WELCOME TO THE
OHIO VALLEY
CIVIL WAR ASSOCIATION
After Action Reports
An After Action Report details the course of action at one of the events that we attended and are written by members of the association.Reports from the events at Conner Prairie (2010), Fort McAllister (2008), and Stones River (2008) have been submitted.LIVING HISTORY EVENT at STONE'S RIVER NATIONAL MILITARY PARK, MURFREESBORO, TENNESSEE,
ON MAY 3rd AND 4th, 2008
Early May and we are moving right along. This weekend found the OVCWA at one of its favorite venues. Stone's River National Military Park, Murfreesboro, Tennessee and the guests of Mr. Jim Lewis of the National Park Service. Besides our usual living history demonstrations, we had the additional honor of conducting a Signal School of Instruction for the Park Service Volunteers. They were diligent students and learned the lessons well enough that they conducted the Signal Corps presentation on Sunday with only minor supervision. We also had guests this weekend. Falling in with us were members of the 35th Indiana Infantry (The 1st Irish). Their regiment fought at Stone's River and they are looking to build up their resume so that they can do their own living history at Stone's River. It was an honor to have the Irishers with us. Faugh An Ballagh! (translation: Clear the way!) Over the course of the weekend we did several Infantry, Artillery and Sharpshooter demonstrations using actual battle tactics to tell the story of the Battle of Stone's River rather than the usual explanation of uniform, equipment and firing of the muskets. This made for a nice change of pace for us. The detailed instruction on uniforms and equipment was done in camp after the demonstration on the field was finished. The Park Service Volunteers crewed the Artillery for the afternoon combined arms demonstration so that we could fall in as Infantry. This allowed us to put out a skirmish line and have a reserve for them fall back on.The multi talented 1st Sgt of the 19th US, in addition to his many military duties cooked supper for us on Saturday night and Lunch on Sunday. Don, it was very good. The Weather was great for about 99 percent of the time. We had a little trouble Friday night/early Saturday morning when a column of thunderstorms came through. Tornado watches and warnings were posted but we passed the night without incident (except for some minor flooding in my tent, would a sump pump be farby?) Thanks to all the members of the OVCWA and our friends from the 35th Indiana and Mr. Jim Lewis and his Volunteers. We worked well together and made this past weekend a memorable one. -Mike Callahan
The OVCWA
in the Press:
Photo Gallery by Jerod Clapp (April, 2011)
The Corydon Democrat (newspaper) Corydon, Indiana (April 13, 2011)
The Western Star
Lebanon, Ohio
(August 8, 2010)
Journal-Gazette
Fort Wayne, Indiana
(July 26, 2010)
Advertiser-Tribune.com
Tiffin, Ohio
(July 14, 2010)
The Paper of Montgomery County (Indiana) Online
(July 11, 2010)
SavannahNow
Savannah, Georgia
(March 11, 2010)
Cincinnati Enquirer
Cincinnati, Ohio
(August 3, 2009)
The Western Star
Lebanon, Ohio
(August 1, 2009)
Journal Review
Crawfordsville, Indiana
(July 13, 2009)
Crawfordsville News
Crawfordsville, Indiana
(July 13, 2009)
Channel 18- WLFI
W. Lafayette, Indiana
(July 12, 2009)
Sidney Daily News
Sidney, Ohio
(April 18, 2009)
Dayton Daily News
Dayton, Ohio
(February 12, 2009)
Northern Kentucky Enquirer (Dec. 9, 2008)
The Register-Herald
Eaton, Ohio (Oct. 2008)
The Register-Herald Eaton, Ohio (Oct. 4, 2008)
Cincinnati Enquirer
(August 4, 2008)
Journal & Courier OnLine
(Lafayette, Indiana)
(July 12, 2008)
Cincinnati Enquirer
(May 7, 2008)
Murphreesboro, TN
(May 2008)
The Savannah Now
(March 2008)
(Bryan County, Georgia)
The Palladium-Item
Eaton, Ohio (11/20/2007)
Sons of Union Veterans Newsletter (10/14/2007)
Cincinnati Enquirer
nky.com (Oct 2006)
Cincinnati Enquirer
Lebanon, OH (Aug 2006)
Oxford Museum
Association News (2005)
Oxford, Ohio
The Western Star
Lebanon, Ohio -Aug 2005
The Miami Student (2004) (Oxford, Ohio)
The Palladium-Item
Eaton, Ohio (9/11/2005)
Dayton Daily News
(Dayton, Ohio- Sept 2005)
Oxford Museum
Association News (2004) Oxford, Ohio
Dayton Daily News
Dayton, Ohio (8/1999)
The Palladium-Item
Eaton, Ohio (1980)
The OVCWA
in the Press
LIVING HISTORY EVENT AT FORT McALLISTER HISTORIC PARK, near SAVANNAH, GEORGIA,
on MARCH 8th AND 9th, 2008.
Truth be told, Fort McAllister is a haul; a LONG haul. Twelve hours from Cincinnati to be exact. Despite the distance, seventeen members of the Ohio Valley Civil War Association (OVCWA) made the trip and were greatly rewarded; not only by missing a snowstorm that rivalled the blizzard of '78, but by a unique event hosted by gracious and enthusiastic members of Georgia's DNR. Where else can you sleep in a bombproof AND drool over artifacts straight out of the river?Most of us arrived early in the day on Friday and proceeded to tour the museum and the fort then unpack and catch a few Zs in the officer's quarters then headed out to grab a bite to eat. Others took in the sights in nearby Savannah and still others rolled in later in the afternoon in need of a massage to rid themselves of travel cramps. Later in the evening by popular vote the great majority of us took in dinner on the patio of Love's Seafood overlooking the Ogeechee River, in our shirtsleeves no less and took turns calling to check in on those who couldn't make it/ gloat over the perfect timing of the event.Saturday morning dawned a bit windy and made putting up canvas a bit of a challenge, aided and abetted by the sandy soil. As usual, everyone pitched in and made short work of setting up and breakfast awaited after a short bit of inspection and drill to knock off the rust of our winter respite. Sgt. Willard Motsinger and the usual suspects (1st Sgt. Mongo, Corpl. Spencer, Pvt. Mitchell, and Pvt. McGowan) ran thru load by detail and misfire drill on the park's six-pounder, followed soon after by the first artillery demo of the weekend.Sharpshooters then took center stage showing off their various toys including the Sharps and Henry rifle demos, explanation of the use of heavy barrel target rifles and of course, the Henry vs. musket rate of fire comparison. On this occasion, the part normally played by Pvt. Rufus was filled by Pvt. Marcus Corder....who probably learned his lesson about volunteering for demos quickly. Pvt. Corder gave it a good college try but fell short of matching the Henry's rate of fire.(Click on the thumbnail images to view the image full size)
The latter part of the day saw the role and equipment of the infantry explained and the christening of the newly built signal tower with a demonstration of signal flags narrated by Bvt. 2nd Lt. Moffett. All day long we were greeted with visitors of all ages hungry to learn more especially about the sharpshooters weapons and the Beardslee telegraphs. Capt. Bock and 1st Lieut. Lady held down the fort and were in their element as they explained the uses of the various types of signal equipment and related how Gen. Sherman directed the final battle for the fort via signal flags from the roof of the Chaves rice mill two miles distant. Just as the day was winding down the superintendent of the site, Dan, walked into camp holding his latest find; an original brass eagle breastplate. He then beckoned us to his truck where he had an 11” cannonball that he had found in the swamp and a number of other things, including bottles and shards of Indian pottery. What a job.... During one of the signal demos the wind picked up and the signal flag atop the tower was standing straight out and the surrounding trees were swaying alarmingly, but the important message got thru nonetheless. Several of the local lads arrived and joined in the infantry presentations during the day and the usual suspects employed bribery to jumpstart an artillery demonstration when Sgt. Willard got a little too far into his element. Meanwhile, Capt. Roush was plotting against the poor infantrymen and just prior to breaking for lunch a select few (read as willing victims) engaged in a spirited display of bayonet drill.Sunday was a very pleasant day and even with the gnats trying to horn in on our act everything went off without a hitch.Then, all too soon it was over. After one of the most successful weekends in the three years that I've been a member it was time to return to reality. But there was no doubt among those that were there that this weekend had been pretty special....the ladies did their thing and continued their top-notch teaching, the cannon roared, rifles cracked, the Beardslee and U.S.M.T. sets clicked and clacked and signal flags waved. The crowds stayed and asked informed questions and several visitors stayed all day. One of the most impressive points in my mind was how we were received by both the staff and the visitors. Southern hospitality at its best. A huge THANK YOU to Danny, Talley, and the rest of the staff for making us feel right at home from the word “GO”. We were set up very well and should we have needed anything all we would've needed to do was ask. Lest I forget, a huge THANKS to Dave Bock for unwittingly rescuing us all from the weather and getting our foot in the door.AW MAN, DO WE REALLY GOTTA LEAVE?-Scott McGowan
CONNER PRAIRIE EVENT at FISHERS, INDIANA
on MAY 15th & 16th, 2010
Simply put, it was a great time had by all. The event was attended in great numbers (with over 5,200 visitors on Saturday alone!) and those who participated worked their butts off to make it a success. The size of some of the crowds at our display stations were reminiscent of conducting Living History demonstrations at Gettysburg in size and quality. They were well mannered, interested, and first class all the way! Almost everyone returned to their homes tired, worn out, and hoarse.As stated by one member: "It was an OVCWA and Mid-States Living History collaboration at it's finest!" The Conner Prairie staff was also exceptional and provided us with the necessary amenities as well as an awesome dinner served to all reenactors on Saturday evening complete with ice cream for desert. But the real deal on the food front was in our very own camp. Ray Schmid brought out his canvas covered kitchen and went to work to fill our bellies during chow time and then again to serve up some of the best desert that any camp life has ever experienced. The bread pudding with the whiskey sauce (that could be topped on ANYTHING) was blue ribbon material and that is not meant as a knock on the apple pies that were made on Saturday which were also a delicacy worthy of mention. What can be said other than- "WOW". And of course a big thanks goes out not only to Ray but also to Dave Schrodi and Richard Hapner who pitched in and helped to round out the mess staff for the entire weekend. Job well done guys!The weather was very decent (and thankfully cloudy) for those dressed in wool and other multiple layers with only a smattering of rain that lasted only long enough to wet the magnificent Joe Spangler arms collection. As far as the battle reenactment, we were held in "reserve" and were able to observe the action on the field from the "high ground" (as Sam Elliot would put it). Our gun was brought out to the battleground on Sunday and gave the Rebs a good ole fashioned shellacking. It IS still fun to play sometimes.And nobody in attendance can forget anytime soon the guest appearance made by Maurice and Alphonse on Saturday evening when they entertained us with the return of the Bad French Hand Puppet Show which included the Box of Death special feature. Now if we can only get those voices out of our heads . . . . .A big thanks to those who attended!-Compiled from comments by Dave Bock, Willard Motsinger, and Jan Ketron.
150th Manassas
July 22nd through July 24th, 2011
"What did you do at the great 150th Manassas Eastern National last weekend?"
"Sweated my @$& off!"
The OVCWA had never done an all Signal Corps event, let alone a National event…for that matter, an Eastern National. But the stars aligned to make it all possible. With temperatures in the 100s and heat indexes nearing 117, it made for an intense four day event.We were to represent both Union and Confederate impressions, one camp would be in Mayfield Fort and the Union camp at Cannon Branch fort, and neither would be able to work or support the other as we were on opposite sides of the town of Manassas. It wasn’t a usual presentation, the guys doing the Confederate impression, had scheduled presentation times while those of us in the Union camp were more of an ongoing presentation style.The Confederate camp was an elevated position with no trees at the top. A breeze would sweep the camp but then with the temps in the 100s, it was more like a blast furnace. Those in this camp would be Digger (brevet Capt. and acting as E. Porter Alexander) and with his team was Tim Maddock, Rick Spencer, Kevin Anderson and later, Allen Coffman. Geesh, they all looked odd in Confederate Gray! There were lots of farbs on that hill with them doing other impressions. One artillery group thought it would be OK to do a demo in their civilian shorts! Another unit, doing Confederate Marines, thought nothing of putting zippers on their trousers! Our guys stayed in uniform for their presentations.Union camp was in a small wooded area and set up within original Union earthworks. The undergrowth had recently been brush-hogged and was dusty and dry. Little breeze reached our area and the air seemed oppressive during the later evening hours. We were able to stay in our white shirts and didn’t need to get into blue coats. Our presentations were more of an ongoing nature rather than usual designated times. Our camp was headed by Dave and Christine Bock and they brought their impressive collection of signal corps artifacts. This collection completely dazzled the public not only with their history but the stories of provenance of each piece. Everyone from the event coordinators to the general public was impressed with the items on display as well as the information. Other signal people in camp were Brenda Heindl (dressed to explain Samantha French), Evil, with no explanation, Tom Mitchell and Doug Roush. Teresa Mitchell and Karen Kisling were also in period dress and served as camp support.Of special interest to the Union Camp was a visit from Gen Hooker. Karen invited Lee Harford, Jr., who portrayed the general for the event, to come to our camp and speak with Dave about the collection. Mr. Harford had previous communication with Dave, as he is the Director of the Army Museum at Ft Bragg. He seemed very impressed with the artifacts and information. He left us with a standing invitation to work with him at some future event.After the second day, the event coordinators invited the OVCWA (signal corps) to again be part of the presentation units for Second Manassas! Also, the public seemed impressed with both camp presentations, many returned to learn more or brought friends or grandkids to also see the presentations.The OVCWA (signal corps) brought more than equipment to this event; we also brought very good history! From our overall uniformed appearance to our sharing of information, we seemed to be the unit the coordinators appreciated most. Something else, in working hard those four days, we also brought back some needed cash to put in our war chest.Special thanks go to Pat Taylor for loaning his extended length van and trailer to get most of the members and their equipment to and from the event. Thanks also goes to Rick Spencer for doing ALL the long distance driving, especially when the trailer detached from the hitch in morning rush hour traffic around Washington DC. -Doug Roush
150th Manassas
July 22nd through July 24th, 2011
Ladies and OVCWA,
Entered Manassas on Wednesday afternoon to register and then waited on the rest of the group to arrive. We scouted out the areas of our camp and the other camp areas, ate a late lunch and tried to nap in the heat. Couldn't help thinking IF we stayed back at the hotel in Fredericksburg I could be sitting by a pool. We discussed with Chip (our camp representative) what we would like to do for our setup since it was different than discussed by the planners and received the okay by Laurie to go ahead with our plan. We wouldn't be able to set up our camp until the Bocks arrived so we waited for them and then began to set up. We all were in awe at Cannon Branch Fort (Union) because it had only recently been an area cleaned up and had a circular path set up inside the earthworks. Basically, untouched since 1861, except for Mother Nature (including bears). How cool is that! Most of the group stayed in hotel rooms while the Bocks, Tom, and I stayed the first night out at camp.It was dreadfully hot in the high 90's and I felt like it was 1969 back at grandma's upstairs bedroom with maybe a fan in the middle of July. Tom finally gave it up and went to the car with the A.C. to sleep. The Bocks struggled to sleep but finally did. The group made a decision for us that we (Bocks, Mitchells) also needed a room at the hotel. Hate to be wimps but we were not even getting much of a breeze at our camp and the other guys on the hill at Fort Mayfield (Confederate) were in the sun all day. After spending all day in the heat, cleaning up and cooling off felt very good. Our dinners were at a restaurant nearby. Good food, good service, and good times. The city took very good care of us with plenty of ice for coolers, boxed lunches, and water. Plus they had Red Cross tents nearby with A.C. piped in for any to cool off or for medical needs which were used by most in our group at some point. We found a bowl with ice cold water with wet rags to put around our necks and it was very helpful. The spectators who visited us were to be admired. They still came out in the heat and were for the most part very interested and appreciative of our living history. Glad the reenactment was a success and you can catch some interesting things on YouTube (just type in 150th Manassas civil war.)Hats off to the men and Christine for sticking it out the most. It was unbearable. Friday, Karen and I did not dress and played taxi and supply wagon for the group with a side trip added into the day. Saturday, it seemed a little cooler (yeah, right) and I really wanted to do this, so I dressed up for the day. We were privileged to have two gentlemen from the "other side" come and play some music along with another fellow with a mandolin. They came in the morning and played maybe 45 minutes or an hour, it was wonderful. Christine and I escaped for a short time to Manassas and downtown for quick trips to the vendors and to see what was going on downtown. Bought T-shirts for Tom and I. Brenda arrived Friday night and it was wonderful to spend time with her again. The downfalls were :1) For those of who like to participate in the other things at a National it is difficult to get away from your camp. I recommend we make an effort for all us to "get away" to make that happen. So we don't miss it. I know this is old stuff for some, but on the way home I was reading about some authors there to talk and sign their books. I didn't even pay attention to it. I heard the Liberia House was neat to see, but heard it too late to make that happen. We stepped into the museum, but it was wall to wall people due to the heat and not a good time to see it. 2) Of course the heat was unbearable, but that is going to happen in July.3) A few failures by the city, promises of things, but OVERALL - A JOB WELL DONE!! One thing was the security provided for our camp night and day and medical care.4) The camps were spread out throughout the town - I prefer to have it ALL together - so you can take it ALL in without traveling around. However, they did provide a shuttle service.Reported to you by Isabella Fogg -Teresa Mitchell
