American Civil War Society
Fall Festival and School of the Soldier
September 17 & 18, 2005
Oak Glen, CA

This article will attempt to explain what the ACWS is planning for its Fall Festival / School of the Soldier, September 17th & 18th at Riley's farm. The idea is to present a combined Blue-Gray soldier's benefit fair, in the setting of a civilian  "ten Township". with Federal and Confederate military encampments on the outskirts.  The entire weekend will be geared toward living history, with all participants encouraged to use their historic personas to relate to one another in a period manner, and to engage in planned and impromptu scenarios. An entire weekend to use, and improve our acting skills. The public who attend will be encouraged to dress historically and to join in our presentations.

The civilian "township" is envisioned as rows of wall tents and A-frames set up around the perimeter of a "town square", in which the Fir and Exposition will be held. In order try to maximize the number of tents in "town", the ACWS is asking, for this event only, that all families that normally camp in the military encampments, instead, set up their large tens, in "town. All efforts should be made to try to civilianize these campsites, although soldiers will, of course, be allowed to abide with their families. The "town" will be set up with a simple class system, from church tent and rich gentry at the upper end, down through middle class tradesmen, and laborers in the center, to the lower class area of saloons and gambling halls. In the "town square" will be exhibition tents, fair game booths and tables, a bandstand, an oration area, and other festival related activities.

Adjacent to, but at the opposite ends of "town", Federal and Confederate military encampments will be established. It is hoped that these camps, with most civilian, in "town", can be up campaign style, or with bare bones military look, to add to authenticity. Although no battles will be fought on this weekend, there will still be a lot for the soldiers to do. Ample opportunity for drill sessions, recruiting booths in "town" to be manned, a Grand Parade. Public demonstrations, camp guard mounts, pay call and "town leave" scenarios, company punishments details, etc. Also, any soldier who desires to portray a civilian impression in "town" will be granted extended leave to do so.

The idea behind this weekend is to give us some time to focus on  other aspects of our era, a chance to improve our period personas,

A listing of "townspeople" and other assorted roles that would need to be filled include:

To portray one of these roles, or one of your own choosing, simple inform the Fir Committee of your choice, do your research, and collect the necessary props and other accoutrements. Then come to the event prepared to assume your new role in our "township".

This will be the 2nd time such a large-scale all-period living history weekend has been tried in Southern California. We encourage all ACWS members, and any other interested reenactors to join in this endeavor to try to create something new and different.

For your consideration,
Wendy and Tom Atkins

From Points West: Take the I-10 or the I-60 towards Palm Springs. Exit on Beaumont Avenue. Turn Left and proceed approximately nine miles, until you see the sign that reads "Welcome to Oak Glen." (Beaumont Ave./Road will become Oak Glen Road.) Look for the large, red-lettered "Riley's Farm" sign and turn in to the right.
 

From Points East: Take the I-10 west towards Los Angeles. Exit on Beaumont Avenue. Turn Right and proceed approximately nine miles, until you see the sign that reads "Welcome to Oak Glen." (Beaumont Ave./Road will become Oak Glen Road.) Look for the large, red-lettered "Riley's Farm" sign and turn in to the right