| The Official Newsletter of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein. Published monthly, or whenever I get around to it. Any opinions contained herein are strictly my own, as are any typographical errors. For external use only - but you may read this inside. Entire contents copyright 1996 by Paula Peterka, unless otherwise noted or authored. Yeah, like you'd WANT to steal anything out of here! Prices shown for comparison only, options extra. |
| Volume 3 | Issue 2 |
Date Unknown | |
The Landsknecht Invitational Winter Campaign was finally held on February 24 & 25 at Marietta Mansion. The event was postponed from its original dates due to 11" of snow, high wind advisories, and an air temperature of 15° - 25° , not including wind chill. The weather on the rescheduled weekend was sunny and clear, with blue skies and temperatures in the 50° - 60° range.
We were joined in our endeavors by six members of Der Sonnen von Krieg, a Pennsylvania based Landsknecht unit. Herr Derrick and Herr Michael bravely carted two cannons and numerous small firearms all the way from Landsford to join us in the field, and were joined by Frau Lee on Saturday, and by Obrist Wilam, his daughter, and Frau Lee's husband (whose name was not available at press time) on Sunday. Although other units had said they might come to play with us during the day, the only visitors to our camp were very enthusiastic tourists. We had a small but steady stream of camera-toting visitors on both days, perhaps 50 people total.
Hauptmann Manferd, Heinrich the Good, Fritz, Karl (Charlie), Anjabeth, Danica, Heidel, and Wilhelmina were there both days, with Andreaus, Heinrich the Catholic, Karl (Rob), and Sabina coming out at different points over the weekend.
The event was mostly unscheduled, with combined-unit pike drill, weapons firing, taking place pretty much whenever anyone felt like it. There weren't enough participants to really hold a cooking competition, or unit skirmishes, (and therefore no body-looting), so the weekend was very relaxed. It was enjoyable nonetheless, and we hope to make this an annual event. We sincerely hope our visitors and guests enjoyed themselves, and that they consider it worthwhile to return next year, when we will hopefully have more units participating, and more scheduled events.
The unit has been invited back to Military Through the Ages, which will be held March 16 & 17, 1996, at the Jamestown Settlement in Virginia. This event was a lot of fun for us last year, and the fact that they're letting us return just proves that they really weren't paying too much attention to what we were actually doing! This event is a showcase of reenactment units, and there will be groups representing everything from the XX Roman Legion through the National Guard. Since this event takes place at a state-run museum, there are some rules for participation which they strictly enforce.
We were able to set up before 5:00 pm on Friday last year, and plan to do so again. An early caravan for people who took the day off from school/work will be leaving from the Peterka's apartment at 10:00 am on Friday, March 15, led by Larry. A late caravan for those who couldn't get the day off will be leaving from the apartment at 7:00 pm, led by Paula. If you plan to travel in either of these caravans, please call Larry or Paula, so they can make sure to wait for you.
If you are planing to bring your pavillion or tent, you need to contact Larry immediately. All pavillions must travel with the early caravan, even if their owners do not.
Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion will take place April 13 & 14, 1996. This is another timeline event, and many of the groups who participate in Jamestown also come to this event. MTT has no formal judging, however, and it is a little more relaxed.
Since this is in many ways our "home" event, we hope to have a good turnout. Highlights of the event include the Sunday Morning Mayhem, wherein all the units are formed into two teams for a running field battle. Last year's skirmished included a Japanese Samurai who offered money for Anjabeth as she was watering the soldiers, a berserker charge by the Vikings into the civil war lines, the heroic entrance of Friedrich "der Fuchs" in the nick of time, and the double wounding of Heinrich the Catholic and the (ptui) Swiss commander.
The meal fee for this event is also $7.00 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch for both days. Dinner on Saturday night is on your own. We will probably head out to Wendy's or Sizzler.
We have been encouraged by the Marietta people to make physical improvements to our campsite, and we will begin these during the weeks before the event, depending on the weather conditions. Additionally, MTT will host local elementary school groups on the site on Friday, April 12, to promote the event to the community. Anyone who can come out on Thursday evening to help set up a few things, and then either stay over or comeback Friday morning to talk to the children, parents, and teachers would be appreciated. Larry will be doing so, and would like some help.
Greetings, it has been awhile since I had a chance to write something for the newsletter. Old things first, I would like to thank everyone who helped with the Rennaissance festival. It was a lot of work but I think that overall we did a good job (I won't comment at this time on all the other stuff) Currently I am preparing for Jamestown. I have made a promise to my self that I will get some sleep the week before Jamestown. The unit is set pretty well for the event we should have enough tentage and general camp stuff to make it look right. We will have several people in armor for the event. Hopefully my breastplate will be completed in time for the event. If anyone would like to volunteer for a weapons cleaning party next Sunday let me know! Some of our weapons need some major cleanup before we get to Jamestown. Speaking of weapons - Drew and my Katzbalgers were stolen out of Drews truck while it was parked at our apartment complex. If you see either of these in someone else's hands let us know! Bob and Baltimore Knife and Sword are working on replacements. Lots of new skills and projects within the group! Check out some of the work Mike has been doing on knives and such. Anyway I have to go Paula wants to print this so that we can give it out! Remember we do this to have fun!!!!
Our Chief Financial Officer (Drew) has requested that all members pay their yearly dues no later than April 1. What do your dues do? Well, they pay postage and printing/copying costs for this marvelous newsletter, for one thing. They also go for any costs the unit incurs, like group registration fees at events, or storage fees, and also to purchase unit-owned props, like pavilions, weapons, tables, etc. Paying your dues also entitles you to all rights and privileges of membership, including voting, if you're a full or stakeholder member. There are a few very important issues to be decided soon, and if you haven't paid, you don't vote. Think of it as a poll tax if you like, but pay it anyway! They're only $20.00 for individuals, $30.00 for families.
Here is reprinted one of the period Landsknecht songs that has become a unit "standard". Also nicknamed "the Road to Rome", this song tells of the cities that were taken during the Italian Campaigns of 1521-1529.
| Wir Zogen in das Weld
Music and Lyrics Traditional | |
| German | English |
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Wir zogen in das Feld, Wir zogen in das Feld, Da hätten wir älle Sackl ob Geld. Strampedemi! Alle mi presente al vostra, Signori! Alle mi presente al vostra, al vostra, Signori!
Wir kamen von Siebentod,
Wir kamen vor Friaul,
Wir kamen vor Trieste,
Wir kamen vor Benevent,
Wir kamen auch fur Rom,
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We marched away to war, We marched away to war, And who knows what we're fighting for, Hear the trumpets call! Oh, you men prepare yourselves for muster, one and all! Oh, you men prepare yourselves for muster, for muster, one and all!
We've taken Cividead,
We've taken Friaul town,
We took Trieste in days,
At Benevent we learned,
And when we got to Rome,
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