Good Afternoon,
I am currently working on the schedule of events for the Siege. If you anyone would like to present a program, display, talk or demonstration please let me know so I can mention it on the schedule.
Many Thanks,
Col. Bogart
ED NOTE: The tea will be on Saturday afternoon for all reenactors. We’ve always had successful teas thanks to your fantastic generosity. Please be thinking of bringing something to the tea. It would be sad if all they had was a cuppa.
Filed under 2016 MILITIA ACTIVITY
Good morning everyone,
I have attached the updated volunteer sheet for Saturdays at the Fort. If you would like to take a Saturday that is open please let me know.
Also please be thinking about bring in your auction items for the Siege. We have very few items as of now.
Thank You,
Col. Bogart
2016 Saturday Volunteers at Fort Watauga
Date Volunteer Event at Park Notes/Other
| May 7 | Ramona Invidiato | Frontier Hist. Expedition | |
| May 14 | Flint Knapping Workshop | Bird Walk | |
| May 21 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Siege of Fort Watauga | |
| May 28 | Memorial Day Weekend | ||
| June 4 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Native American Festival | |
| June 11 | Ramona Invidiato | ||
| June 18 | Flag Day | ||
| June 25 | |||
| July 2 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Independence Muster | July 4th Weekend |
| July 9 | |||
| July 16 | Liberty Drama Night | ||
| July 23 | Ramona Invidiato | Liberty Drama Night | |
| July 30 | Liberty Drama Night | ||
| Aug 6 | Scottish Heavy Athletics | Butterfly Count & Gardening Workshop | |
| Aug 13 | Crockett Days Event | ||
| Aug 20 | Natural Dyeing in Fort | ||
| Aug 27 | Ramona Invidiato | Knap – In | Basketry Workshop |
| Sept 3 | Labor Day Weekend | ||
| Sept 10 | Ramona Invidiato | ||
| Sept 17 | SAR “Gathering” | ||
| Sept 24 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | OVT Celebration | |
| Oct 1 | Ramona Invidiato | Bird Walk | |
| Oct 8 | Quilt Show & Bird Walk | ||
| Oct 15 | Bird Walk | ||
| Oct 22 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Celtic Fest. & Bird Walk | |
| Oct 29 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Haunted Forrest/Fort | Bird Walk/Basket Class |
| Nov 5 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Military Timeline/Harvest | Fiber Show in Visitor C. |
| Nov 12 | Journal Workshop | ||
| Nov 19 | Ramona Invidiato | ||
| Nov 26 | Thanksgiving Weekend | ||
| Dec 3 | Carter Mansion Christmas | ||
| Dec 10 | Ramona Invidiato | ||
| Dec 17 | |||
| Dec 24 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Holiday/Closed | Christmas Eve |
| Dec 31 | xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx | Holiday/Closed | New Years Eve |
Filed under 2016 MILITIA ACTIVITY, Officer Communication
Good Morning Everyone,
I hope everyone is well and filled with the joy of the Easter Holiday. I wanted to update everyone that sent in their dues. They have been received and have been sent to the treasurer of the Friends group. Your checks should hopefully clear on your next statement.
I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the Carter Mansion Celebration on April 2-3. I want to encourage as many as will to come and camp. We have bathroom facilities at the mansion but no showers. I will arrange to have the shower facilities at the park open if anyone wishes to use them.
So far we have a great lineup of activities….
Salute to the Carter Family
Battle both days
House tours
Church/Communion Service
Flint knapping – Bob Estep
Sheep – Doan family
Music – Fifes & Drums/Smith Boys
Surveying – Maj. Ledbetter
Corn Shuck Dolls – Tammy M.
Inkle Loom – Travis S.
18th Century Beverages – John & Becky G.
If anyone else would like to present a program or display please let me know. It’s not too late.
Thank You,
Col. Bogart
Saturday, April 2 & Sunday, April 3
Travel back to the 1780s… The American colonies have declared Independence, but the outcome of this bitter struggle is still in question. Hardy frontiersmen have crossed the mountains in defiance of British law and have carved out homes in the wilderness. Conflict is rising between American Patriots, Loyalists who support the Crown, and native Indians who struggle to retain their way of life. But the people of this time still find cause for celebration and merriment so come out and see it all come together at the oldest frame house in Tennessee.
The Historic John and Landon Carter Mansion, built ca. 1775-1780, boasts beautiful over mantle murals, hand carved moldings and raised panels making it one of the most treasured sites in Tennessee history. The house is the only surviving link to the famed Watauga Association, the democratic government set up by the early settlers in the Watauga Valley. The home’s builder, John Carter, served as a chairman of the Association.
The Washington County Regiment of North Carolina Militia, Sycamore Shoals’ host living history organization, will be celebrating its seven-year anniversary during this exciting celebration! The Militia will be encamped on the grounds of the Carter Mansion and will present demonstrations of the daily lives of 18th century backwoods settlers. As part of the activities a re-enactment of a small battle between Patriots and Tories will be presented each day.
Local craftsmen and artisans will be on hand throughout the weekend showcasing and demonstration traditional arts and crafts. Other activities throughout the weekend will include Tours of the Carter Mansion: Tennessee’s oldest frame house, Militia Drill, Musket and Rifle demonstrations, Traditional Music, Storytelling, Colonial Military Music by the Watauga Valley Fifes and Drums, and much more. Come join us for a weekend of History, Entertainment, and Family Fun!
Col. Emeritus McCroskey
Good Afternoon Everyone,
I received a call from Bob McCroskey the other evening. Bob’s sister, Mary Lou, whom he often mentioned at our church services, passed away last week. Bob always mentioned how much she appreciated our thoughts and prayers and said that she was confident that it was the prayers that kept her going eight years further than she was given by the doctors. Join with me in prayer as we ask for comfort for Bob and his family.
Also Let’s remember Bob Ritchie. He has some major decisions to make concerning heart surgeries. I know that he and Norma will appreciate all the thoughts and prayers we can offer.
Sincerely,
Col. Bogart
Filed under 2016 MILITIA ACTIVITY, Officer Communication
The Fife and Drum is having a fund raiser at the Pizza Inn in Elizabethton next Monday between 5 and 9 PM. The Watauga Valley Fife and Drum has been recognized by the TN legislature as being the official fife and drum group in the State, however they are totally self funded. They work very hard and diligently to be the best they can be. Please come out and support.
Watauga Fife and Drum
Filed under 2011 Militia Activity
Good Afternoon,
First, I wish to thank all that were able to go to Walnut Grove this past weekend. It was a most enjoyable time and the site manager and our host (the SC Rangers & Capt. Moss) were very appreciative of our assistance and presence.
The Carter Mansion celebration is coming up soon. April 2-3. You may recall that we decided to scrap doing the Colonial Skills and Trades in February on account of the unpredictable weather, and chose to present them at the Carter Mansion Celebration instead. This is a great time to showcase these types of programs. The weather is warming up and there is no lovelier place than the Carter Mansion. Please let me know if you would like to present a program, display, or talk that weekend. I am open to new ideas and comments.
As usual we will be doing the salute to the Carter Family in the cemetery Saturday morning and the Skirmish both days at 1pm so come prepared to shoot.
Thanks,
Col. Bogart
Fort Watauga in winter
Winter musters are usually miserable affairs. It is sub FREEZING, snowy, wet, and those who participate are not your typical sunshine patriots. This year the muster was on Feb. 6 and 7 and the weather, while coolish, was hinting at a stellar spring to come.
On Friday, those who were setting up the cabins and camps arrived to a dry fort . The Tavern was up for grabs but the Bennetts did their usual wonderful job making the Talbot House look prosperous and warm. (click on the pictures to see the captions) Somewhere in the preceeding month, Earl Slagle upgraded the Longhunter lean-to to a more secure structure and he and Kim had a very impressive camp there complete with a bear claw that Kim skinned, hanging from one of the poles. Bucky Simerly set up a primitive digs in the man cave and it was very comfortable. Doug Ledbetter and Bill White did a superlative job making the last cabin warm and inviting.
When there’s not much going on, my thoughts turn to COOKING and along with Lisa Bennett, we just about fed the whole militia. I’m thinking that the hillbilly Hilton is rapidly becoming a publik house, yet unnamed, but perhaps someone will make me a sign “The Cock and Bull”. There was fun, frolic and eating all day for two days.
Becky and John Garrou were in the visitor’s center with their fine display of period drink. It’s a great idea and serves two good functions. One is to get Becky out of the cold, yet she still can participate and the other is to welcome guests to the museum and to the doings of the day. The only thing is I miss being with her when she’s up there. I need a sign on the door… “visiting the Carters”… or something like that.
There was no set theme; mostly it was military drilling with practicing various commands and marching. I have often threatened to have a shirt made with the militia logo on the front printed crookedly and in the back, the sentence “Militias don’t do straight lines” but I have to say, the boys looked spectacular as they followed the officers’ commands.
BY GAD!!! Straight Lines!!
Besides drilling and drilling, there was an artillery demo which always is a big hit.
Ready, aim, Fire at Will!
Will?
The most notable thing on Saturday was the special recognition program at Noon. Several junior ROTC cadets from the Carter County high schools including Elizabethton High were recognized at a special and well attended ceremony. It was a pleasure to see these young people take the mantle of leadership.
The Watauga Fife and Drum outdid themselves on Saturday. There was a full compliment and they performed a medley of new songs. Hats off to the FIFE AND DRUM!
Sunday was a very quiet day. I bet there were only 20 visitors the whole day in spite of the fact that it was warm and beautiful. The Talbot House was packed for service and Dave Doan gave a beautiful homily about the meaning of Ash Wednesday. One has to hand it to him. Dave was sick, getting over a nasty stomach flu but was there and preached wonderfully. It , like Saturday, was a good day for laughter and seeing old friends and meeting new.
Thank you, Retha Reece, Doug Walsh and Tim Massey for taking such wonderful pictures.
Filed under 2016 MILITIA ACTIVITY
Dear Friends,
The date of our annual Carter Mansion Celebration and Muster has been changed to Saturday and Sunday, April 2nd and 3rd, 2016. The times of the event will be from 10 am til 4 pm on Saturday and 10 am til 3 pm on Sunday. The previously announced dates were the following weekend of April 9th and 10th and we apologize for having to make this change.
We hope you will add this weekend to your calendar and join us at Tennessee’s oldest standing frame house; a site full of late 18th century history and beauty. The two day event will highlight the history of Carter County’s finest historic structure, along with traditional arts and family fun at the home of the historically prominent Carter family. Travel back to the 1780’s and tour the Carter Mansion. Witness living history re-enactors demonstrating aspects of 18th century life, and see local craftsmen showcasing traditional skills.
Good Afternoon Everyone,
First I want to thank everyone that came out for the Winter Militia Muster this past weekend. I enjoyed everyone’s company and we got in a lot of good drill and artillery training. Thanks Ramona and Lisa for all the delicious food and refreshment. Each cabin was alive with activity, and Earl and Kim had a great looking hunters camp in the woods. Also many thanks to the Fifes & Drums for some great music this weekend.
As many of you remember. The Walnut Grove event last October was cancelled due to torrential rain and flooding. The make-up date for the event is March 5-6. I need a count of who plans to go ASAP so I can let the event coordinators know our numbers.
Also, as stated this weekend, the Carter Mansion Celebration will have to be moved to accommodate the event at Cumberland Gap. The only date that is good for the park is the first weekend in April. The 2nd and 3rd . This will be the weekend after Easter and the weekend before Cumberland Gap. Also, on the weekend of the 16th and 17th , Davy Crockett Birthplace will be hosting a primitive encampment weekend for the OVTA. Below is a schedule from now until May.
March 5-6: Walnut Grove, Roebuck, SC
April 2-3: Carter Mansion Celebration
April 9,10,11: Cumberland Gap
April 16-17: Davy Crockett OVTA weekend
April 30 – May 1: Blockhouse Event, Natural Tunnel State Park
May 7: Kickoff to the Frontier Expedition Event. SSSHP
May 13,14,15: Martin’s Station
May21-22: Siege of Fort Watauga
Lots to plan for!
Also looking down the road quite a bit…
This one may come as quite a surprise. I know that many of you have expressed an interest in putting on a Haunted event in October. I spoke to Jennifer about it and she is really excited. If you think this is something that you would be interested in helping with please let me know. As of now, the likely date for such an event will be Saturday, October 29th. I think if we put it in a historical context it might spark some interest in the young folks. I don’t know…maybe something along the lines of the “ZOMBIE INVASION OF 1776” !!!
Quite a bit to think about, I know, but all fun stuff indeed. Thanks again and I look forward to our next meeting.
Take Care,
Col. Bogart
Filed under 2016 MILITIA ACTIVITY, Officer Communication
Washington County Regiment of N.C. Militia 