilian Camp will be a prime showpiece for the event.



Event Guidelines – Important Things/Rules to Know

As we stride to move the hobby down the right track, we will not allow the following things to be worn, used, or spoken about by Civil War Reenactors at this event. Violators will be confronted and asked to remove or refrain from such content.


• All personal content should be kept inside your tentage.

• We will inspect camps and ask items to be removed or stored away from the public.

• No Modern Eyeglasses

• No Modern Wristwatches

• No Modern POLITICS

• No Modern Smoking Habits

• No Vehicles in Camp… they must be out of camp and parked in the designated parking area by Friday night and will not be allowed back in until the conclusion of our event.


Camping Guidelines

• Civilian Camp – Wall Tents, A Frames Acceptable.

• CS Camp – Campaigning is preferred, CS Fly’s and A-Frames acceptable. No Wall tents

• Federal Camp – A Frames preferred – Shelter Tents and Campaigning Acceptable


Bishop Hill is the Perfect Setting for Living History. There are roughly 42 buildings in town. Of which, 18 are Civil War era or earlier, 32 are pre 1900. As a Public Event, we will be promoting a small battle/skirmish. The Battlefield is small but is suitable for School of the Company. As we develop into the public battle, we will have a small street fight surrounded by period buildings and houses.


If you have any questions, please contact us:


Event Director

Alex Timmerman

3o9.863.o145

alextimmerman@yahoo(dot)com


Chris Jebb

3o9.259.o534


Bishop Hill Heritage Association

Todd Dedecker

3o9.927.3899



MILITARY UNIFORM GUIDeLINES



This Progressive Event will be a step above your Local Civil War Event with elevated Standards of Authenticity. Please Read the Uniform and Event Guidelines below. These are easily conformable standards that everyone can achieve. The goal is to provide the most accurate visual representation to the public possible. Each reenactor should begin to acquire the proper items and be able to hold a standard impression within the ranks. Many event standards are moving away from the Cheap Overseas Wool Garments, Gear, and Incorrect Patterned Uniforms. Having the Correct Garments and Gear will open yourself to entirely new opportunities and experiences. Standards must be kept and will be Enforced. This is not meant to be offensive to anyone in then reenacting community, but merely setting a goal within ourselves and the events site hosts that demand Authentic and Accurate Living History.



FEDERAL INFANTRY GUIDELINES

57th Illinois, Company D



Coat

1. Frock Coat

2. Fatigue Blouse/Sack Coat


Trousers

1. Sky Blue Infantry Trousers

2. Dark Blue Trousers - (Officers)

(NCO's need correct trouser tape)


Headgear

1. Forage Cap/Government Cap (Officers Too)

2. Civilian Slouch if Absolutely Necessary

No Kepi's(Accept for Officers)


Footwear

1. Brogans

2. Infantry Boots (If absolutely need)


Haversack

Federal Issue - Black Tarred


Canteen

Jean Wool Covered Preferred


Knapsack

Federal Issue Double Bag Knapsack

Complete packed.



Federal Issue Accoutrements

Each man should have a complete set of Federal Issue accoutrements. Cap pouch, waist belt with US buckle, Cartridge Box with US Belt plate and cartridge box sling with breast plate, 2 Rivet Springfield Bayonet Scabbard.


Socks

Period Cotton or Wool Socks - No Modern Socks


Blanket

1.Federal Issue Blanket

2. Federal Issue Ground Cloth


Rifle

1. U.S Rifled Musket - 1855-1863

2. Enfield Rifled Musket (last option)


*We encourage all reenactors to use period tentage. There will be 1 large Company Street of A-Frames. Shelter tents and campaigning are acceptable.


*All personal content should be kept inside your tentage. We will inspect camps and ask items to be removed or stored away from the public.






CONFEDERATE INFANTRY

GUIDELINES



Jacket

1. Columbus Depot

2.Commutation

3. Civilian Trousers


Trousers

Must reflect any western theater patterns. Trousers must be made of jean-wool.


Shirts

1. CS Issue Shirt

2. Citizens Shirt


Drawers

Military or Civilian pattern drawers. Everyone should stride for period underwear of some type.


Headgear

Must be a quality piece of headgear, must have a handstiched leather sweatband, with or without liner.

1.Civilian Slouch Hat of various Colors.

2. Non-descript jeanwool kepi.


Canteen

1. Tindrum Canteen

2. Wooden or Civilian Style

3. Captured Federal Canteen


Socks

Everyone must have period cotton or Wool socks. No modern socks.


Footwear

Boots or Brogans. No modern Shoes or boots.


Haversack

1. CS Osnaburg Handsewn haversack. 2. Handsewn CS Ticking haversack.

3. Captured Federal haversack.


* Each Man should have a complete set of CS accoutrements.


*We are asking that each man carry a three-band rifle with a correct fitting bayonet.


*Each man should have with them, a properly rolled bedroll or completely packed knapsack.


*Each man should have 80 rounds, properly rolled and packaged.


*We encourage all reenactors to use period tentage. Campaigning is preferred but you are allowed to use CS Fly’s and A-Frames. No wall tents, unless used by civilians in Civilian Camp.


*All personal content should be kept inside your tentage. We will inspect camps and ask items to be removed or stored away from the public.



EVENT LEADERSHIP





EVENT

ORGANIZERS



Event Director

Alex Timmerman

3o9.863.o145

alextimmerman@yahoo(dot).com


Bishop Hill Heritage Association

Todd Dedecker

3o9.927.3899


Chris Jebb






FEDERAL

OFFICERS

and

NCO's



Captain

Chris Jebb


1st Lt

Matt Bohnert


2nd LT



1st SGT


2nd SGT



3rd SGT


1st CPL


2nd CPL


3rd CPL





CONFEDERATE

OFFICERS



Brett Pomeroy



CIVILIAN

LEADERSHIP



Mayor​

John Masciale


Elaine Masciale



registration list


if your name does not appear on one of these lists

please fill out the registration form above or email

alextimmerman@yahoo.com


please allow a few days to be updated


last updated: 4/17/2023





FEDERAL INFANTRY - 57th ILL, CO D

1. Casey Beck - 5th Minnesota Infantry

2. Alex Stork - 5th Minnesota Infantry

3. Kevin Green - Alton Jaeger Guard

4. Matt Bohnert - Alton Jaeger Guard

5. Dalton Bohnert - Alton Jaeger Guard

6. Alex Timmerman - National Blues

7. David Hodo - National Blues

8. Chase Lester - National Blues

9. Lucas Hardwick - National Blues

10. Tyler Albright - National Blues

11. Preston Coble - National Blues

12. Mike Thomas - National Blues

13. JT Thomas - National Blues

14. Luke Thomas - National Blues

15. Mikey Smyser - National Blues

16. Robert Killion - National Blues

17. Robert Tucker - National Blues

18. Joe Berman - National Blues

19. Frank Berman - National Blues

20. Ryan Pierce - National Blues

21. Jay Blanchard - National Blues

22. Corbin Allen - National Blues

23. Matthew Allen - National Blues

24. Harley Bergdale - 5th Minnesota Infantry

25. Korey James - Croakers*

26. Dallas Bernhoester - Alton Jaeger Guard

27. J.T. Schaetz - 45th Illinois

28. Donovan Grbic - Croakers

29. Corey Orr - Croakers

30. Randy William Allen-Croakers*

31. Chris Jebb - Croakers

32. Owen Thomas - Croakers*

33. Thomas Keith - Croakers*


CAMPING FEDERAL, FIGHTING CS

34. Brett Pomeroy - Independent

35. Neil Finney - Independent

36. Ty N - Independent

37. Seth Larsen - Independent

38. Ron Larsen - Independent

39. Wilma F - Independent

40. Thomas C - Independent

41. Doug C - Independent

42. Dillan Bickford - Independent

43. Garrett Lipps - Croakers*

44. John Decker - Croakers*

45. James Decker - Croakers*

46. Clayton Kelly - Croakers*

47. Samuel Harris - Croakers*

​48. C Roy Quaker - Croakers*

49. Seth Senn - Croakers*

50. Donovan Matthews - Croakers*







CONFEDERATE INFANTRY


CAMPING and FIGHTING CS

1. Tristan Nigh - Betty's Immortals

2. Ty Nelson - 3rd Kentucky


CAMPING FEDERAL - FIGHTING CS

1. Brett Pomeroy - Independent

2. Neil Finney - Independent

3. Ty N - Independent

4. Seth Larsen - Independent

5. Ron Larsen - Independent

6. Wilma F - Independent

7. Thomas C - Independent

8. Doug C - Independent

9. Dillan B - Independent


FEDERAL MUSICIANS

1. John Bergmann - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

2. Kirby Reese - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

3. Jim Auchenbach - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

4. Chris Adelman - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

5. Rusty Ayers - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

6. Carl Bennett - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

7. John Hamann - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

8. John Hanson - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

9. Amy Hemann - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

10. Bob Jackson - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

11. Rich Kriegsman - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band 12. Steve Loomis - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

13. Chris Render - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

14. Margaret Mills - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

15. Allen Price - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band

16. Bryan Rowold - 33rd Ill Vol Reg Band


17. Michael Kotch - AJG Drum and Fife

18. Duncan Noack - AJG Drum and Fife

19. Frank Aufmuth - AJG Drum and Fife

20. Stephen Martin - AJG Drum and Fife

21. Eric Wallace - AJG Drum and Fife


FEDERAL ARTILLERY

1. Tim Tedrick - 2nd Ill Lt Art, Battery G

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MEDICAL/ SURGEON

1. Ron Kirchgessner - 108 Field Hospital

2. Richard Kirchgessner - 108 Field Hospital

3. Kelly Semande - 108th Field Hospital


RATIONS / COMMISSARY

1. Jeff Grzelak



CS ARTILLERY

1. Ken - Scotts Battery

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CIVILIANS

1. John Masciale - Mayor

2. Elaine Masciale

3. Mary Warren

4. Kathy Krewer

5. Larry Wachtveitl - Dance Caller

6. Connie Wachveitl - Dance Caller

7. Steve Kramer

8. Laurie Kramer

9. Nate Kramer

10.Tom Davison

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SUTLERS/VENDORS

1. Travis Forrest - TM Forrest Co.

2. Austin Phillips - Pop Jacks

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SCHOOL DAYS - Friday, May 5, 2023

Confirmed Station assignment



STATIONS:

1. Infantry -

2. Cavalry -

3. Artillery - Tim Tedrick

4. Drill -

5. TinType - Travis Forrest

6. Period Drinks - Austin Phillips

7. Medical/Surgeon - Ron Kirchgessner

8. Civilian Life -

9. Woodworking -

10. Military Cooking/Rations/Commissary - Jeff Grzelak

11. Camp Life -

12. Women's clothing or Sanitary Commission


If you would like to present something not on this list, please let us know.




ABOUT BISHOP HILL, ILLINOIS



ORIGINAL BISHOP HILL

The village was founded in 1846 by Swedish immigrants affiliated with the Pietist movement, led by Erik Jansson. Prior to founding the Bishop Hill Colony, Jansson preached to his followers in Sweden about what he considered to be the abominations of the Lutheran Church and emphasized the doctrine that the faithful were without sin. As Jansson's ideas became more radical, he began to lose support from many of his sympathizers and was forced to leave Sweden in the midst of growing persecution. Jansson had previously sent Olof Olsson, a trusted follower, as an emissary to the United States to find a suitable location where the Janssonists could set up a utopian community centered on their religious beliefs. According to Jansson, this community would become the "New Jerusalem", and their beliefs would soon spread across the world. As a result, 1400 colonists emigrated from Sweden to their new home in western Illinois. The colony struggled early on after its founding. Many of the first 1000 colonists died from disease on the way to Bishop Hill (named for Eric Jansson's birthplace, Biskopskulla ), while others became disillusioned and stayed in New York. The quarters in Bishop Hill were cold and crowded and food was scarce. After the first winter, life at the colony began to improve. In the next few years housing was upgraded from dugouts to brick living areas, and crops were planted on 700 acres (2.8 km2) of land. By 1849, Bishop Hill had constructed a flour mill, two sawmills, a three-story frame church, and various other buildings. The Bishop Hill Colony was communistic in nature, as dictated by Jansson. Thus, everything was owned by everyone and no one had more possessions than another. Work in the colony was highly rigorous and regimented. It wasn't uncommon to see hundreds of people working together in the fields or large groups of laborers engaged in other tasks.


BISHOP HILL TODAY

Many other 'historic villages' one might visit are actually reproductions. They may have done some archeology and built new, or moved a mish-mash of historic structures to an artificial commons. But Bishop Hill is very much the same town you would have seen if you came through in a horse and buggy 175 years ago. It is a living, fully functional village with a mayor and fire department. The people who live here still farm the surrounding country side, cut firewood for the winter, plant broom corn in the spring, and celebrate the changing of the seasons, just as our Swedish ancestors did. Yes, we do this for the folks who come to participate, but more importantly, we do it because it is our way of living authentically. The crafts and trades that supported our fore-fathers and mothers are still a source of livelihood today. The pottery and brooms you buy are the same ones we use in our kitchens.





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