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The Landskonnections

The Official Newsletter of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein.

The Official Newsletter of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein. Published monthly, or whenever I get around to it. Any opinions contained herein are strictly my own, unless they're someone else's, as are any typographical errors. Entire contents copyright 1998 by Paula Peterka, unless otherwise noted or authored. Yeah, like you'd WANT to steal anything out of here! Happy 1998!!!!!

Volume 5Issue 1

January 27, 1998


In This Issue:

Welcome to the Ranks!

Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein would like to welcome the following new members into its ranks: Megan McTernan, Justin Briley, and Mark Denz. These folks were officially voted on and accepted into the unit as probationary members.

Additionally, the unit has received letters of interest from Jack Curry and Harry Grunder, and has seemingly been infiltrated by TJ Kirchner, who is threatening to bring along Heidi and Linda Schertzer. Information packets have been sent to these prospective new members, who will be voted on at the next meeting after their applications are received.

The unit would also like to congratulate the following people, who were promoted from probationary member to full member: Ray Partenheimer, Janice Partenheimer, Elizabeth Partenheimer, Lauren Wadford, Kim White, Anna Hoppman, and Charlie Jones. The new full members have full voting rights on unit business, subject to age regulations (sorry, Elizabeth), and can be assigned to sponsor probationary members. This brings the total number of active full and stakeholder members to 21. (Active dues-paying full and stakeholder members now total 19, but that's another issue.) Those probationary members who were eligible to be promoted, but weren't, will have a promotion review in six months, or when their sponsor/the BOD thinks they are ready. Congratulations and Welcome, Everyone!

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Promotions

After months of deliberation, the corporate and field officers of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein determined the criteria and methods for theatrical promotions. The unit would like to congratulate the following members on their theatrical promotions:

Michael Denz, promoted to Pikeman-in-Training; Peter Langsdorf, promoted to Pikeman-in-Training; Barchan, promoted to Pikeman; Steve Denz, promoted to Pikeman; Charlie Jones, promoted to Pikeman; Ray Partenheimer, promoted to Pikeman; Bob Wilson, promoted to Pikeman; Anna Hoppmann, promoted to Kampfrau; Janice Partenheimer, promoted to Kampfrau; Elizabeth Partenheimer, promoted to Kampkind; Lauren Wadford, promoted to Kampfrau; Kim White, promoted to Kampfrau; Mike Amos, promoted to Doppel; Don Haithcock, promoted to Doppel; Drew Jones, promoted to Doppel; Bob Kriner, promoted to Doppel; Kender Green, promoted to Marketenderin; Kellie Hendley, promoted to Marketenderin; Linda Taggart, promoted to Marketenderin; Jennifer Wadford, promoted to Marketenderin; and Paula Peterka, promoted to Weib des Hauptmanns.

The following members were also appointed to the following positions: Mike Amos, appointed to Weibel; Don Haithcock, appointed to Kaplan; Drew Jones, appointed to Leutnant; Bob Kriner, appointed to Trabant; Linda Taggart, appointed to Snackenfrau; Kim White, appointed to Kuchenfrau; Kellie Hendley, appointed to Dienstmädchen des Weib des Hauptmanns (Captain's Wife's Campfollower).

Members with higher theatrical ranks are expected to wear fancier clothing, collect and use more accouterments, and create a more accurate historical impression. Congratulations, Everyone!

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Winter Campaign

The Landsknecht Invitational Winter Campaign will be held on February 14 & 15, at Marietta Mansion Historical Site in Bowie, Maryland. We have invited Der Sonnen von Krieg to participate with us again at this event.

The site is located near the junction of State Routes 450 and 193, in Bowie, Maryland. It will be open for set-up on Friday, February 13. The event will be open to the public from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm on Saturday, and from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm on Sunday. We will be using the upper field for our camping and demonstration area. There is one portable toilet on the site, behind the mansion. We will use what firewood remains on the site from other events, supplemented by our own. Drew is arranging for straw from a commercial source, and we will have to provide our own drinking, cooking, and washing water. There will be a $10.00 fee for food for this event, which includes breakfast and lunch both days, and Saturday night's dinner. There is an additional charge of $4.00 per person to cover the straw. Please pay your food and site fees directly to Drew Jones no later than February 7, 1998, and sooner if possible.

Scheduled Events include individual and combined-unit drills, inter-unit battles, and a cooking competition. Non-Scheduled Events hoped for include spontaneous outbursts of camp visits, cultural exchanges, group sing-a-longs, and body-looting. Everyone should bring their own camping gear, personal dishes and cup. Everyone should also bring 2-3 gallons of water.

February weather can unpredictable, but this event will take place rain, snow, or shine. If the weather forecast calls for temperatures of 25? F or less, or for 8 or more inches of snow, the event will be postponed.

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Jamestown

The unit will be returning to compete at Military Through the Ages at Jamestown, which will be held March 21 & 22, 1998. Our registration forms have been sent in, and we have received our confirmation letter. There are a few major changes this year, but none of them are untenable. This will be our fourth year at this event, and we hope to have as much fun this year as in the previous three.. 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.

  1. No vehicles are allowed on the grounds between 8:00 am on Saturday and 5:00 pm on Sunday. Check in will begin at 5:10 pm on Friday, at the Command Center. Limited short-term parking will be available in the visitor parking area on Friday evening after 5:00 pm, for unloading only. Overnight parking is not available in the visitor lot for participants; however, participant parking is available adjacent to the visitor lot. Participants must park in this lot after unloading.
  2. We will be allowed to drive to the encampment area after 5:00 pm on Friday to unload. All vehicles on the grounds will be issued a unit number and pass during check in. In the past, we were allowed to set up on Friday before 5:00 pm if we did not interfere with normal museum operations. This year's rules do not say if that will be allowed.
  3. All unit members must be pre-registered. This means your name must be on the list that Paula is sending to the coordinator on Wednesday, February 4. A list of who has signed up for what is included in this newsletter: Check It! If you decide on March 19 that you want to go, you may be out of luck. (Of course, we'll try to get you in anyway, but we may not be able to!) All participants must complete a Volunteer Services Special Event Registration Form, which is included with this newsletter. Please bring it with you and turn it in when you check in at the gate. You will be issued an ID card by the Jamestown staff at this time. When you arrive, they will give you our unit number.
  4. Immediate family members living in your household but not participating in the reenactment may get into the event for free, but only if we have their names in advance. This list will be sent in with the other paperwork on February 4.
  5. Our campsite has changed (probably). Jamestown is undergoing major construction and renovations. We will be camping either on the large grassy field where we were last year, or in the area between the museum and the fort. Digging is not permitted, and fire pits must be approved. (How we're going to cook with no fire, I don't know.) Likewise, the museum has strict rules against fighting, swearing, and gambling (unless it's purely theatrical). No alcohol is allowed on the site.
  6. All weapons safety rules must be strictly followed. Jamestown has strict rules on firearms, and a central powder magazine where all gunpowder must be stored. If you are planning on bringing a period firearm to this event, you must inform Larry, and agree to abide by all Jamestown's and the unit's regulations. NO Exceptions.
  7. To shorten the Pass-In-Review, many of the awards will be given at Saturday night's dinner. Dinner is provided by Jamestown, and this year will consist of chili, cornbread, rolls, beverage, and dessert. Our reservations will be sent in on February 4.
MTA is a judged event, and our unit has entered in the competitions again this year. We will compete in cooking, tactical/drill, clothing, general camp environment, and pretty much anything else they've got. The judges routinely walk into camp, and pick up things to look at their bottoms and see how they were made. One judge kicked over the edge of a Persian carpet and remarked that they weren't made by machine in the 16th Century. The judges can get very nit-picky, especially if the competition is tight. Therefore, if you know something is "farby", leave it at home. There will be a camp inspection Saturday morning, and anything that doesn't pass muster will be removed from camp. This includes all aspects of your kit, including, weapons, tentage, and clothes. As Larry says, "If it ain't period, it ain't here!"

The meal fee for this event is $10.00 per person, which includes breakfast and lunch for both days. Please turn your money into Drew no later than March 6. An early caravan for people who took the day off from school/work will be leaving from the Peterka's house at 11:00 am on Friday, March 20, led by Larry. A late caravan for those who couldn't get the day off will be leaving at 6:30 pm, led by Paula. The departure point for the late caravan has yet to be determined, and will depend on who is going. 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 pavilion or tent, you need to contact Larry immediately. All pavilions must travel with the early caravan, even if their owners do not. We will have some extra special guests with us this year. My parents and my Aunt Alene will be returning to see us and the event. They are looking forward to meeting all of you/seeing you again. Also, Andy and Beth Bradshaw, better known as Father Anders and Frau Isabeau, will be returning to join us in camp. Plan on religious wars and maybe a Katzbalger wedding or two. Jamestown shivers: the Landsknechts return!

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MPT Pledge Drive

In order to help publicize Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion, members of the various participating groups will answer telephones and take pledges for Maryland Public Television on March 7, 1998, from 6:60 pm to 9:00 pm, at the broadcast studio in Owings Mills. Deli trays and other snacks will be provided. By appearing on camera in costume, volunteers have the opportunity to help two worthwhile causes: public television and military reenacting. Last year, we had quite a few members from our unit help out (and gained one), and the people from MPT were very pleased. We got a lot of "air time" and they are already getting calls about the event. This has become a regular part of the Pre-Marching Through Time advertising.

It is very important for our membership to support these activities. Not only is MPT a worthwhile cause, the advertising for the event is crucial. Marching Through Time can only survive if more of the public attends the event. In these days of tightening budgets we need to do all we can to keep the site and event available. Please plan on attending.

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Shop Clean Up Party

Sunday, March 8 has been set aside as a clean up day for the Westminster Armory. This was scheduled to be convenient for those who are volunteering for the MPT pledge drive, since it's in the same area of Maryland (see related article). The Armory provides most of our weapons and armor, at very low prices. To express our appreciation for all of the shop's contributions to the unit, members will spend the day doing general shop clean-up and maintenance. Clean up will begin at 9:00 am, and end at 8:00 pm. Wear your grubbies, bring beverages, and plan on pizza. See you there!

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Landsknechts invited to wear Green! (St. Patrick's Day Parade)

The unit has been invited to join the Markland Medieval Mercenary Militia when they march proudly through downtown DC for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The Parade will take place on Sunday, March 15. The step off will be at noon, from where 7th Street crosses the Mall. If you are interested in marching, contact Barchan for details.

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Daddy needs a New Pair of Shoes

Are your shoes tattered? air-conditioned? hole-worn? not period? If so, fret no further. Tim van Heel, purveyor of fine reenactors shoes and craftsman behind Larry's cow-mouths, can help. After developing the prototype pair, Mr. van Heel has announced that he is ready to start producing them to order. Prices are about $100.00 for a pair of hand-sewn, hand-pegged, leather-soled perfectly period shoes in a moderately-wide cow-mouth pattern. If you are interested in ordering a pair, contact Larry, soon. Orders taken now may be available for Marietta.

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Meeting Notice

The next Official Unit Meeting will take place on at the Peterka's home on April 26, 1998, at 1:00 pm. We will do a post-mortem of Winter Campaign, MTA, and MTT, and plan our spring/summer schedule. We will likely have a Maryland contract to vote on, and new members to admit. Be there or be round.

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Mark Your Calendars

Schedule of Upcoming Events
(at least the ones we know about already)
Every ThursdayLandsknecht Open House (Peterka's)
February 14 & 15, 1998Winter Campaign (Marietta Mansion)
March 7, 1998MPT Pledge Drive
March 8, 1998Shop Clean Up
March 21 & 22, 1998Military Through the Ages (Jamestown)
April 17, 1198MTT School Day
April 18 & 19, 1998Marching Through Time (Marietta Mansion)
May 16, 1998Spring Camp-Out (Marietta Mansion, tent.)
May 30, 1998 Don and Megan's Wedding
May, other than Don and Megan's WeddingLandsknecht Day at the Virginia Renaissance Faire
June 13 & 14, 1998Pennsylvania Musterung
August 28 - October 25Maryland Renaissance Festival

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Directions

To the Armory:
From the Baltimore Beltway (695) take exit 19, the Northwest Expressway, (795). Get off at exit #3, Franklin Ave. Go east towards Reisterstown Road, and turn left at the second light onto Reisterstown Road (Rte 140). Turn left onto Chatsworth, across from the Masonic Temple and the Volunteer Fire Dept. The Armory #7, is the first little brick building on the left.
To MPT:
From the Baltimore Beltway (695) take exit 19, the Northwest Expressway, (795). Get off at exit #4, Owings Mills Blvd. Go east towards Reisterstown Road (right side of the fork). Stay on Owings Mills Blvd, and turn right into the driveway of MPT, after about 3 miles.
To Marietta Mansion:
Take 495 to 450 East, and get into the left lanes. Continue on 450, and turn left at route 193. Turn left at the first available turn, just past the brown Historic Marker, onto Bell Station Road. Turn left into the first driveway, and park/unload where indicated. Call 301-464-5291 if you get lost, or for site information.

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