A Passion + an Honor
While my sweet guy is a pacifist and gentle soul, he admittedly loves WWI reenacting. He is fascinated by so many varied aspects, from learning songs of the time - in different languages, to cooking recipes from the early 1900s, to studying the technological and medical breakthroughs of the war years; he has a passion for immersing himself in another time. Living history is a transformative and experiential way for him to more deeply understand that period in world history, a means to foster a deep connection with the human experience of that terrible time, a mechanism for him to honor the lives affected by the Great War, to cultivate empathy, and to help teach others in an interactive, detailed manner. And, yes, it is also a way for him to recreate battles, throw reproduction grenades, fire blanks, capture prisoners, and experience the camaraderie, fear, and frustrations in a safe and sanitized way.
Surely shearing off about 8 inches of beautiful curls is a sign of absolute commitment to the cause. As was purchasing original WWI gasmask glasses and having them retrofitted with his own prescription lenses. For my part, I took his request for authenticity seriously and knit him a 100% wool cardigan from the period and sourced out tagua nut buttons which were durable enough to have been used on WWI uniforms (while the waste from production was used in gas mask filters! Who knew? History is so cool.)
It is interesting to note that LZ is part of a group based on an actual historical regiment, Infanterieregiment Nr. 23 (J.R. 23) von Winterfeld, and they are committed to the culture and accuracy of representing these men. (It could also go without saying, but won't, that while his impression is of a Prussian as part of the German Empire on the side of the Central Powers, this was absolutely NOT the time of Nazis, who did not exist until after the end of the war and that evil culture is not even hinted at in his group's portrayal nor ideology. Just to be absolutely clear on the distinction.) LZ has gotten in with such a generous, passionate, fantastic group that I feel quite lucky on his behalf. Their camaraderie is fun and genuine.
Here we have the stockpiling of grenades, which are safely filled with plain baking soda for weight and a nice burst effect, and are stored in a repro box he and Max built.
Upon arrival at the magnificent Great War Association land in Pennsylvania, work parties begin on their old underground bunker, as well as the overgrown, spiny support trenches. Luca helped put in new floor boards and added a shelf under his bunk for all of his kit, while others removed dirt from the roof to fix leaks.
The Entente has its own Red Cross, of course, and the much appreciated donut making Salvation Army. Luca was disappointed to be captured while the oil was still heating up, though they did provide him with comforting hot mulled cider and baked goods.
That is a ton of historically accurate, oftentimes original, kit to be schlepping around. It is also a considerable financial investment. Luca works long hours to afford the thousands of dollars necessary to cultivate the most authentic impression he can. He has ordered a custom wool great coat, handmade leather boots, repro caps, and trousers from as far away as Poland and Belarus. He has removed historically inaccurate finishes from leather pouches, sewn reproduction grenade bags, and scoured the internet and antique stores for as many items, like mirrors, razors, match safes, combs, belt buckles, puttees, bayonets, shovels, as he can in order to round out his kit.
Currently, 45 units regularly participate in GWA events, with over 1000 members representing Australia, Great Britain, Germany, the US, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, France, Russia, and Canada. Oh, and Italy, which Max is considering joining (secretly wanting to just cook authentically for them all 😉). I mostly culled photos from his unit; this is a spot for a photo dump - so many epic moments!
And finally, just some shots of the trenches + land. GWA members have put a lot into this extraordinary re-creation of the front lines + no man's land.
Oh - and two of him making his Kommißbrot, a bread used to feed the military in WWI. Luca followed a 110 year old recipe and filled it with rye, honey, caraway, (and, of course, love 😊).
This is a link to a quick glimpse into some aspects of the event. It is made by a gun seller, so bear with the emphasis on that facet; it does show some other cool parts like the planes. And yes, people do stay in character at that level throughout the weekend, each person representing a fictional, but historically faithful, character complete with name, backstory, and role to play. Newville video
If you have read the blog before, you know I always end with a little moment of zen featuring our beloved Toby. We all miss him enormously + was glad Blanca agreed to step in to fill the spot with her abundance of adorableness. Here she is asking her boy to please be oh so careful at the front lines. Then I was also happy to remember I could share this beautiful art work a dear + talented friend made in commemoration of our sweet guy, whom she used to love on and care for when we needed to travel without him. I'm not crying; you're crying.
So, almost 3 years between posts is a pretty ridiculous track record + I will try to do better. I like having a bit of a family archive going and I really love sharing any adventures we have with you. Thank you so much for making it this far + for being our friend. Much love and wishes for a happy spring! <3
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