This year has started off a little soggy put spirits appear high. The Legion drill was cold, wet and cancelled on Saturday evening to await the snow. We did however accomplish a great deal.
The Latta Plantation (www.lattaplantation.org) event in March was another study in mud. Turn out was small.
As we rolled into April things brightened. We had the best turn out for the Hickory Landmarks (www.hickorylandmarks.org) School program in recent memory. I heard from several different people who had been coming for 10 years and felt this was the best year yet. All in attendance can pat yourselves on the back. We received $600.00 for our efforts.
With the cancellation of Spotsylvania this year we were fortunate to be allowed the run of Latta Plantation for weekend (May 1-2) for a living history and recruitment. This was very relaxed and a lot of fun. Over the 3 days approximately 300 came through the site and handed out nearly 15 applications. We heard nothing but positive commits from the staff at Latta.
The next event scheduled was Resaca, (www.georgiadivision.org/bor_reenactment.html) May 16-17. I had one person complete early registration so anyone going will have to walk on.
Next will be a living history at Cold Harbor, (www.nps.gov/archive/rich/ri_cold.htm) June 6-7. We will fall in with the 26th for this event. Camping and cooking will be campaign style ONLY, no "A" frames. We will all be Pvts.
On June 13-14 we are considering Bost Grist Mill, (battleofbost.tripod.com/index.html) in Concord. If we go we will be Federal most likely. Again, get with 1st Sgt. Matt Paris or myself. Whether we go or not will depend on the interest.
The Board members present at Latta Plantation in May voted to go back to Latta for another living history the weekend of July 17-19. Our goal once again will be exposure and recruitment as well as help the good people at Latta. If we get any recruits from this last living history we will have a school of the soldier/drill to indoctrinate them into the fold.
In August we may another work day at Allison Woods so we have nothing planned.
The 145th Battle of Atlanta, (www.atlantacampaign.com) will be September 4-6, the first registration is in and we have 10 going so far. Registration is $15 until August 1. Money will need to be to me by July 25th. Make plans to join us. We will be on the site of the Battle of Nash's Farm.
September 18-20 is Allison Woods, (www.allisonwoodslivinghistory.org). Once again we are the host unit for this event and need maximum effort. If you don't come to anything else this year, come support us at this event. We will have a program for school children on Friday the 19th and a lantern tour on Saturday evening. WE NEED YOUR HELP!
In October we have Cedar Creek (www.cedarcreekbattlefield.org). It has been several years since we have done this event. The dates are October 17-18. The Legion is going and we will be representing a battalion of Confederate sharpshooters. Registration is on going and is $15.00 until August 1.
We will wind things up a living history in Mint Hill, (www.minthill.com) Nov 6-7, more on this later.
As a reminder when sending in your registration make your check out to "SPHRS" not to me.
Captain Jerry Hoppings
49th NC
