Gentlemen,

I know that we are nearing the end of the month, but I thought that this would be an excellent opportunity to discuss the Elmira Event. Personally, I participated in the event as a Confederate, and found the event to have some very positive aspects. After the Confederate force (Battalion? Couple of Companies? Slighlty Organized Mob?) marched back into the woods, an opportunity was given for good first person for people visiting the Native Village. There were some other positive interactions with the public.

Your obedient,

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Alexander M. Stowe
Son of New York
122nd NYVI

Well, I can hardly sit back and not speak of the event known as "Elmira". I speak for a few individulas in our unit when I say Elmira will always be Elmira. For us, this is the first interactive event for our unit, other than our full camp drill weekend. This event is really just a weekend to come and sit around the campfire, drink some coffee and burn some bacon. Burning of powder is optional for some.

For the past few years, the event organizers have stated that if anyone has any comments to make the event better, to let them know. I think deep down they dont want to hear how to truely make this better. I can easily look past the females pretending to be men, some even wearing rank, or all the modern glasses or combat boots in the ranks. I can even get over the neon lanterns coming from the artillery camp at all hours of the morning. I can also get over the fact that most of the officers in the rank probably dont know what it is like to "throw down" or have to curl up next to someone else while sleeping to stay warm. Even the sea of camp cots and sleeping bags dont bother me. Or the use of modern gardening equipment during the daytime hours. Or all the haversacks and canteens bouncing off of the soldiers asses. Or the countless safety issues (ie walking between the stacks, artillery shooting at decreased distances, or the impropering firing of the ranks) These are little things that, if changed, would have a huge impact on the event.

Ill say that our unit isnt perfect, but forgive me for saying, our unit gives this event a little more reality of what took place 145 years ago. And yet we will continue to return year after year because Elmira will always be Elmira......

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Mike Dudkowski
Corporal
140th NYVI

They want to know how we feel about the event and any ideas for improvements? The event had someone who was will to make improvements and the old guard there literary took a big dump on the guy for doing so.
I too can tolerate the heavy campers.I feel bad for them though on sundays after I break camp in five minutes, drive for hour to get home.put away the gear,take a shower,plop in front of T.V. and some would still be at the event taken down their camp.

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Brian W.Swartz

As I said in another forum, you have two choices either contribute to the event by being there or don't. Elmira certainly isn't an immersion weekend but if you mind your own business and take care of your own company street it's a worthwhile weekend. If we're ready to try something else, maybe we should take a look at Neshimy for next year.

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Tim Bills
Mil. Coor.
140th NY Liv Hist Org.
http://www.140thny.org