SHILOH:  I cannot thank the members of the Homespun Living History Guild enough for their friendship, camaraderie, and devotion to accurately portraying citizens of the era.  Numerous photos appeared in the Jackson Sun website with accompanying information so apparently the newspaper appreciated your efforts as much as I and the park staff did.  The cabin again came to life like the magical Brigadoon on Friday morning when I arrived and unloaded bedding, china cabinet, dishes, photographs, original clothing, and various other items which were enhanced by the contributions of other members of the guild upon their arrival. 

 

I have had numerous complements from the members of the SRR, and from the members of the 33rd Alabama who dined with us on Saturday afternoon.  These men enjoyed your friendship, the effort you made to furnish and interpret the cabin for the benefit of the thousands of spectators who came through during the course of the weekend, and very much appreciated the excellent dinner of catfish stew, gingerbread, raisin cake, pound cake and fresh strawberries that was served at dinner.  The history of chowder parties, fish-fries, barbecues, picnics, and other outdoor meal occasions are included in the book I am currently working on scheduled to be released in the spring of 2006 (same book with the hunting, camping, fishing, etc. information).  Anyone interested in these outdoor meals and social occasions, please stay in touch, and see the Thistle Dew Books website for updates.

 

Many thanks to Lee Walker for my Prairie Traveller cot and the tables for the group.  As always your carpentry skills are much appreciated by all.  Many thanks to Lee, Asa, Billy Birney, and John Beaver for your interpretation of trading with the troops (federal soldiers at the Visitor's Center under the direction of Jim Butler).  Your efforts helped their interpretation of the soldiers in the area and demonstrated for visitors the interaction which sometimes occurred between the military and local citizens.  Many thanks to Laura, Anne, Brenda, Danny, and all for help with preparing the meal, and for setting up the tables for our guests.  I received numerous complements about the group, the way we all get along and enjoy working together, about how we make our guests feel welcome, in addition to the complements on the food.  I appreciate each of you, and enjoy your company immensely.

 

Also many thanks to Joe Davis, Stacy Allen, Tim Smith, and the other rangers and maintenance people who have become such dear friends over the years, and also to the thousands of visitors who came by over the course of the weekend.  Many of you told us you follow the activities of the Guild through our web site, and visit us regularly in April and December - we appreciate your friendship and support, and look forward to visiting with each of you in December.

 

Until then, 

Vickie