Letter

[Redeye]

Guys, the following is an email I sent off to the assistant manager of Riverside State Park to inquire about our group hosting events here in town:

Hello,

I represent the Inland Northwest WW2 Living History Group. We're a fairly new organization that is starting to gain interest and membership in the Spokane area.
We are wondering how we would get permission to schedule events using Riverside State Park land. Namely public displays at Spokane House, as well as tactical battle reenactments at Camp Seven Mile, both public and private.

The tactical battle events would entail reenactors representing Allied and Axis with era correct uniforms and equipment including blank firing firearms as well as smoke producing pyrotechniques--but only when fire conditions are favorable to such displays, participating in mock combat similar to the Civil War events put on every year. In time, the events could draw reenactors and interest from all over the western United States.

Static public displays would be identical to the above, but without blank firing or battles being fought. These would be informative visual displays for the public.

While in the Army National Guard back in the 1980's, Camp Seven Mile was used often by the Guard for training events that included blank firing firearms as well as smoke and grenade and artillery simulators. I understand it is still used today by the military.

Are you the individual to speak with to organize this, or can you direct me to the proper party? Thank you for your time.

Mike Shinavier
Inland Northwest World War Two Living History Group
509-326-0711
[e-mail]

[Klaus Schüßler]

outstanding!

[Redeye]

Unfortunately I received an autoreply message that this dude is going to be out of the office until 9/24...sigh.

[AG1944]

Thanks for doing this.

[Redeye]

Not a problem. 7 Mile would be so bloody perfect for us. It may give us that extra oomph to get reenacting going in this area.

[Redeye]

Okay, I resent the above letter. Hopefully we'll get an answer soon.

[Redeye]

Okay, got this reply today:

Mike,
I would like to talk to you about your proposal to stage WW2 reenactment. It may be possible but I will need to get a better sense of what you propose. I also have concerns about using the military area because it is difficult to control access into that area and we have multiple trails through the area. The civil war reenactments are staged at the equestrian area, this may be a better venue for your proposal. How many people do you expect? Will you be charging spectators?
As far as displays at the Spokane house, I'm not sure that it would be appropriate in that location since the interpretation there is focused on the history of that particular spot.

Chris Guidotti


And this was my reply (Note, I took the liberty to expound just a little on the "importance" of our private events):

Mr. Guidotti,

Thank you for your reply.

Our interest in Camp Seven Mile are twofold. First, regarding "private" events, these would be limited to members of INLHG, or prospective members who are interested in joining. These would be small in scale, perhaps 15 to 30 participants and would involve mock battles using blank fire rifles and period uniforms and equipment. I guess these can be best described as "practice" exercises. Many of the groups in Washington and Oregon are often called upon to take part in films where authenticism is a must. The private events for members ensures that uniform kits are properly worn and authentic, movements and mannerisms are historically accurate, etc. They also serve as primer for new people interested in reenacting. Knowing Camp Seven Mile as well as I do and that hikers, bikers and horseback riders use the area, I am confident that control could be properly exercised, including the use of signs and banners, so that park visitors would be well aware of our activities.



As for public events, I will have to check with some of the more senior members of the group as to how, exactly, the events are planned and performed. I could see perhaps the same or close to the turn out the Civil War Reenactments within several years.



Would it be possible to meet at some point?



Thank you again for your time.



Mike

[Klaus Schüßler]

OUTSTANDING Mike!!!

[Otto]

Sounds familiar with the red tape I have. That is awesome that you are doing that. I hope you draw a big crowd and get some more people interested. This year sucks over here because it is the 65th of everything, so we are having our next event in November. Then Bastogne in December. Have fun guys, and be safe.

[Redeye]

Heard back today and the the guy wants to meet face to face, which I think would be best anyhow. Sean, Nick, would you like to come also to handle some of the finer points? Haven't set any dates yet, I figure I'd check with you guys first.

[Klaus Schüßler]

Yes, we do. Set the time and place most convienet for him. Should be evenings or weekends is possible. I can not attend on Thursday evenings.

Klaus

[AG1944]

Thursdays are a no-go for me also. Weekends and afternoon/evenings are the best.

[Redeye]

For me it would have to be either weekends or a Teusday or Friday before work. I have no evenings off during the week.

[Klaus Schüßler]

Great, let me know what day and place you arrange. I am very excited about this and thank you Red for doing so much work on this.

Klaus

[mrsparkle]

Possible progress, this is great. Let me know what date/time and I will try to show up too.