Chapter 4: The Eighties
February 17, 1980, the meeting in Ardskey, Pa. had Commander R. Stambaugh
at the helm. The minutes showed that Thompson's Independent Battery had been
dissolved. A long time member and leader, Art Johnson of the 2nd New Jersey, Co K
had died and a moment of silence was observed. Co K donated a traveling trophy in
the name of Art Johnson that was to be given to the top team for Musket/Carbine
Aggregate score. Tom Boyer accepted the post of Provost Marshall for the year, and Al
Brinkman, Jr. was the new PIO. Al's goal was to publish a newsletter, and his idea was
supported by the membership. The boxes of archival material did not contain any of his
newsletters and are possibly lost forever. Finding teams to host regional skirmishes
appeared to be a recurring problem. A committee was appointed to determine a rotating
schedule listing the teams and the order to host regional skirmishes.
Meeting November, 1980 at Ardsley, Pennsylvania was held without a major
problem. The topics of discussion centered on muskets that did not pass inspection.
Light trigger pull was the main problem. Larry Willard was appointed the new Provost
Guard for 1981, and the PIO post was vacant. A motion was made and passed that
teams will be in uniform for Carbine team competition. A motion was made and passed
that Musket team commanders meeting be held Sunday morning. This was a change
from the usual Saturday night commander's meeting.
In an undated letter to the teams, Duty Commander Eric Fritz sent out a letter
encouraging all teams to be the best that they can be. The letter included helpful hints on
how to improve their scores. Wayne Shaw, the Inspector General in 1980, sent a letter
to all teams outlining the objectives for the 1980 skirmishing season. The letter reviewed
the basic rules of safety. On October 10, 1980 Adjutant/Paymaster Wayne Schmidt
felt it was very important that teams send him copies of canceled checks from the teams.
The copies were needed to determine the financial stability of the parent organizition.
Throughout the late seventies and early eighties, the raffle ticket was a legitimate
and well used means to raise money.
March of 1981, had the group back in session at the VFW Post in Ardsley,
Pennsylvania with Duty Commander Eric Fritz presiding. I.G. Wayne Shaw reported
that team uniforms were not consistent and should be in the future. The National Provost
Guard was back in action and contained an all volunteer group. Bill Machinsky was the
newly appointed PIO. Wayne Schmidt distributed a booklet on the guidelines on
"How to Run a Skirmish". A lottery was conducted by the Regional Skirmish Committee
to determine the order for teams to host skirmishes. Lancaster Fencibles was picked
first and Tenth Virginia was selected last. A dues increase was defeated and the meeting
shortly ended after that decision.
In November of 1981, the Middle Atlantic Region held a regional meeting at the
VFW Post in Ardsley, Pennsylvania with Commander Richard Stambaugh presiding.
The meeting was basically cut and dry. The major topic of discussion were rules
governing the selection of the Region's All-Star team that would compete at the
upcoming Nationals. Regional election of officers was held and Wayne Schmidt was
elected Commander unanimously. A proposal of rules for selecting participants to the
Regional All-Star team were included in the minutes of this meeting.