Gleann-A-hist-msg - 6/1/13
The history of the SCA kingdom of Gleann-Abhann.
NOTE: See also the files: Gleann-Abhann-art, Meridies-hist-msg, SCA-hist1-msg, SCA-stories1-msg, royal-deaths-msg, placenames-msg, Calontir-hst-msg.
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NOTICE -
This file is a collection of various messages having a common theme that I have collected from my reading of the various computer networks. Some messages date back to 1989, some may be as recent as yesterday.
This file is part of a collection of files called Stefan's Florilegium. These files are available on the Internet at: http://www.florilegium.org
I have done a limited amount of editing. Messages having to do with separate topics were sometimes split into different files and sometimes extraneous information was removed. For instance, the message IDs were removed to save space and remove clutter.
The comments made in these messages are not necessarily my viewpoints. I make no claims as to the accuracy of the information given by the individual authors.
Please respect the time and efforts of those who have written these messages. The copyright status of these messages is unclear at this time. If information is published from these messages, please give credit to the originator(s).
Thank you,
Mark S. Harris AKA: THLord Stefan li Rous
Stefan at florilegium.org
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To: Gleann Abhann (mail list) <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: Trading Cards at Crown List
Posted by: "Miranda Jordan" aureliamedici at gmail.com
Date: Tue May 11, 2010 6:43 am ((PDT))
Baroness Ancyra makes 'trading cards' - which is just as it sounds, but
instead of sports people, the GA trading cards feature peers and events of
Gleann Abhann.
They are generally given to all who attend Kingdom Level events. Trade
them, collect them, give them away - it's up to you. Just smile when you
receive them, because the other kingdoms don't have them!! :)
Aurelia
On Mon, May 10, 2010 at 10:30 PM, Kristine Hall <buttoneyedcrow at yahoo.com>wrote:
<<< Ok...I'm a newbie here, what are the trading cards for?
Kristine R. Hall >>>
On May 10, 2010, at 4:44 PM, "Valerie F. Whittom" <ancyrakitty at gmail.com<ancyrakitty%40gmail.com>> wrote:
<< There will be trading cards at Crown List, but it is going to be a
little different this time. The envelopes have been sealed and all
previous left over cards are mixed randomly within. As always, one
envelope per person, so you may actually have to trade the cards to
get the one you want. Sorry, no bubble gum included.
PS - all envelopes have at least 2 cards, most have 3, and a few even have
4.
Ancyra >>
To: Gleann Abhann (mail list) <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Trading Cards at Crown List
Posted by: "Barbara Sterling" barbara at unclejohns.com
Date: Tue May 11, 2010 8:16 am ((PDT))
Welcome Newcomer. Some of these Gleann Abhann trading cards may be viewed at
http://www.brotherguido.com/blackmoor/Photos.htm They are above photos of events and under the title Trading Cards.....
To: Gleann Abhann (mail list) <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: Trading Cards at Crown List
Posted by: "Valerie F. Whittom" ancyrakitty at gmail.com
Date: Wed May 12, 2010 1:21 pm ((PDT))
The thing started as many things do with a vague idea. I asked the
opinion of several people and then did what I wanted anyway. It
includes the Groups, Rulers of Gleann Abhann, and Bestowed Peers in
approximate chronological order based on creation, reign, and
elevation dates. Some have been skipped due to a lack of a signed
waiver, a good picture, or both. There are also history cards, annual
event cards, and Notable Person cards. It was meant to start at our
first Kingdom level event, but with the GA Hurricane relief effort in
full swing at that time, the first set were not finished until the
third Kingdom level event which was Kingdom Arts & Sciences. They are
given out at each Crown List, Coronation, Fighter‚s Collegium, and
A&S. They are also available at Gulf Wars if you volunteer, turn in
your chit, and ask for the card. (As always, one per person.) There
has been one Kingdom level event they were not present for (that was
because of printer number 2 ˆ I‚m on number 4 now) and a few Œcatch
up‚ events where left over cards from previous events were given out.
I have put out a total of 43 cards. Two sets were printed as post
cards that had to be cut to get the proper trading card size (dotted
lines included) the rest have been the standard baseball card size to
fit into the card sleeves. I really did think of putting gum in the
envelopes, but the stick pieces would get expensive and the bigger
pieces, although cheaper, would get too bulky. There is no SCA fund
for these cards, so several sets have been sponsored by Gleann
Abhanites and I host occasional sales to raise money for future cards.
As Baroness Barbara stated, they are posted on her website for all to
see. She is not only a fan, but she has also been one of our
sponsors.
Ancyra
To: Gleann Abhann (mail list) <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Song for the bards of Glean Abhann
Posted by: "Sir Brian" marshal at darkwoodarmory.com swordmaniac
Date: Fri Nov 26, 2010 8:52 am ((PST))
I haven't been able to get this filk out of my head since crown list,
so Freeman, Liam or any of the rest of you Bards feel free to use it.
It is to the tune of 16 Tons by Tennessee Ernie Ford
Ashi's Swords
Some people say a knights is made outta stone
A new Knight's made outta muscle and bone
Muscle and bone and armor of mail
A helm that's strong and a shield as well
You drive sixteen hours, what do you get
Another shield broken and deeper in debt
The crown won't give me no big awards
'cause I lost again to Ashi's swords
He started fightin' one day when the sun didn't shine
He picked up a sword and walked to the line
said Sir don't give me that awful shield
In my left hand it's a sword I'll wield
You drive sixteen hours, what do you get
Another shield broken and deeper in debt
The crown won't give me no big awards
'cause I lost again to Ashi's swords
Well I was fightin' one mornin' in the drizzlin' rain
Fightin' and flirtin' are my middle name
I fight all day with my sword and shield
Ain't no two-sword fighter gonna make me yield!
You drive sixteen hours, what do you get
Another shield broken and deeper in debt
The crown won't give me no big awards
'cause I lost again to Ashi's swords
If you see him comin', better step aside
A lot of men didn't, now a lot of men died
One swords iron, the other ones steel
If the right one don't a-get you, Then the left one will
You drive sixteen hours, what do you get
Another shield broken and deeper in debt
The crown won't give me no big awards
'cause I lost again to Ashi's swords
So if you gotta fight Ashi here's some advise
get yourself a gun or an explosive device
you better fight Ashi from far afield
or that two-sword fighter will wreck your shield.
Sir Brian
From: Christmas <christmasalbanach at GMAIL.COM>
To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu
Sent: Tue, January 11, 2011 2:16:19 PM
Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company
On 11 January 2011 13:05, Melisende de la Roche de Lionne <freckles_36 at hotmail.com> wrote:
<<< Am I correct in believing that there is no equivalent to the Fourth Company (I know; it's not official) in any other Kingdom?
Why is that?
~Melisende >>>
Yes and no, There are other highly esteemed field support/soup kitchen groups with much love and recognition. However I know of no where else where they are considered as much a part of the army as in Calontir. While it will be said in courts the the army marches on it's stomach, or other noble words - they do not bear the banner or march with the army. I explain to people here all the time that Calontir is the army and the army is Calontir - and how much that contributed to the sense of family in the kingdom.
From: Cyn Wise <gwynnethrhys at YAHOO.COM>
Date: January 11, 2011 4:27:20 PM CST
To: CALONTIR at listserv.unl.edu
Subject: Re: [CALONTIR] Fourth Company
The Ram Army of Gleann Abhann reveres its Auxilliary Army, which does indeed carry the banner and march with its fighters onto the field of battle...who can forget the grilled cheese and bacon sandwiches for EVERYONE at just about every Gulf Wars?
If it helps, please remember the very first Queen of Gleann Abhann, Her Majesty Broinnfinn inghean ui Chathain, was (is?) a member of the Order of the Iren-Fird of Calontir. She brought very good customs with her which were eagerly adopted by your southern neighbor.
~ Gwynneth
To: gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Bardic fire walking was A question
Posted by: "mlaf" mlaf at sbcglobal.net maybard
Date: Wed Oct 19, 2011 7:59 pm ((PDT))
----- Original Message -----
From: jim_hannold <jim_hannold at yahoo.com>
<<< I have been told that it used to be a common occurance for bards and
poets to make the rounds of the camps and "sing for their supper".
Today, in my own experience, it's now more that the bards and poets
perform in their own camps and other designated performance venues and
it's up to the populace to make their way to those locations. >>>
Part of that, I think, is kingdom culture.
In Caid, only wars were camping events. Most wars had fire rings, and it
was quite common for bards to go "fire walking", singing as we went. Groups
of anywhere from 2-10 of us would wander around till we found a fire that
wanted us. Each of us would sing one or two pieces, depending on how many
of us there were, and then we would wander on. It was not at all uncommon
for a really good bard to be gifted with rings, bracelets, necklaces,
clothing, and/or other goods, in addition to the more common food and drink.
When I started attending events in Meridies, and Gleann Abhann, I found very
few fire rings, mainly because of the cabin camping. Also, very little
bardic activity of any kind, at least, as compared to what I was used to.
There is something very different about the atmosphere of electric lights in
a cabin and campfire light at night. Cabins also seem a lot more private
than campfires - much easier to go up to a campfire and ask if anyone would
care for a song, than it is to go into a cabin and ask. When I am at a
camping event, I usually wander around and if I come across a group of
people, I ask if they would like a song or a story, but often, the group is
far more interested in drinking and telling no sh** stories to each other
than they are in listening to a wandering bard.
I'm really glad that the Briar Rose started having bardic circles on board
ship at most events, because at least that way, I know people who come to it
are people who are interested and want to participate in bardic activities,
even if it is only as a listener...
Melandra
To: gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: ISO Axemoor question
Posted by: "Adalyde de Sardaigne" adalyde.desardaigne at hotmail.com godessboodee
Date: Fri Dec 2, 2011 11:11 am ((PST))
In regards to the "red hat" it is an Axemoor tradition to give Citizens of Axemoor (people who do not reside in the Barony of Axemoor or have moved from the Barony to other areas) a scroll and a red hat. This red hat can be any type of red hat that the Baronet sees fit. It can be a berret, a bean, a skull cap or in some cases a Santa Clause hat it does not have to be period. It IS the choice of the Baron and Baroness..
Lady Adalyde de Sardaigne-Order of the Axe, Onyx Chalice
Historian to Barony of Axemoor
Secretary to Baronosa Gellis
--- In gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com, Stefan li Rous <stefanlirous at ...> wrote:
Aine asked:
<<< Would someone familiar with the red hats given to populace members
of Axemoor please notify me as to the type/style for a scroll
illustration please? >>>
Huh? Is this some sort of household/baronial tradition? What is the
history/purpose behind these?
Stefan
To: gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: ISO Axemoor question
Posted by: "Jon Whittom" jonwhittom at gmail.com cornphed
Date: Fri Dec 2, 2011 11:31 am ((PST))
I'm pretty sure it was originally a red Phrygian cap.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phrygian_cap
Later the color remained but the cap design varied.
-John
To: gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com
Subject: rams and billys!
Posted by: "Catherine Koehler" hccartck at yahoo.com hccartck
Date: Wed Feb 1, 2012 3:55 pm ((PST))
<<< This is actually a goat and not the rampant ram the Gleann Abhann device is blazoned with. I would love to see this design banned from the kingdom (the goat, not the ram!), but that is just my opinion (and pet peeve).
Melisant of Exmoor
-----------
This is the one I'm really looking for.
http://i303.photobucket.com/albums/nn150/thlKatil/Ram.jpg
Varukh >>>
I found a wonderful link to a the differences in ACTUAL sheep and goats (not heraldic) And it seems to me that the "ram" in question is, well, both.
The rearing or rampant position is actually an attribute of the GOAT in fighting since male sheep actually butt their heads. On the flip side, the horns are without question a rams horns which are curled toward the head. With regard to the tail...it's a goat's tail EXCEPT if he's an angry sheep. A peaceful, happy ram will have his tail long and hanging down. A goat has a shorter tail, usually upright tail. The beard is generally a goat thing.
So.. here is the link. I certainly hope this doesn't mean we are now a kingdom with an identity crisis!
http://www.sheep101.info/sheepandgoats.html
Aine
To: gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: The difference between sheep and goats
Posted by: "Avice" aviceofyork at yahoo.com aviceofyork
Date: Thu Feb 2, 2012 8:02 am ((PST))
Melisant is correct - sheep do not have beards, goats do. Some of rams among the 'hair sheep' breeds will have an almost lyon-like mane of thicker longer hair all the way down the neck and chest (mine certainly does) but this is not a characteristic of all sheep breeds.
So curled horns and no beard - ram (on horned breeds only)
Straight horns and beard - billy goat
Other details get a bit fuzzy depending on breed characteristics - pardon the pun
If anyone is truly curious and wants to look at lots of pictures of hundreds of goat and sheep breeds currently recognized world wide, I recommend the Oklahoma State University Ag department website on breeds of livestock. Just search under 'breeds of sheep' and click on the OSU link.
My $5 worth for heraldry and animal husbandry,
Avice
To: gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com
Subject: From TRM - Kingdom Update and Donation Information
Posted by: "ashiandkimiko" AshiandKimiko at aol.com ashiandkimiko
Date: Mon Feb 6, 2012 5:56 pm ((PST))
Greetings again Generous Gleann Abhann,
We know that there are many questions out there about this settlement
and donation process and I hope at this time to answer them to the best
of my ability.
First, His Majesty and I are very proud and relieved to say that Gleann
Abhann and Gulf Wars are fiscally sound and have been led by financially
responsible people. The amount due for our Kingdom (including the
amounts due from each group individually) was $19, 872.84. Our Kingdom
Exchequer, Mistress Crystyna wrote a check for that amount today and
sent it off to Corporate.
The individual amounts from local groups are due to the Kingdom within
10 days from today. We have spoken to many local Seneschals and
Exchequers, and every single group that we have spoken to confirmed that
they will be able to meet their obligations and expect no undue
hardships from doing so. For many, the checks are literally already in
the mail. Most groups inquired how they can give more. Also, the Gulf
Wars financial committee has mailed the check for what they were
responsible for and are in a position to give more if it is needed. The
war is on as usual, folks. No need to worry.
We have literally been inundated with emails from households, groups,
guilds, and individuals who want to give donations to help. The
generosity of the people of this Kingdom is touching and humbling. It
literally brought tears to my eyes to hear of the overwhelming largess
the populace displayed at Candlemas and that one of our Kingdom's
children gave the last five dollars of his Christmas money to help. The
first words that we have heard from nearly every single person and group
representative in our Kingdom have been "What can we do to
help?" We have never been more proud to be a part of this Kingdom.
We are proud that we have the opportunity as the Crown to hear your
words and see the amazing kindness and munificence that the people of
our home are willing to show to others. Gleann Abhann, we do not need to
save the Dream, it is alive and well here.
We would never want to dampen the spirit of generosity in this Kingdom,
however I want people to know that so far we have no reason to believe
that this is a "give till it hurts" situation. Please do not donate more
than you can afford. At this point, no kingdom has notified Corporate
that it will not be able to meet its obligations and indeed the Kingdoms
of Drachenwald and Lochac (who are not required by this settlement to
donate anything because they are separate financial entities) are also
making sizable donations.
As far as donations go, there are options. Donations can be made to
your local group, through the local exchequer, to Gleann Abhann via
Mistress Crystyna, the Kingdom Exchequer, or directly to Corporate.
If you wish to donate directly to the Society you can:
-Renew your membership (online via a credit card) at sca DOT org
-Opt out of printed newsletters (This will not cost you anything but
will help with corporate cash flow.)
-Press the donate button to donate funds over and above your renewal
fees.
-If you prefer to make a donation by mail or email (separate of
membership renewal) using a Visa or Mastercard, please specify the
amount you'd like to donate, and include the Credit card number,
expiration date, and name & billing address for the card holder. A
credit card receipt will be mailed to you for your records. While a
phone call is quicker, the corporate office requires the papertrail for
proper accounting purposes. A letter will also be included if you donate
over $250. The email address to do this is: membership AT sca DOT org
and all that needs to be included is the word "donation" in the subject
line.
If you wish to donate to the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann:
-Mistress Crystyna will hold donations in a fund until it is determined
where they are most needed. (Either to supplement the kingdoms with cash
flow problems and meet the deadline for payment of the settlement or to
replenish our Kingdom's coffers.) Checks sent to Mistress Crystyna
should be made out to SCA, Kngdom of Gleann Abhann and you should
specify whether it is to help with the Kingdom's share or to be
passed on to Corporate. The mailing address can be found in the
Ambassador.
If you wish to donate to your local Shire or Barony:
-Contact either the Seneschal or Exchequer of the group and they can
help you.
Subsequently, I would like to remind people that while there is a chance
Gleann Abhann (and it's individual groups) may recover the 18% we were
responsible for, if we have a positive result in the lawsuit pending
against our insurance company, anything above that is a donation and
will be considered as such, therefore not eligible to be refunded.
A word to the wise, grass roots fundraising, for the most part, is a
wonderful thing. However, it can be difficult to verify and there is
virtually no accountability in place. The Society is based on honor and
chivalry. We wouldn't have it any other way. Unfortunately this can make
us a target for that rare bad apple. Please make sure that if you would
like to make a donation that it is going to the correct place.
In closing, we are moved beyond words by the spirit of generosity in
this Kingdom. Thank you all.
TRM Ashi and Kimiko
To: gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com
Subject: Crown List
Posted by: "Mistress Barbara Sterling" barbara at unclejohns.com bbaroness
Date: Sun May 20, 2012 8:56 pm ((PDT))
Returned from the 15th Crown Lyst in good time -- 9 hours and 9 minutes
Congratulations to Prince Rey and Princess Miriel.
During the event more than one gentle asked me about the Royal Lineage of
Gleann Abhann. Some were newcomers and some were folks who had not played
for a period of time. At this event, in this far north location, and with
the ample space available, it would have been an exceptionally good
opportunity to display an updated History from 5th Year. When last
displayed it included photos from all the reigns thru Havordh IV and
Muirgen..
But until it can be displayed again, .....
This is a list beginning with Principality, with a few specific dates.
The Lineage of the Principality of Gleann Abhann
Prince Eric I and Princess Rhondalyn
Coronet Lyst: 11/07/1998
Prince K'aus and Princess Susanna
Prince Eric II and Princess Christine
Prince Michael and Princess Brenna
Prince Stephen and Princess Jacqueline
Prince William and Princess Rainillt
Prince Connor and Princess Gabriele
Prince Rey and Princess Miriel
Coronet Lyst:: 01/26/2002
Investiture: 05/18/2002
Prince Caillin and Princess Danielle
Prince Uther and Princess Kenna|
Prince Radu and Princess Broinnfinn
Prince Elesar and Princess Marion
Prince William II and Princess Onora
Prince Stephen II and Princess Jacqueline II
The Lineage of the Kingdom of Gleann Abhann
King Radu and Queen Broinnfinn
Crown Lyst: 05/21/2005
Coronation: 11/05/2005
King Havordh and Queen Mary-Grace
King Padruig and Queen Linnet
King Havordh II and Queen Mary-Grace II
King Uther and Queen Kenna
King William and Queen Onora
King Havordh III and Queen Mary-Grace III
King Loric and Queen Diana
King William II and Queen Onora II
:King Jon and Queen Beatrix
King Radu II and Queen Broinnfinn II
King Havordh IV and Queen Muirgen
King Ashikaga Hiromoto and Ashikaga Kimiko
King Uther II and Queen Kenna II
Heirs Prince Rey and Princess Miriel
Crown Lyst: 05/20/2012
Thanks to Their Excellencies of Small Gray Bear, Baron CuCullin the Bald and
Baroness Eithne Ruad, autocrat THL Binn MacBranain and Lady Myra of the
Glean on Reservations. From a report of February's 2012 Candlemas I knew
that Mistress Arielle de Brabazon had taken Giacomo Fornarigo as her
apprentice. Meeting Giacomo as Crown List feastocrat and having sampled all
those wonderful dishes of his feast, I judge the Mistress as very, very
wise.
I look forward to posting a full report on this event.
Mistress Barbara Sterling
From: "Melinda" <mlaf at sbcglobal.net>
Date: June 9, 2012 10:40:15 PM CDT
To: <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Cc: <stefanlirous at austin.rr.com>
Subject: Small Gray Bear founders....
From Marie the Small...
In 1978, Marie the Small, George Grey Wolf, Edward du Gris, Bear, and James the Fair held the first meeting of what would become the Little Rock Group in the SCA.
**********
Melandra
To: <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: Diamond War(s)?
Posted by: "Melinda" mlaf at sbcglobal.net maybard
Date: Sat Jun 9, 2012 7:26 pm ((PDT))
From: "Stefan li Rous" <stefanlirous at austin.rr.com>
<<< Okay, so what was/is? the Diamond War?
Is there already a history of this somewhere? What made/makes them
unique? How many of them were there?
Stefan >>>
Diamond wars is a weekend event hosted by Small Gray Bear. At one time, the
growth was such that we were hoping it would reach the size of Lilies.
Unfortunately, 9-11 and then Katrina got in the way of the growth cycle, and
it never made it that large again. It is still held annually, and will be
in October. I'm not sure how long it has gone on. It was held at Camp
Couchdale in Hot Springs for a number of years, then it has sorta alternated
between a camp in the Pine Bluff area and a camp in Viola. The origins of
it date to before my time in Gleann Abhann, but iirc, it was one of the
first 4 events that I attended in Arkansas.
Melandra
To: <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: Diamond War(s)?
Posted by: "Aron the Dane" savalanst at yahoo.com savalanst
Date: Mon Jun 11, 2012 2:53 pm ((PDT))
Answering DW questions I kind of wrote a small book. Bad habit of mine. You have been warned. But for those that have a few minutes to spare on Small Gray Bear and Diamond Wars history, see below.
-Aron
Mistress Barbara Sterling wrote:
<<From the History of Gleann Abhann I can tell you a couple of things. That Small Gray Bear group is in Arkansas, which is known as the Diamond State and has the famous Diamond Mine at Murfreesboro. This group hosts an event which became Diamond Wars.>>
Mistress Barbara is correct. Diamond Wars is Small Gray Bear's annual flagship event. We also host Barbearian Brawl and Candlelight Camp annually, but they tend to be smaller and don't include quite the
same variety of activities that we try to make sure Diamond Wars offers. Generally speaking, we try to include some of everything the SCA does so that nobody is left out.
<<Do not know which date is correct but her Seneschal says: The Shire of Small Gray Bear was founded in September of 1978. My records say Shire of Small Gray Bear founded 12/79...>>
I took the founding date from the annual Doomsday Report's filed by the previous Seneschal. I don't know if it's the correct date, as I was just a kid then and not in the SCA. ;)
Here is the history of Diamond Wars which I have on hand:
Diamond Wars Timeline:
Diamond Wars 1985 - Camp ??? (DW 1)
Diamond Wars 1986 - Camp ??? (DW 2)
Diamond Wars 1987 - Camp ??? (DW 3, Sir Martin Von Augsburg's first DW.)
Diamond Wars 1988 & 1989 - Camp ???
Diamond Wars 1990 - Camp Couchdale (Aron's first event.)
Diamond Wars 1991 to 199? - Camp Yorktown Bay.
Diamond Wars 199? to 2004 - Camp Couchdale.
Diamond Wars 2005 - Scheduled for Camp Couchdale, but cancelled because Hurricane Katrina refugees were using the camp.
Diamond Wars 2006-2008 - Camp Cedar Valley.
Diamond Wars 2009 - Camp Taloha.
Diamond Wars 2010 and 2011 - Camp Cedar Valley.
Diamond Wars 2012 - Scheduled for Camp Cedar Valley.
As you can see I am not sure where Diamond Wars was held prior to 1990. Sir Martin mentioned a Joe's Horse Camp, but I don't know what years it was held there. I do not believe that was the first time SGB had held it at Couchdale. I know he gave me a bit more information about DW in the late 80's, but I can't find those notes at the moment.
In 1991 DW moved from Camp Couchdale, on the shore of Lake Catherine, to Camp Yorktown Bay on the shore of Lake Quachita. Both camps are near Hot Springs, Arkansas. I don't remember how many DW's were at Yorktown Bay, but we moved back to Couchdale sometime in the mid 90's, I think. We were going to use Couchdale for DW 2005, but Hurricane Katrina refugees were using the camp, so we cancelled the event. We did use Couchdale for the first Gleann Abhann Crown List in 2005 earlier that year.
For some time at Couchdale DW attendance was regularly over 500 with people coming from all over the Kingdom of Meridies and the Principality of Gleann Abhann, and with healthy representation from Ansteorra and Calontir too. In 2000 attendance was about 744, iirc. In 2001 the 9/11 attacks happened right before the event. As someone else already mentioned, almost anyone who was military, part of a military family, or dating someone in the military, stayed home. Attendance was back in the 550ish region, and it stayed there. But to be honest, I can't say if 9/11 actually caused any sort of permanent hit to Diamond's size, or if the over 700 turnout in 2000 was just a fluke.
We never expected to grow to Lillies size. For one, our event is not a Kingdom level event. It is Small Gray Bear's event and we always planned to keep it that way. Also, we were stretching the capacity of Camp Couchdale with the numbers we were getting. The change to a new Kingdom, new Kingdom calendar, new site, totally different part of the state, etc. obviously affected atendance. Average attendance since leaving Couchdale has been around 250. But we have been blessed by generally good turnouts from Calontir. Their Crown even joined us in 2010.
Stefan, you asked what made it special? From a fighting standpoint Couchdale had an area that was dedicated to fighting which had some interesting features. There was an old cabin we were allowed to fight in and some other defensive structures, like a pallisade and some gates.
When we were priced out of Couchdale and had to pick a new site for DW 2006 we wound up with Camp Cedar Valley, a former Boy Scout Camp in northern Arkansas which is now privately owned. It was the only site we could find that could handle several hundred people, had the ammenities we needed, and was wet. (There are a lot of dry sites in Arkansas.) To help compensate for the loss of the cabin at Couchdale we started building Barenlager, the fighting village, at one of the old Boy Scout camping areas. In 2009 when we held DW at Camp Taloha in Pine Bluff we debuted the Barony's portable walls. They are currently housed in Barenlager at Cedar Valley.
Since it was my first SCA event, and has been my favorite ever since, Diamond Wars is rather special to me. While it has changed a lot I think it still is something a bit different from your normal weekend event. Gulf Wars is great and grand, but it is not typical of an SCA event. Diamond Wars, to me, is sort of the archetypical SCA event. But I am admittedly biased. ;)
-THL Aron the Dane
Seneschal, SGB
To: <gleannabhann at yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: Diamond War(s)?
Posted by: "Barbara Easley" barbara.easley at fedex.com kane1lissa
Date: Mon Jun 11, 2012 8:41 pm ((PDT))
The "fluke" in 2000 was largely due to Ailgheanan and I being King and Queen; we had such large crowds following us that the BOD directed us to warn people bidding on our events that they would be... oversized.
<G>
We had some... unbelievably funny Courts.
I think Court at the 2000 Diamonds was 5 hours long, and we took a half-hour break in mid-Court. We gave out TONS of awards that day! <G>
Ilissa
<the end>
