Chapter One: In the Fifties
In the late fifties skirmishing and target shooting were an important part of the
N-SSA. In addition to the shooting part, the centennial of the Civil War or the War of
the Rebellion was just on the horizon. There was a need to remember what our fore
fathers had done and accomplished. It is possible that many of those members could
remember family stories and conversations from family members dealing with the
contributions of their grandfather or great grandfather. The last reunion, the 75th
anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, was held a mere 13 years before the parent
organization, N-SSA, was founded. We were also a nation of veterans with the close
of World War II and the Korean Conflict. Shooting has always been part of the
American scene. In fact our Constitution guarantees the Right to Keep and Bear Arms
It was with this mind set that the N-SSA and the Middle Atlantic were formed.
During those early years, correspondence flowed between Joe Reese and the
National leaders. According to Charlie Smithgall of the Third U.S. Regular Infantry,
Joe Reese and Joe Rawls were friends and shared a fondness for shooting. In a
hand written letter in the summer of 1951, John Rawls wrote to Joe Reese that he, John,
will be in New York for some unknown reason. John informed Joe that he would be
coming to Philadelphia for just one night. While John was in the area, he would like to
talk to Joe Reese about muzzleloading. John Rawls had connections to the Philadelphia
area. In the letter to Joe, John talked about looking for a house. John had a Philadelphia
telephone number and mentioned a small group of friends with interest in muzzleloading.
It would appear that John Rawls traveled during the week but he could be reached on
weekends in the Philadelphia area. John mentioned that he was looking for volunteer
outfit to travel with him to Richmond in October. It was through this relationship that Joe
Rawls encouraged Joe Reese to start a new region for the N-SSA. In a post script of
this letter dated Summer of 1951, John enclosed a copy of the "Skirmish" Rules for the
North - South events. John continued, "We want Philly and N. J. represented next time."
Joe Reese and others started the First Pennsylvania Artillery. The backbone of the First
Pennsylvania Artillery was the Philadelphia Muzzle Loaders. This group was active
because the archives contain a certificate from M.G. VanWay of the National Muzzle
Loading Rifle Association citing them for promoting the sport of muzzleloading. The
certificate officially chartered the Philadelphia Muzzle Loaders on the eighth of October,
1952. Looking down the list of names on the certificate, the names of Joseph Reese and
John Rawls are listed. John Rawls must have been a terrific salesman when it came to the
N-SSA and Civil War style shooting. As John moved from city to city, regional teams
would get started.
This may or may not be considered an official skirmish. In 1953, the Philadelphia
Muzzleloading Club held black powder shoots using round balls. The date for this shoot
was December 13, 1953. According to the flyer, the shooting was done at paper
targets. Nothing breakable was mentioned.