Workshop & Camp Jackson

There is still space available in both classes for this weekend's Handsewing and Finishing Techniques Workshop if you're interested!  A note to tell you that payment will also be accepted the day of class!  You should still register online but now there is the option to pay at class.  The only thing you need to bring with you is a pair of sewing scissors for snipping thread.  All other materials will be supplied.  If you are partial to the use of a thimble, you may want to bring yours with you as well.  The morning class is filling faster than the afternoon class too, so if you're more of a late-riser, sign up for the afternoon!
Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point is, as already stated, April 29-May 1.  We have a list of people planning to attend.  If you haven't notified LLHSJC about attending as part of the group, there is still time!  Again, there will be a tent set up for our use to "hide" things and also act as "homebase" for the group.  Be sure to bring your camp chairs or blankets to sit on.  A table will be available to set drinks, food, etc on as well.  If you will be spending the weekend, be sure to bring along anything you might need like food, clothes, etc!  More detailed information will be sent out via email to those who will be attending this event.
Also, just a quick reminder that our next meeting is April 19, 6:30pm, at The Art Store.  We'll discuss underpinnings!

Next Meeting & Upcoming Events

Last night's meeting went very well!  Two new ladies expressed interest in attending upcoming events as a group.  The Art Store provided a fun atmosphere for the meeting as it was also 3rds Days in Warrensburg, a time when local shops keep their doors open a bit longer and provide interesting activities for passersby.  3rds Days happens every third Thursday of the month. 
Upcoming Events include the Handsewing Workshop, April 2nd.  If you haven't signed up yet, please do so!  The workshop is just two weeks away!  Registration can be found by clicking on the link at the right of this page.  Also creeping up on us is Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point in St. Louis, MO.  It is April 29- May 1.  If you would like to attend as part of LLHSJC, be sure to email us at llhsjc@ gmail.com by Monday, March 21, so we can get our group registration form together and sent in!  Be sure to visit our Events Calendar (link at right) to see other events of interest!  If you have an event that you think should be on the calendar but isn't, please email the event's information and website (if available) or point of contact.
Our next meeting will be April 19 at 6:30pm at The Art Store in Warrensburg.  Keep in mind that it will be a Tuesday!  We look forward to seeing you!

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!

As people across the nation and around the world don green clothing and accessories, prepare green or Irish-style food, speak in their best Irish accent, and wish each other a "Happy St. Paddy's Day!", we also remember the days when the Irish were not only not welcome in regular establishments but were also publicly ridiculed in newspapers, the public forum, and even through elected officials.  The Irish had a rough time entering American society.  The Great Irish Potato Famine of the late 1840s sent many countrymen searching for a better life.  That life was sought after in the United States.  They boarded ships with family and what little they could carry and made the long, arduous journey across the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of food, shelter, and freedom from English rule.  Does any of this sound familiar?  Instead, many were met with scorn, distaste, and villainy.  For a very well-done article on this topic, please visit The History Place.
There is some debate as to the reason there were black soldiers fighting for the Confederacy.  The main accusation being that they were forced to fight.  But to ignore the plight of the Irish immigrating here is not only unfair but also a prejudicial view of our nation's history.  In fact, local newspapers in Ireland published articles about the illicit actions of Federal agents.  They were accused of coming to Ireland and encouraging Irish men to travel to America under the guise of promised work.  Once there, they were tricked into debt and told the only way out was to enlist in the Federal army.  To view one such article, visit Irish Times.
Another great site to visit is Irish in the American War.
We have come a long way from the scorn and ridicule of an Irishman's dress, brogue, and traditions to celebrating the very same!
An Irish blessing: 

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Go gcastar ar a chéile muid arís!

Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point

Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point will be held April 29-May 1 at Jefferson Barracks near St. Louis, MO.  This event will show what occurred during early May 1861 at Camp Jackson.  Visitors will see events and daily activities of the Missouri State Volunteer Militia and also have access to the opposing camp of the pro-Union Home Guardsmen.  Jefferson Barracks has a long military history, with participation in some way or another in nearly every American war!  For more information, visit Camp Jackson: The Tipping Point.  If you would like to attend this event as a member of LLHSJC, please email the webmaster at llhsjc @gmail.com.

The next event of interest on our calendar is Civil War Weekend at Heritage Village in Sharonville, OH, May 21-22.  Yes, it is a bit of a drive but it is a fun, family-friendly event.  If you are interested in more information, visit Heritage Village.  To attend as a member of LLHSJC, contact the webmaster.