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Post by Jim Boylston on May 2, 2007 11:21:07 GMT -5
Since many of us are migrating from another forum, and there are some members that will be new to us, let's use this section to provide brief introductions. If you're using a new username, you might want to let people know (though it isn't required). Post as much or as little info as you like.
I'm Jim Boylston (alamo54us). I enrolled on the other forum back in 2001, before it crashed, and was a frequent poster. I've contributed articles to both Alamo Journal and Crockett Chronicle, and Allen Wiener and I are currently writing a book on Crockett's correspondence that we hope to publish next year. I work as a freelance audio engineer, primarily in corporate theatre (how's that for an oxymoron?). Other interests include music (especially pre-war and acoustic blues, but my musical tastes are varied and eclectic), literary fiction, films and politics (bu I'll try to restrain myself here). I'm married, have 3 kids, 2 cats, and a 12 year old Beagle named Crockett. Jim
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Post by TRK on May 2, 2007 12:42:02 GMT -5
Tom here. I've been studying the Alamo for 45 years, but my real expertise is the Mexican-American War of 1846-47 and early Western and Mexican photography. I'm a book editor and author. I've published articles and reviews in several journals, including Southwestern Historical Quarterly; proceedings of the Primer Congreso de Historia de la Fotografía, Buenos Aires; Journal of the West, and Alquimia (journal of the Sistema Nacional de Fototecas, Mexico). And, I'm working on a book on a certain Texas Mounted Volunteer officer in the Mexican War. I play a pretty mean electric guitar and gig around. I'm single but happily attached
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Post by stuart on May 2, 2007 14:23:14 GMT -5
Well I'm Stuart Reid, I'm Scottish, a railroad surveyor by day and a military historian by night. I'm also married, have two kids and a cat. I've written a few books in my time; mainly concerned with Scottish military history and happen to be the leading authority on the battle of Culloden in 1746.
I'm also the great great great grandson of Dr. James Grant, the leader of the Matamoros expedition, through my paternal grandmother Catherine Grant - hence my interest in the Alamo and the Texas Revolution.
I've written a book on Grant, who was actually a British agent, and amongst a couple of other projects am starting rather tentatively to work on a proper military history orientated book on the battle for the Alamo.
Oh, I also run a model railway by way of a complete change from my military interests
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Post by Allen Wiener on May 3, 2007 18:42:18 GMT -5
Tom Kailbourn here (used to be "Martin"). I'm in southwestern New York State and live two houses from where Gabby Hays was born. Been studying the Alamo for 45 years, but my real expertise is the Mexican-American War of 1846-47 and early Western and Mexican photography. I'm a book editor, a sometimes author, and was associate editor of the first three volumes of the Daguerreian Annual. With Peter E. Palmquist I co-authored two books, Pioneer Photographers of the Far West, and Pioneer Photographers from the Mississippi to the Continental Divide. I've published articles and reviews in several journals, including Southwestern Historical Quarterly; proceedings of the Primer Congreso de Historia de la Fotografía, Buenos Aires; and Alquimia (journal of the Sistema Nacional de Fototecas, Mexico). And, I'm working on a book on a certain Texas Mounted Volunteer officer in the Mexican War. I play a pretty mean electric guitar (prefer gutbucket blues and Memphis-style R&B) and gig around. I'm single but happily attached In short, you are the ideal male human with the perfect life! You realize, of course, that all of us old married (and, in some cases, retired) farts hate you. Just kiddin'; Rock on, dude! AW
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Post by Allen Wiener on May 3, 2007 18:51:19 GMT -5
I'm Allen Wiener (AW), from the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. I am a retired (for 16 months) international policy analyst with the U.S. Department of Transportation. In order to tolerate that, I dabbled in acting and writing. I published 3 editions (all now out of print) of "The Beatles Ultimate Recording Guide," many articles on pop music and liner notes for a few CDs, mostly stuff from the Sun label issued by Varese Sarabande. I wrote for 'Goldmine' magazine for years and once even interviewed Ringo Starr and Boy George (not at the same time, of course). I've also written articles for the Washington Post and American History magazine.
As Jim says, we are working on a book about Crockett's correspondence; I am also researching music written about the Alamo, its major figures and the Texas war, with hopes of publishing..... something! Bill C. is working with me on this. My latest effort is an article about portraits of Bowie and Crockett that were painted in Boston, perhaps only a few months and a few doors apart, which will be published in the next "Alamo Journal."
I have a wife, known only to me (as Rumpole would say) as "She Who Must Be Obeyed," a 23-year-old daughter, who shows every sign of being like me, only worse and who lives in Boston where she works as an editor. Sadly, our dog Nina passed on some time ago and we have not taken in any new stray -- yet.
AW
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Post by TRK on May 3, 2007 19:19:48 GMT -5
In short, you are the ideal male human with the perfect life! You realize, of course, that all of us old married (and, in some cases, retired) farts hate you. Ah, it would be perfect, except for that one little sticking point: accountability. Good to "meet" you, Allen!
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Post by Herb on May 4, 2007 19:44:51 GMT -5
Most of you already know me, but even so let me stay "wolfpack" on the public forum.
I spent 25 years in the army, enlisting right after high school, and earning a commision when I completed college. I was pretty lucky for most of my service, in that fate always seemed to place me, where a lot was going on. My whole career I served in either armor or cavalry units. For the uninitiated, armor is of course tanks, but cavalry is where it gets interesting. In the US Army, while cavalry may have tanks their role is quite different. Cavalry normally operates out front of the infantry and tank battalions, conducting reconnasaince and security operations for them. I also served as an Advisor in Saudi Arabia and as an instructor and later a doctrine writer at the Armor School. Somewhere along the way picked up a couple of graduate degrees, as do most field grade officers in the army.
I've always liked history and have concentrated on military history for most of my life. Like most here, that are over 45, Fess Parker ignited a particular history fire!
Upon retiring from the army, I bought a small piece of land back in Texas, and now have a small cattle ranch. Soldier then cowboy, and the Alamo, I guess I never did grow up! ;D
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Post by jagjetta on May 4, 2007 20:03:37 GMT -5
Thank you so much for permitting to join your group. I am John Adams-Graf and live in Iola, Wisconsin USA. My main area of interest is the Mexican-American War, and in particular, the battle of Buena Vista. My formal training was in Museum Studies in which I obtained my MA in 1986. I worked in museums for many years before jumping ship to go into publishing. Currently, I am the editor of Military Trader www.militarytrader.com and Military Vehicles Magazine www.militaryvehiclesmagazine.com. I have authored a couple of books, but I am embarrassed to say that the best selling are price guides: Warman's Civil War Collectibles and Warman's Civil War Field Guide. I have another one coming out this fall (thank goodness I am done with it!): Warman's WWII Collectibles. Outside of that, I have published Badgers for the Union, a modest little book highlighting images of Wisconsin Civil War soldiers. I take lots of photos of military vehicles and have started a small publishing business geared toward the restoration and modeling communities. THe company's name is Crooked Creek Publishing LLC. I have printed two small books so far, "M5 and M5A1 Stuart Light Tanks" and "M41 Light Tank". Crooked Creek is always looking for interesting projects to publish. Years ago, I was a member, and then president of the Daguerreian Society. THe most valuable experience I took away from it was a lifelong friendship with forum member Tom Kailbourn. His ability to research is unsurpassed and we have enjoyed years of swapping Mex-War and daguerreotype references with each other. I hope I will be able to assist folks with their study of the Alamo and the Texas Revolution. I have been working on a transcription of the Quincy Riflemen's letterbook from 1846-1847. Many of you are probably aware of Edward Everett's drawings of the Alamo and various missions in the area in 1847. Everett was a member of the Quincy Riflemen. If folks have questions about material culture such as clothing or weapons, that is where I could probably lend the most help. If your research stumbles as late as the 1840s, I may be of some use. In any event, I look forward to a long, mutually beneficial relationship with the forum and its members. John A-G Iola, WI Oh personal stuff...I am an old gray hair fart...44 years old. Happily married twice with an equal number of divorces. I have a 21 year old daughter who, from her earliest days (thanks to Tom Kailbourn) can tell you the story of Zachary Taylor and his horse, Old Whitey, at the Battle of Buena Vista.
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Post by mustanggray on May 10, 2007 16:35:38 GMT -5
My name is Scott McMahon and I'm a Graphic Artist by trade but have recently given up the computer for the ox goad and work at an 1840's-50's living history(Barrington Farm, Anson Jones' cotton farm) site in Texas.
My main interest has been in ROT/MAW era Texas Rangers. Myself and two friends started a living history/ranging company portraying Jack Hays' company as well as others involved in the War with Mexico. I've organized and helped organize events ranging from TWI to MAW in Texas and Oklahoma and have spent countless hours on the trail astride an old mustang and a fire breathing gray mare. I've done some research on clothing and equipment of the old rangers and have built everything from saddles to reproduction clothing worn and used by the old rangers. I've also made several MAW and earlier pattern battle flags for living hisotry units and museums across the southwest.
It is my goal to write a paper at least(if not more) on Lysander Wells and I'd like to put together a sketchbook type book on the material culture of the ROT/MAW era Texian.
All that having been said my wife and two and a half year old son are my pride and joy and I spend more time with them now than I do on all this other fun stuff... someone said something about accountability? I think I learned some about that when my son was born... hopefully I'm doing my job the way I should be! I appreciate the invite here and am impressed with the folks already on board... it would be great to have an ROT/MAW gathering here near the jumping off point for seat of war similar to the High Holy Days someitme in the near future. Thanks for having me here and I look forward to the discussions!
Sincerely, Scott McMahon
"It was not unusual, on the march from the Rio Grande, to behold the most decided evidences of terror and apprehension among the Mexican inhabitants, and more particularly whenever they caught sight of the Texas rangers...The husbandman would shrink behind the covert of muskeet bushes lining the roadside, while his wife and daughters, would press their trembling lips to the glittering crosses suspended from their necks, and hurriedly murmur forth a fervent prayer to "our Lady of Gaudalupe," John S. Jenkins- History of the War Between the United States and Mexico
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Post by bhist on May 25, 2007 12:09:47 GMT -5
I'm Bob Reece and I'm honored that Jim invited me to join this new Alamo forum, especially when I have not posted on the other sites in years. Now, as I read the bios here of other members I’m more than honored, actually I feel privileged. It’s a good group and there are even others that I see on the membership list that have not posted in the introductions, but if they did, then this forum would read like a who’s who of Alamo forums (actually, it is).
I’m retired from the telecommunications world, but very busy in my personal life. I’m president of the Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield and this time of year is always very busy for me as I prepare for my annual trip to the home of Custer’s Last Stand over June 25th. I’ve led the Friends now for seven years and counting. I also serve on the board of Friends of Bear Paw, Big Hole & Canyon Creek Battlefields and maintain their website.
Some of you might remember me from my friendship with Eric von Schmidt, painter of the masterpiece “Storming of the Alamo.” The original 10 X 23 feet painting hangs in the library of the Incarnate Word University in San Antonio. I sent word out to the other Alamo forums, however I don’t think they ever posted the sad news of Eric’s passing on February 2, 2007. I miss him terribly. I have no idea what will happen to the painting now – he was still owner of it. I imagine Eric’s daughter, Caitlin, has a lot of work ahead of her in sorting out all of Eric’s and his father, Harold von Schmidt’s, paintings. It was our mutual passion of the Custer and Alamo story that resulted in Eric’s and my friendship.
My interest in the Alamo and Texas Revolution does not come from a movie or book but from life. I was born and reared in Harlingen, Texas and my father always instilled in me a deep sense of appreciation for the Alamo and all that came with it. He took me there as a young boy and I remember very well our visit to Brackettville only a year after Wayne’s Alamo was released in the theaters. My dad used his new 8mm camera for the first time at the Wayneamo.
I’m divorced but live with a great woman now. Joanne is an academic historian, so I’m very lucky – she enjoys trudging over battlefields with me. My two children, Megan (25) and Austin (23) – yes, named after the Father of Texas, have learned to appreciate history as well. Megan wrote a fantastic undergraduate history honors thesis on the history of the Indian Memorial at Little Bighorn. Her research and writing of the subject is really at the graduate level. I’m very proud of both of my children. I’m a very lucky man.
I’m also pleasantly surprised to read about Stuart of Scotland and his knowledge of Culloden. I was fortunate to visit that battlefield in July 1996 during their 250 commemorations. I arrived months after the anniversary but I was still lucky to see the displays in the visitor center. They actually had two of the bagpipes that were played during that battle and many of the weapons as well. I also love Scottish history, especially the Scottish Wars of Independence. When I visited, I also climbed up the William Wallace Memorial in Sterling, visited Bannockburn Battlefield and more. Hope to get back there again someday.
Again, it’s an honor to be here.
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Post by elcolorado on Jun 4, 2007 17:59:13 GMT -5
My name is Glenn Effler - aka "El Colorado". I'd like to thank Jim for extending to me the invitation to join this elite group of individuals...it is, as my contemporaries have stated, an honor and privilege to be a part of this forum. It is just what I have been looking for - a serious forum with serious minds.
I'm retired Air Force. I served 20 years...the last 14 as an instructor at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. When I retired 10 years ago I moved to Denver where I currently live with my younger brother. Other then the "MO", my interests are deer hunting in the Fall with "stick & string" and turkey hunting in the Spring. Both of which I do in Pennsylvania. I love history, especially the American Civil War and WWII. And...I'm almost ashamed to say, I enjoy computer games...mostly war games.
My interest in the Alamo began like so many others...I saw Fess Parker as "Davy Crockett" in the early 60's and, long story short, it has been a passion of mine ever since. Up until a couple of years ago I was unaware that there were others who, like myself, were deeply interested in the Alamo. Thank God (or Gore) for the Internet. After the release of the last Alamo movie, my interest was rekindled. I began to surf the net and stumbled upon the website for the "Alamo Journal" and from there to the "Alamofilmsite". It has been a joy to read and share views with other like-minded people and desire to continue that here. With many members more knowledgeable then myself, I will probably contribute more questions and opinions then answers. For as "The Parson" said: "...that's how ya learn...ask'en". And I'm certain I will learn much. I am looking forward to sharing my views and reading your comments and opinions. And in the process finding answers to the never ending myths, legends, and mysteries that enshroud the Alamo. Again, I'd like to say it is a pleasure to be a part of this forum and I will do all I can to help make it enjoyable and successful. Thank you, Amigos!!
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Post by jagjetta on Jun 5, 2007 13:44:32 GMT -5
Welcome Glenn! I chuckled when I read about your affinity for computer games. I, too, enjoy the occassional computer strategy game. In fact, I loved playing Sid Meyer's Gettysburg, but since upgrading to Windows XP, haven't had any success loading it.
Do you have any recommendations for good 19th Century simulation games? I have played Age of Rifles several years ago, but wasn't that impressed. Other than Gettysburg, I haven't played any other 19th century games on the computer.
John A-G Iola, WI
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Post by stuart on Jun 5, 2007 15:48:53 GMT -5
Hi John
There is a patch available from Firaxis which allows to to load and play Gettysburg on XP - don't have the URL to hand but Google should find it.
Word of advice on that; once you've downloaded the patch and installed the game again, it will look as though it won't run. After putting the disk in the drive you'll get a pop-up box saying something or other has failed or can't be found. Tough. Just close that window, double-click on the desktop icon and away you go.
I love that game, but haven't had time to sit down and play it for a long time
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Post by jagjetta on Jun 5, 2007 16:28:57 GMT -5
Thanks Stuart! I will download a patch and give it a try.
I absolutely love the game (actually play Antietam a lot more than the series of Gettysburg scenarios). If anyone knows of other games that are similar, I would love to hear about them.
Best, John
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Post by TRK on Jun 5, 2007 17:46:26 GMT -5
Guys, notice there is now a *Wargames* thread for you in the "Off Topic" area.
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