The 49th Indiana, Company F is Indiana’s oldest and largest nonprofit organization devoted to portraying life during the American Civil War. Since 1974, we have represented Indiana’s civil war heritage in movies and documentaries, for newspapers and TV, and at schools, museums, libraries and reenactments across the US. For more information, please contact Greg Swank at 765-404-1603 or visit our website at http://www.49thindiana.com. The Rank & File is the membership magazine of the 49th Indiana Company F.

Captain's Column By Ian Fulford

Well hmm, it’s exciting to see where the future takes us. When first starting reenacting back in the dark ages, I never thought I would end up getting elected Captain. I’m going to have to take a look at what I’ve done wrong to get to this point. Ha! In all serious though, look forward to working with everyone to continue the excellence that is expected out of the 49th. Rob has done an amazing job leading our group and helping build the reputation of the 49th and now it’s on me and us to continue that excellence.

Our first event of the year is right around the corner at Spring Mill State Park down near Mitchell, IN. I believe we’ll be camping in the same building that we’ve been in past February Spring Mill Events. I honestly don’t know the schedule as of now, but I would plan on being at the event by about 9am on Saturday so we can do a little drill and shake the rust off. The location of the park is elsewhere in the newsletter or if you’re a part of the group on facebook there is an event listed out there with the location of the park. I am planning on being at the park by Friday evening.

Second, we will be having our Camp of Instruction the weekend of March 17th at Rob’s house. I call top bunk! For any of you new guys who don’t have all your gear we’d like for you to show up with what you have. As there is no public, would much rather you show up with what you have and learn the drill of the Civil War than miss out on a chance to learn some valuable knowledge. We’ll spend most of Saturday working on marching, handling the rifle, formations, and all that jazz. We’ll also finalize our schedule for 2018.

Speaking of schedule, per Rob’s notification Belzer won’t be happening this year so this drops out one of the max events that were planned with the AOW. On the Gettysburg front, I’ve registered the individuals who had given me money at the winter meeting. I’ll be collecting money for the next round of registration up until the Camp of Instruction; the registration price is currently $25 for the Gettysburg Reenactment.

See y’all in a week or so! Safe travels and we’ll see yeah on the field.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ian Fulford

• 1 lb. of Goex Powder : $17 per pound
  
• 1 Tin of 100 caps : $10 per tin

See the Captain For Purchase.

By Ivan Gucci Vargas

By Greg Swank

First of all, congrats to all the newly elected officers! Hopefully we can live up to your expectations. Things will be a little bit different, but that doesn’t mean we can’t be the best company out in the field! It was really great to see some of the new recruits. I always think it’s nice to meet folks in a normal setting where you can get to know them before we go to an event.

We are coming up quickly on winter spring mill. I really do enjoy the park down there. Where else do you get basically free run of a period village, AND stay in the buildings, AND use the objects inside the buildings?? Such a great place. Make sure you all pack your earplugs for Les’ snoring and Dennis’ stories, haha! In all seriousness, please keep in mind, you want to have enough warm clothing to get by if the weather gets extremely cold. Also, I know of at least one new recruit who is coming down, so if you want to bring any spare gear to share, feel free to do so. We may not need it, but it’s always good to have the ability to suit up a new recruit for a day or afternoon.

Recently, Rob, Ivan, and I attended a planning meeting for the Grand Armies of the Republic (GAR), which is the national umbrella group we have marched under for the Perryville and Shiloh events. There was quite a bit of interesting discussion revolving around the current state of the hobby, the future of the hobby, past events, and future events. It was agreed upon that we need to try to focus on putting on quality national events in the “west”, and to try and focus on sites in Kentucky, Tennessee, and northern Georgia. The idea is to make them as central as possible for all reenactors interested in coming. There was also a representative out to talk about the Gettysburg event. I must say, it sounds like there have been some big changes in how the GAC is operating this year. There will be new battlefields, less visible stands, and a really cool opportunity to do a march before the first day’s battle. There are still moving pieces, but I would highly recommend working on your Iron Brigade impression!!

Hopefully I’ll see some of you out at Spring Mill next weekend!

By Scott Lawalin

The times, they are a changin'. This year's winter meeting swept in a new management team for the unit. This includes, inexplicably, my installment as first sergeant. It's an unexpected honor, and to be honest, a bit terrifying because now I actually have to LEARN things. These things include not just the school of the soldier, but also the school of the company and the school of the battalion, in case Ian takes a hit (as sure a thing as death, taxes, and Cher facelifts). Strange things that I had barely a disinterested thought about, like "Change Front Forward on First Company" now occupy my mind, a cluttered and untidy place to begin with. However, this represents an excellent learning opportunity, one that I intend to fully embrace. All in all, I'm very excited and looking forward to the challenge.

Gear-wise, I've made some purchases over the winter to improve my camp impression. I have obtained two axes, a large coffee pot, and a spade, all period-correct. The axes will come in handy when dealing with firewood, since sometimes we are given logs that need to be split to fit our fire pits or to create chips for kindling. I have sharpened them - they are not props and it would be best to forbid the unit youngsters from handling them except under direct supervision. But I enjoy chopping wood so it might make for a fun work detail to alleviate some of the down-time boredom in camp. The spade will be much more useful in digging our fire pits than our usual knives and hatchets.

Lastly, I'd like to reinforce something discussed at the winter meeting. These days, when even kindergarteners seem to have phones, it's more likely than ever that at an event, you are being recorded. We currently live in a highly-charged political environment, and even banal comments are often used to gin up outrage. There are individuals, for example, who obtain a living making videos using stunts and pranks. They are very skilled at manipulating people into doing and saying unfortunate things. Even statements or actions meant innocently can be made into something very bad with skillful editing. However, there's no need to be paranoid - just be careful and self-aware. Assume you are being taped whenever you're interacting with a spectator or even a reenactor you don't personally know. Think before you speak, which is always a good practice even when not reenacting.

New Orleans has fallen to Union forces. What do you think?

Membership dues are due at the beginning of every year. If you write a check, please make it payable to “Robert Van”, NOT “49th Indiana”

$15 : Membership

$20 : Family Membership

Send payment (check preferred) to :

49th Indiana
C/o Rob Van
6085 Walnut Court
Brownsburg, IN 46112

Website: 49THINDIANA.COM
Facebook: FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/49THINDIANA
Twitter: @49THINDIANA

The 49th Indiana is seeking individuals who have an interest in the Civil War and a willingness to portray the life of a Union Soldier.

Meet The Members - Contact us by phone or email, or simply visit us at one of our upcoming events and let us know you're interested.

Acquiring Equipment - We do not expect new members to purchase all of their equipment at once. Start slowly, and ask other members for advice on where to purchase your basic uniform. We allow new members a year to fully equip themselves. Under some circumstances we can offer to loan gear to those wanting to test out the hobby before they spend too much money.

Become a Member - Once you have attended a few events, attained all of your necessary gear, and paid your yearly dues, you will have become a full member!

If you are interested in joining, please feel free to contact us or visit us at one of our upcoming events.

Email: GREG.SWANK@GMAIL.COM
Website: 49thINDIANA.com
Phone: 765.404.1603