NWTA BOARD MEETING MINUTES

*The total number includes Non-Military, LIV, and Guests

As a further matter of information, the 2nd Maryland Reg't only has 1 single member, the 4th Bat'n Royal Art'y and the 7th Pennsylvania Reg't had no members in 1994 and at this time have no members in 1995. A continuation of this situation will require Board action at the March meeting. The Cont'l Marines Co'y apparently has become inactive and this may require some action today. Paymaster: Joan Dobberpuhl. As of October 31, 1996 we have the following funds: Checking Account Balance $1,494.49 Money Market Balance $7,061.46 Certificate of Deposit $5,431.55 (per board action 3/3/95, reserved for 1999 Grand Encampment). For the 1995-1996 fiscal year: Expenses Budget $23,179.15 Actual $12,067.21 Receipts Budget $23,400.00 Actual $13,314.93 Carry-over to 1996-1997 fiscal year: $8,555.95

Scribe: Susan Krakower. No Report.

Provost Marshall: Scott Bendle. There was a complaint letter sent by Kate Henry about the 42nd leveling bayonets at Feast. Recommends that this be looked into by the Commander of the 42nd and reported on at the March meeting. Motion by Al McKechnie. No bayonets shall be fixed, regardless of historic precedence, during close quarters with the public, without the order of the Field Commander or Colours Commander. If not complied with, that unit would be asked to leave the field. Motion withdrawn.
Please pick up cartridges, full cartridges have been found, and some cartridges of rifle strength have been found.

Artillery Safety: Wayne Pribble. Incident with people not watching where cannons are pointed, and walking in front of them. Also please coordinate any charging or closing on the guns during a battle, before-hand. Surprise attacks could be very dangerous. Bill Anderson commented on the cannon being moved while smoking, though a bucket was hung on the barrel, which designates a secured cannon. Wayne stated that the rule is that a double sponged cannon doesn't necessarily have to have the bucket hung on the ram rod, as it's protruding from the cannon, this produces too much stress on the ram rod or sponge. It is preferable to hang the water bucket on the barrel itself.

Motion by Al McKechnie. The a sponge be left in the barrel and bucket hung on the barrel to signify a double sponged and secured cannon. Motion withdrawn.

Wayne will draft a proposal for presentation at the March Board Meeting to help identify the safety of the cannons.

All artillery are current with there paperwork and safety inspections, except for the Virginia State Navy, who hasn't turned in any paperwork this year.

Inspector General: Gary Arden. The 1997 Inspection Rotation: 2nd Maryland, 3rd New York, 4th Cont'l Dragoons (re-inspection), 6th Virginia, 10th Virginia, 71st Foot Lt. Infantry, Proctor's Artillery, Bowman's Co'y, Penn. Rifle Bat., Terry Wellman's 3 uniforms

Corporate Agent: Bill Potter. No report

Recruiting Officer: Marilyn Hess. Thanks everyone for their assistance in working the rope lines after the artillery demo's for new recruits. We have 50 names, with 9 active LIV, of which 3 joined units. Marilyn has been passing the names along to local units, for them to encourage participation, and so that her telephone bill won't be so high.

Inspector of Music: Terry Wellman. Terry said that the trip last year to Williamsburg and Washington DC has built respect for the NWTA, in the eyes of the BAR and the other organizations involved. The Field Music has been asked to play at Carnegie Hall the evening of February 8, 1997
Terry is thinking of giving awards to the fife and drum player's for "Most Improved Musician." He is also researching the idea of recording a CD or tape. CD's have a 1,000 minimum at $1.50-$2.00 each. He hopes that he can sell these to sites to help pay back the expense.
A School of Music for next year, is not yet set, Terry is looking into sites.
Recommend that music assemble to march to colours.
The music now owns a marque tent which is open to the music. Would like to see colours posted in front.
The Music would like to be involved in punishment details.
It is not proper to play music when returning from Church Parade.
Would like to have a committee to look into improving the colours ceremony.

Brian VandePolder introduced the following proposals for consideration. Standing orders for Color Bearing Ensign's: Addendum to NWTA Reg. #00-02.1 C. NWTA Reg. #00-02: Commissioned Officers: 1) C. Color Bearing Ensign's: Any unit may field the lowest ranking officer extant in the unit for the purpose of bearing colors only. He will have no command function. Functions: Unit Ensign's hold no Command rank. They are subject to orders by their Unit Commanders or the NWTA Inspector of Music or his/her designated representative, depending on the activities at the time. General Duties: Unit Ensign's are to carry Colours at formations and in battles. When not actually carrying their Units Colours, they are to function as file closers (should there not be a Lieutenant for this duty) or as privates with their units. Specific Duties:

1. To report to the designated NWTA Officer in the full official uniform of his unit, making certain his uniform and accouterments are neat and in good order. The Ensign shall not carry his musket, cartridge box, or knapsack when acting as a Colour-bearer or file closer.
2. To inspect the Colours for any signs of wear, reporting any damage to the Unit Commander.
3. To be present at all morning NCO meetings in order to have a clear understanding of the day's events.
4. To be posted on the field, in proper position at the beating of Drummers' Call and Assembly.
5. To maintain control over the dress of the troops during Assembly and all field maneuvers.
6. To exercise the Colours, using the proper commands and movements, in conjunction with the troops on the field.
7. To properly safeguard the Colours throughout the entire day's activities, The Ensign shall case the Colours during precipitation and make certain that the Colours are thoroughly dry before casing for the night. Colours shall also be cased when maneuvering in the wooded areas or where the danger of tearing exists.
8. To properly store the Colours in an area safe from harm at the close of camp. Colours shall be stored inside a vehicle, if possible, or in a tent making sure that it is not in contact with the damp ground.
9. To inspect the Colours at the end of each event, reporting, if necessary, any signs of wear. If thorough drying of the Colours is not possible prior to casing at the event end, be sure that the Colours are properly dried and re- cased at home.

1. To properly learn the exercise of the Colours.
2. To properly learn the exercise of the Spontoon.
3. To properly learn the exercise of the Sword.
4. To properly learn the field signals.

1. The uniform of a Unit Ensign will be that of the Dress Uniform for a private (Regimental Coat or Frock of Unit) plus will include:
   
   a. Single gold/silver Epaulet
   
   b. Hangar/Sword
   
   c. White leather gloves
   
   d. Proper Cockade
   
   e. Sash (Optional)
   
   f. Gorget (Optional)

   The ensign shall not carry his musket, cartridge box, or knapsack when acting as Colour-bearer of File Closer.

The next proposal made by Brian VandePolder and Terry Wellman concerns the Colour Ceremonies-
We now do three formations in one at the Saturday and Sunday formations. The proposal in to split these formations between Saturday AM, Saturday PM, and Sunday PM. The purpose is to present the pomp and ceremony at each formation and to shorten the Sunday Closing Colours.

Saturday AM: (Morning Troop) Sending for the Colours (marking the official start of the event), Sizing the Troops and Brief Battalion Drill in preparation for the Tacticals.
Saturday PM: (Evening Troop) Trooping the Colours and the Day's presentations.
Sunday AM: (Morning Troop) Last Post. No change from what we have been doing.
Sunday PM: (Parade) Parading the Troops, General Salute, and Lodging the Colours (Marking the end of the event).

Publication Editor: Mark Tully (not present)

Pattern Master: Ralph Briggs (not present) Sent written report.
We managed to locate sources for all but one of the patterns in the NWTA approved list, and it turned out to be more difficult than we had thought. We had to go to four different sources to get them, and one source proved to be quite difficult to reach and slow on fulfillment. It has become obvious we need to find and publish reliable sources for patterns if we expect the membership to use them. We are looking into that.
There are a number of new patterns from old and new sources that look like they might have promise. We ordered some, and plan to order more. The nice people at Kannick's Korner have sent us several patterns to consider.
Our next step is to use these patterns to make test pieces to evaluate the instructions and details of fit. We learned from talking with people that some patterns which are well documented simply don't go together right.
We expect to have more information to share in the January or March Courier.

Judge Advocate General: Jo Ann Kolbe (not present).

Librarian: Steve Baule (not present)
The NWTA Library has now been moved, fumigated and paid for. It is now located at Steve Baule's home, at 3918 Carousel, Northbrook, IL 60062. Phone for appointment (847) 509-9455. Insurance Officer: Brian VandePolder. Insurance premium for the ensuing season will be approximately $1,590.00. Same as last year. This premium is based on the 13 events plus eight additional insured.
Event Sponsors can be added onto the NWTA Insurance Policy as additional Insured for an additional cost of $10.50 per day. Requests must be received by the adjutant, in writing, no later than one month prior to the event in order to be certain that the coverage is added and certificates received by the Event Sponsor prior to the event.
Event Sponsors can received a Certificate of Insurance for their event. Requests must be received by me (Brian VandePolder), in writing, no later than one month prior to the event in order to be certain that the certificate is received by the Event Sponsor prior to the event. Copies of the NWTA Insurance Policy will be made available to Unit Commanders. (This is a 50 page document.) Additional copies, including copies for staff officers, that are not Unit Commanders can be obtained from their Unit Commander. Request for copies must be in writing, signed by the Unit Commander. Write to Brian VandePolder, 78 Rambling Lane #14A, Battle Creek, MI 49015.

Safety Concerns: NWTA Policy and Insurance restrictions prohibit non-NWTA personnel on the Battlefield. NO EXCEPTIONS. The Safety Officer and Insurance Officer will work with Event Sponsors to accommodate the press, within NWTA policy and insurance restrictions.
NWTA Policy PROHIBITS non-NWTA personnel behind the rope lines during the event day. Insurance restrictions allow this IF ACCOMPANIED BY NWTA personnel. Internal squabbles do not belong at an event during the event day.
A man-at-arms placed in charge of a battalion or division holds the rank of Brevet Senior Captain, NO MATTER WHAT RANK HE WEARS! This includes Sergeants functioning as Company Commanders.
During the event proper respect should be shown for a Commissioned Officer. Even if you do not think he should be wearing the rank. Respect is being shown to the rank, NOT THE INDIVIDUAL.
Impromptu changes of the scenario during battles are not safe, and we should attempt to not deviate from the expected.
Last Post: Last Post book being maintained. Now in leather cover and to be printed on parchment. Please furnish biographies and pictures for deceased members of your unit.

Public Information Officer: Mark Tully (not present)

Quartermaster General: Al McKechnie. Al resigned the office of Quartermaster General.
Everyone appreciated all the good work that he has done in his roll as Quartermaster.

Deputy Commander: Frank Vesel. The combined BAR-NWTA event at Findlay OH went well. They honored the request for rope lines, but they were only 18 inches off the ground. No event rosters were passed out at Findlay, so if you attended, please be sure to let the Adjutant, Harold Dobberpuhl, know.
Bob Carnes and Frank will be again working together to set up another event for next year, with Greg Holm as NWTA coordinator.
Pioneer Village, Fredonia WI, went well. The only problem occurred when one of the guns, owned by Proctors Artillery was approached from the side during the battle, without prior warning to the artillery people. This has been worked out. Don't do it again!
Feast still has a few things to be worked out. The activities that we were scheduled to assist with, like the boat landing on Saturday, went well. We will probably be asked to do the same next year.
The order for marching in for Colours, with the music, butting between our units, wherever they wish, will have to be resolved. The NWTA Field Music is to be the only music within our units, the other music can go before or behind the NWTA, but not between. Otherwise our own music is drowned out.
The Tactical/Demo field is too small for a real tactical, so it might be an idea to change the terminology to demonstration.
There may be a change in the layout of the camp next year since we had so much empty space. Possibilities of two separate camps, and finding a way to keep the entire camp together without the separation between the marque tents and the rest of the camp, are being looked into. There was a problem with keeping the public from going behind the rope lines by the porto-johns. This needs to be solved.
A special thanks, for all their assistance at Feast goes to: Greg Holm, Bill Hess, Scott Bendle, Tom Langenfeld, Marvin Rasch, Frank Neikirk, and for camp layout Dave Taylor, and Bob Steele. We received compliments by Bill Dictal, the Feast Director.

Commander: Gary Ambrus. The event season had it's ups and downs. Gary was unable to attend as many events as he would have liked, but the events were handled well by Frank Vesel, Harold Dobberpuhl, and Brian VandePolder. Gary appreciates knowing that he can confidently hand over to staff officers, those problems that are pertinent to them. The Commander doesn't need to handle everything. The last few months have been extremely hectic for Gary, and he appreciates all the support, with special thanks to Brian VandePolder for his work, in all areas.
Gary's son will be returning this November from his two year mission, and he thanks the NWTA members who sent mail during this time, it was very much appreciated. The election of a new NWTA Commander will take place in 1997, and added to the March agenda will be guidelines for the election.
Gary is grateful for all his friends, and how well the organization works together.

Old Business:

Essential Guidelines for Musick

I. Field Musick includes the fifers and drummers for infantry units, pipers and drummers for Highland units, trumpeters for cavalry units (trumpeters can play drums when dismounted) and bugle horns for light infantry units
.

II. Duties of the Musick Staff:
A. Inspector of Musick (IOM).

III. Qualification Levels.

Levels of Achievement: etc. Motion by Marvin Rasch To accept the standing orders/job description, as read with the following additions:
To include that the position of Inspector of Musick be an appointed position by the NWTA Commander, with Board approval. (This would then match the bylaw NWTA Reg. #00-03:2E.) The musicians within units need to be able to play their instrument.
All music within the units would come under the jurisdiction of the Inspector of Musick.
At Colour Ceremonies, when Field Music is playing, no other music should be playing.
All Field musicians shall mass during Colours.
Musicians may remain with their own unit during battles. Motion passed.

Motion by Al McKechnie. To rescind the old music rules. Motion passed.

Motion by Marvin Rasch. To adjourn for lunch. Motion passed Time 11:50 am c.t.

Meeting reconvened at 1:00 pm c.t.

New Business:

Purchase of Additional PA Set.
Harold Dobberpuhl reported that the PA equipment is in poor shape. Bill Hess will chair a committee to look into this problem, and report at the March Board Meeting.

Interruption of Event Activities.
Harold Dobberpuhl reported that while Church Services at Pioneer Village, and also at Warsaw during the playing of Father, Son, and Friends, there were some very inconsiderate members who disrupted the activities. Such as by playing music as they would march away from Church Service, even though the other service was still being held. It is important that we are all considerate of these activities, and respect them by not being disruptive.

Attendance at Events When Dues Not Paid.
Motion by Al McKechnie. To empower the Adjutant to remove non-dues-paying members from an event. (The Bylaws-Reg. #00-01: Membership 8b states: No one who has been a member of the NWTA within the past two years may attend an event as a guest.) Motion passed.

Publication of Camp Items.
Motion by Bill Bergstrom. To publish annually, a list of unauthorized camp items. (This was done when Sue Seitz, was publisher, and her list may be available for re-publication.) Also a list of acceptable camp furniture. Motion passed.

A suggestion was made to publish the list before Christmas, in the October or November issues.
Remind everyone that the covering of square items, or chairs with canvas, cloth, blankets, etc. was previously outlawed.

Membership Directory Update.
Motion by Marvin Rasch. To publish a new membership directory in the Spring. Motion passed.

Motion by Terry Wellman. To include E-mail addresses in the directory. Have the directory available by April 1, 1997, and that it be available on computer disk. All changes of address would also be published in the Courier, so that updates can be made by everyone. Motion passed.

Motion by Susan Krakower. To send a hard copy of the Membership Directory to each NWTA member, and to republish the Directory on a regular schedule, every two years, with all updates. Also that a computer disk, containing the Membership Directory, be distributed to Unit Commanders, in order to update the changes within their units. Motion passed.

Location of March 8, 1997 Meeting.
The next Board Meeting will be at this location, 6200 Melton Rd., Portage IN, on March 8, 1997, with the Fall Board Meeting also at this location on November 1, 1997.

1997 Budget/Stipends: Expenses Budget

Motion by Wayne Pribble. To take the over-budgeted amount from the Inspector of Musick's budget. Passed.

Membership Fee.
Motion by Jim McConnell. To keep the annual membership dues the same as last year, of $10. for single, and $16. for family. Motion passed.

Encampment Sanctioning Fee.
Motion by Bill Potter. To keep the sanctioning fee, of $200.00, the same as last year. Motion passed.

Bill Burke Memorial Committee:
Linnea Bass reported: In 1989 when he faced open heart surgery, Bill requested that in the event of his death, an NWTA award be established in his memory. He chose a committee to oversee the granting of a traveling trophy which would be awarded to the most authentic unit each year. The trophy was to be a piece of "regimental silver," which the unit could display at events and regimental functions for the following twelve months, after which it would be passed along to the next recipient.
The committee has met and formulated a list of guidelines for granting the award. The committee has also decided to expand the scope of the recognition somewhat. Additional categories for both unit and individual awards have been created based on Bill's philosophy about what is important in reenacting: research, authenticity, education the public, working to improve the NWTA. The main award will still be granted to the best unit, but additional recognition may be given to units who display excellence in particular areas such as research, uniforms and clothing, military discipline in camp and on the battlefield, etc. Awards may also be granted to individuals who have made outstanding contributions in the areas such as authenticity, research, educating the public, etc.
If you wish to contribute to this award, please make checks payable to the William Burke Memorial Fund. Contributions my be mailed to:

Heather Miller
722 Delles Rd.
Wheaton, IL 60187.

Lee's Legions, February of 1781, Arthur Christofersen, Commander. (No research accompanied application.)

Pennsylvania Rifle Battalion, Capt. William Hendricks' Co.'y, November of 1775, Mickey Marnstein, Commander.

Philadelphia Department, Continental Corps of Invalids, 1781, Jack Pain, Commander. (No research accompanied application.)
Motion by Terry Wellman. To approve the units stated above, for applicant status. Motion passed.

Motion by Al McKechnie. To approve the Pennsylvania Rifle Battalion, Capt. William Hendricks' Co.'y, for probationary status, based on the research that has been submitted. Motion passed.
Michigan Events:

Brian VandePolder reported: We had two Michigan events up to the present time. Monroe and Bowens Mills. These two events are traditionally NOT supported by NWTA Units. Only five units had representation at Monroe and three units at Bowen Mills.
It is understandable that persons living in Wisconsin may not wish to attend these events due to the long drive. However there are units and re-enactor's in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, and Eastern Illinois that also do not come.
We have lost the Monroe event for 1997, Marian at Bowens Mills had indicated to us that she wants to continue that event. At the Monroe event only 56 re-enactor's, which included 24 Men-At-Arms participated.
At Bowens Mills, Brian acted on behalf of the NWTA Commander as the Event Commander and as the Unit Commander for the Host Unit. Brian felt terribly embarrassed to accept the $200.00 check from Marian. We had a total turnout of 20 re-enactor's which included only eight Men-At-Arms. This is an insult to the sponsor and an embarrassment for the NWTA

. Motion by Bill Anderson. To refund the $200.00 fee paid by the Bowens Mills sponsor, with a letter of apology, signed by the NWTA commander. Motion passed.

Brian VandePolder suggested that since none of us can be at all the events, but with between 500-800 members, at least one member from each unit should be able to attend each event. That would guarantee at least 50 re-enactor's at each event. Brian proposes that each Unit pledge to have at least one re-enactor at each NWTA event.

When we attend another Unit's event, we are supporting that Unit. More importantly, we are supporting that Sponsor. If we do not attend an event in sufficient number we are insulting the Sponsor and telling that Sponsor and the public who expects a decent show, that we don't care about them or our purposes of education and entertainment.

Motion by John Brown: To have a roll call vote on the Bowens Mills event, to determine whether it stays on the schedule. (Only vote "yes" if you, or at least one member from your unit will be able to attend.) 12 yes, 11 no, 6 abstentions. Motion passed.

Constitution and Bylaws:
Motion by Marvin Rasch. To include a copy of the Constitution and Bylaws with the Membership Directory, which will be sent to everyone. Motion denied.

Officer Appointment:
Motion by Tom Langenfeld. To raise the rank of Scott Bendle, of Butler's Rangers, to Lieutenant, based on the increase of the number of men fielding with his unit. Motion passed.

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