Turner Brigade History Enshrined in Library
Former Shrapnel editor Randy Baehr has donated a complete set of the Turner Brigade newsletters he edited to the Missouri History Museum Library in St. Louis, Missouri. The Library collects newsletters and other ephemera of St. Louis area clubs and organizations as part of its work documenting the social history of St. Louis. Besides print and digital copies of newsletters from March 2000 to March 2022, he donated print-only copies of newsletters he received from 1992 to 2000.
“The Turner Brigade is dedicated to living history, and now its own history as a reenacting organization will be preserved for future research,” said Randy.
Missouri Governor visits Fort D in Cape Girardeau
Missouri Governor Mike Parson visited the Fort D Historic Site in Cape Girardeau, MO, on August 2, 2021, as part of his promotion of the Missouri Bicentennial celebration and tour. Cape Girardeau Mayor Bob Fox introduced the Honorable Judge Steven Limbaugh who spoke briefly on Fort D’s place in history as exemplary of Cape Girardeau in the Civil War. The governor spoke of the importance of preserving history for future generations.
Click here for a link to an article in the Southeast Missourian about the event.
Living St. Louis program on NinePBS replays story on 2010 Sherman Day Ceremony.
The PBS television station in St. Louis, NinePBS, replayed its story on the 2010 Sherman Day Ceremony on its February 1, 2021, broadcast of “Living St. Louis”. It can be watched online at https://www.ninepbs.org/living-st-louis/, by selecting the February 1 program. The story begins at the 10:14 mark. Many Turners are shown in the video.
Progress of Fort D structure renovation.
by Scott House
The Turner Brigade has supported the renovation and interpretation of Cape Girardeau’s Fort D for many years. Cape Girardeau voters renewed a parks and stormwater tax which has provided funding for a new roof on the blockhouse structure within the fort. Here are some Q & A’s in way of an update.
Q: What’s happening with the Fort D roof?
A: A new, strong roof has been installed. This involved placing sufficient supports on the inside of the walls so that the exterior did not have to support the weight of the roof. The concrete caps on the crenellations have all been replaced, the chimney stabilized, and new scupper drains installed. All of this was done by the contractor.
Q: What else is being done?
A: The city parks and recreation department has installed period-looking shutters and doors on the inside of all openings. New electric is being run. Wall posts containing the electric lines are being built; these will have period-looking lights hung on them. Ceiling fans will also be installed. Old holes in the interior walls have been covered. A woodworking area has been delineated with a half-wall. The walls have been painted. A new lighted flagpole will be installed just outside the building. Civil War flagpole holders have been installed on the pedestals outside the front door.
Q: When will all the work be done?
A: That depends on the help available. After the parks guys and gals finish their part, it will be up to us to repopulate the inside, add shelving, and other enhancements to get the place ready to reopen for visitors. If you have some skills, we need help with simple carpentry, cleaning, and refurbishing furniture and other tasks. The parks folks have done a great job; now it is our turn.
Q: Will there be a reopening ceremony?
A: We are aiming at the time of Veterans Day in November for a “soft” opening and then a short ribbon-cutting ceremony. We will likely have a soft event on the weekend of November 7-8 and the ribbon-cutting is tentatively scheduled for November 10, the day before Veterans Day; we plan to have the site open on Veterans Day proper as well.
Q: Will the building be open more often?
A: Yes, dependent on the qualified help available to be reenactor/docents. With a roof, programs can go on inside even in inclement weather. We will keep a schedule on the internet available for viewing.
Q: What kind of displays will be inside?
A: The purpose of the building is not to be a museum, but to house living history featuring real, live humans interacting with visitors. No permanent, static displays (charts, posters, etc.) will be inside. Everything will be as if you walked into a real Civil War installation. Materials will be set out, not stored, so the site will be instantly usable for living history and/or tours. Tents, cannon, and other materials will be set up outside only on special events, such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Veterans Day.
Q: Can meetings or other events be held there?
A: Yes, subject to available reenactor/docents, scheduled events, and the ambient temperature. Special group tours and events will likely be on a nominal fee basis.
Q: What uses are planned for the downstairs?
A: The public will not be accessing the basement. It will be used for storage, non-period items, non-period workshop, changing room, and reenactor food service.
Q: Will there be heating and air conditioning?
A: No, you will get to enjoy the temperatures just as Civil War soldiers would have enjoyed them.
Q: Will there be a restroom inside?
A: Not at this time. The matter is being researched but is expensive. It would be nearly as cheap to build a stand-alone structure.
Q: How did all this get funded?
A: Primarily through the Parks and Recreation tax as voted on by the residents of Cape Girardeau. Contributions from reenactors, groups, and other sources have helped buy most of the materials that will be on display.
Q: How can I help?
A: As above, we need lots of help. This includes refurbishing gear for permanent display, cleaning and oiling wooden furniture, hanging flags and other accoutrements, moving equipment, and many other tasks. Once it opens, we can definitely use help with having the place open as often as we have someone available to work there. We may be looking for additional period materials as things develop.
We will be putting out a call to reenactors for donation of items such as tin cups, plates, old uniforms, accoutrements, etc. We wish to furnish the inside of the building, so it has the appearance of an active military site. We all have old gear that we are not using any longer; we can put such gear to good use.
Fort D structure to get new roof.
The Cape Girardeau City Council has voted unanimously to award a contract for the rebuilding of a roof on the museum structure at the Fort D historic site, the last surviving of four Union forts built to protect Cape Girardeau from Confederate attack during the Civil War. Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation director Julia Thompson expects the repairs to be completed in time for the upcoming season of living history events that Company E conducts on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and Labor Day in 2020.
Thanks mainly to the work of Turners Scott and Patti House and Bill Eddleman of Cape Girardeau, Fort D was named to the National Register of Historic Places as a site of state-level significance on August 1.
Click here to view a news article on Fort D’s roof project in the Southeast Missourian newspaper.
Turners featured on front-page Greentree Festival article in the Webster-Kirkwood Times
Turners Andrew Blumenkemper and Duncan Noack, of Company G, were featured in a photograph from the 2018 event accompanying the front-page article on Kirkwood’s Greentree Festival in the September 13-19, 2019, issue of the Webster-Kirkwood Times. Turners from Company G and Company M were present again at the 2019 event.
Turners lead successful campaign to list Fort D on the National Register of Historic Places
Thanks mainly to the work of Turners Scott and Patti House and Bill Eddleman of Cape Girardeau, that city’s Fort D historic site has been named to the National Register of Historic Places as a site of state-level significance. Fort D is the last surviving of four Union forts built to protect Cape Girardeau from Confederate attack during the Civil War. Fort D has special significance due to its connection to engineer John Wesley Powell, who was charged by Gen. U. S. Grant with completing the fortifications around Cape Girardeau. After the Civil War, Powell became famous for his exploration of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon.
Click here to view a news article on Fort D in the Southeast Missourian newspaper.
Turners featured in December 2018 issue of Wild West magazine
The December 2018 issue of Wild West magazine included an article about the Jefferson Barracks army post in St. Louis. Among the photographs illustrating the article was one of a Union infantry company comprised mostly of members of Company G, 17th Missouri Infantry, of the Turner Brigade. Judging from the dark blue trousers, this photo dates from the 2011 reenactment of the Camp Jackson Incident held at Jefferson Barracks County Park, when Company G portrayed U.S. Regulars, whose uniform regulations at the time specified the dark blue trousers.
Turners featured in Sullivan Independent News
Turner members participating in the Civil War Days living history event at Fulton Park in Leasburg, MO, on September 29, 2018, were featured in photo spreads in the Sullivan Independent News issue of October 3, 2018.
Don Calvin, former Turner commander, 1941-2018
Don Calvin, who passed away June 9, 2018, was a founding member and first captain of Company M, 1st Missouri Light Artillery. The unit started in the late 1970s with a group primarily located in Washington, MO, where Don lived. Through the 1990s, under his leadership, the unit grew and expanded, spinning off a second artillery battery, an infantry company, an engineer company, and a medical unit. Yet all these individual companies remained allied, first as the 3rd Battalion, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, and finally as the Turner Brigade. Don served as its first major and overall commander. When his wife’s health became a concern, Don was seen less and less in the field. Dissatisfied with a mostly absent commander, the Turners reorganized the Brigade in 2001 under an association that provided for elected officers. This did not suit Don, and he left the unit, taking a few long-time members with him to form Co. A, 1st Missouri Light Artillery. But he accomplished something rare in Civil War reenacting–he built a large multibranch unit that not only survived his departure but thrived.
Civil War Trust Acknowledges Turner Donation towards Preservation of Seven Battlefields
The Association of the Turner Brigade authorized the contribution of $200 from the Association’s Preservation Fund to the Civil War Trust for the preservation of portions of seven Civil War battlefields, including four in the Western theater. The Turner Civilians added another $250 to the total. The Trust acknowledged the receipt of the donation with the following letter.
Turners Featured in Photo in Route 66 Book.
The Missouri History Museum presented a special exhibit on Route 66 from June 25, 2016 to July 16, 2017. The gift shop features a number of books relating to the famous highway, including Missouri’s Wicked Route 66, by Lisa Livingston-Martin. Page 23 features a photo of Turners dressed in the gray overshirts of the German volunteers who fought at Carthage, Missouri, in 1861.
Turner Members Chris and Twyla Warren Honored by State Resolutions.
Turner members Christopher and Twyla Warren were recently honored with resolutions from the Missouri Senate and House of Representatives for their years of volunteer service providing Civil War programs and education.
Click here for a link to the news article in the St. Francois County Daily Journal.
Lincoln Funeral Reenactment Documentary Scripted by Turner Member.
The documentary film, Lincoln’s Funeral–The 150th Anniversary Reenactment, will premiere at the Lincoln Home Visitors’ Center in Springfield, Illinois, on Friday evening, February 26, 2016, with showings at 7:30 and 9 p.m. Turner member Anita Quick was selected to write the voice-over narrative for this film. Recognizing that the funeral reenactment presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the Central Illinois Film Commission used 19 cameras and two go-cams to shoot 330 hours of footage to document the event for the film. This has been condensed to 49 minutes of running time.
The film is available on DVD.
In addition to this documentary, Anita Quick has written two Civil War books (see story below) and numerous works of fiction in different genres.
Civil War Trust Acknowledges Turner Donation towards Preservation of Ten Battlefields
The Association of the Turner Brigade authorized the contribution of $400 from the Association’s Preservation Fund to the Civil War Trust for the preservation of portions of ten Civil War battlefields, including five in the Western theater. The Turner Civilians added another $100 to the total. The Trust acknowledged the receipt of the donation with the following letter.
Company H, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, “Welker’s Provost”, Becomes an Official Unit of the Turner Brigade
At the 2015 annual Association meeting, Company H, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, “Welker’s Provost”, was admitted as an official unit of the Turner Brigade.
The By-Laws of the Association require that at least 5 members of any unit wishing to be officially affiliated with the brigade be members of the association. Over the last six months, it has been verified that a sufficient number of members of Welker’s Provost meet that criterion. All of the Brigade unit leaders have given their assent to accepting Welker’s Provost as a Brigade unit.
Company M guns featured in award-winning photo
The annual photo contest of Rural Missouri, the statewide publication of the Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, included an award winner featuring the guns of Company M. In the “Discover the Past” category, the second-place winner was James Rutter of Cape Girardeau for his photo “Preparing for Battle”. Taken at the 2014 reenactment of the Battle of Pilot Knob, it shows Company M’s Ames 3-pdr. in the foreground and Filley gun in the background, with their wheels wrapped in burlap. When Union forces evacuated Fort Davidson in the middle of the night after having repulsed repeated Confederate assaults on the fort, Union cannoneers wrapped the wheels of their field guns in blankets so as to muffle the sounds of their movement when they passed by Confederate pickets in the dark. The Union force successfully escaped through the encircling Confederate lines, finally reaching relative safety at Leasburg. This and other award winners may be viewed at ruralmissouri.coop.
Company M featured in Missouri Humanities Council publication
The February 2015 issue of Passages, the publication of the Missouri Humanities Council, features a photo of a Company M crew demonstrating artillery drill at the Harney mansion on August 30, 2014. Members of the Turner Brigade turned out at the Sullivan, MO, site to help open the house’s display of the traveling exhibit “A State Divided: The Civil War in Missouri.”
Updated Book on Battle of Pilot Knob Debuts at September 2014 Reenactment
Company E member Scott House has recently rewritten the book on the Battle of Pilot Knob, reevaluating the historical record to update Bryce Suderow’s 1984 account. The revised edition of The Battle of Pilot Knob: Thunder in the Arcadia Valley debuted at the September 2014 reenactment and is available at the Fort Davidson State Historic Site Visitors’ Center. Amazon had it immediately upon printing, and Barnes & Noble will carry it if people ask for it. The book is over 450 pages with more than 25 new maps drawn by Scott. Southeast Missouri State University Press is sponsoring this program in partnership with the Missouri Humanities Council and with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Here is the book information:
The Battle of Pilot Knob: Thunder in Arcadia Valley
by Bryce A. Suderow and R. Scott House
Copyright 2014: Southeast Missouri State University Press
Softcover: $20.00
ISBN: 978-0-9903530-2-7
First published in 2014 by
Southeast Missouri State University Press
One University Plaza, MS 2650
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701
www6.semo.edu/universitypress
Civil War Trust Acknowledges Turner Donation to Vicksburg Preservation
The Association of the Turner Brigade authorized the contribution of $250 from the Association’s Preservation Fund to the Civil War Trust for preservation of a portion of the Vicksburg battlefield. The Trust acknowledged the receipt of the donation with the following letter.
Company M Featured on Missouri Civil War Tourism Brochure Cover
The cover of Missouri Battle Lines: A look into Missouri’s Civil War past, a brochure produced by the Missouri Division of Tourism, features a photo of two Company M artillery crews in action at a reenactment probably in 2006 or 2007. The brochure lists Civil War sites around the state and describes Missouri’s role in the conflict.
6th Missouri Cavalry Regimental Flag Repatriated
Members of Company C, 5th Missouri Cavalry, Turner Brigade, recently participated in a very special event: the repatriation of a Civil War battle flag. This flag that once flew at the head of a column of the gallant men of the 6th Missouri Cavalry during the Civil War, returned again to the battlefield at Pea Ridge, Arkansas. For three days in March of 1862, the flag waved in the wind guiding a long blue line of Yankee troopers as they clashed with the Confederate army threatening Missouri’s southern border.
The flag was not captured in the Battle of Pea Ridge, but stayed with the Regiment until the end of the war, when it returned home with Colonel Thomas Clark Wright, the Regimental Commander. Over the decades it passed through many hands and was nearly lost to history before being donated to the Arkansas Historical Commission. The flag, which is now framed and mounted under glass, is made of blue silk, fringed with gold. Hand painted on the silk is the Union Coat of Arms (an eagle and shield) under a field of thirteen gold stars.
On March 20th, 2014, in a ceremony at the Pea Ridge National Military Park, many dignitaries from Arkansas and Missouri spoke about the history of the flag, and the significance of its repatriation. The symbolic transfer of the banner from the holdings of the Arkansas Historical Commission to the care and custody of the Missouri State Museum was conducted by Civil War reenactors in authentic period attire. Members of Arkansas Reenactors Education Association presented a symbolic replica to a color guard from Company C of the 5th Missouri Cavalry Regiment. The members of the 5th Missouri Cavalry were Wayne Sampson, Flint Smith, and Paul Shetley, who are also members of the General Asboth Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans. The flag is now home in the collection of the Missouri State Museum in Jefferson City.
Turner Brigade Spring Drill Featured as Civil War Event on Missouri State Tourism Web Site
The Missouri Department of Economic Development’s visitmo.com tourism website lists the Turner Brigade March 29 Spring Drill at the Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob, MO, as one of four Civil War events it highlights in 2014. Unfortunately, the accompanying picture does not show Union Turner Brigade troops, but Confederates. We’ll have to work on that.
Turner Brigade, Member Skip Korte Win Awards of Excellence
It’s official. We are now the award-winning Turner Brigade. On November 8, 2013, when winners of the Living History Awards of Excellence in reenacting were announced at the Time Travelers Ball at the Stegton Regency Banquet Center in St. Charles, MO, the Turner Brigade was named best historic group of 2013, and Turner member Skip Korte (Union soldier) was honored as best historic fictional character. The contest was sponsored by the Living History Company, a Missouri not-for-profit corporation providing education and additional resources for reenactors. Online voting was done from a slate of candidates nominated in five categories. The other winners were John Campbell as Wild Bill Hickok (Historic Character/interpreter), Boone Trails Days (Historic Event), and Fort de Chartres, Prairie du Rocher, Illinois (Historic Venue).
Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and winners!
Company C, 5th Missouri Cavalry Becomes an Official Unit of the Turner Brigade
At the 2013 Spring Drill association meeting, Emmett Taylor, acting on behalf of Company C, 5th Missouri Cavalry, asked that his unit become officially affiliated with the Turner Brigade. The By-Laws of the Association require that at least 5 members of any unit wishing to be officially affiliated with the brigade be members of the association.
Over the last six months, it has been verified that a sufficient number of members of the 5th Cavalry meet that criterion. All of the brigade unit leaders have given their assent to accepting the 5th as a brigade unit. This procedure was consented to by the voting membership present at the Spring Drill meeting.
As of this time, therefore, the 5th MO Cavalry is an official unit of the Turner Brigade. It will be a pleasure to have them fighting alongside of us on future battlefields as it has been a pleasure working with them in the past. I want to ask that all join me in welcoming them into the ranks!
Steve Allen
President
Association of the Turner Brigade
Civil War Trust Acknowledges Turner Donation to Chickamauga Preservation
The Executive Board of the Association of the Turner Brigade authorized the contribution of $400 from the Association’s Preservation Fund to the Civil War Trust for preservation of the Reed’s Bridge portion of the Chickamauga battlefield. The Trust acknowledged the receipt of the donation with the following letter.
New Books by Turner Member Anita Quick
Two new books by Turner member Anita Quick are available for order on October 24, 2012.
Civil War Camp Songs is a unique addition to any library, packed with period lyrics and lavishly illustrated with five years’ worth of reenactment and battlefield photography that brings the past to life.
The book features a foreword from Bobby Horton, acclaimed music historian, performer, and composer who has scored thirteen of Ken Burns’ documentaries, including The Civil War and Baseball.
With notes and photographs by Anita Quick, Civil War reenactor and direct descendent of Andersonville survivor Samuel Marlow, 65th Indiana Infantry, Co. F.; 112 pages, 8″ x 11″. Available November 2012, suggested retail $20.00.
The American Civil War from A to Z is a treasure trove of Civil War facts, arranged as a mini-encyclopedia and illustrated with color photographs of artifacts, battlefields, and Civil War reenactments, where living historians educate the public about the war that divided, then defined the United States of America.
A book for all ages, The American Civil War from A to Z is well-researched and includes an extensive bibliography for further reading.
Written and illustrated by author/photographer Anita Quick, Civil War reenactor and direct descendent of Andersonville survivor Samuel Marlow, 65th Indiana Infantry, Co. F.; 56 pages, 8″ x 11″. Available November 2012, suggested retail $15.00.
Anita’s books are available through Adler Dry Goods, James Country Mercantile store and website, the DeMenil Mansion gift shop, and online at Amazon.com. Retail inquiries should be sent to longbranchpublishing@gmail.com.
Adlers Open Store in Wildwood, Missouri
Turner members Knox and Mary Adler, proprietors of Adler’s Dry Goods, have just opened a store in the St. Louis area at 16953 Manchester Road in Wildwood. The store is located one mile east of the intersection of Eatherton Road (Highway 109) and Manchester Road in the area known as Grover, across from Imogene’s. Their “Grand Opening” was December 1, and they will be serving cookies and coffee throughout the entire month of December to celebrate their opening. Hours are Monday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
They have most of the merchandise from their sutler tent and some additional merchandise that will be available only at the store. They have clothing and accessories for reenactors and some Medieval and early 1900’s decorator items and accessories.
Some of the Civil War related products they have for sale are:
- Ladies Undergarments (socks, bloomers, petticoats, robes, night gowns)
- Ladies Shawls and mitts (both Crocheted and Knitted)
- Ladies Dresses
- Ladies hair accessories
- Men’s military trousers, vests and sack coats
- Men’s Suspenders, Canteens, Holsters, Belts, Kepis and Haversacks
- Some children’s clothing
- Hand blown glassware and porcelain tea sets
- Sewing, Knitting and Crochet accessories
- Wood, stone and bone boxes, some with scrimshaw designs
- Books, some reprinted from original 1800’s manuscripts
- Ink wells, pens and ink tablets
- Jewelry (including historic reproductions commemorative medallions, and rings)
- Confederate and Federal Swords, Sabers, Knives and Compasses
- Hats, Bonnets, and children’s Civil War Kepis
- Hand made, real Coon Skin Hats and others hats made from furs of opossum and other animals.
- Reproduction toy pistols and rifles for children
- Toy Soldiers of the Civil War
- Various other children’s toys including Tops, Catch balls, Yoyos, Harmonicas, wood and tin flutes.
- Candy, including sticks and rock candy
- Other miscellaneous accessories including cookware, eating and serving utensils, sewing items and more.
The store’s phone number is (636)273-1009.
Turner Brigade Recognized for Contributions to Museum of Transportation Civil War Exhibit
The Museum of Transportation in St. Louis County, Missouri, recently opened its special exhibit on transportation of the Civil War, “Roads, Rivers & Rails,” presenting how these modes of transportation affected the conduct of the war. This is the first special exhibit of its type that the Museum has ever mounted. In thanking those groups and individuals who helped make the exhibit possible, the Museum recognized the Turner Brigade as one of its contributors. Several Turner members assisted Museum curators in acquiring exhibit items, especially at the Swap Meet. Co. G member Bill Baehr wrote several of the text panels in the exhibit and provided some replica items for display. The exhibit is open until the end of 2013.
Jefferson Barracks School of the Piece Hailed as One of the Country’s Best
by Anita Quick
They came from as far away as Wyoming to attend the June 25, 2011, School of the Piece at Jefferson Barracks in south St. Louis County, Missouri, co-sponsored by the National Civil War Artillery Association and the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sons of Veterans Reserve. The sky threatened rain, but the weather held long enough for 74 artillerists to be instructed on field guns, mountain howitzers, or both.
The school was organized by Randy Baehr, Chief Inspector for NCWAA Region XII, and 2011’s winner of the George MacDonald Award for his outstanding contributions to the NCWAA, and Jack Grothe, Commander, 4th Military District, SVR. Six local instructors were Mike McCubbins, Henry Leady, Charles Tullock and Virginia Wagner of the Turner Brigade’s Co. M, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, and Danny Tolka and Larry Stephens of the 1st Illinois Light Artillery, Co. D.
Participants were primarily Union and Confederate reenactors from branches of service that included artillery, infantry, cavalry, engineers, and navy. The day began with 7:30 a.m. registration, then moved indoors for classroom testing and instruction led by Jack Grothe and Virginia Wagner.
Following the written test, artillerists returned to the field, where NCWAA Chairman Ethan Barnett detailed the responsibilities and safety concerns of each cannon position. Ethan was assisted in his demonstrations by NCWAA Treasurer John Clark. Randy Baehr then issued crew assignments, and training began on seven replica pieces of artillery: two Model 1841 six pounders, owned by Danny Tolka and Ed Bounds; an 1861 Filley gun owned by Randy Baehr; an 1853-1861 Ames 3-pounder, owned by Dave Hagler; an 1861 Woodruff gun, owned by Charles Tullock and Randy Baehr; a Model 1841 12-pounder mountain howitzer, pack carriage, owned by Ken Ess; and a Model 1841 12-pounder mountain howitzer, prairie carriage, owned by Charles Brulle.
Lunch was catered by the Ladies’ Union Aid Society and was greatly enjoyed by the attendees, whose numbers had increased considerably in two years’ time. At the 2009 JB School of the Piece, 59 cards were issued to NCWAA artillerists. This year, 74 cards were issued, thanks to Randy Baehr, Jack Grothe, and a dedicated group of Civil War enthusiasts.
Randy Baehr Receives NCWAA’s George MacDonald Award
by Anita Quick
The 2011 winner of the prestigious George MacDonald Award was announced by National Civil War Artillery Association Chairman Ethan Barnett at the 2011 Jefferson Barracks School of the Piece. The award is named for the man whose vision of an organization of Civil War artillerists, dedicated to high standards of performance and safety, would be the cornerstone of the NCWAA. Although MacDonald died before he saw his dream realized, the award given in his memory is bestowed-usually only one a year-on an individual who is recognized by the association chairman as someone who has made substantial contributions to the hobby, someone who’s made a very big difference in spreading safety and in keeping the NCWAA moving forward. For Chairman Barnett, when it came time to make the award, Randy Baehr was really an easy choice.
Randy’s dynamic personality and organizational skills help make the Jefferson Barracks artillery school one of the best in the country. Randy has been a stalwart supporter of the NCWAA organization for 12 years. He attended his first School of the Piece at Jefferson Barracks in 1999 and afterwards helped organize the schools with Jack Grothe of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Sons of Veterans Reserve. Following the 2003 school in Washington, Missouri, Randy was asked to be the Chief Inspector for Region XII (Missouri and Iowa), where the NCWAA did not already have a presence. After being assured it was primarily a paperwork position, he accepted.
Randy has accomplished much since his first Civil War event as a spectator, taking a steam train ride in Jackson, Missouri, where rebels fired on the train and the train returned with a gun on a flatcar to attack the Confederate camp. For the past 11 years, Randy has served as editor of the Turner Brigade’s newsletter The Shrapnel, and earlier this year was honored by the brigade with an Ames artillery officer’s sword and custom leather sheath. The Turner Brigade grew out of Company M, 1st Missouri Light Artillery, which Randy kept seeing at reenactments and events like the Compton Heights Band concerts and the Forest Park Boy Scout camporee. Then, in 1992, the Baehr family went to a living history campout at Jefferson Barracks as modern civilians and emerged as Civil War reenactors. Randy says, “It only took about 3 minutes of standing with a 9-pound musket to convince me that artillery was for me. Besides, they kept telling me it was less expensive. Yeah, until you buy a cannon.”
In 1992, Randy joined Co. M. He now serves as Captain and commander of the unit, which fields a battery of a 4-pounder Filley gun, an Ames 3-pounder gun, a Woodruff gun, and a 12-pounder mountain howitzer. He likes the unusual small guns, and finds great reward in talking to the public about the Civil War and artillery. Randy especially enjoys drilling with schoolchildren but adds that it is also very rewarding to train new artillerists and have them be recognized as well trained.
Turner Member Featured in Air Force Reserve Unit Newsletter
Company G member Charles Prather was recently profiled in The Gateway Wing, the unit newsletter of the 932nd Airlift Wing. Charlie also serves as a medical technician with the 932nd Medical Squadron. Click here to view the complete article.
Shrapnel Editor Honored by Brigade Members at Camp Jackson Event
by Anita Quick
At the Turner Brigade meeting on Saturday morning, April 30, 2011, Capt. Randy Baehr was honored for eleven years of service as editor of The Shrapnel Brigade newsletter. Dave Hagler gave the following remarks:
“Gentlemen, I have a special announcement. There comes a time when a ‘thank you’ is not enough to show someone our gratitude for a job well done. Captain Randel Baehr is just that person. Eleven years ago Randy accepted the post of Editor of the Turner Brigade Newsletter-the ‘new’ Shrapnel. At the time, little did he imagine, when he stepped forward to accept the title of editor, he would be so creative as to be indispensable to the Turners, who now eagerly wait for each issue of The Shrapnel to appear in one’s mailbox. He has kept us informed of historical facts, new faces, upcoming events, what will be available at them, and how to get there.
“2011 marks the beginning of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. We all recognize Captain Baehr waving his well-worn artillery saber, shouting his commands. What better way to show our gratitude than to retire his old sword and replace it with one more appropriate to a man of his stature. Randy has earned the admiration of his fellow Turner Brigade members. May you lead your men proudly through these historic years ahead.
“At this time, the entire Turner Brigade wishes to present to you this Ames artillery officer’s sword, along with this hand-tooled, protective leather case. God bless you.”
The surprise project was well underway at the Swap Meet, with 1st Sgt. Mike Watson collecting funds from Brigade members. Their contributions more than covered the expense of the sword and the leather sheath, custom-made by Mike McCubbins. After Dave Hagler’s remarks, Mike Watson presented Randy with his new sword, Mike McCubbins presented the sheath, and Dave Hagler passed an envelope with “a bit of currency for you and any special project.” Pat Hagler presented Randy with a poster that included his first Shrapnel in its new format, a list of Brigade members at the time, and a list of Brigade members from then who are still with us.
Capt. Greg Zelinske then led the brigade in a salute to Capt. Baehr, who returned the salute with his new sword.
Turners Honored by Friends of Fort Davidson
The Turner Brigade was recently honored by the Friends of Fort Davidson for their continuing support of that organization and its mission to support the Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob, Missouri. The following letter was received from their president:
Over the years, the Turner Brigade has graciously thought of Fort Davidson State Historic Site by giving donations through your memorial program and by other means. Our treasurer has informed me that your gifts just since 2001 are higher than our highest award of at the Gen. Sterling Price level.
We normally would not give out a special award, except that the Turner Brigade has repeatedly supported our efforts. Last year we presented the St. Louis Civil War Roundtable with a special Abraham Lincoln certificate for their continued support. Turner Brigade is a similar organization and because of your continued support we proudly give you a special Ulysses S. Grant award. Only your organization will ever be given this honor.
Thank you again.
Sincerely yours,
Charles T. Cadenbach
President
Turner Donation to Franklin Appeal of Civil War Preservation Trust Acknowledged
Per membership approval at the 2010 Spring Drill meeting, the Association of the Turner Brigade donated $450 to the Civil War Preservation Trust for property acquisition at the battlefield at Franklin, Tennessee. Following is the CWPT’s thank you letter:
Your recent gift of $450 to the Civil War Preservation Trust will go toward saving 1.07 critical acres of land at the Battle of Franklin in Tennessee. Not the largest transaction that you or I have been a part of, but certainly one of the most important. As Jim [Lighthizer, CWPT President] said in his recent letter, the Federal line of defense ran across this property, and it was the site of almost incredible slaughter. Inch by inch, we are – along with our fantastic local partner group Franklin’s Charge – working to save as many crucial acres of this important, neglected battlefield that we can, reclaiming hallowed ground that was once considered lost forever.
With your gift you have shown your understanding of how important this brutal, decisive battle was. You have also shown your understanding of a good deal when you see it. We have, as promised, turned every dollar of your donation into $6.33 in matching money from Franklin’s Charge, and a matching grant from the federal government. Not a bad deal in this still-uncertain economy (and not a bad deal even in a perfect economy if you ask me!)
Yet again you have answered the call to help the local heroes on the ground in Tennessee save this battlefield. On behalf of them and all of us here at CWPT, you have my most heartfelt thanks.
Thank you so much again.
Sincerely yours,
Liz Jacoby
Development Associate and Color Bearer Coordinator