Birney's Division 2d Battalion News

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

155th PVI joins the ranks

Let's have a big 2d Battalion cheer for the 155th PVI from Erie who have fallen in with us today. Please take some time and drop 1st Sgt Vince Jarzynka an email to welcome them aboard.

Posted by CL Smith @ 3:58 PM
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Welcome 28th New York

On behalf of the 2d Battalion, welcome to the boys of the 28th NY Infantry under the command of Capt Terry Darrow. The 28th is based in Rochester. Capt Darrow came to OBV to see what Birney's Division is all about.

Happy to have you as part of our ever-growing family!

Posted by CL Smith @ 9:37 AM
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AAR: Old Bedford Village

This event remains the premiere event in the hobby at this time. All I heard all weekend was WOW, great event!

The event had 1050 reenactors registered and 850 attended, a much better turn out than most events of late produce. Bigger than New Market and Gettysburg! This seems to lend support to the philosophy that reenactors are looking for new and exciting events to attend and are tiring of doing the same old events repeatedly. There were approx 900 spectators pass through in the course of the event giving the Village a much needed revenue boost.

Getting all the reenactors in, camped and comfortable was no real challenge, it went well. The battles were very hot and interesting. The public and event people commended us saying these were the best performance seen at the Village ever. The Federal Army consisted of 175 Infantry, 12 mounted and 17 dismounts from the Cavalry of the Potomac and 5 of Birney's guns to round out that force.

The Confederate Army consisted of 180 PACS and ANV Infantry, 35 mounted, 12 dismounts of the 35th Va Cavalry, and 7 guns of PACS. The Confederate forces were commanded by General Greg Bair of PACS and the Federals by General Ed Kelley of Birney's Division. A great time was had by all.

We have been warning everyone that there has always been a 700 reenactor limit and all others would be turned away. For the first time that limit was reached and exceeded. Some units were turned away as a result. Be fore warned in the future, this limit will become a huge factor in the event so it is suggested that you get your units registered very early in the year to assure your place for future events. Enough said.

I would like to thank Roger Kerwin the Executive Director of Old Bedford Village for the opportunity to hold this event - such a great backdrop for a Civil War reenactment - and all the logistical excellence he provided this weekend. I also would like to thank Col Mark Essig 3rd Reg Commander of PACS for his hard work to put this event together. We spent many hours on the phone together in the past months to get this event just right. Many thanks to my staff for their hard work and support this past weekend. A job well done!

In conclusion, this event is just one in a list of great events we are supporting this season. We pledge to continue providing fresh and exciting events for our memberships to attend in an effort to keep Civil War reenacting strong in our region for many years to come.

Many Regards,

Major General Edward L. Kelley Sr.
Birney's Division
Commanding

Posted by CL Smith @ 9:17 AM
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Thursday, June 07, 2007

News on Thunder Valley

July 20-22, 2007, McKean, Pennsylvania

Back by popular demand, Civil War Days at Thunder Valley Stables, the largest civil war re-enactment in northwestern PA!!! Located 10 miles south of Erie, PA on a scenic 125 acre horse farm. The site is just minutes from I-79.

There are very few modern intrusions on the entire sight. This is very "good ground"! There will be battles, civilian activities, and living history programs both days.

Saturday's activities include a pan throwing contest, ladies tea, period baseball, horse drawn wagon tours, and an evening ball.

On Sunday, we'll hold our highly acclaimed Judged Tactical. For those of you that enjoy tacticals, you won't want to miss this years.

Artillery bounty of $60 awarded to the first 6 guns. No mortars. Hay provided for cavalry, plus a $25 bounty for the first 10 mounted cavalry. A portion of the proceeds will go to the Civil War Preservation Trust and the Erie County Historical Society. There is a limit of 500 re-enactors for this event. Regular registrations are those postmarked before June 22, 2007.

Regular registration fee $7.00 for re-enactors; late registration and walk-ons $14.00. Regular registration fee $30.00 for Sutlers; late registration and walk-ons $40.00. Our web site for registration forms, rules, directions, and updates is: www.Thundervalleystables.net Contact: Thunder Valley Stables 5151 West Stancliff Road, McKean, PA 16426 (814 476-1632).

Posted by CL Smith @ 12:36 PM
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2009 2d Battalion Events Schedule

May – 22- 24 – Civil War Days
Burton Ohio (& - Lt Col Smith)
CLICK HERE for more information.

July – 25- 26 – Beaver Creek
Canfield, OH (& - Lt Col Smith)
Contact Col Unger for registration for registration.

August – 8-9 – Hale Farm
Bath, OH (& - Lt Col Smith)
CLICK HERE for registration.

September 18-20 – Battle on the Ohio-Erie Canal
Zoar, OH (& - Lt Col Smith)
CLICK HERE for registration.

CLICK HERE to view the entire Birney's Division 2009 schedule.