Census Update

We did not work for a couple of weeks.  Then, about half of us were called back.  Many of the Crew Leaders (CLs) became Crew Leader Assistants (CLAs); many of the CLAs became enumerators like me.  Many of the enumerators were not called back.

We are doing some clean up stuff. In our training class on July 1, our new CL defined himself as a perfect a-- ----. Perfection is something that not many of us can obtain, as a matter of fact, in most instances, we can never obtain it. However, this CL’s description of his personality is absolutely correct. He is a perfect one. I am so happy that this is a short term assignment. I can tolerate most things in the working world for a short period of time.

Example: Time sheets are two-part. I worked last Saturday and gave the time sheet to the CLA. I asked the CL for my copy on Tuesday. (I did not work on Monday). He said that he did not have it, but the CLA did. I asked him again on Wednesday; he still did not have it. Today, he was waving mine around saying that he was not going to keep time sheets for four days. If we did not pick it up the next day, he was going to toss it out. These sheets are the only record we have of our hours. I mentioned that I had asked him for it. His reply was that he did not have it. This was a general statement that he was making...still wildly waving my timesheet.

Example: Some of the EQ’s that have been turned in have common mistakes. Again, he chose one of mine to use as an example. My name was blocked out, but everyone in the room knew it was mine. There were four items that he counted as mistakes. Three, indeed, were errors. No excuses—I know why I made them—but they should not have been made. I asked him about the fourth which I still do not consider a mistake (He actually had to call HIS boss to clarify what was done). I apologized for the mistakes; he continued ranting for quite some time. He is quick to point out mistakes (not just me, but of others, as well) in front of everyone in a loud boisterous voice.  He loves to harp on mistakes.  Another enumerator had made a minor error.  The boss was still ragging about it after the guy left.

Example:  The Census Bureau would like us to complete our timesheets in either blue or black ink.  That does not seem to be a problem.  If one's pen runs out of ink in the middle, that person better make sure that the next pen picked up is the same color.  This CL will throw it back at you.  The ink has to be the SAME color for the whole sheet. 

I could go on and on, but…

I have always had trouble working for stupid/inconsiderate people, but this guy takes the cake. I guess stupid might not be the right word, but he can NEVER be wrong. And he is very inconsiderate. Very exasperating! Glad that it is only for a couple of weeks. And, I only have to see him for about an hour every day.

His boss, however, is a real charmer, smart guy and appears to be considerate.

Finding weird places…such as the vacant house out in the middle of the peanut field. Mail box on road. Fence locked. Hardly could see the house. Talked to a neighbor. Told me tenant trashed the house. Owner will not fix up. Sounds like another off the wall EQ for an  HU (housing unit) complete.

Found another house. Apparently Mom passed away last year. Only child is a druggie. House has been used only for “parties.” Neighbors would not give their names as proxies. Afraid of the retribution. Does not matter to me…another complete. Weird scenarios!

Racking up sooooooo many miles. Hooray!

I have met some wonderful people out there.  Yesterday, I found a young farmer, who apologized for being sweaty.  Com'n sir, you work hard for a living!  But the thing I found that I liked most about him was that he was concerned about my job.  He did not want to give much information--the bare minimum was all he wanted to tell me.  But, he was so sweet.  He asked me if he did not give me more information, would it affect me and my job.  The answer is NO, but I thought it was very nice of him to be concerned about me as  a fellow worker.

Still like most of the job!  Wish it could be permanent with a new boss.   But Alas! Alack!  It happens only every ten years.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

I have not been very good about keeping up to date in June. So, I have some unfinished business…

The repaving of our road and a couple of others is done. Most of the roads in this neighborhood are dirt and will remain that way. They are graded regularly, but we have a brand new road. Hip, HIP, HOORAY!

The CENSUS—I have been on a hiatus for a couple of weeks. Start again with a training class for the next portion on Thursday. The last training class was primarily held in a Presbyterian Church. This training session is going to be held in a Baptist Church. Although the Constitution says nothing about the separation of church and state, the ACLU has long made a point of that separation. Bet they could make a big deal out of this too.  We actually had a lawsuit in Florida (of course) over a polling place.  In Florida much of our polling places are churches or religious centers.  The voting takes place in the fellowship halls.  (In Connecticut most of the voting takes place in schools ).  Some idiot sued over this practise.  Can't get much dumber as far as I am concerned.

Speaking of the Constitution, the census, of course, is required by it…Article I, Section 2, Paragraph 3. In the several weeks which doing the job, I carried a copy of this document in my briefcase. My friends teased me that I was probably the only enumerator in the entire US who so did.

But, I will say that I did drag  out my copy of that great document a couple of times:

One person said that she “did not wish to participate.” My reply was that it was the law and in the Constitution. She asked her husband, “Bobby, is it the law?” I dragged out my copy and asked her if she wanted to read it. She declined the opportunity to read it, but did give me some minimal information.

When another man was giving me a hard time, I explained to him that it was in the Constitution. He argued about what it said. I offered to let him read it. He refused to speak to me after that. A neighbor “proxied” the necessary information…nah-nee, nah-nee, nah-nah. I had “met” the neighbor by phone as she responded to my “while you were out” notice and told me about several snowbird houses. This one guy was not a snowbird, so I had to go back and try to talk to him. The neighbor was walking. This is an area where there is NO traffic (only the snowbirds and these two neighbors). So, I stopped the car and introduced myself and she babbled very nicely the information I needed.

I find it interesting that neither wanted to see the “proof.” But, I had it there for them. As I mentioned, my friends had a field day at my expense because I carried it. I mentioned this to my group. Our CL thought it would have been a good idea for every single enumerator across the county to carry it. But, like so many things in this census, hindsight is…(well, you know the rest). The thing is there should not be any “hindsights” in this census. It is the 23rd time we have done one in this country. You’d think we would have gotten it correct by now.

They tell us that this was supposed to be the first “fully automated” census. Last year in address collection, we had HHC (hand-held computers) made in Taiwan. I had a mental problem with using foreign made computers to do a US census. I thought that was only my opinion, but since we went back to old manual way of using paper maps and books, I guess I was not the only one who saw the problem. My cousin, the accountant, said that they went with the cheapest (which to him is a high compliment…go with the cheapest). But my response was, “Exactly!” Cheapest did not get the job done! Concept, good; product, junk.

I have enjoyed doing the work. I really like the job! Met lots of great people. Learned much.  Had fun!  (Is a job really supposed to be fun!!!???? Yeah, I think so.

Memorial Day and the Census

Memorial Day

Decoration Day, the original term for Memorial Day, started after the War Between the States aka The Ameircan Civil War. Southern woman decorated the graves of fallen soldiers buried near their homes with flowers from their gardens--Yankee or Reb. This act quickly became a tradition, giving us a special day to remember all veterans of all wars in which the United States participated.

Time to play a little catch up.  I have been putting a zillion miles on the car, working a full forty hour week.  I am not used to working so many hours.  This ol' bod ain't what it usta was.  While I am out and about, the adrenalin is a-pumping.  I rarely feel tired. But as soon as I hit the comfort of the Lazy-Boy at Mi Casa, I am done.  Don't have the energy to write.

Although there are many butt-heads and otherwise nasty people, there are so many, many more really nice people.  Every one of us has a life story.  Some, of course, are more interesting than others.  Most of us live day to day lives and never realize the story of someone else's life.

Because it is Memorial Day, I am going to focus on one particular gentleman.  Well, actually, the focus is on his Mom.  I seemed to have interviewed a lot of chatty people on this particular day, but I really did not mind since I was well ahead of the production quota the Census Bureau likes to see.  The production should be one complete per hour.  Now I know that does not sound like much since it normally takes less than ten minutes to "complete" the census questionnaire.  However, finding someone home is often the challenging portion of it.  Driving hither, thither and yon is time consuming.  One of the CLA's went out with me to make sure I was following protocol (all enumerators have to have either a CL or CLA as a quality control factor).  My CLA, Don, and I went to fourteen houses in two hours before we were able to find a warm body to interview.  So, that one per hour is not always that easy.

Getting back to my story...I was in the neighborhood of some folks who just wanted to talk.  I can't remember the gentleman's name (actually, I couldn't tell y'all even if I did remember...the census claims to be big into privacy).  But since I like the name Sam, and it is a rather approprate name for this holiday [Uncle Same Needs You!] I will use that as his name.

Women's roles in military capacity were limited throughout time.  Although women participated in some capacity in every war...keeping the home fires burning, raising the family, keeping a family business...their role in official military ranks were limited.  Oh, sure, women did fight in combat capacity, but they were a rare bird indeed.  There were women like the legendary Molly Pitcher who is said to have taken over her husband's cannon after he was fatally shot and kept on shooting in the war for our independence from Briton.  Then, there are the four hundred or so doceumented women who fought in the Civil War disguised as men.  But, obviously, these are the exceptions!

Realistically, women as an noticable and viable force came into their own during World War II. Women played a great role in WWII.  The shortage of men on the home front opened the previous all boys club to women. While men went overseas into combat, woman kept the home fires burning in doing everything from heavy construction (Rosie the Riveter comes to mind) to jobs in the US military that had formerly been filled by males...clerks, secretaries, non combat flying, medical personnel (mostly nurses).  Woman, of course were not allowed on Navy ships, nor were the allowed in the Marine Corps.  The Navy had its WAVES (established 1942--Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services).  And the Army had WACs  (Women's Army Corps--originally an auxiliary unit called the WAAC--established 14 May 1942, and converted to full status in 1943.) 

Before the Air Force became the "Air Force," it was generally called the Army Air Corps and then the Army Air Force.  But after WWII, it became its own service branch, and the name changed to the United States Air Force.  With it came the new title of WAF, although many women participated in the Army Air Force before the Air Force was a separate branch of the military.  All these abbreviations in a military context are now obsolete.  Many of the abbreviations have taken on new meanings, but for this posting, the abbreviations are the military names of yore.  This means that in this posting WAF stands for Woman [in the] Air Force.

Sam's mother had served in the WAF.  She was secretary and administrative assistant  at Mitchel Field in Long Island.  This job gave her a lot of responsibility and a lot of opportunity.

Mitchel Air Force Base also known as Mitchel Field, was a United States Air Force base located on the Hempstead Plains of Long Island, New York. Established in 1918 as Hazelhurst Aviation Field #2, the facility was renamed Mitchel Field in honor of former New York City Mayor John Purroy Mitchel who was killed while training for the Air Service in Louisiana.

Mitchel Field grew after the Great War, turning the  temporary wartime facilities into a permanent post, with new barracks, warehouses, hangar space and administrative buildings.

Various contests were sponsored and originated there, including the first airplane jumping contest in the nation, speed records, air mail service had its inception in experimental flights begun at the airfield. Many "firsts" were conducted at MItchel.

Lt. Gen. James H. Doolittle, known for Thirty Seconds Over Tokyo flight near the end of the Pacific campagin in WWII, made the world's first blind flight as a lieutenant from this field.  He was a familar sight around the base.  The starting point for the first nonstop transcontinental bomber flights, made by Army B-18 Bolos, it as a base from which the first demonstration of long-range aerial reconnaissance was made, starting as early as 1939.

The Air Defense Command in 1940 was charged with the mission to develop the air defense for cities, vital industrial areas, continental bases, and military facilities in the United States (also known as the "Zone of the Interior"). Air defense planning and organization along the eastern seaboard was in its charge forming an aircraft patrol system along the coast for observing shipping. Supply depots.  Garrisoning of North Atlantic air bases from Long Island to Iceland. Mitchel AAF became a staging area for B-24 Liberator and crews before being sent overseas. Command and control base for I Fighter and I Bomber Command. Tactical fighter groups and squadrons along with training bases.  Thousands of Army Air Force personnel were processed through the base for overseas combat duty--both for deployment and for their return and  separation.

Sam's mom (I will call her Eva) lived through many of these wonders and changes. Her job was not particularly dangerous (although some of the experiemental flights might have been). She was part of much of the processing.  She had a very special place.  She was allowed to fly in many of the training missions along the coast of Long Island. 

She met and knew Lt. General Doolittle and many others we might consider heroes.  It was an exciting time in her life.  She really enjoyed her time as a woman in the air.  No one said that someone serving her country, even in an administrative capacity, should not be thanked.  Also, no one said that one has to hate one's job.  Eva loved her time serving her country. The belief at that time--administrative work always has needed to be completed--a woman doing clerical work freed a guy to go to combat.  But she loved adventure and was able to share in a large portion of that, apparently being in the right place at the right time.

She is no longer with us, having lived a long life.

Times have changed in that light.   Both men and women are now in harm's way.

Thank you, Sam, for sharing your mom's story.  And thank you all the Evas for your part in keeping our freedom.

Thank You Military Men and Women


Data gathered from various resources including Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Dirt Roads (Sugar Sand), Dangerous Dogs and the Census

Steve and I think that about seventy five to eighty per cent of this county has dirt roads. Some of them are graded fairly nicely. Many are that soft, soft “sugar” sand whereby one can easily get stuck.

The government loves acronyms, abbreviations and form numbers…can’t ever used real words. I prefer and understand real words. I really don’t feel like learning a whole new vocabulary for a few weeks worth of work.

Last year when I “collected” addresses for them, I found several areas that could have put me up to my hubcaps on my little car. One of our CLA’s (Crew Leader Assistant) had a heavy duty truck. He hauled more than one enumerator out. He never had to haul me out. The situation, as one can imagine can cause many a challenge. Normally, if I got into an area where the road looked as though it might gobble up my tires, I would leave the car near the main road, lock it, and walk to the various houses. Fortunately, my “blocks” within our Assigned Area (AA) were never huge so that walking was somewhat practical. Well, that’s not totally true. But the huge blocks (and there were many) were surrounded by paved roads.

It was our job to “map spot” (MS) all the “living quarters” (LQs). We were to knock on doors, give our speech about who we were and what we were doing if someone answered. If no one answered we used our hand held computers (HHC) and did a “map spot.” Well, even if someone answered the door, we still did the “map spot," but, of course with the speech.

One day last year, we had heavy rains. I was out and about in one of the areas with little population. I came across three mobile homes (or as some of you northerners might say “trailers”). I was concerned about getting stuck. So, I walked into the area with the trailers, knocked on each door. No one answered. Okay, map spot, map spot, map spot. I was doing fine. Many places that have dogs have posted signs. Never saw a sign or a spotting of a dog. Finished my map spotting. Started to walk back to my vehicle.

And, Lo! And Behold! An eight ton Rottweiler appeared from out of no where. Woof! Woof! Woof! I started easing toward my car which was several hundred yards away (It looked about a mile and a half). Nice doggie, step, aren’t you pretty, step, nice doggie, another step. Then he got between me and the car. Now what? Stand still. Woof, woof, woof.

After a time period that seemed like three hours (but was probably less than ten minutes), a lady opened the door at one of the trailers, “I am sick and just got out of bed, WHAT DO YOU WANT!”

Ma’am, I want to get back to my car.  Said in a whinney or terrified voice

Again, “WHAT DO YOU WANT!”

I explained who I was, showed her my badge, and again pled with her that all I really wanted was to get back to my car.

“What’s stopping you!”

“Well, the dog…..”

“Aw, he won’t hurt anything…” She called off the dog. I walked slowly back to the safety of the automobile with a huge sigh of relief.

I am not normally afraid of dogs, but I do wear a certain amount of caution. The rest of my tour of duty went fairly well. I was much more cautious when I got out of the car.

But, like so many of us…we forget out past history. This is a new year. I did not learn my lesson well. I had one map spot that had not responded to the census form that was sent to them. A good ol’ Florida redneck! A bit off the main paved road, the dirt road turned to sugar sand. I don’t have a CLA that has a hauling truck this time. Did not want to get stuck. Started the hike carrying my Enumerator Questionnaire (EQ). Everything seemed fine. I got about a hundred feet from the edge of the driveway and three dogs appeared from no where. Two of the dogs did their cursory barks and went back well into the yard. There was no fence to keep these critters contained.

The pit bull mix, however, was not going to let me move…forward or backward. I was not scared, but a bit nervous. I had a hat on my head. Pulled it down so that he could not see my eyes, but I could see his movements. Eye contact is an aggressive sign to dogs, particularly aggressive ones. I carry a soft brief case and a good sized log book, both of which I slowly moved in front of me. That dog was not going to give up. I finally heard a voice from the area of the house trying to call the dog off. He was not about to listen. The person did not appear to see the cause of the barking. Probably knew it was a person who would go away eventually.

I stood statue still until the dog finally got bored with me and trotted back into his yard. I backed down the road about one hundred yards to make sure he was not going to reappear. Finally, I was able to turn and mosey slowly back to the car. Big sigh of relief!

My CLA wanted me to complete a form #2839387498347892371083 or something like that. A what!?!? This meant that I had to write up a form about this particular place was “a dangerous enumeration.” What no abbreviation for that! I guess the form number was better in this instance.

This guy and his family will NOT be counted.

2010 Census--Day 2

The picture has nothing to do with the writeup, except for the beautiful sky which we have had for several days.

The Census Bureau believes that evenings and weekends are a good time to catch Non Responders (the people for whom we are trying to get information). The folks who made these observations are not sitting in rural North Central Florida.  The powers that be wished for us to work yesteray.  I am not too sure that this was given much thought.  A beautiful Saturday morning in Florida in the area of a golf course, and they think that I am going to find people home.  C'mon!

But being the good little soldier/employee that I am, I went out to finish a portion of the area in which I was working.  Stopped at five homes.  No one was there at four of them.  One of the four has a wrong address.  I will present this to my Crew Leader on Monday, but I think I know how to "fix" it.  It involves a "delete" and "add" a new address.  I left a "while you were out" at that address anyway. It does, however, appear to be vacant. 

My job is to make sure that was its status on "Census Day."  Census Day is April 1, 2010. (How come the government picked April Fool's Day!!!???--April Fool's--Really??)  I don't know! 

Two of the others were definitely vacant, but I have to do some follow up on them, nonetheless.

I took several wrong turns in the maze of roads in this convaluted challenging mish mosh neighborhood.  But found my way in and out eventually (really racking up those miles!)

My last house was the most interesting.  We have ID badges, carry a brief case that says "US Census Bureau," and a car tag in our window.  In addition, I had acquired a hat that says, "Be Counted. 2010 Census" which I wear when I am out and about.  (I am the only one that has this hat, however.)  I walked to the door (always do this with a smile).  Did not get to the door when it opened before me.  Started my speil which begins with my name and showing the ID.  The woman answered, "did it!"  Then, she slammed the door full force in my face.  Glad I was standing a couple of feet back.

So, on Friday, my batting average was high;  Saturday zero for five. Well, actually that gives me one for five as the door slamming incident will allow me to complete my form with a "REF" for--guess what--tahdah..."Refused."  I guess that's why they tell us that we need to average one completion per hour. 

It's gonna be an interesting four to sixteen weeks.  Lookin' forward!

Workin' the 2010 Census

The picture has nothing to do with the subject matter.  I just thought it was purdy!

Census taking is not a new phenomenon.

“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed……And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. Luke 2:1, 3-5 KJV.

Our own Constitution calls for a census to be taken every ten years starting with 1790. This year, 2010, is the twenty third US Census to be taken.

United States Constitution

Article 1, Legislature

Section 2, House

Paragraph 3

(Representatives and direct Taxes shall be apportioned among the several States which may be included within this Union, according to their respective Numbers, which shall be determined by adding to the whole Number of free Persons, including those bound to Service for a Term of Years, and excluding Indians not taxed, three fifths of all other Persons.) (The previous sentence in parentheses was modified by the 14th Amendment, section 2.) The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct. The Number of Representatives shall not exceed one for every thirty Thousand, but each State shall have at Least one Representative; and until such enumeration shall be made, the State of New Hampshire shall be entitled to chuse three, Massachusetts eight, Rhode Island and Providence Plantations one, Connecticut five, New York six, New Jersey four, Pennsylvania eight, Delaware one, Maryland six, Virginia ten, North Carolina five, South Carolina five and Georgia three.

As you can see, the purpose of the Census in accordance with the US Constitution is solely to determine representation in the House. However, like so many areas, big government has taken over and now uses the Census for a multitude of things. Our forefathers never intended to use it for funding for various projects, for instance.

Any way, having gotten that off my chest, I have accepted a job as an enumerator for this deciennel census. I worked in 1979 (northeast Connecticut) and 2009 (portions of Levy County) for the pre-census in the capacity of collecting addresses and mapping them. I did enjoy these opportunities. For the actual census, we had four days of training, including some OTJ field work.

I have a feeling that this job will yield many posts to this blog.

I started on Tuesday, April 27, in a training class. Already, there are tales to tell. My assigned area is in eastern Levy County. Including our Crew Leader/Instructor, there are sixteen very interesting people. There is a great age spectrum among us…nineteen to seventy. Our backgrounds are equally diverse…writers (such as I), a general contractor, substitute teachers—including a nineteen-year-old extremely talented band substitute teacher, a child’s guardian ad litum, a retired mid wife, a mother and daughter team… Our ethnic diversity—not so much. As a whole, the group is fairly intelligent. There is always at least one, however, that one would like to smack the side of the head for class interruptions and general stupidity. Yep, we had one. Our Crew Leader Heather actually did a pretty good job of keeping us on track even with the “what if” continuous questions.

Most of our training took place in the fellowship hall of a local church.

As an aside: I wonder what the ACLU will think about that…sounds like a church/state relationship to me…I’m sure they’ll have to sue—OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS SAID TONGUE IN CHEEK. But they do sue over very stupid things especially when the First Amendment (or does any other part of the Constitution) does not say anything about the church and state relationship. It was written to protect the church from the government to prevent forming a national or state church. Not to protect the government from God and church. It means that we should embrace religion, but not endorse a particular one.

Bill of Rights—Amendment #1

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

Wow, I have really been on my soap box tonight. I really want my experience with the Census Bureau to be more of a journal. I promise that I will try to make it so in the future as I have already presented my very highly-opinioned position.

I did find that the class room time was time consuming with less benefit for more time than was necessary. I believe it could have been done more efficiently, but we are dealing with government….

Our first time in the field on Thursday, we went with a partner. I went with a friend that I have known for five years. .Steve and I bought our house from his family several years ago. In all the real estate transaction of which I have been part, this was the only time we remained friends with the other party.

We are supposed to complete one an hour. We hit gravy and were able to complete four of the seven we tried to do. The maps and lists are very specific and for the most part, extremely accurate. We did an area, however, in which the roads and the various twists and turns are very challenging.

We left a couple of door “while you were out” flyers with phone numbers with which those living in that home could call me back. I could then conduct the interview by phone. OK, this is cool. Friday morning the phone rang (7:10 am). I thought it was the person for whom Steve was going to work for the day. I almost answered the phone, “He’s already left for the day.” Something told me not to do that and answer with the normal “Hello!” I was still in my nightie, munching an English muffin, enjoying my cup of tea, watching Robin Roberts on GMA.

Wow, I was shocked. It was one of "while you were out" people. The lady was very pleasant. We finished the interview very quickly. I truly never figured anyone would call me back, especially after only doing field work for a couple of hours. So, I was able to go to Friday’s class with FIVE of the seven complete. Wow, big feather in my cap!

Ft DeSoto Civil War Event

Ft Desoto/Battle of Ballast Point Reenactment

We left the house Thursday morning, February 25 and arrived at Ft. DeSoto Park (a Pinellas County Park) to set up for the weekend. This event, although not the original site of the Battle of Ballast Point, remembers that event. The host unit is the 97th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company A. We battled extreme winds in putting up the tents. The sutlers, mostly independent in setting up his or her own tent, helped each other fight the wind gusts to get our stores put together.

The Battle of Ballast Point

Well, it was not really a “battle” but one of the many skirmishes that took place near Tampa Bay, Florida in the 1860’s.

It was the morning of October 17, 1863 when the one hundred sailors, six officers and two guides disembarked from the USS Tahoma and USS Adela. They marched inland and set two Confederate blockade-running ships on fire. The blockade runners had been loaded with cotton and supplies.

One ship captain escaped and sounded THE ALARM at Fort Brooke (Tampa). A portion of the Florida Home Guard, known as the “Cowboy Cavalry” had been driving cattle northward, joined in the fray. The Confederates had the cover of the trees, while the Union forces were holding their ground on the open beach, awaiting boats to return them to the ships. Offshore gunboats soon opened fire, giving cover to the Union sailors and officers, so that they could make their retreat. The wounded were taken to Mullet Key which can be seen from the Park. (from Lewis Zerfas’ research)

The Park:

Admission is currently free for the park except for the $.85 tolls one needs to pay to cross the two causeways to reach the park by road.

Fort De Soto Named America’s Top Beach for 2009. The beach has been named among the top American beaches consistently during the past decade, including the number one spot or top spot several of these years. Beaches are the number one recreational destination for Americans. These sandy playgrounds that line our coasts are the most extensive natural parks in the country. The park includes a doggie park and doggie beach. Camping. Boating. Kayaking. Hiking. Biking.

The largest park within the Pinellas County Park System, Fort De Soto park consists of 1,136 acres made up of five interconnected islands. First opened on December 21, 1962, when the state toll road named the Pinellas Bayway was completed, this park was dedicated May 11, 1963, in perpetuity as a public park. Annual park attendance averages more than 2.7 million visitors.

The park property was first purchased from the federal government in 1938 for $12,500. In 1941 the property was sold back to the federal government for $18,404 to be used as a gunnery and bombing range during World War II. The property was repurchased from the United States in 1948 for $26,500.

The Fort

The 12-inch mortar battery, located at the fort for which the park was named, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. Adding to the historical interest at Fort De Soto, two British breech-loading, rapid-fire rifles of 1890 vintage were installed in March 1982. Markers showing the original building locations and a Quartermaster Museum add to the park's historic interest.

A team of Army engineers that included Brevet Colonel Robert E. Lee in 1849 recommended that the two keys--Mullet and Egmont--become fortified. Both keys could only be reached by boat, since they were islands off the mainland. Union troops were stationed on the two keys during the Civil War (1861–1865) to aid in the Union blockade of Tampa Bay. The keys were again abandoned by the military and in 1882 military reservations were officially created on the two keys. Nothing was constructed there, however.

Construction of Fort De Soto began in November 1898 and was completed in 1906. It was to keep invaders out of Tampa Bay. The foundation was constructed of a shell concrete formula and the walls and ceiling used a shell, stone and concrete mix. The post consisted of 29 buildings. Active from 1898 to 1910. with only a caretaker force remained. By 1914 only a sergeant and game warden remained.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_De_Soto_Park

http://www.pinellascounty.org/park/05_ft_desoto.htm

The event:

Friday: Six hundred school-aged children and chaperones descended upon us eager to hear and see the many lectures and displays. Over the years, this has become one of my favorite times. I usually start the day with a lecture on the history of kettle korn, but so many people have heard it in the past that I decided to do a lecture on Confederate flags (that is plural…flags with an S). Like most countries (and the Confederacy believed themselves to be a separate country) there was not ONE flag, but many. The flag that we call the Confederate flag was one of many. The blue cross of St Andrew with thirteen white stars over a field of red was, generally speaking, a battle flag in the square shape. In the rectangular shape which we are so used to seeing these days was a Navy or ship Jack.

I am a Connecticut Yankee with at least two great grandfathers that fought to “Save the Union.” But, I feel badly that history has been so rewritten and misunderstood, that symbols of one thing have become symbols of something quite different.

Well, as it turned out, there was someone else doing the “flag” talk. And, I got very busy with the business portion of my being there. Only six lectures (more than usual). Half the number of students this year due to budget cuts, etc. But they all seemed to enjoy themselves and most actually admitted to learning something. I would call that a successful day.

Some of the other stations one might find at a student day Miss Celestine demonstrating period toys, Miss Grace lecturing on women who fought as men in the War between the States (specifically Albert Cashiers, but there are over 400 documented women who took part as soldiers), Rick demonstrating period music, various armaments (cannon, small arms, rifles/muskets, sabers and swords), Greg with his Naval presentation, the role of Chaplains, day to day camp life, woman’s period fashions, spies. These days are always different as it sometimes depends on whom might be available, but they are always educational. It is amazing how little young people really know about history. And, it is a shame.

Saturday: It rained all morning. The Ram/Jam (a modified Fife and Drum muster) did not happen. It was almost thought the battle would have to be canceled. But LO! And Behold! The skies cleared just in time for a belated battle to be organized and take place. And the public showed up. Can’t imagine where they were during the deluge, but they came. The ladies’ tea took place under a covered shelter, but the winds were blowing badly. And, it was sooooo cold (Yep! Global Warmin’ at its best!).

There was a group of honor history students that had planned to come for the day to enjoy a picnic and learn what they could. Some very brave chaperones grilled dogs and burgers. The young people (juniors and seniors, I think) froze. Since we have heat to pop the corn, we turned the burner on and invited them in. I have never seen so many young people that looked so miserable, but the duked it out and stayed. They did, periodically, come in to get warm. After the rain stopped, the day actually got a bit warmer. They went home saying they enjoyed themselves. Actually, they endured the extreme weather days that many of the soldiers had to endure, thus giving them an even better concept of how things were.

Several brave souls actually went to the outdoor ball that evening. We could hear the band. They were quite good, but it was much too cold. We retired early.

Sunday: The day turned out quite nice, still cold, but not so much. Everything happened according to schedule including the Mock trial and firing squad. Since this is a county park, the camps are not really ever closed to the public. In most events, there is a time when everyone is supposed to be out of the area. But at Ft DeSoto, people wander around, it seems, for ever. So, after the battle, even with all the spectators, we packed it in and went home to prepare for yet another event in which we would leave the house on Tuesday, March 2.

Putting Our Reenactment Season in Reverse--The Brooksville Raid

February 3, 2010

Because our events were back to back to back, I did not talk about the Brooksville Raid.  As always, it took place the third weekend in January.

Brooksville, like Townsend's Plantation, is very special to Steve and me.  It was the first large reenactment in which we participated in the early 90's.  Steve was a private with the 1st Minnesota;  Steve actually did his "fresh fish"  learnin' at a neat place in St. Pete called Boyd Hill, a fun, but small event that no longer exists. 

I was a field nurse.  I often carried a canvas water bucket.  Hydration is important, especially here in Florida.  Tom was the "in charge" person over the Union Medical.  In his real life, he was a paramedic.  He preferred to have his "nursing staff" with a bit of knowledge.  I took a CPR course and knew some basic first aid. As a field nurse, my job is two fold--first line responder in the event of a real accident or injury and to look good for the spectators.  Often, when there is an injury, it also looks "good" to the public.  Over the years at Brooksville, I have helped several people under the supervision of Doc Tom.  In a medical scenario, many years ago, one young man was injured because his rifle misfired.  He was burned on his belly and left arm.  I sat with him with the other medical people holding ice on his burns till the ambulance could get to us.  Another time, a cavalry soldier was thrown from his horse when the horse at a full gallop tripped in a chuck hole.  The horse ran away, but was ultimately Okay.  The rider, on the other hand, broke his collar bone.  I was not dressed in my nurse outfit, but for a change, as a lady with hoop skirt and all.  It was a hot day.  I was able to drop down and give him shade while others ran for ice and called for the medics.  It was a satisfying job. 

I do have to admit, however, that making money from my favorite pasttime is even more fun. 

There were lots of stories from those early days.  I will probably share many more of them with you as time goes on.\

The original Raid, minor military action, had slightly over two hundred participants.  It was over cattle.  The reenactment which grows every year, has included as many as 3000 folks coming from as far away as Connecticut, New York and other Northern places.

There is not a lot of primary information on the original Raid, but Michael C. Hardy and Robert M. Hardy have done a fine job gathering as much information as seems to be available and wrote a neat little book about the Raid.  It is difficult to pinpoint the exact location of the arrival of the Federal ships, but they have done a good job of finding resources.

"A Heinous Sin"  The 1864 Brooksville Bayport Raid
ISBN 978-0-557-03620-2

http://www.michaelchardy,com/

Again, we saw many long time acquaintances.  One special friend is Liv.  Olivia and Rose are the youngest two in a very large family of boys.  I met them very early in our business adventure in Georgia.  I have watched yet another group of youngun's grow up.  Liv comes to see us almost every Brooksville as she lives locally.  We don't see Rose as much these days.  When they were little, I could not remember who was Liv and who was Rose.  Mom told me that Rose was The Yellow Rose of Texas. This was due to her blond hair; Liv had dark hair. I never got them mixed up again. In their younger days, both played the violin (well, Rose played the violin and liked classical music; Liv was more of a fiddle player).  Often they would play outside our tent.  They put a hand-printed sign up that stated:  "My Dad was kilt at Gettysburg."  I always enjoyed their music. They would receive many tips in a very short time frame.  Once they made enough money for their current wants, they would pack up and play games with the other children. Rose stopped playing first because she preferred to play classical.  One year Liv showed up without the sign and violin.  I asked her about it.  She said, "I'm not cute anymore!"  Of course, I still think she's cute!

Steve goes to set up on Wednesday; I take the trip to Alafia to claim my real estate there.  Brooksville is close enough so that we go home some nights rather than spend the entire four nights in our cargo van.  Friday is the day reserved for school children.  There are some wonderful stations set up to which the guides can bring them, so that it is a great learning experience.  Artillery, medical, the lady spy, Confederate and Union camps, cavalry, period toys, clothes, etc.

There often is a presentation of VARIOUS Confederate flags. There is NOT one Confederate flag that y'all may belief.  And what you think is the "Stars and Bars" is not the true Stars and Bars.  The true Stars and Bars is the First National Confederate Flag.  I will do the flag presentation on this blog one of these days.  Just like the United States of American, whose flag changes every time a new state is added, the Confederacy had many flags.

This year was very disappointing as there was an "in service teachers' day" in Hernando County.  This means the teachers go to school, but the students do not.  Hernando County is one of the few counties that has a field trip to a Civil War event.  This left us with Pasco County and a lot of home schoolers.

Saturday and Sunday are extremely busy!  Hooray!

But my favorite day is Thursday.  Party day!  Two parties!  

The first one started a traditional several years ago.  My BFF from eighth grade is Beverly.  I spent many an hour with her and her parents and three sisters.  They had a pool. After high school she got married; many years later, so did I.  She lived in Connecticut for a while; then they moved to Pennsylvania.  I stayed in Connecticut a long time; then moved to Florida. We kept in touch; saw each other once or twice a year.  A few years ago, she moved to Florida (after having been a snow bird for a few years).  Now, we are seventy miles apart and get together quite often.  Her parents are snowbirds.  Their winter abode is in Brooksville.  They are in their eighties, but they always seemed to like me, and don't seem to mind having company.  Several years ago, they invited us for lunch with Bev and her husband.  We now go every year--sometimes with another one of their daughters (Peg) and her husband; sometimes with my wonderful helper Lynne.  They do not seem to care about the number of people...always gracious in their hospitality.  Nothing fancy, but good company and a pleasant afternoon.  Sometimes, Thursday night, we end up at Bev's in Hudson instead of going home or to the van.  We crash in her guest room.  She gets her gracious hospitality from her folks, I believe. 

Beverly and I have been BFF for over fifty years.  I will write more about this in the future.

The second party is for sutlers and their friends.  Bob of Loafer's Glory also lives in Hudson.  He invites those of us who are sutlers (vendors of time-period-sensitive things) to his house for a hot dog roast.  Everyone brings something...deli salads, desserts, sodas, chips, etc.  Since we are on-site, most stuff comes from the local grocery as we really don't have the capacity to bake or keep large amounts of things cold or hot (although we do seem to get home made chili).  Bob and Deb have a beautiful house, mostly built by Bob on acreage. It used to be totally canopied by live oaks, but a hurricane took out many of them. Their daughter Annie has a real thing for Tennessee Walking Horses.  There are always several on the property--some she boards for others, some she owns.  They have a large area where we can have an outdoor pit fire where we cook our dawgs on long metal rods.  It seems that it is my lot to bring the cheese cake.  Winn-Dixie, one of the local groceries, has a large cheesecake with a variety of flavors.  This is always a hit.  The evening is never late, but again...good times, good friends, good food, great enjoyment.  As sutlers, we see each other often, but because we are often transacting business, it is tough to get out of one's tent to do more than meet and greet each other.  This is a great get-together for our socialbility.

It is an easy ride back to Bev's for a warm evening and a shower.  (The Brooksville event is almost always COLD).

http://www.floridareenactorsonline.com/
http://www.brooksvillereenactment.com/