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GETTYSBURG
PASSES --Scott Washburn and Andy Siganuk attended a recent meeting at Gettysburg. Here is information for the Mifflin Guard. Please keep your pass with you if you plan to leave the event site. When you return by vehicle you will need to present your personal pass and vehicle parking pass. If you have other riders they will need their pass with them.
CAMPS--Our camp will be just the other side of the treeline in front of the parking area just off Table Rock Rd. near the area where we camped five years ago. There will be two battalion camps and a civilian area. The civilian camp will be just off the last company of our 2nd battalion.
You must have vehicles out of camp by 11:00 AM Friday. Vehicles will not be allowed in camps to unload after 10:00 PM. Our camp is convenient to parking area anyway.
Organizers have promised a minimum of modern vehicles in the camp areas. There will be an occassional ice vendor. A shuttle will be available to transport attendees to the sutler area and activity tents. A special stop will be established near our 2nd division camp. We are 2nd brigade, 2nd Division of Federal infantry.
THE BRIGADE--Scott Washburn will command the Mifflin Guard. There are over 340 military registered along with 96 civilians. Bill David will command 1st Battalion and Rich Adams will command 2nd Battalion.
Companies are as follows:
1st Battalion:
1st Co. 81st PA
2nd Co. 28th Mass./33rd NJ
3rd Co. 12th NJ
4th Co. 67th NY/26th PA
5th Co. 125th NY
6th Co. 61st NY
2nd Battalion:
1st Co. 150th PA/111th PA/145th PA
2nd Co. /140th PA/28th PA
3rd Co. 1st PA Rifles/13th PA Res./88th PA
4th Co. 1st PA Res./2nd PA Res./7th WV
5th Co. Southwest Volunteers
We need an aide de camp with the rank of lieutenant for Colonel Washburn and a man or reliable youngster to carry our brigade colors. Guideon baeres are needed for both battalions. Contact Andy Siganuk if you have people available.
HOSPITALITY --The GAC staff will have special food vendors where reenactors will receive discounts of $1.00 for food and beverage vendors up by the sutler areas. The vendors honoring the discounts will have signs marking their location. Our vivandiers and civilians will have cold drinks for the returnees after the battles and Mifflin Guard activities.
THE SCHEDULE--There are listed times for the battles, but it will take a while for troops to deploy. Please have your command stay advised of the schedule we will follow for activities and battles. The schedule is always ammended when it comes to big events.
We will hold a brief executive meeting amenable to all. There will be an officer's call for all line and field officers at some point as well. We look forward to seeing all at this large scale event!
BACK TO GETTYSBURG-- The Mifflin Guard has been given the distinction of representing Federal troops at the opening of the Vistor's Center on September 27th &28th. Most activities will be held Saturday. Plans are for us to establish camp at the Pennsylvania monument. Standards will be a bit more relaxed than at the usual living history. We will be able to camp civilians as well. More details to follow. Please survey your command to see who can join us to represent the Mifflin Guard this event weekend. Let's get a strong showing as there will be a great deal of media attention at this event!
CEDAR CREEK-- Get your pre-registration in prior to the first deadline in late July! We have a new campsite. We will be camped down the hill a bit further and to the right, just a bit west of the bridge we usually cross south of our usual camp area. Our camp location is in the vicinity where the cavalry usually is. Cavalry has been moved and the USV's will occupy our usual area. The Belle Grove people want a large sum of money to use their property. So, the Cedar Creek site has been reconfigured. Camps have been changed to use the grounds above the Heater House for staging, etc.
REMEMBRANCE DAY-- Another trek to Gettysburg as we march in all our grandeur. Have any special presentations or ideas to perform? Contact Andy Siganuk asiganuk@comcast.net
OTHER SUMMER EVENTS OF INTEREST-- Summer brings us a regional event in Shippensburg in June. Rich Adams has the Federal command.
We have contingents attending Eckley Miner's Museum event up in Waverly, PA near Easton.. Haven't been there? Make plans to attend. A number of Mifflin Guard members were in attendance last year where we had elements of the 12th NJ, 26th PA, 28th PA, 61st NY, 81st PA & 88th PA. More welcomed!
CHICKAMUAGA ANYONE?-- The 28th PA has a contingent attending. Any other units or individuals attending? We'd like to have a short meeting at the Gettysburg event, gathering those units or individuals who'd like to attend under the Mifflin Guard moniker.
DEFIBRULATOR-- A discussion was held at Neshaminy on having the Mifflin Guard purchase this life saving device. We are investigating costs and hope to have info. by Gettysburg. Units were polled as to their feeling in making contributions toward purchasing the defibulator. Discussion to continue.
FOR THE GOOD OF THE ORDER-- Do you have anyone else in your unit who needs to receive our quarterly newsletter? Contact Andy Siganuk to add additional names.
We March Again
Our executive committee meeting was held in January at the New Jersey National Guard's Militia Museum. The staff was very accommodating to say the least. We were welcomed by post commander Donald Kale. We were able to procure the site through the help of 12th NJ member Tim Murphy. We are invited to use the facility again. The facility is just above Trenton, NJ off rt. 95.
We met at Ft. Mifflin in February to conduct an Officer/NCO School. Weather looked grim but rapidly improved for us. We packed the post field hospital to hold our session was well attended by 45 of our members. We studied and discussed duties, battalion field evolution, manual of arms and conducted a question and answer session.
Executive Committee Meeting
We opened with a report from the secretary. Voting took place for executive positions for president, vice president, secretary/treasurer & executive chairman.
Voting then took place for field and staff positions. Two positions were contested. The position of major was won by Bill Magargle. Andy Siganuk was reelected adjutant. Other positions were unopposed.
Mifflin Guard On Line
Rich Adams continues as our webmaster. Members are encouraged to join our forum on yahoo. New applicants must provide your name and Mifflin Guard unit affiliation to our moderator.
New Units
The 7th West Virginia is recommended to the general membership to become full members. Voting will take place at a brief general membership meeting at Neshaminy.
Reports
Updates were issued from infantry, music, medical, civilian and vivandieres. An artillery report was not given as there wasn't anyone on hand to give an artillery update.
Good of the Order
Joe Coleman of the 1st PA Reserves is putting a T shirt order together. Unit reps will be receiving a flier for orders.
Events
The Mifflin Guard schedule is now posted on the website. Encourage your command to join us for our major events and regional endeavors as well!
Adjutant's Notes
Please send your military numbers for Neshaminy to Andy Siganuk asiganuk@comcast.net no later than one week prior to the event so we may form companies and have that ready for arivees at the event.
Send an update of your number for Gettyburg July 4th/5th/6th by March 30th so we may form the battalions and post assignments on the website.
145th Gettysburg
Rich Adams and Andy Siganuk attended a preliminary meeting for the Gettysburg anniversary battle. Here is some information to pass along to your commands.
The campsite for the Mifflin Guard is in the same vicinity of where we were five years ago. We are part of the 2nd division with the USV. Federal camps are more spread out than the 140th. The 2nd and 3rd division area for the upcoming 145th contained the entire Union infantry at the 140th. We have plenty of room and will establish a civilian row off our last company. We need a firm count of civilian tentage. Send that number to Pete Peterson, our regimental QM woodbutcher@nni.com or adjutant asiganuk@comcast.net .
All vehicles must be out of camp by noon Friday. Members arriving after that time will be shuttled in to camp from the parking area which will be not far from our camps.
The Mifflin Guard is receiving some additional troops for 145th Gettysburg. At present we have a number of “Western Cousins” joining us.
Battalion companies will be posted in the near future when registration is complete.
Fees for Mifflin Guard
Send dues of $10.00 per unit for the Mifflin Guard to Rich Mendoza 13 Brookstone Drive, Voorhees, NJ 08043. Make check payable to Rich Mendoza, not Mifflin Guard. Mary David receives the vivandiere fund of $30.00 per unit. Mary's address is 53 Rickmar Lane, Frazer, PA 19355
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS, I HOPE THIS IS NOT AN INOPPORTUNE TIME TO SEND THIS OUT, BUT I HAVE SOME TIME OFF AND FIGURED I'D “GIT ER DONE” SO TO SPEAK.
FIRST, THANKS TO ALL THOSE WHO SUPPORTED THE MIFFLIN GUARD AT CEDAR CREEK AND REMEMBRANCE DAY. THANK YOU TO LOIS WONDER AND THE CIVILIANS FOR SUPPLYING THE WREATH WHICH WE OFFERED AT THE MEADE MONUMENT . SECONDLY, THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT OF ALL THROUGH THIS YEAR. NESHAMINY AND OUR NPS ENCAMPMENT PROVIDED A GREAT PLATFORM FOR US SO THAT WE CAN CARRY OUT REENACTING WITH THE MIFFLIN GUARD. WE AGAIN EARNED HONORS FROM GETTYSBURG NPS! INDIVIDUAL SIDE PROJECTS FEATURED VARIOUS MIFFLIN GUARD UNITS COOPERATING WITH EACH OTHER AT VARIOUS LOCAL EVENTS ALSO.
EXECUTIVE MEETING
JANUARY HAS US SCHEDULED FOR OUR ANNUAL MEETING TO BE HELD IN LAWERNCEVILLE , NJ . ON JAN. 19 TH . WE ARE MEETING AT THE NJ NATIONAL GUARD MILITIA MUSEUM . 151 EGGERT CROSSING RD. LAWERNCEVILLE , NJ . THIS IS JUST BELOW THE INTERSECTION OF INTERSTATE 95 AND STATE ROUTE 206. YOU CAN ARRIVE AT NOON. MEETING TO COMMENCE AT 1:00 PM. POST PHONE NUMBER IS 613-726-1717. WEBSITE IS WWW.FAMUSEUMNJ.ORG
IDEALLY WE'D LIKE TO HAVE ALL UNITS ATTEND. EACH UNIT IS TO HAVE THREE VOTING MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE. CONTACT ME, ANDY SIGANUK FOR DIRECTIONS OR NEEDS.
RETURN OF THE MIFFLIN GUARD OFFICER & NCO SCHOOL
THE MIFFLIN GUARD WILL HOLD AN OFFICER & NCO SCHOOL ON SATURDAY FEB. 9 TH AT FT. MIFFLIN. SLEEPING ACCOMODATIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE. THIS IS TO BE ATTENDED IN UNIFORM. BRING WEAPONS AND - ACCOUTREMENTS AS WELL. HAVE ANYTHING FOR THE AGENDA? CONTACT SCOTTWASHBURN@COMCAST.NET .
CASTING CALL!
ANDY REDMOND IS PART OF A PROJECT LOOKING FOR A COUPLE OF REENACTORS. AGES RANGE BETWEEN 18 & 30 YRS. OLD. A PHOTO AND RESUME MUST BE SUBMITTED. CONTACT ANDY FOR DETAILS AT ANDY.REDMOND@ATT.NET .
SPIRIT OF THE JERSEY 'S
THE 12 TH NJ HAS BEEN SELECTED TO REPRESENT THE CIVIL WAR IN THIS CELEBRATION OF NEW JERSEY HISTORY PRESENTING ALL ERAS OF THE STATE'S HISTORY. WE CAN ACCOMMODATE A COUPLE MG MEMBERS WHO'D LIKE TO FALL IN WITH THE 12 TH NJ FOR THE DAY AND BE PART OF THE CELEBRATION AT WASHINGTON 'S CROSSING STATE PARK ON MAY 3 RD . THE EVENT RUNS FROM 11 AM TO 5 PM FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION WITH PLENTY OF FOOD. PARKING IS CONVENIENT FOR PARTICIPANTS. CONTACT ANDY SIGANUK AT ASIGANUK@COMCAST.NET IF INTERESTED IN ATTENDING.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO DECEMINATE ALL INFORMATION RECORDED IN THIS NEWSLETTER TO YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
HAPPY HOLIDAY TO ALL!
ANDY SIGANUK
Our main event of the summer was the gathering of the Mifflin Guard at the Pennsylvania monument in July. Our numbers were just a bit short of last year's record attendance for the Mifflin Guard. Still, we mustered a big battalion. We once again received a commendation from the park service people. Thanks to all who made the effort to attend and support this endeavor. We field the largest number of participants for the park living history weekends and on a consistent basis.
There were a couple of regional events attended by the Mifflin Guard. Troops participated in Shippensburg and Eckley Museum . What a treat in Eckley! We formed a battalion along with two USV companies. The battalion was commanded by Bill David. We drilled for the public and had time to see the sites at this historic park. This weekend is worthy cause to support and would really benefit with more of our support.
Of course we decided to withdraw from the September Storm event in support of our policy vs. the organizers. As of late July we had the largest attendance for any attending organization. It did leave a bit of a void. There are decisions to ponder in regards to Gettysburg battles next year, as two events will be held. See notes further in the newsletter.
Ridley Creek approaches. It is always a fun regional event. Especially if you like the feel of being away from modern influences in the immediate proximity.
Cedar Creek looms in October. As of this writing we have over a hundred troops and a number of civilians attending the event. Look for camp to be in our usual haunt. Civilians will have a street nearby. We may be augmented by a company of National Regiment troops. We will have an informal exec. Meeting and plan a date for our winter exec. Meeting and discuss news.
Remembrance Day always brings a big gathering of the Mifflin Guard. Plans for the parade are same as last year. We will form up at our usual location behind the middle school on Leferve St. Please have your command on hand at noon! Polish the brass and have a clean uniform. Remember, no gaitors, no backpacks and no ammunition. Please bring a pair of white gloves. Enlisted men are to wear caps or kepis, no slouch or Hardee hats for the parade! We will march to the battlefield and do our commemorative ceremony.
2008 Events
Ideas for Mifflin Guard events are welcomed for the 2008 campaign season, both large scale and regional events. They can be brought up for discussion at our exec. meeting in January.
There will be two Gettysburg events next year George Lomas led GAC and Chris Anders led WMHF events. They will be held on different weekends. Although we have been welcomed to attend the WMHF event in force, we have been told no vivs. on the field for the event although they are welcome to partake of duties in camp and drill.
It seems the vast majority of Confederates are attending the GAC event. The ANV, Longstreet's Corps, Provisional Army of the Confederacy along with a brigade of the Army of Tennessee under Jack King are attending the GAC event which has a larger cap then WMHF event has. The Confederates want one large Gettysburg . The ANV have been told they cannot field their entire organization at WMHF event. The ANV can field over 1,000 troops at large National events.
Most of the big Federal organizations in the East are opting for GAC. The 3 rd USV, Western Brigade will most likely opt for WMHF. The National Regiment has not decided what event to attend.
The 135 th and 140 th Gettysburg battles saw us field two battalions of over 300 troops in the ranks. It would sure be good to continue this trend! We need to continue to show our pride and camaraderie so evident in the ranks.
Your thought are welcomed at asiganuk@comcast.net
Meeting Place Needed
Joe Coleman can no longer provide us with the execellent accommodations utilized for our executive meeting. Joe retired, so, we need to find a new location. We also seek a place to hold officer/nco school over the winter.
Contact Scott Washburn or Andy Siganuk with ideas for a centralized location.
CAMPAIGN SEASON TO OPEN AT NESHAMINY
Our first large gathering of the year commences April 28 th /29 th courtesy of the 28 th PA's long running event. Most MG members arrive Friday through the evening. It is convenient too as camp quickly fills up just before dusk.
Coming in early? If you could help out the 28 th could use help with the parking and Federal camp entrance. Just see one of their officers or nco's if you can lend a hand on Friday.
Military activities will convene at around 9:00 Saturday morning as we form the companies. All participants should be ready for the morning's activities. We will head for the drill field and jog our brains and shake off a long winter's respite.
There will be a brief general membership meeting Saturday to update members on some items and vote full membership to the 13 th PA Reserves and 28 th Mass.
John Newbold will be running a commissary in camp. He will serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning and a dinner Saturday evening. Units interested may contact John at 856-627-7073 by Sunday April 22 nd .
SCHOOL OF SOLDIER CANCELLATION
Yes, we had to cancel our School of the Soldier for the first time ever. We only had sixty military signed up. That harkened back to the old Fort Mifflin Days. It certainly wasn't conducive to a battalion drill. Our previous minimum sign up was 125 troops last year. Our largest event at the early days of Fort Dupont yielded over 180 members in eight companies. The organization lost $200 as a deposit to the Kingston Armory for this year.
OFFICER/NCO SCHOOL
We will set up an officer/nco school for winter 2008. We need to choose a location. These events have been popular in the past and cover a large variety of military subject matter. Civilians have ran programs in conjunction with the soldier's seminars before. Anyone who can provide a convenient location is asked to contact Andy Siganuk or Scott Washburn. We can cover a small fee for a facility if needed.
DOWN IN THE VALLEY
We have fifty-some Mifflin Guard attendees going to the event at this writing. Please inform the adjutant at asiganuk@comcast.net if your unit is attending the event this June at Cedar Creek.
MIFFLIN GUARD GETTYBURG ENCAMPMENT
This is the Gettysburg NPS premier Federal encampment and we are proud to be part of it! Last year featured a banner turnout arrayed in eight companies and set a mark for park volunteer attendance with 187 effectives. We were sent a commendation by the NPS for our efforts. Have your command please try and join us this year on July 7 th and 8 th .
The park asks us to bring shelter halves to fill the company streets. Each company can set up a fly. More details to be passed along in next edition of the newsletter.
SEPTEMBER STORM
Truly some of the best untouched land you could ever fight on! This site is uncluttered of modern vistas. The grounds are just a bit South of Boonsboro and pristine.
Federal attendance is nearing the closing mark for the event. We have asked for at least 160 registrants of the 1200 Federal cap. More can be made available if needed at this point. If your unit is attending, send registration now as it is still open. Once the cap is met, the event registration will close.
There will be a couple of workdays. Help will be appreciated if you are in the area and can help out. Details will be posted on the Mifflin Guard website. This event is run by reenactors for reenactors. There are no major corporate sponsors. All working money for the event comes from registration. There is limited spectator tickets and only for Saturday's afternoon battle.
BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG 2008
A site just west of town has been procured for a battle of Gettysburg . At this writing the battles of East Cemetery Hill and Culp's Hill will be featured. Only 1,000 spectator tickets will be available each day due to limitations for gatherings in Washington County .
A large property has become available for reenactor use. The grounds are terrific and spread out. The North South Alliance out west have already asked to be able to field Federal and Confederate contingents of 500 men each. A cap of 4,000 troops is permitted on the property. Details to follow as they develop.
Greetings Members!
There is quite a bit of information to disseminate to our membership. A number of excellent happenings are on the horizon. Please make your membership aware of what we are doing.
Mifflin Guard Executive Meeting
Our yearly meeting took place Sunday 1/21/2007. The following is a record of what transpired through the meeting. Field and staff were voted on to remain the same as 2006. There were no dissenting votes as this item was approved unanimously.
Corporate staff will remain the same with President, Vice President and Secretary/ Treasurer remaining the same as 2006. The Executive Chairman's post is up for vote next year as it is a two year term.
The 2006 schedule was punctuated with strong attendance from our participants at Neshaminy, Gettysburg Encampment, Bull Run and Remembrance Day. The Mifflin Guard received a participation award from the Gettysburg National Park Service.
Dues are $10.00 for the Mifflin Guard payable to Rich Mendoza 13 Brookstone Drive, Voorhees, NJ 08043. Vivandier Refreshment & Ice Fee is $30.00 payable to Angie Manning 15 Golf Club Drive, Langhorne, PA 19047. Units paying MG dues of $10.00 at the meeting were 12th NJ, 13th PA, 67th NY, 88th PA, 150th PA, Co. F. $75.00 was paid out to maintain our Mifflin Guard website. Andy Siganuk purchased two guideon finials at $50.00 to replace broken ones. He maintains $225.00 in cash to be used as needed for Mifflin Guard needs.
A discussion was held on our probationary units. The 13th PA Reserves and 28th Mass. are being recommended for full membership to our voting rank and file. Both units have attended a number of events and have served admirably in the Mifflin Guard. No new units are on the board as becoming probationary as of the executive meeting.
Rich Adams maintains our website. Suggestions can be passed to him at rich@pabucktail.com . Please be sure to frequent this well maintained site.
Our various branches were heard from which included Infantry, medical, vivandiers, civilians and music. Artillery not present to offer a report. Special thanks were given to our medical/vivandier collaborations and the excellent job Doug Grunn has done to revitalize our field music. Musicians who enjoy being in the ranks can fall out with the field music for dress parade and return to the ranks for drill and battles.
Prior to moving on to our event schedule we were updated on the Progressive Reenactor's Committee promoting authenticity and cooperation. There is a move to try brigading with 3rd USV, National Regiment and Western Brigade (Eastern Contingent) to form a brigade and cooperate as the best brigade on the reenacting field at events. The Reenactor's Liaison Committee is dispanded.
Notes compiled by Phil Berg.
Events for 2007
Major Events
Approved Select Events
2007 Event Notes
SCHOOL OF THE SOLDIER – March 3/4 - CANCELLED
Pre-registration early fee for September Storm of $15.00 per registrant due Feb. 28th. Get your musters in early. Access site at www.wmhf.org
March 10 th - 12th NJ Dinner in March is $25.00 per person. Price includes complimentary gift for each couple, full buffet, music and dancing. Cash bar. Send payment by March 1st to John Newbold 1308 Timber Creek Rd. Lindenwold, NJ 08021 Contact johngetysbg@aol.com
28th PA Events-Contact Ralph Prince Rprinceiii@comcast.net or Mike Harris mharris28thpa@hotmail.com
Steppingstone Museum event on May 19th/20th information available at teabma@hotmail.com Military $3.00 & civilians free!
Down in The Valley express pre-registration due by April 6th. Forms available at Cedar Creek website.
Kennett Square Parade, May 28th, 11:00 AM start. Units of up to 12 marchers pay $300.00. Over twelve pays $400.00. Contact Joe Sodomin at Joe_sve@comcast.net
Eckley Museum provides meals for pre-registered reenactors. Contact Scott Kutchka at sdk1199@bwkip.com for details. Access Eckley site at www.eckleyminers.org
Ridley Creek registration forms are available through the 110th PA's Charlie Evans. Contact Charlie at cevan110@comcast.net
Event Participants
Please have your registrars send participant numbers of Mifflin Guard major events to adjutant Andy Siganuk no less than one week prior to the event. Early is OK! Send numbers of officers/NCO's & enlisted men to asiganuk@comcast.net
Neshaminy Preparation
You can provide valuable service to the 28th PA if you live in the vicinity of Neshaminy SP. Work weekends are being held during mid-march through April. Wood is being stockpiled and cut for the late April event. Workdays are Saturday and Sunday. Lend a hand if practicable. This helps keeps costs down and maximizes donation to the museum they administer. Contact Ralph Prince for details. A couple of hours go a long way!