Which club do you belong to?

[pvtisaac]

I searched the forum to see if something like this had already been created, and I couldn't find anything. So, what west coast club do you belong to? If you do not belong to one listed, please select "Other" option and explain.

Cheers,
Aaron Gardner
CHAPS

[1stCaliforniaInf]

HI All

I don't belong to a large club ( the 1st California Vol Inf Co F is an independent organization) and have not for a while now

For a long time I did belonged to the FTHA and for a while the NCWA when I lived in CA.

While I lived in the deep south for 5 years I was a memeber of the WIG battalion

In general, it seems that the concept of a Civil War Club is mainly a "West coast thing" as most organizations in the country are folowing a more military structure, made up of divisions and member battalions ( the AoP , the WIG , etc) that work together under a larger umbrella. The Civilians organize into their own groups as well .

Personally speaking, after 24 years of reenacting. I belive the "club" concept has run its coarse and is obsolete. Working against a great opportunity to become somthing better than we are.

I belive that out here in the far west, the US and CS units should organize into respective Divisions with memeber Battalions according to the area they are in on the west coast. It would go along way to working together for better events & for going to events back east.

Alot could be accomplished.

Just my opinion on the matter

Don S

[AndrewGrim]

I belong to the Fort Tejon Historical Association (FTHA), but would claim Winstontown or my current military impression before claiming any club affiliation. You can always go to other club’s events, or independent events, but if you are not happy with your company/mess, you’re likely to not enjoy the event.

[pvtisaac]

Originally Posted by 1stCaliforniaInf

HI All

In general, it seems that the concept of a Civil War Club is mainly a "West coast thing" as most organizations in the country are folowing a more military structure, made up of divisions and member battalions ( the AoP , the WIG , etc) that work together under a larger umbrella. The Civilians organize into their own groups as well .

Personally speaking, after 24 years of reenacting. I belive the "club" concept has run its coarse and is obsolete. Working against a great opportunity to become somthing better than we are.

I belive that out here in the far west, the US and CS units should organize into respective Divisions with memeber Battalions according to the area they are in on the west coast. It would go along way to working together for better events & for going to events back east.

Alot could be accomplished.

Just my opinion on the matter

Don S

Don,

I tend to agree with you on this matter. There is a great deal of an "us and them" mentality that accompanies the club system. It makes it difficult to establish commonality and cooperation between the different groups.

To me, any campaigner is a friend, and I feel that this belief is fairly universal in the c/p/h community. Any one of you is welcome to share a fire or a cup of coffee anywhere, any time.

So, how do we shift the club system into something better organized? What is a good first step?



A. Gardner

[Dog Robber]

New member to the site/forum but this is one of my favrite subjects. My opinion is that re-enactors are better off organized in independent units with like goals and standards, Then come together at events that supports those same standards, Events in SoCal at least are beginning to understand that there are different levels of authenticity within the hobby and are beginning to cater to those standards.

For example, units that wish a more authentic camp setting and experience have to tell the event organizers what they want (remote site, site on the field, etc.) and then vote with their feet. Either attend or don't.

A prime example of a great missed opportunity is the Prado event. While a bit of "Catfish Fry and Civil War Weekend" event, the huge battle field would allow the opportunity to place pickets and videttes for each side out on the field for the weekend and have a great experience.

Now if we could just get them to go back to the first year's battles where the engagements were fought at more realistic ranges and get the battle away from the fence by the 'taters. Those who were there know what I am talking about.

Regards,

Dog Robber
J. Dale Himebaugh
24th Virginia/2nd US Infantry

[Cottoncarder]

Had to put myself in the "other" category also. I got so disgusted and turned off by the egos and personal vendettas that seem to always spill over into events. It got to the point of being beyond ridiculous when one so called "club" began dictating which events their members could go to based on who didn't like whom. It was at that point that I did not renew my membership and cut the links to their chat line when bandwidth was being wasted on discussions of the cost of RV parking at an upcoming event. Paleeezzzz! Sovereignty means being blessedly free of such nonsense.

In every sense of the word Winstontown is an independent unit made up of a motley crew of autonomous thinkers who happen to thoroughly enjoy each other’s company. We also find we form close bonds only with brother independent campaigner military units as their way of thinking clicks more in line with ours.

[Gwen in LA]

"Other" here too. Formerly with ACWS, progressed to Winstontown. Also joined FTHA.

[lhpardz]

Sounds like a bowling league! We went independent (No Club BS rules and regulations) more than 10 years ago, and guess what, we are still here much to the dislike of the so called clubs that are mentioned. Bully for Barb. This hobby needs more independent thinkers for survival.
Lance Clubless Willis

[Drygoods]

I would certainly agree with Mr. Willis that this sort of campaign culture needs more independent thinkers to survive. Also, I would say that although many people start out as mainstream folks, it's those who really thrive on history that are the only people than can achieve doing campaign. It's much more than a weekend, it becomes a way of life. You spend all your spare time, or most of it, researching, building, shopping, and saving for those great events. You attend, have the time of your life, achieve the best thrill of sharing your time with other like-minded well-read folks, and then retreat home with a healthy glow of "wasn't that a great time." Three things tend to happen with campaigning, you learn to work with other compatible people at events, or you seek out those who can compliment your impression by filling those gaps that you cannot do alone, or you compromise. Compromise can let in an ugly can of worms, but if you're firm with the rules, principle expectations, it leaves little wiggle room.

Myself, I'm getting old plus I have severe financial obligations with my family. This leaves me fewer opportunities to really enjoy campaign events like I used to. It's regrettable, but you can't run away from age or responsibility, so you suck it up and make the best of what you can achieve. I confess, I was really hurt and shamed to miss Oakley.

At one time, I played in 10 different groups, now I just have 5, but all of them are quite different and have their own perks. No one says that you have to keep doing the same thing over and over, but I find it easiest on me if they all tend to be within 20 years of LH.

[hernicus]

Don:

I couldn't agree more with you. Am actually contemplating THAT EXACT thing. It is way past time to do so!

Hope all is well, pard