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Contact: Kimm Fox-Middleton, 360-813-6243
3 in 1 Weekend: Bivouac, Base Ball, and a Movie at the Vancouver Barracks July 22 & 23, 2006 The National Park Service at Fort Vancouver National Historic Site and the Vancouver National Historic Reserve are pleased to announce the following upcoming living history events. The events include the annual Soldier’s Bivouac on July 22 & 23 from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. It also includes a very popular event, 1860s Vintage Base Ball at 6:00 PM on July 22. Also in partnership with the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Trust, the Movie Season’s showing will be one of Hollywood’s well known base ball movies, starring Robert Redford. The movie will begin at dusk. Food vendors will be on site, all events are free, and a wonderful way to experience history at one of the oldest military posts in the West. Soldier’s Bivouac. July 22 & 23. 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Free admission. Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground. Join volunteers and re-enactors as they share the stories of the soldiers who lived at Vancouver Barracks. Re-enactors will portray soldiers ranging from 1849 until the end of World War II. Highlights include: • Living History camps on the parade ground featuring talks and demonstrations • Civil War era musket firing drill • Civil War era Infantry drill • Indian Wars rifle firing demonstration • Marvelous Military Mules 1860s Vintage Base Ball Game July 22, 2006 at 6:00 PM at the Vancouver Barracks Parade Ground For the soldiers stationed at the US Army’s Fort Vancouver (later renamed Vancouver Barracks) garrison duty was tedious. Games such as base ball (two words in the 19th century) were a welcome relief. Historic records often mention baseball as a form of recreation for the soldiers. Cranks (1860s term for fans) will experience a game played between soldiers from the Battery F of the Second U.S. Artillery and base ballists (players) on the Occidentals Base Ball Club of Vancouver. The teams will play under the National Association of Base Ball Players rules of 1860: • The ballists play barehanded. No gloves allowed. • The hurler (pitcher) pitches the ball instead of throwing (underhand not overhand). • A ball caught on the fly or the first bound (bounce) is an out. • ‘Fair-fouls’ – Any ball that touches fair territory before going out of the playing field is a live ball. • No fielder may use his hat to catch the ball. Period music will be provided by a brass band. Throughout the game the umpire will explain the calls he is making. Also, cranks dressed in period clothes will interact with the modern-day cranks. Refreshments will be available on site. The fun continues with the second game of the season and another base ball movie favorite on August 19, 2006, at the same time and location. "There something for everyone to do;" states Special Event Program Manager Kimm Fox-Middleton "you can be a base ball fan, a historian, military buff, or someone who is looking to do something different. People of all ages are welcome in this weekend of fun." Background: Fort Vancouver National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park Service, is at the heart of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve. The Vancouver National Historic Reserve brings together a national park, a premier archaeological site, the region's first military post, an international fur trade emporium, one of the oldest operating airfields, the first national historic site west of the Mississippi River, and a waterfront trail and environmental center on the banks of the Columbia River. The partners of the Reserve teach visitors about the fur trade, early military life, natural history, and pioneers in aviation, all within the context of Vancouver’s role in regional and national development. The Reserve's vast array of public programs -- including living history events, festivals, cultural demonstrations, exhibits, active archaeology, and other special activities -- create a dynamic, fun, and unique tourist destination for people of all ages. -NPS-
Media Release for 2006 Soldiers' Bivouac (81 KB .pdf file)
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Last updated: December 7, 2017