Thanks to the management of the Locust Lawn historic site and Dawn Elliott, the 35th Royal Sussex Regiment was able to enjoy a fun weekend a la late 1830s at the Federal-era mansion in New Paltz, NY. The weather was good, although very hot (August will do that). Thanks to our fly and our linen sun curtain, however, there was never a problem getting into the shade. We set up a wedge tent for our supplies and brought out our new folding table from Townsends along with another campaign table we had to make a small but mighty headquarters.
The Union Flag flew proudly from our ridge pole and our new event sign was displayed along Route 32 to attract the attention of passing cars, which, apparently, worked.
Saturday was the quieter day of the two. Throughout the weekend, the house was conducting limited tours to keep contact to a minimum, considering the pandemic has not gone away. We were joined by Anne M. who had made her own period dress and set up her display near the front of the mansion while another demonstration station was set up to the rear. Our army encampment was positioned near the Stone House, so there were four active points of interest all spaced out rather nicely.
We were very appreciative of the lunch provided by the site, consisting of pies and fritters on Saturday and chicken and beans on Sunday.
On Sunday, our numbers increased. We had our captain, Sharon, Madison making her first foray into reenactment, Private Carton, and Privates Pena and Gerber likewise taking their first spin into Victorian from the Revolutionary War branch of the Society.
On the grounds, we conducted drills following His Majesty's Regulations of 1828, which is not very dissimilar from the familiar 1764 Manual of Arms, and marching. After cooling down and refreshing, a Mad Minute competition was held with the venerable Brown Bess. The object was to see who could fire the most rounds within 60 seconds. Madison kept the time for the soldiers who were competing and Anne documented it for us.
The first round was done individually, with Privates Gerber, Pena, and Carton. Pena and Carton tied and had to go into a second round where they competed together at the same time. Sixty seconds is a long time on a battlefield but in a competition it flies by. Pte. Pena won and was presented with the Regimental Musketry Medal by Madison, which was then tied around his neck by the captain.
In terms of visitation, both days had visitors arriving over the course of the day who were universally pleasant and it was a nice feeling to be part of a public event again considering the difficulties of the last year and a half. We thank Dawn and her volunteers for letting us have the opportunity to enjoy this fun-filled weekend.
The Union Flag flew proudly from our ridge pole and our new event sign was displayed along Route 32 to attract the attention of passing cars, which, apparently, worked.
Saturday was the quieter day of the two. Throughout the weekend, the house was conducting limited tours to keep contact to a minimum, considering the pandemic has not gone away. We were joined by Anne M. who had made her own period dress and set up her display near the front of the mansion while another demonstration station was set up to the rear. Our army encampment was positioned near the Stone House, so there were four active points of interest all spaced out rather nicely.
We were very appreciative of the lunch provided by the site, consisting of pies and fritters on Saturday and chicken and beans on Sunday.
On Sunday, our numbers increased. We had our captain, Sharon, Madison making her first foray into reenactment, Private Carton, and Privates Pena and Gerber likewise taking their first spin into Victorian from the Revolutionary War branch of the Society.
On the grounds, we conducted drills following His Majesty's Regulations of 1828, which is not very dissimilar from the familiar 1764 Manual of Arms, and marching. After cooling down and refreshing, a Mad Minute competition was held with the venerable Brown Bess. The object was to see who could fire the most rounds within 60 seconds. Madison kept the time for the soldiers who were competing and Anne documented it for us.
The first round was done individually, with Privates Gerber, Pena, and Carton. Pena and Carton tied and had to go into a second round where they competed together at the same time. Sixty seconds is a long time on a battlefield but in a competition it flies by. Pte. Pena won and was presented with the Regimental Musketry Medal by Madison, which was then tied around his neck by the captain.
In terms of visitation, both days had visitors arriving over the course of the day who were universally pleasant and it was a nice feeling to be part of a public event again considering the difficulties of the last year and a half. We thank Dawn and her volunteers for letting us have the opportunity to enjoy this fun-filled weekend.
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