Gettysburg Preservation Efforts (aka Brush Cutting) ~ Saturday, April 21, 2018

Gettysburg Preservation Efforts
(aka Brush Cutting)
Saturday, April 21, 2018

THE FOLLOWING DISPATCH WAS SENT FROM THE COMMANDER
ON MONDAY APRIL 16th:

I want to make you all aware of some logistical changes with regard to our work site and vehicle parking.

The Spangler property consisting of the house, barn and outbuildings is along a trail used by horse tours. The area near the barn where I was planning on parking needs to be clear for horse groups to gather; consequently the parking will be limited to only those with limited mobility issues. They NPS folks want the rest of us to enter the farm either off of the Emmitsburg Road as a drop off or from West Confederate Ave.

Sooooo...
     #1 The front entrance off of the Emmitsburg Road will be marked with orange cones and can be used to drop people off by the house and for handicapped parking. It will be best if you can park in the National Cemetery Parking lot on the Taneytown Road and shuttle/carpool from there. The driver can then park on West Confederate Avenue. (remember that West Confederate is one way South so after drop off the driver will need to swing back through town to access West Confederate off of West Middle Street)
     # 2 Take West Middle Street through town and turn left when you reach West Confederate Ave. West Confederate Ave is one way south and the path to the Spangler Farm is about 500 yards south of the Virginia Memorial on the left side of the road. The path will be marked with orange cones. Parking is available along the right side of the road. (All four tires must be on road when parking) The distance to the work site from the road along the path is about 200 yards. This area is low and does get wet so it could be a muddy walk.

At the bottom if this post, Caitlin Brown, who is the NPS Volunteer Coordinator, has provided a google map of the site showing both the Emmitsburg and West Confederate access points. ll give you a better perspective of everything. I have also attached a larger map of the Gettysburg battlefield.

I don't feel this should cause any undue hardship, but if any of you feel this is a problem just let me know. We're all volunteers so no harm no foul if you can't make it for any reason.

The CWRT will provide cold H2O.  Caitlin will give a program after our work which should be around 12:30-1pm. Bring your lunch and eat while you work or have a late lunch after the program. Bring work gloves, trimmers etc if you have them. The NPS will provide all the painting equipment and trimmers but as we will have a large group anything you bring will help. Gas powered trimmers are permitted, chain saws are NOT. 

ORIGINAL DISPATCH:

Spring has sprung and that means we will once again be helping conserve and preserve the Gettysburg Battlefield. As you know our Round Table was one of the first organizations to volunteer for “Brush Cutting” at Gettysburg NMP. We’ve been doing this for well over 20 years. For most of that time we have been a “Fire Brigade” going wherever the need was the greatest.  Our success in recent years is due in great part to our expanded Civil War Round Table family. In addition to our regular members and their families Bob McHugh brings students from Saucon Valley HS, John Duffy (Jim’s brother) leads the Boy Scouts of Troop 89 and Pat Matthews brings a contingent from the Whitehall Historical Society.

    This year we will work at the Henry Spangler Farm (999 Emittsburg Rd) located on the right (west) side Emmitsburg Road as you head south from town. (the entrance is a dirt road and will be marked with an orange cone; if you get to the Peach Orchard you’ve gone too far!) The property is about 300 yards west of the road and consists of a house, smoke house and barn. Kemper’s Brigade of Pickett’s Division organized near here for the assault on July 3, 1863. As in previous years we have something for all ages and abilities. There will be brush cutting around fence lines, some fences will need rebuilding and for the artistic there is a picket fence that needs painting. We’ll also need drivers if none of the above fits your job description capabilities.

Logistics Guidelines:  If you wish to carpool meet at the Holiday Inn around 6:45. Claire Kukielka will be on hand to help coordinate. You need to leave no later than 7AM to arrive at the worksite by 9AM.

Weather, weather, weather. We all talk about it and can’t do a darn thing about it. Because of our numbers and multiple groups who participate it’s more than a daunting task to reschedule so unless the NPS cancels we’re on! It is imperative that I have your contact info in the event I need to relate any last minute developments.

There will be a bathroom on site. (porta potty)

We’ll work from about 9AM until 12:30 or so. Bring your lunch and eat on the job or wait until everything is done and go into town. As a reward for your service one of the NPS staff will relate the history of the property and fighting there when we complete our tasks.

Wear appropriate work clothes. Bug spray and poison ivy protection may make you more comfortable. The NPS will provide tools and paint equipment but you may bring your own gloves and trimmer if you wish.

Bottom line is that we are all volunteers so nobody will be docked if you arrive a minute late or leave a tad early. We have fun, learn about the site during the battle and help the Park. That is what’s known as a win win!

Ed Root – sartilly@hotmail.com

From the Brigade Commander ~ April 2018

From the Brigade Commander

    What stalwarts! Congratulations to everyone who dared to venture out and face the great unknown possible snow event. All who had reservations arrived as well as those who could not make the dinner but arrived in time for the program. We were indeed fortunate to have someone in Michael Gray who is an accomplished historian, but is so involved with the Lehigh Valley history scene. We hope to continue and grow our relationship with him and the Lehigh Valley Historical Society and Heritage Museum. His presentation about Civil War Prisons and how they were viewed will certainly linger with all who attended the gathering.      

    Barry Arnold and Kay Bagenstose continue to make our 40th Anniversary year meaningful and enjoyable. Please let them know how much you appreciate the hard work that goes into Barry’s photographs and Kay’s surprise raffle.

    We’ve been fortunate with the weather this Campaign and I hope you kept abreast of developments on our website for possible alerts. Paul Bartlett via the website and Claire Kukielka by way of an email blast did their part to keep everyone aware, All you have to do is pay attention! Check out our site at http://www.cwrteasternpa.org/ Paul does a great job keeping things fresh.

    Our Gettysburg Brush Cutting event on Saturday, April 21 is fast approaching. See Brigade News on Brush Cutting for details

    The Nomination Report for Officers and Directors for the 2018-19 Campaign is listed this newsletter. If you are interesting in serving our organization and would like to be considered for a position please see Joe Riggs. Nominations will be accepted from the floor prior to the vote at our May meeting.

    If you are one of the few recalcitrant souls who have not reenlisted in our happy band of history students you can avoid everlasting shame by seeing Jeff Gates and bringing your membership up to date. Your membership is important and much appreciated. Don’t make me send out the Provost Guard to track you down………

    Our April 3rd meeting with Dave Bastian presenting looks to be a fascinating look at U.S. Grant and his canal at Vicksburg! Please join us for dinner if your schedule allows. You will find the camaraderie and food well worth your time.

Ed Root   sartilly@hotmail.com   610-417-6673

Nominations for Officers and Directors for the 2018-2019 Campaign

Civil War Round Table of Eastern Pennsylvania, Inc
Nominating Report presented by Joseph Riggs, Nominating Chair
Slate of Officers and Directors for the 2018-2019 Campaign

Election to be held at the May 1, 2018 Meeting
Nominations from the floor will be accepted at that time.

Brigade Commander; Edwin Root

Regimental Commander: Robert McHugh

Company Co-Commanders: Claire Kukielka and Barry Arnold

Adjutant: Kay Bagenstose

Paymaster: James Duffy

Board Members, Term Ending June 2020:
William Frankenfield
Frank Whelan

Continuing Service, Term Ending June 2019
Kim Jacobs
Ed Oechsle

From the Brigade Commander - March 2018

From the Brigade Commander

     Once again at our February meeting we were reminded how fresh and fascinating research continues to bring forth “new” stories. Thanks to Jim Remsen for bringing the history of the black men and women who settled in Waverly, Pennsylvania. First as fugitives from slavery prior to the Civil War and later as defenders of the Union who fought in the blue uniform on many a bloody field this is a story largely unknown until now. Thanks Jim!! Once again we were very happy to see some of Bob McHugh’s excellent students from Saucon Valley High School attend our program.

     Barry Arnold has donated some wonderful framed photography over the last year or so. Some of his work now resides in Nitschmann Middle school in Bethlehem. Last month Barbara Kreidler was the happy winner of a view at Gettysburg near Smith’s NY Battery above Devil’s Den featuring one of the Park’s magnificent witness trees. Barry has graciously offered to bring a different image to each meeting. If you want to be in the running for one of these great items see Barry and Tony at the check-in table every meeting.

     Don’t forget to frequently check our website. There is always something informative and interesting. We endeavor to include in the Calendar section events being held by other organizations such as the Lehigh County Historical Society at the LV Heritage Museum. I encourage any of you to send an article you deem worthy of sharing to me for inclusion. Check out our site at http://www.cwrteasternpa.org/ Paul Bartlett does a great job keeping things fresh.

     Have you thanked Kay Bagenstose yet for her monthly 40th anniversary special raffle and treats? She’s put a tremendous amount of work AND expense into this effort. Let her know how much it is appreciated!

     As you know our Round Table was one of the first organizations to volunteer for “Brush Cutting” at Gettysburg NMP. We’ve been doing this for well over 20 years. For most of that time we have been a “Fire Brigade” going wherever the need was the greatest. 

     This year we will work at the Henry Spangler Farm located on the right (west) side Emmititsburg Road as you head south from town. (the entrance is a dirt road which will be marked; if you get to the Peach Orchard you’ve gone too far!) The property is about 300 yards west of the road and consists of a house, smoke house and barn. Kemper’s Brigade of Pickett’s Division organized near here for the assault on July 3, 1863. As in previous years we have something for all ages and abilities. There will be brush cutting around fence lines, some fences will need rebuilding and for the artistic there is a picket fence that needs painting. We’ll also need drivers if none of the above fits your job description capabilities.

     We’ll work from about 9AM until 12:30 or so. Bring your lunch and eat on the job or wait until everything is done and go into town. As a reward for your service one of the NPS staff will relate the  history of the property and fighting there when we complete our tasks.

     If you have not already done so please see the sign-up sheets at our meeting. We have a wonderful tradition of service at Gettysburg NMP. Be part of our continuing work to maintain and preserve this national treasure. Those wishing to car-pool should meet at the Holiday Inn parking lot and leave no later than 7AM.

     If you are one of the few recalcitrant souls who have not reenlisted in our happy band of history students you can avoid everlasting shame by seeing Jeff Gates and bringing your membership up to date. Your membership is important and much appreciated. 

     Please join us at the March 6th gathering when we welcome back Professor Gray from East Stroudsburg University when he will share his thoughts on "Civil War Captives and a Captivated Home Front: The Rise of Prisons as Dark Tourist Destinations." Mike is also the President of the Board of Trustees of the Lehigh County Historical Society.

Ed Root   sartilly@hotmail.com   610-417-6673

From the Brigade Commander February 2018

From the Brigade Commander

     Kudos to all the brave souls who ventured out on a frigid night to attend our January gathering. You were certainly rewarded with Mike Jesberger’s presentation about the Home Front in the Civil War.  This is a subject all too often ignored or under discussed and is absolutely worthy of discussion about how circumstances on the Home Front impacted circumstances on the Military Front.

     Don’t forget to frequently check our website. There is always something informative and interesting. I encourage any of you  to send an article you deem worthy ofsharing to me for inclusion. Check out our site at http://www.cwrteasternpa.org/ Paul Bartlett does a great job keeping things fresh.

     Once again Signup sheets will be at our upcoming meeting for our Saturday, April 21st Brush Cutting adventure at Gettysburg’s Henry Spangler Farm. Please sign up so we can keep you updated as we approach our work date.

     I know if has been really really cold, but please warm my heart and make sure your membership form for this Campaign has reached Jeff Gates. We need the support of all and your membership is important and we do appreciate it.     

      We have continued to receive donations to our Annual Appeal. This support over and above your dues will help us to continue to provide the excellent programs and meetings you have come to expect and appreciate without raising dues or dinner fees. If you are of a mind, it is not too late to make an offering to the Cause! This support is greatly appreciated.

      Stay warm and dry and remember that by our upcoming meeting Spring will only be 6 weeks away!! See you on February 6 when we welcome Jim Remsen who will present “Embattled Freedom, Chronicle of a Fugitive-Slave Haven in the Wary North.”

Ed Root
sartilly@hotmail.com  
610-417-6673

From the Brigade Commander - January 2018

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2018 and our continuing study of American history! We always find something new and fascinating from our monthly speakers as well as from the never ending release of books that break unknown ground and discover treasurers.

A picture is worth a thousand words; certainly a truism for all those who attended our December gathering with Tim Smith. History does come alive when we view the scenes of that famous field at Gettysburg through the eyes of men like Gardner and Tipton. Thanks Tim for an excellent program.

We were pleased to see eight students from Bob McHugh’s Saucon Valley High School United States History Advanced Placement class at our December meeting. These are exceptional young people who also participate in our annual conservation project at Gettysburg. We salute the next generation of folks who study our nation’s history and help preserve her historic sites and collections!

Congratulations to Jeff Gates for winning our December 40th Anniversary prize (generously organized by Kay Bagenstose) and to Terri Monroe for coming away with our December Preservation raffle print which was donated by Barry Arnold. Keep buying those tickets for our June raffle folks. We all win when we donate to historic preservation. Shame on you is you have not stopped by to see Jeff Gates and reenlisted for this our 40th year. Your membership is important and we do appreciate your support.

Don’t forget to frequently check our website. There is always something informative and interesting. http://www.cwrteasternpa.org/ Paul Bartlett does a great job keeping things fresh.

Signup sheets will be at the January meeting for our Saturday, April 21st Brush Cutting adventure at Gettysburg’s Henry Spangler Farm.

A hearty “Thank You” to all those who responded to our Annual Appeal. Thus far we have received donations totaling nearly $500 from ten members. This support over and above your dues will help us to continue to provide the excellent programs and meetings you have come to expect and appreciate without raising dues or dinner fees. If you are of a mind, it is not too late to make an offering to the Cause!

See you on January 2 when we welcome in the New Year with Mike Jesberger who will speak about the Civil War Home Front, a little discussed, but very important facet of the “Late Unpleasantness.”

Ed Root sartilly@hotmail.com 610-417-6673

Annual Appeal for the CWRT of Eastern PA

Dear members and supporters of the Civil War Round Table of Eastern PA, Inc,

On this link, please find a letter of appeal for your support of our organization. As you all are most likely aware, the cost of "doing business" of any organization or business always seems to rise, not fall as time passes. This is true for our CWRT as well. Venue costs go up as food and staff costs increase; speaker costs rise as we do provide accommodations as needed as well as provide travel reimbursement. Our goal is always to support historic preservation and educational initiatives with whatever money we retain over expenses. None of our Officers and Board members receive payment other than occasional reimbursement for out of pocket expenses. Most of them donate more than time and energy and do it freely and passionately.

It is not or intent or desire to increase our dues or dinner costs as we wish to encourage membership and we wish to keep our dinner cost affordable. We feel strongly that our members and friends receive excellent value for both items. 

We do need your help however. We realize that all of us receive pleas, especially at this time of the year, and we also realize that there are more good causes than any of us as individuals can possibly support.

This plea is definitely a soft sell as we do not wish any of you to feel that there is  pressure to make any sort of a donation at this time. It is strictly up to each of you to decide if this is something you wish to do and have the resources to do.

Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated. Donations may be tax-deductible as the CWRT is a 501(C)3  -non-profit corporation.

Sincerely,

Edwin Root and the Officers and Directors of the CWRT of Eastern PA, Inc

Link to Appeal Letter and Donation Form

From the Brigade Commander - December 2017

From the Brigade Commander: Ed Root
     Who knew? Isn’t it amazing how new scholarship results in new information that adds to our knowledge of our Late Unpleasantness? Who knew that Charles Anderson, son of an aide to Lafayette, brother of Fort Sumter’s Robert, friend of R.E. Lee gave a speech at Gettysburg on November 19, 1863? Now those of you who attended the November meeting know! Much gratitude is due to David Dixon for sharing the story of “The Lost Gettysburg Address.”

     We have been gathering at the Holiday Inn now for almost two years. Those of you who join us for dinner each month have experienced the good food, excellent service and resulting camaraderie that develops from chatting over a good meal. If you have not attended the dinner portion of our meetings please consider doing so. Bring a friend!

     Our trip to Gettysburg on October 28th to visit the “Lost Ave” with Dean Shultz was a grand success. So much so that the attendees donated $150 to the Land Conservancy of Adams County as a token of appreciation and our CWRT matched that with another $150. Thanks so much to Wayne Schaeffer, Claire Kukielka and Barry Arnold for all their hard work arranging the trip!

     You’ve noticed by now the treats brought every meeting by our Adjutant, Kay Bagenstose, as we celebrate our 40th Anniversary. Please note that all calories have been surgically removed for your snacking enjoyment! Let Kay know how much you appreciate her effort!

     Your membership dues are the foundation for our financial success each year. There are few places in this world where $25 can result in such a positive experience. So, if YOU haven’t reenlisted yet, get going and bring a friend! Don’t let Jeff Gates feel lonely at the entrance to the meeting room. He’s a very sensitive fellow and will feel sad if you pass him by.

     Remember to stop by and see Jim Duffy and Kay Bagenstose and check out our items for our Preservation raffle. We have more prizes than ever to entice your hard earned greenbacks from you. Remember, when it comes to historic Preservation there are no losers; we all have the satisfaction of helping to Save our Historic Sites and Collections!

     Don’t forget to frequently check our website. There is always something informative and interesting. http://www.cwrteasternpa.org/ Paul Bartlett does a great job keeping things fresh.

     Rev. John Berntsen has stepped up and will be helping out Program Chair Bob McHugh with our publicity effort. It is imperative that we reach out and find folks interested in American history and bring he or she into the fold. Any organization not growing is failing. There is no such thing as standing still. Onward and upward!! All members should help spread the word about our organization. The more members, the merrier! Thanks John!

     We have a member who lives in the Catasauqua area who would love to attend a meeting, but needs a ride. Please contact me if you are able to help!

     See you on December 5th when we welcome old friend Tim Smith and “Early Photography of the Gettysburg Battlefield.”

Ed Root sartilly@hotmail.com 610-417-6673

Annual Gettysburg Conservation Day ~ Saturday, April 21st, 2018

Annual Gettysburg Conservation Day Saturday, April 21st, 2018

     As you probably know our Round Table was one of the first organizations to volunteer for “Brush Cutting” at Gettysburg NMP. We’ve been doing this for well over 20 years. For most of that time we have been a “Fire Brigade” going wherever the need was the greatest. This year will be no exception.

     On November 4th Chuck Cannon, Jeff Gates and I met with NPS Site Co-Ordinator Alyce Evans at the Henry Spangler Farm located on the right side Emmititsburg Road as you head south from town. (the entrance is a dirt road which will be marked) The property is about 300 yards west of the road and consists of a house, smoke house and barn. Kemper’s Brigade of Pickett’s Division organized near here for the assault on July 3, 1863. As in previous years we have something for all ages and abilities. There will be brush cutting around fence lines, some fences will need rebuilding and for the artistic there is a picket fence that needs painting. We’ll also need drivers if none of the above fits your job description capabilities.

     We’ll work from about 9AM until 12:30 or so. Bring your lunch and eat on the job or wait until everything is done and go into town. As a reward for your service one of the NPS staff will give a history of the property and fighting there when we complete our tasks.

     There will be sign-up sheets starting at the December meeting. We have a wonderful tradition of service at Gettysburg NMP. Be part of our continuing work to maintain and preserve this national treasure.

October 28, 2017 Trip to Neill (Lost) Ave in Gettysburg

October 28, 2017 Trip to Neill (Lost) Ave in Gettysburg

             The first field trip of the year (2017-2018 Campaign) took us to Neill (Lost) Ave. in Gettysburg. The tour started in the parking lot on the Baltimore Pike with Dean Shultz, property owner and personal guide, using a large map to explain the battle in general and handing out personal maps of the property.  As we left the parking lot and crossed  Baltimore St., Dean pointed out some building and their significance like the saw mill, and the house used as a hospital with a small field adjacent to it, used temporarily as a grave yard.  At the end of the field is a dried up well that soldiers used.  That brought us to Dean's house which was a log cabin built about 1760, and owned by Peter Baker in 1863.  The house has blood stains on the upstairs floor, a marker on the front of the house  designating it a "Manor of Maske" and a bench on the porch that Dean said many soldiers sat on.  We then moved to his barn which he explained the siding boards were not original because the boards were removed to be used as coffins.

            Dean had been educating us for twenty minutes just to get to the point where I thought the tour would start.  Sometimes we would walk about 50 to 100 feet and he would stop and explain about cattle grazing in a wooded area, or where soldiers had temporarily been buried, or demonstrate dowsing or how the wind mill's purpose was power to move water uphill to water crops. 

            Now we were approaching Neill Ave. which is considered "pristine"  because it's appearance is like it was in 1863, not paved like all other avenues in Gettysburg and the original wall that the two adversaries fought over.  The main reason for this, it's on private property.  He explained how Gen. Neill sent the 7th ME and the 43d NY to the stone wall at the crest of the hill to move the 2nd Va. away from the stone wall to protect the Baltimore Pike.  Gen. Neill then went to get the 49th NY and 61st PA and put each on it's flanks.  Neill's other unit, the 77th NY was guarding Powers Hill.  Dean talked about the 4 monuments to the union units of Neill's Brigade.  The last monument on the hill was the 61st Pa and the last unit in line in the Army of the Potomac. Just past the 61st monument is CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE