The Vermont Civil War Hemlocks
Uncle Abe is Calling YOU!
Now is the time to heed the call to help
preserve
the Union!
Based in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, the Hemlocks have chosen to
portray
the Third Vermont, the only Vermont volunteer regiment to rendezvous
and
train at Camp Baxter, just south of St. Johnsbury. The Third was part
of
the First Vermont Brigade that, as part of the famous Sixth Corps,
participated
in most of the heavy fighting involving the Army of the Potomac. The
regiment
was originally armed with three-band Enfield rifled muskets, a practice
followed by the Hemlocks today.
In 1986, the Hemlocks expanded their military impressions by forming
the
First Vermont Battery of Light Artillery. Central to this portrayal is
an original 3 inch wrought iron rifle and a full-scale reproduction 3
inch
wrought iron rifle. These were the types of artillery pieces originally
issued to the 1st VT. Production of this iron-barreled rifled
cannon
(sometimes referred to as a 3 inch Ordnance Rifle) was begun early in
the
war following specifications developed by the U.S. Ordnance Department.
It quickly won favor with artillerists on both sides of the conflict
for
its accuracy and ease of movement. The Hemlocks load and fire their
wrought
iron guns using a variation of the original drill, tempering
authenticity
with safety.
Getting Started
If you are interested in the Civil War but are not sure you're quite
ready
or do not have the time for full-scale living history, you will meet
like-minded
people in our group. Although much of our activity is geared towards
living
history, the monthly meetings offer opportunities for education and
discussion
of various Civil War topics. We welcome all members with a desire to
participate
in this hobby. If you are interested in Civil War living history, the
Vermont
Civil War Hemlocks is the organization for you.
If you are concerned about the cost, fear not. It is not necessary
to
obtain the entire uniform and equipage in order to get started. We have
a limited amount of equipment available for loan to new members, and
many
of our present members are willing to lend articles of clothing that
are
needed and available. You can start out with a small investment and
gradually
acquire the articles you need over time.
Membership dues are $20.00 per year for individuals, $30.00 per year
for families. All funds raised by the Hemlocks go directly to
activities
promoting the preservation of Vermont's Civil War heritage.
Monthly Meetings
The Hemlocks meet on the second Monday of every month at 7 p.m. in the
G.A.R. Room of the Hardwick Memorial Building. Local members of the
veterans
organization met around the turn of the century in this beautiful old
granite
structure that was built to honor their comrades' sacrifice. Each
meeting
usually begins with a program of some sort and a speaker, videotape, or
other activity relating to the Civil War. The business meeting takes
place
after the program. All meetings are open and the public is invited.
Please visit us at one of our meetings or activities this year.
Better
yet, fill out a membership form and find out how the Hemlocks can bring
the Civil War alive for you.
Click here for a printable membership form
in Adobe pdf format. You will need the Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is FREE
from Adobe, to view and/or print the document. Follow the
Adobe
link to go to their web site to download the reader.
Alternative - link to membership form
in gif format.
To get more information about joining the Hemlocks, contact Bob
Morey.
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