Greetings Reenactors, from Anton Rajer
We just returned from a successful fact finding and scouting trip to New Ulm, Minnesota regarding the upcoming Hermann event in Sept 18, 19, 20.
With P.O.C. (point of contact) Mr. John Makepeace and his wife Anne, as well as other civic leaders in the community, we scoped out HARMON PARK-site of the event and did several dry runs with local interested parties. The choreography will be direct by ALEXANDER, who has prepared an excellent script and has 15 years on the New York stage in theatre management. We are in good hands. He’s from New Ulm and recently came back from New York. We made the front page of the Sunday edition of the New Ulm paper.
HOUSING: John M and his gracious wife are providing lodging at their old hotel in downtown New Ulm, on 208 N. Minnesota street, about 9 blocks from Harmon Park. Though rustic, the hotel has wi-fi, ample rooms, a kitchen with microwave, modern bathrooms and good location.
If you wish to stay there, contact John so that he can save you a room. Don’t just show up, because we expect lots of other reenactors. Bring a sleeping bag and towel, Red Cross cots provided. Over flow sleeping will be at the National Guard Armory nearby. John M, email
[email protected] , or h 507 359 3599 cell 507
217 9527
I’ll be camping at Harmon Park in my civilian Roman tent. The Park is nearly 4 city blocks in size, huge, with running water, but no electrical outlets that I found. At the top of the hill is the gigantic monument of Herman the German, about 3 stories high. Google New Ulm for city overview.
Regarding Food: John M will explain the complicated logistics for this, as there are several sites were food will be provided. He’s done the best job that he can. There will be a variety of food coupons, pancake breakfast, brunch and food drop off locations, but we do have food.
If you have questions, you may contact him directly. Remember John M is in charge of the event, I’m only helping to provide assistance and guidance in the logistics. My role is event narrator and civilian camp facilitator.
Suggestions:
1. Be positive, work with us.
2. Ask questions, be constructive in helping us find answers.
Hundreds of people are involved in this.
3. Don’t whine. Help us make this event a success.
4. All the committee members are volunteers. We work during the day.
No one is being paid. I do my email at night after work.
5. Please be patient. Many of the participants are not as experienced as you. Show leadership and be flexible.
6. Enjoy yourself and have fun.
7. There will be challenging times ahead to make this event a success. Please work with us. Every problem has a solution.
Regarding Harmon Park:
The Germanic camp will be near the forest on the lower slopes of the hill, behind baseball diamond #2.
The Roman Castra is next to baseball diamond #2, between diamond
#2 and # 3, there is ample space.
The civilian camp is behind baseball diamond #3, which fronts towards the street and there are fences that we can hang things on. The space is ample and good. I’m encouraging educational displays in the civilian camp, weaving, textiles, coins, etc. Great opportunity to educate people. Look at the big picture.
Its windy in New Ulm, so be prepared for strong breezes.
Between baseball diamond # 1 and #2 there is going to be a display of military equipment, as a historical timeline. That will be done by others, not us.
TV and film makers will be at the event. They are making a CD of the event Check the web site for updates. new ulm:
http://www.hermannmonument.com/ Parking is available on the street at the park, but it will fill up quickly.
You cooperation is vital to the success of this event. New Ulm has never undertaken an event of this scope. We have to work together.
I can email images of the park and John M’s hotel to you.
[email protected]
Call me at 920-246-1407 cell if you wish.
If you have questions, contact John M, but be patient, he’s trying his best.
CALL to ARMS: There is still room to bring other friends and people, especially for the German camp, just bring plaid pajamas and tunic or t-shirt and wooden sword. All are welcome.
I’ll arrive on Thursday night in New Ulm and begin to assemble the civilian camp on Friday morning.
“Look at the big picture and keep the goal insight.”
See you in a few weeks, safe travels.
Tony Rajer
Legion XI-Rome
920-246-1407