Gettysburgh July 1999 Spectator Comments

From: ferrat@webtv.net (Robert Goldsmith) Wed, 7 Jul 1999

Recently went to Gettysburg for July battles. Found it very interesting but the empty bleacher blocked my viewing. Also port-a -pottys were all bunched in one area. Must say thank you blue and grays, the heat was awful but the shows were wonderful Linda Goldsmith from Conn.
From: ddopkin_at_emsmail@mail.emsus.com Wed, 07 Jul 99

I still think you could have gotten to the point [in your critique] faster. That was a very long explanation (at least one full page) of why reenactments need to be critiqued. I think most people would agree w/you. You don't need to explain yourself to them.

Anyway, I should have also mentioned that your website was very helpful. It had the info on upcoming reenactments that I was looking for. Thanks for your effort and for your reply! Diane

From: Bruce Logan

I attended the McPherson Ridge reenactment [at Gettysburg] on Saturday morning, July 3, and the only "improvement" over what you describe happened on Friday was that the battle worked its way further down the spectator line so that folks on the right of the bleachers did eventually get to see something. All your other criticisms still applied.

I've been to most of the Gettysburg reenactments held at Bushey farm, Yingling farm, or Herr Ridge around the July 4th weekend since the early 90s and always have to remind myself that they are -- for the most part -- profit-oriented, commercial enterprises and that I'm going to have to "fork out" for tickets and parking. The $7.00 for bleacher seating at Bushey farm was a bit much however, particularly given the low reenactor turnout. The fact that there's going to be bleachers at the September Yingling farm event is alarming and bound to make acceptable, non-bleacher viewing almost impossible. I think I'll pass...

By contrast, I'm looking forward to your review of the July 10 - 11 Monocacy reenactment held near Frederick, Maryland. Although not perfect, it was a pleasant surprise, with a larger-than-expected reenactor turnout and only $5.00 to boot -- including parking!
N E W

From: Amanda Lampson <amanda.lampson@uc.edu>

Subject: Gettysburg

 

I agree with your commentary regarding the grand stands seating this year. I was there for both Saturday & Sunday's events. The grand stands blocked a good deal of the battle. The PA system & photographers stand also blocked part of the field. I think the ground seating was a little more organized last year(1998). There were distinct section for blankets, chairs & standing. This made is easier to watch the battle.

The location of the sutlers and restroom facilities was inconvenient. I understand the restriction of the wooded area. I did not see any form of transportation for those people who can not walk that distance.

On a positive note, several of the vendors were more than welcome to give ice & the use of ice water to damped shirts & such to fight the heat which was horrendous this year.

Feel free to post this on your web page if it will help with improvements.

EDITOR'S NOTE: The key parts of the great 1998 mega-event was handled by a re-enactor group that also did Grant vs Lee this year. This group of re-enactor/organizers was not involved in either 1999 Gettysburg event. 

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Updated Oct 22, 1999