CW in NM

The first weekend in May is traditionally the date for the "Battlefield New Mexico: The Civil War and More" event at El Rancho de Las Golondrinas Living History Museum in La Cienega (just a few miles south of Santa Fe).

Las Golondrinas is a wonderful venue for this sort of activity. Like most living history sites, its environment is carefully managed to present an historically accurate appearance. For the amateur photographer, this is perfect because it virtually guarantees that the only modern objects that can easily get into the picture are the museum patrons themselves.

I had the pleasant experience of photographing a few dozen participants for their Cartes de Visite. Photos taken during the event will soon find their way to my Coppermine photo pages.

Back from Furlough

It's been a slow three, er four, months. I didn't make it to any CW events in the closing weeks of 2009 and had a scheduling conflict with the annual Socorro Live Fire in January. But I managed to spend Saturday, February 27 (along with my lovely 'assistant') at the Battles for Socorro.

On February 21, 1862, Confederate troops from Texas under General H.H. Sibley engaged the Union Army troops under Colonel R.S. Canby. The Tejanos won the Battle of Valverde, fought upstream from Ft. Craig at the Valverde Crossing. Subsequently they advanced north, easily capturing Albuquerque and Santa Fe, before engaging more Union troops at the Battle of Apache Canyon on March 26. Two days later, the Battle of Glorieta was fought; the Confederates lost afterwhich they beat a hasty retreat south.

Sorry to say that no measureable improvements have occurred with my gear since last fall. But at Socorro the beautiful scene of white army tents pitched on the Bosque's leaf-littered floor really got me thinking about what it might take to make a weekend of it. In discussing my homemade Baker tent idea, Ken Dusenberry of the Artillery Co. of N.M. said that he might know of one for sale (at a reasonable price), so perhaps my plans will change in that area.

Since Ken's name came up, I'll take a moment to publicly express my appreciation to him for many kindnesses extended to me in the little more than a year since we first met. Though wearing the stripes of a humble artillery corporal, Ken is the epitome of a 19th century gentleman. Ever genteel and cordial, he is friendly and outgoing and seems to have an endless capacity to suffer fools (like me) in relative silence (and with a kindly smile on his face).

One of Ken's interests is the social customs of the Victorian Era, especially dancing. I experienced this first hand at the Military Ball held at the Ft. Stanton event last fall where Ken served as dancemaster. He reprised his role at Socorro's Fandango (a less formal event) this past weekend. I fear that whenever an event includes a social dance with Ken as the dancemaster, I will have to talk the wife into accompanying me (she's a bit of a reluctant reenactor).

Ken and I share another interest; trains.