B/502 display at Zoar Harvestfest

[C.L. Smith]

Guys,

Good initial chat last night about planning the WWII living history at Harvestfest in Zoar. I am going to put together a check list of things we need to cover and post it here.

For those of you in Baker Company just coming in to the discussion, we are going to set up a WWII living history display during the weekend of Harvestfest (August 7-8) in Zoar, Ohio.

Stay tuned to this tread for additional discussions.

[C.L. Smith]

Hear are the notes with regard to the plans we have made for this event so far:

1. We will be setting up a WWII living history camp and display at Mark Gaynor's residence in Zoar, Ohio for the Zoar Harvestfest the weekend of August 7-8.

2. The purpose is to educate and recruit.

3. At this moment in the planning process, the camp and display will consist of the following:

a. Airborne field setup including tentage (officer wall and pyramidal), various weapons and equipment.

b. Personnel will be outfitted in a mix of both M42 and M43 uniforms to show the public a range of changes throughout the War.

c. An area will original uniforms, equipment and vehicles provided by Sgt Eddy's relative.

d. Todd Morris's signal section will also have a field set up.

4. We have invited a German unit to also set up a display. There has been talk of an evening small unit tactical in the Arboretum Saturday night.


Here are the initial questions outstanding:

1. When do we plan to set up?

2. How are we going to break up the responsibilities of the various areas?

3. How are we promoting this even though there is an event in town that evening?

[kirby]

I'll be there to do what ever needs done. Will we be displaying strictly field camp or pre-D-Day training camp. Do I need to bring my footlocker and Class A uniform?

[generalsavage]

I would like to attend - although probably one of either days. (in 42's)
~Bill

[C.L. Smith]

I guess this is going to be a generic camp display. I plan on bringing down a bunch of the gas cans and mermite cans just to stack up as dressing.

The plan is to have the pyramidal dressed out as if it was in a training camp. Cots, etc. They didn't have footlockers in a tent billet, but we should have a footlocker display as part of everything that is set up to show people.

If we go to the beer garden in the evening, Class As would be a nice touch for those who have them.

Chris

[C.L. Smith]

Here is a thought. I would like to see us all in the same uniform together. What if we wore 42s on Saturday, and 43s on Sunday?

Chris

[popsgco505th]

I'm from the Springdale area and I didnt realize there was a reenactor unit this close when I joined up with G Co. 505th out of Indy... If I'm not busy that weekend, I'd like to pop up and peruse your display!

Pops

[C.L. Smith]

Hi Pops,

We would love to have you. Check out our website at www.firstalliedairborne.com. Also, send me an email at [e-mail]. I will get you in touch with Sgt Eddy as well.

Thanks for saying hi!

Chris

[C.L. Smith]

Just got word that some of the Marlboro Volunteers have offered to bring several WWII military vehicles to add to the display. Things are coming together.

Chris

[bolfire]

If you dont have both uniforms yet wear what u have.....if you do I think we will go with 42's sat. and 43's on sunday.

I would also like to come up with something real quick like we can hand out to anyone that expresses interest in possibly joining. Maybe with and equipment and cost list and contact info!

[C.L. Smith]

I have a flyer that we put together for the organization. We will definately have a bunch of those to hand out.

I was thinking doing mostly 42s on Saturday, and 43s on Sunday. For those who only have one, they can wear that all through the weekend.

[C.L. Smith]

Attention Baker Company:

In just a few short weeks we will hold our first WWII Living History Weekend in conjunction with the Zoar Harvest Festival (August 7-8). I have put together an email to let you know what this activity consists of and the help we need to make it happen.

1. Military Vehicles - US Halftrack and jeep:

Provided by the Marlboro Volunteers. They will be off-loading these Saturday morning and we will have them in front of Mark's carrage barn where they can be seen from the main road. They will not be on site Sunday.

2. Weapons and Artifact Display:

Set up in Mark's carrage barn. This will include an original Airborne scooter, ammo cart, and a number of original uniforms and artifacts. If you have anything you would like to contribute, please contact Mark right away ([e-mail]).

The other part of this display will show the basic weapons carried by an infantry soldier. We will have to have somebody watching this post and answering questions.

3. Information Table:
Featuring information brochures on events and reenacting units. Mark is going to create a rack card for the 1st Allied Airborne organization. We have also asked for material on the Dennison and Marlboro event.

4. Map Tent:

We will have the small US wall with the ends and sides rolled up set up with a long table and benches displaying maps and other tactical planning material. We can also use this as a place to get out of the sun and drink beer at night! Again, someone can be there to answer questions.

5. Pyramidal Tent:

We will have this set up to show how the soldiers billeted in the field. Including cots, equipment, and a footlocker display. Again, someone can be there to answer questions.

At this time between myself, Mark, Eric and Bob, we have four wooden military cots. We need at least eight. Please contact me if you have a wooden military cot. I would also like to talk to anyone who wants to help dress the tent out including a footlocker display. For those who wish to stay Friday and Saturday night, this is home.

6. Shelter Half Display:

As we are showing a standard billet, we would also like to show how the soldiers used shelter halfs. Are there several of you who can bring yours and set them up?

7. Browning .30 cal and mortor:

Mark Spade is trying to get a friend's .30 on a tripod as part of the display. We have also invited the guys from the 90th ID to set up their mortor. Chris is going to check his schedule. We have also extended an invitation to our friends from the 83rd ID.

8. Uniforms:

Of course the main part of the display is... us. Ideally, we would like to have everyone in the same uniform each day. The plan is to wear the M42 uniform version on SATURDAY, and the M43 uniform version on SUNDAY.

However if you only have one uniform version PLEASE wear what verson you have for the entire weekend. That is absolutely a-ok! The most important thing is that we represent the WWII soldier correctly.

9. Advertising:

I have created a page on the 1st AA website. Go to www.firstalliedairborne.com and click on the link about the event. Please give the link above the widest possible distribution (Facebook, neightbors, friends, etc). I will also be sending out a press release on the event to area newspapers for thier weekend activity lists.

Mark will also be posting signs by the road so as you come in to Zoar, you will see information on the WWII Living History.

10. Sale Items:

Mark and Kristi's antique shop will be open during the event. Mark has a great number of military artifacts for sale. Anyone who has any militaria or reenacting gear to sell are encouraged to bring it with them. PLEASE contact Mark to coordinate this.

11. Open Hours:

10-6 Saturday. 10-5 Sunday. We will be setting up Friday night starting around 5 pm or whenever you can get there.

At this time I would like to ask for a reply for those of you who plan to help and attend the event. Let me know which days you will be there. If you have any questions, please reply to this email.

Thanks,
Chris