| 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! It goes down stairs, alone or in pairs. . . |
| Volume 5 | Issue 2 |
March 31, 1998 | |
Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion
THREE WEEKS AND COUNTING! (A little less than three weeks, by the time this arrives.) Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion will take place April 18 & 19, 1998. Like Jamestown, this is a timeline event, and many of the groups who were at MTA will also come to MTT. MTT is not judged, however, and is therefore a little more relaxed. Since this event is so much closer to us than MTA, it would be good if we had more members participating with us here than we did at Jamestown. The unit fielded 18 members and two guests at MTA (up from 17 members and two guests last year); it would be wonderful if we could top that number for MTT!
The meal fee for this event is $10.00 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 IHOP. Food money may be paid to Drew, in advance!
Once again we will be at the site in advance, making physical improvements to our camp area. The site improvement work party will be held on Saturday, April 4, beginning at 10:00 am. We will re-clear our area back into the woods, and re-build our lean-tos and dome shelters. These structures will be covered with fabric, and used to store items during the event. We will also rough-in the basic layout for this year's camp. Actual camp set up will begin on Thursday, April 16, at 2:00 pm. Marietta will host local elementary school groups on the site on Friday, April 17 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. Because of this, the site will be open practically all day on Friday for set up. You will also be allowed to come in early on Saturday morning, but all non-period items (including vehicles) must be out of view by 9:00 am. Cars will not be allowed on the lower field from 9:30 am on Saturday until 5:30 pm on Sunday. If the field is especially muddy, most cars will not be allowed on the lower field at all. Individual gear will be loaded onto one of the trucks and ferried down to the camps.
The event coordinators have had problems securing a source of water sufficient to supply all the camps this year. The National Guard's "Water Buffalo", which we have borrowed for the last three years, is not available for this year's event. We should plan for the worst-case scenario, and everyone should include 3 - 5 gallons of water in their gear for this event. If this changes, we will let you know.
Although this event is not judged, we should still hold ourselves and the unit to the highest levels of historical accuracy. 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, tents, and clothes. As Larry says, "If it ain't period, it ain't here!"
"We're getting better all the t-i-i-i-me, a little better, all the time". The Beatles song is entirely appropriate for us this year, and our performance at Jamestown's Military Through the Ages, which took place at the Settlement on March 21 & 22. Our unit took awards in the Best Camp and Best Unit Tactical categories, and placed just under the awards in Best Cooking.
The unit fielded twenty people: Mike Amos, Justin Briley, Andy and Beth Bradshaw, Michael Denz, Kender Green, Don Haithcock, Kellie Hendley, Anna Hoppman, Charlie Jones, Drew Jones, Bob Kriner, Megan McTernan, Larry and Paula Peterka, Rob Spencer, Linda Taggart, Jennifer and Lauren Wadford, and Kim White. This ties for the most number of participants at a single event. If everyone who had originally indicated that they were coming had actually shown up, we would have wowed them even more!
Winning the Honorable Mention for the Best Unit Tactical and the Third Place Award for the Best Camp was a great thrill, especially as it comes from the judges who have watched us steadily improve over the last four years. As we all know, museum staff and curators are not that easy to impress. At an event that showcases reenactment units representing everything from the XX Roman Legion and the Iron Age Celts through the Vietnam War and the current National Guard, it is indeed an honor to be chosen as one of the best unit in these categories. We owe thanks to all our unit members who have dedicated themselves to pursing our group goals. We should remind ourselves, however, that we do not do this to win awards, but rather to educate and entertain both ourselves and the public, and, primarily, to have fun. Above all else, we should not rest on our laurels, because we all know areas in which we can continue to improve.
We entered the cooking, tactical, clothing, and general camp environment competitions again this year. Competition is always very tight, and all the judges commented on how well we were doing, how much the audience always enjoys our camp and demonstrations, and that we had improved over last year. The score sheets bear this out, the unit having picked up a several points in each area of competition. It is also interesting to note that for each year we have competed, the judges' comments reflect different concerns than the previous years' , which indicates that we took care of the problems they pointed out each year, and then they found new ones (with a few notable exceptions). They gave us score sheets for the four areas in which we competed.
As in past years, we received our highest score in the Unit Demonstration competition. We were ranked by three judges, and received 50 point from one, 48 from the second, and 46 from the third, giving us a grand total of 144 points out of a possible 150, or, an average of 48 points out of 50 (which is 96%, a pretty solid "A"). This was up an average of 5 points over last year's 43, 8 points over the second year's 40, and 7 points over the first year's 41. We received 10 of 10 points from all three judges for adhering to safety regs, and beginning and ending the demo on time (10 pts last year, 10 pts the second year, 9 pts the first year), with the comments "Excellent intro. Narration and Exhibition demo well-timed, instructive. Careful w/weapons" from the first judge, and "Timing good; safety small" from the third. We received 5 of 5 points from the first and second judges, and 4 of 5 points from the third for degree of difficulty (4 pts last year, 4 pts the second year, 5 pts the first), with the comment "very difficult in handling pikes." from the second judge and "Orders in German & by beat of drum. All members moving together." from the third. We received 10 of 10 points from all three judges (10 last year, 7 the second year, 8 the first) for the historical accuracy of the drill and activities, with the comments "Drill was well conducted." from the second judge, and "Excellently rehearsed & timed." from the third.
The historical and contextual accuracy of our equipment took 10 points from the first judge, a 7 which was scribbled out and changed to a 6 from the second judge, and a 10 which was crossed out and changed to an 8 from the third judge. We received 7 points of 10 last year and the second year, and 10 of 10 the first year. The second judge commented "Modern glasses spoil effect of a good presentation.", while the third judge said simply "Modern glasses." For providing an effective interpretation and demonstration to visitors, we received 15 of 15 points from the first two judges, and 14 of 15 from the third (up from 12 points for the past three years). The first judge said "outstanding", the second judge said "Captain gave an excellent historical presentation of a regiment of German mercenaries of the 16th Century", and the third judge wrote "Good commentary on social position & weaponry. Well-rehearsed & provided a good amount of information. Very educational." If you've been keeping score in your head, you will notice that the fist judge gave us a perfect 50 out of 50 points. He also wrote copious notes at the bottom of the page: "16th C mercenary - spear - blocks of men, halbreds. peasants trained to fight knights. Drills - nicely executed - balanced & complimented with narration. Women of the army - Cost of the army - good humor/well-timed - intermix of foreign language explained - Not precision drilled but stay as unit - good response to questions. Consistent persona."
Our next highest score was for the General Camp: 47 out of 50 points, which is 94%, another pretty solid "A" or "A-". We took 38 points in this category last year, 37 points the second, and 36 points the first. The historical and contextual accuracy of our camp, including equipment, appearance, materials, clothing, layout, etc., earned a perfect 10 of 10 points (7 last year, 7 the second, 8 the first), with the comment "good job on camp." For high level or accurate interpretation to visitors we received 15 of 15 points (12 last year, 11 the second, 12 the first year): "nice handout & information - public interaction good - people knew information."
For anachronistic materials present in the camp, we received 7 out of 10 points (the same as last year; the second year we first took 5 out of 10 points, but then the number was scribbled out and changed to 6, the first year was a 7, scribbled out, and changed to a 6), and the comments: "ladies gloves modern, harp had nylon cords, brush, wine bottle & spool of thread all issues." For the degree of difficulty in presenting our camp, we received 10 out of 10 points, (7 pts last year, 8 pts the second, 10 pts the first), with the comment "very difficult but well done camp." Lastly, we received 5 of 5 points (5 pts the last two years, 2 the first) for adhering to all safety regulations: "excellent job with weapons!"
Our next area of competition was Camp Cooking, where we received an average of 40 points from the 4 judges on the panel. The first judge gave us a score of 43, the second 40.5, the third 39, and the fourth 38, for a grand total of 160.5 out of a possible 200, which is an average of 40.125, or an 80.25%, a pretty good "B" to "B-". Last year we took an average score of 34.33 points from a three judge panel. The second year we also received 34 points, and 30 points the first year. This year's cooking competition similar to last year's, with the judging panel consisting of three volunteers from non-competing units, and the head of the Jamestown Settlement's Foodways Department.
For a consistently high level of interpretation maintained during the meal's preparation, we received 9.5 points from the first judge and 10 points from each of the remaining judges. All the categories for this year and last year were scored on a 1 to 10 point scale. Last year we received an 8, a 6 scribbled out and changed to an 8, and a 9 scribbled out and changed to 7. The second year we received 10 of 15 points in this category, and 12 of 15 the first year. In the category of food appearance, we received 9.5 points from the first judge, 9 points each from the second and third judges, and 8 points from the fourth. Last year we received 6 points each from the first two judges, and 7 from the third. For the food's taste, the first judge circled 9 points, then crossed it out and circled 8 points, with the comment "a little bland". The second judge circled 8, scratched it out, circled 7, scratched that out, circled 6, and then finally wrote in 6.5. The third judge gave us 6 points, and the fourth judge circled 3, scribble it out, and then gave us 6. Last year, we received a 5, a 6, and an 8 for the food's taste. For the first two years, these were combined in the category of taste and appearance being pleasant, similar to the documentation, and correct for having been prepared over an open fire. We received 9 of 10 points the second year, and 8 of 10 the first year. We took a 9 from the first judge for degree of difficulty, with the comment "lots of work", an 8 from the second judge, a 6 from the third, and a 7 from the fourth (7 of 10 last year, 10 points the second year, 6 the first year), and an overall rating of 7's from each of the judges (same as last year, although this year the second judge had circled an eight, and then scribbled it out.). The first judge's overall comments included our menu items, and the advice "use only 1 berry. Strawberries & blackberries. 2 contrasts - 2 seasons." The second judge also wrote down our menu, and added "nice equipment. Please provide English translation for documentation - better citations. Food needs salt. Great interpretation. Attractive, variety of dished good." The fourth judge added the comments "Please translate the German. Title of book, bibliography? New world black berries bland"
Our last area of competition was in Individual Dress, where we received 38 points out of 50 possible (up from 37 last year, 36 the year before, and 31 the first year). This works out to 76%, or basically a "C".
We received 5 points out of 5 (5 last year, 4 the second, 1 the first) for historical documentation, and 7 points out of 10 (6 last year, 6 the second, 7 the first) for historically correct textile, trim, cut line, and silhouette, with the rather unspecific comments "No Way. Bias wool works great, cotton knits are a bad call for the stockings..." We received 7 points out of 10 (6 points last year, 7 the second, 5 the first year) for historically correct construction and construction techniques, with the comments "All hand done, except where it isn't. Execution leaves a lot to be desired - internal seams are fine by machine, but finishing needs to be done by hand!" We took 8 of 10 points (same as last year, 7 the second year, 8 the first) for historically correct use of accessories and accouterments, with the comments "You look great - from a distance! Very theatrical - 1 Nice black work." We received 11 of 15 points (12 last year and the second year, 10 the first) for degree of difficulty, with no statement "Research is great - you don't hold up to close inspection - not living up to your tremendous promise!". Representing the unit in this competition were Kender (Lisel), Charlie (Gunther) Rob (Karl), Jen (Heidel), and Paula (Anjabeth).
The best comments however, came from the people for whom we really do all this hard work: the people who visit our camp and enjoy our interpretation. The public was very enthusiastic about our camp, and seemed to be impressed. Many people remarked that they enjoyed our camp and our drills, and some said they were going to vote for us for the Visitor's Choice Award (and, of course, my mother thought we were the best). We gave an excellent performance for our fourth year: we overcame personal differences and personal crises to pull together and shine for our audience; we improved in all areas over last year, and the judges critiques once again covered different points than they have in the past. From the Board of Directors and the Landskonnections staff: Congratulations, and thank you again for all of your hard work.
The meal fee for this event was $10.00 per person. Those of you who have STILL not paid for this (and some of you for WINTER CAMPAIGN!!) please turn your money into Drew as soon as possible (or he will hunt you down and use you as a target for arquebus practice).
It's that time of year again! Your yearly dues are due by April 30. By May 31, the membership lists will be revised, and anyone who hasn't paid their dues will be dropped from membership, unless they have made prior arrangements. They will also be dropped from the mailing list. This will not affect anyone who pays for newsletter subscriptions only. The date to the right of your name on your Landskonnections mailing label indicates when your subscription or membership will expire ("N" stands for "Newsletter subscription"). If you see a date that is past, like "4/97", for example, it means that your membership has already expired, and we're sending you newsletters out of the goodness of our hearts, because we know you really, really meant to pay, but something happened. If your dues are not paid up by April 30, you are going to be dropped. This may well be your last issue. How will you live without us?!? Paying your dues keeps your membership current, supports the unit, and entitles you to all rights and privileges of membership. It's the responsible thing to do, and keeps the Board from yelling at you. Dues are $20.00 for individuals, $30.00 for families, and $5.00 for newsletter subscriptions.
Are you still looking for high-quality period shoes at a reasonable price? Look no further. We now have two, count them, two sources for three different styles of period footwear. Tim van Heel, purveyor of fine reenactors shoes and craftsman behind Larry's cow-mouths, has developed a second pattern for schmutz-y wear, as modeled by Michael Denz at Jamestown, The new styles should run about $60.00 - $80.00 in production. For those who have gone beyond schmutz level, his standard hand-sewn, hand-pegged, leather-soled moderately-wide cow-mouth pattern are available for about $100.00 per pair. These are the fine shoes worn by Larry Peterka, Megan McTernan, and Linda Taggart. Our second source comes from a pattern obtained by Bob Kriner, for hand-sewn leather soled duck feet shoes, with or without vamp curls. You must do the hand sewing yourself. Materials for an average pair include 1 square foot of sole-weight leather, and 2 square feet of vamp leather or fabric. Shoes from this pattern are being worn by Mike Amos, Drew Jones, and Bob Kriner. If you are interested in sewing your own from Bob's pattern, or commissioning someone to sew a pair for you, contact Bob. Mike, or Drew. If you are interested in ordering a pair of Tim van Heel's shoes, contact Larry, soon. Orders taken now may be available for the Maryland Renaissance Festival.
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 have a Maryland contract to vote on, a decision to make regarding Musterung and Virginia Faire, transportation issues to discuss, and new members to admit. Be there or be round.
Here it is again, the column that encourages you to warm up your vocal cords and make joyful noise! Our beloved Hauptmann wants to encourage everyone to learn this song thoroughly, as he plans to install it as our unit marching song (as in singing and walking at the same time). Sing receiving the two Landsknecht CDS, we are also planning to publish more lyrics, work up more singable English translations, and hold some sing-along nights. Even if you feel your voice is not the greatest, remember what Paula always says: "If you can't sing well, sing LOUD!"
| Wir Zogen in Das Feld
Music and Lyrics Traditional | |
| German | English Translation |
|
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, |
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, |
| Schedule of Upcoming Events (at least the ones we know about already) | |
| Every Thursday | Landsknecht Open House, Peterka's |
| April 4, 1998 | Marietta Work Party (Starts 10:00 am) |
| April 4, 1998 | German Party for Don & Megan (Starts 7:00 pm, or whenever we get home) |
| April 5, 1998 | Wedding Shower for Don & Megan (Starts 2:00 pm) |
| April 17, 1198 | Marching Through Time School Day |
| April 18 & 19, 1998 | MTT, Marietta Mansion |
| May 15 & 16, 1998 | Spring Camp-Out, Marietta, tentative |
| May 30, 1998 | Don and Megan's Wedding, Iselin NJ |
| June 13 & 14, 1998 | Pennsylvania Musterung |
| August 28 - October 25 | Maryland Renaissance Festival |
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.
Note - Image lost when I converted the file. If & when I get the picture I'll put it up. - The Webmistress
Who is this man, and why is he important to us? The first person to give me a correct answer wins a spiffy prize. Bonus points if you can name the artist.