Acknowledge the Corn!

Definition:  to admit the truth, to confess a lie, or acknowledge an obvious personal shortcoming....

Here are some fun terms and civil war slang-enjoy some Bark Juice, sit back and it won't be difficult to understand why most of these are now obsolete!


Absquatulate - to take leave, to disappear
Acknowledge the Corn - to admit the truth, to confess a lie, or acknowledge an obvious personal shortcoming
Arkansas Toothpick - a long, sharp knife
A.W.O.L. - Absent With Out Leave
Bad Egg - bad person, good for nothing
Balderdash - nonsense
Bark Juice, Red Eye, O Be Joyful - liquor
Beat the Dutch - if that don't beat all
Bluff - trick or deceive
Bragg's Body Guard - lice
Been Through the Mill - been through a lot, seen it all
Bellyache - complain
Big Bugs - big wigs, important people
Bivouac - to camp without formal shelter or in temporary circumstances
Blowhard - braggart, bully
Blue Mass - refers to men on sick call; named after blue pill.
Bread Bag - haversack
Bread Basket - stomach
Bully - exclamation meaning, &'terrific!' or 'hurrah!'
Bully for You - good for you
Bummer – malingerer, someone who deliberately lags behind to forage or steal on his own shrift
Bummer's Cap - regulation army cap with a high/deep crown, so-called because it could be filled with gathered foodstuffs
Bust Head / Pop Skull - cheap whiskey
Camp canard - tall tale circulating around camp as gossip
Cashier - to dismiss from the army dishonorably
Chief Cook and Bottle Washer - person in charge, or someone who can do anything
Chicken Guts - gold braid used to denote officer ranks
Company Q - fictitious unit designation for the sick list
Conniption Fit - hysterics, temper tantrum
Contraband - escaped slaves who sought refuge behind Union lines
Copperhead - Northern person with Southern, anti-Union sympathies
Cracker Line - supply line for troops on the move
Deadbeat - useless person, malingerer
Desecrated Vegetables - Union, dehydrated (desiccated) vegetables formed into yellowish squares
Dog Robber - soldier detailed from the ranks to act as cook
Dog Collar - cravat issued with uniforms, usually discarded
Duds - clothing
Embalmed Beef - canned meat
Essence of Coffee - early instant coffee, found in paste form
Forage - to hunt for food, live off the land; also came to mean plundering enemy property for sustenance
Fit as a fiddle - in good shape
Fit to be tied - angry
Forty Dead Men - a full cartridge box, which usually held forty rounds
French Leave - to go absent without leave
Fresh Fish - new recruits
Go Boil Your Shirt - take a hike, get lost, bug off
Grab a Root - eat a meal, especially a potato
Greenbacks - money
Grey Backs - lice, also derogatory term for Confederate soldiers
Grit - courage, toughness
Goobers - peanuts
Hanker - a strong wish or want
Hard Case - tough guy
Hard Knocks - hard times, ill use
Hardtack - unleavened bread in the form of ¼ inch thick crackers issued by the army
Haversack - canvas bag about one foot square, which was slung over the shoulder and used to carry a soldier's rations when on the march
High-falutin - highbrow, fancy
Horse Sense - common sense, good judgement
Hospital Rat - someone who fakes illness to get out of duty
Housewife - sewing kit
Huffy, In a Huff - angry, irritated
Humbug - nonsense, a sham, a hoax
Hunkey Dorey - very good, all is well
Jailbird - criminal
Jawing - talking
John Barleycorn - beer
Jonah - someone who is or brings bad luck
Knock into a Cocked Hat - to knock someone senseless or thoroughly shock him
Let 'er Rip - let it happen, bring it on
Let Drive - go ahead, do it
Likely - serviceable, able-bodied
Light Out - leave in haste
Long Sweetening - molasses
Lucifers - matches
Muggins - a scoundrel
Mule - meat, especially if of dubious quality
Mustered Out – wry term meaning killed in action
No Account - worthless
Not By a Jug Full - not by any means, no way
On His Own Hook - on one's own shrift, without orders
Opening the Ball - starting the battle
Opine - be of the opinion
Peacock About - strut around
Peaked - pronounced peak-ed; weak or sickly
Pie Eater - country boy, a rustic
Pig Sticker - knife or bayonet
Picket - sentries posted around a camp or bivouac to guard approaches
Play Old Soldier - pretend sickness to avoid combat
Played Out - worn out, exhausted
Pumpkin Rinds - gold lieutenant's bars
Quartermaster Hunter - shot or shell that goes long over the lines and into the rear.
Quick Step, Flux - diarrhea
Robber's Row - the place where sutlers set up to do business
Row - a fight
Salt Horse - salted meat
Sardine Box - cap box
Sawbones - surgeon
Scarce as Hen's Teeth - exceedingly rare or hard to find
Secesh - derogatory term for Confederates and Southerners: secessionists
See The Elephant - experience combat or other worldly events
Shakes - malaria
Shanks Mare - on foot
Sheet Iron Crackers - hard tack
Shoddy - an inferior weave of wool used to make uniforms early in the war; later came to mean any clothing or equipment of substandard quality
Sing Out - call out, yell
Skedaddle - run away, escape
Slouch Hat - a wide-brimmed felt hat
Snug as a Bug - very comfortable
Somebody's Darling - comment when observing a dead soldier
Sound on the Goose -
Sparking - courting a girl
Spondulix - money
Sunday Soldiers / Parlor Soldiers - derogatory terms for unsuitable soldiers
Take an Image - have a photograph taken
Tennessee or Virginia Quick Step - diarrhea
Tight - drunk
Toe the Mark - do as told, follow orders
Top Rail - first class, top quality
Traps - equipment, belongings
Tuckered Out - exhausted
Uppity - arrogant
Vidette - a sentry same as Picket but usually on horseback
Wallpapered - drunk
Whipped - beaten
Wrathy - angry
Zu Zu - Zouaves, soldiers whose units wore colorful uniforms in a flamboyant French style with baggy trousers, known for bravery and valor

What is a Quartermaster?

A Quartermaster's Luncheon will be served this weekend from 11:00-3:00pm during the festivities marking the 150th Commemoration Celebration of the Civil War for this area on Saturday, May 5th and Sunday, May 6th, 2012.  While 2013 is the official year observing this anniversary, 2012 will be very memorable as well, with several events to mark the occasion. 

Some of you may not be familiar with the term Quartermaster.  Here is a very informative link courtesy of the American Civil War Website which you can read up on here: http://americancivilwar.com/tcwn/civil_war/QuarterMaster_History.html

The Historic Fairfield Inn's Quartermaster Luncheon will promise not to disappoint as Mrs. Lee will join guests while they sample authentically prepared Civil War menu items that brought both comfort and sustenance to soldiers.

This weekend's Luncheon Menu is pre-fixe and will offer a choice of one appetizer, one entree and choice of home baked pies.  The selections are as follows:

Fresh Fruit Cobbler
Mansion House Salad
Ham & Bean Soup

Chef's Choice Quiche
Soldier's Waffle
Catch of the Day
Chicken & Biscuits
Roasted Loin of Pork

Assortment of Home Baked Pies

All entrees served with Johnny Cakes, Hardtack, and Idiot's Delight (biscuits, honey and raisins)

Cost is eighteen greenbacks ($18.00)  per person, reservations recommended, however walk ins are welcome!

We look forward to having you join us for this special weekend !

We Are Proud Members of the Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail

"The Gettysburg Wine & Fruit Trail, a unique consortium of local family businesses, is home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the area, including the South Mountain Fruit Belt and the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains."

Visit vineyards nestled in the mountainside, sip wine and take in the spectacular settings. Drive through sprawling orchards and visit farms offering the best local produce and nurseries boasting beautiful plants,trees and shrubs.  Wrap it all up with a delicious meal at our Inn, followed by a  luxurious stay in one of our deluxe rooms or suites.

Commemoration Celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Fairfield Schedule of Events-Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6

"Medal of Honor",

Don Stiver, Artist

Saturday, May 5th

9:30am-5pm: Living History Village open to the Public (Steelman Street)
9am: Meet the Union Generals as they plan the battle (108 West Main Street)
10am-11:30am Special Presentation by Tim Smith (Adams County author and historian) (108 West Main Street)
11am, 12pm,1pm-Civil War Era House Tours$
11am-3:00pm- "Lunch with Mrs. Lee" Quartermaster's Luncheon (Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street)$
12Noon- A Taste of History, Wine and Dine-(Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street) $
12 Noon: Insight into the Civil War Spy Organizations (108 West Main Street)
1pm: A Moment with General Longstreet (108 West Main Street)
3pm: Meet the Southern Generals and their staff (108 West Main Street)
4pm: Insightful conversations with General and Mrs. Lee (108 West Main Street)

2:00pm REENACTMENT BATTLE:"Conferderates Attempt a Rear Guard Movement" (Landis Farm, N. Miller Street)
7:00pm-9:00pm Bonfire with Music and Songs at the Fairfield Inn with Ken Courtney (Historic Fairfield Inn, 15 West Main Street.)

Sunday, May 6th

8:30am Living History Village-Free and Open to the Public -(Civil War Encampment, Steelman Street)
9:00am-4:00pm Living History Village (108 West Main Street)
9:00am Period Church Service in the Town Hall (108 West Main Street)
10am-Ladies Relief Society Speaks of the Courageous Efforts During the War-(108 West Main Street)

2:00pm REENACTMENT  BATTLE: “The Union Cavalry Protects the Gap” (Landis Farm, N. Miller Street)

3:00pm Meet the Union and Confederate Generals for a Q & A (108 West Main Street)
4:00pm Closing Ceremony, Roll of Honor and Taps at (The Historic Fairfield Inn)
$-Cost

Sponsored by the Town of Fairfield http://www.battleoffairfield.com//

A Photo Essay of the Inn

So, you're planning your trip to visit us and wondering just what is all the buzz about our Inn? Well, here is a little summary in pictures of what you will see ....

This is our parlour, and the newer part of the house. This addition came into existence in 1801. This room also served as a hospital during the Civil War.

Going through the parlour you will enter the "Eisenhower Room" where, you guessed it! Mamie and Ike would often escape here, to one of their favorite spots in the area, to have a delicious meal.

From the Eisenhower Room you step down into the Main Dining Room which seats about 80 comfortably... 

A prototype of a plaque made to be displayed on the Battlefield and one of the many artifacts you will enjoy seeing here.

This room is the oldest part of the house, built by Squire Miller in 1757.  Boasting a gorgeous working fireplace , this room is still enjoyed for special occasions when guests want a more private and intimate setting.  (It can seat up to 12.) 

In this room, you will see the door which boasts an original lock from the days of Squire Miller.  This is said to be the best lock in the entire house!

Our Tavern has a full bar and also the oldest liquor license in Gettysburg. This room is a wonderful setting to enjoy a nice meal with yet another huge working fireplace which is used through out the year. 

Going upstairs, we have several well appointed rooms, each one very unique.  This is the J.E.B. Stuart Room which the General occupied on the Confederate Retreat. This view is coming through the door

This is a view of the queen size bed:

And the spacious modern bathroom....

This is the Patrick Henry room, where Mr. Henry actually stayed.  (He was the nephew of the lady of the house.)

A beautiful view of the popular clawfoot tub in the bathroom....There is a separate neo-angle shower unit, too.

This is the Grumble Jones Room, named after a Confederate General who fought in the Battle of Fairfield, behind our Inn.  This battle occurred at the same time as the Battle of Gettysburg. This is a view from the door entering the room.  There is a lovely, modern bath in this room with a jetted tub.

If you love history, this is the room to stay in.  It is the 1757 suite, above the 1757 room shown previously.  This is where the family spent their nights.  It is also where Ghost Lab stayed and supposedly captured lots of activity via their cameras and microphones....

This is the mirror where they saw a "shadow person". Notice the spectacular stone chimney which rises up from the room beneath.

Moving to the third floor, this is the Three Colonels Room, named after three men who thought they were mortally wounded during the Battle of Fairfield.  They retired to this room in 1863, thinking this is where they would see their final days. 

The good news is they all survived their injuries.  This is how the suite looks today... 

Here is the lovely soaking tub, perfect for relaxing after a tour of the battlefield, perhaps?

(Our 6th and last room on our journey is The Major Starr guest room which was being occupied at the time this was written.  Stay tuned for a picture just as soon as it is free.  (But the Inn is constantly busy, so we're not sure when that will be!)

We hope you've enjoyed the photo tour and we invite you all to come for a visit just as soon as you can.  You've heard the phrase "Things are so much better in person."  Well,they are!  The pictures just can't do this beautiful landmark the justice that it deserves.  Not to mention our wonderful staff who will bend over backwards to ensure you have the best stay possible.

Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful day! 

Valentine's Day At The Inn....

Perhaps Squire Miller presented his wife with an embellished adornment of Cupid or a bouquet of flowers, some hearts, a few love birds; closely resembling the forthcoming Valentines of the upcoming 19th Century. (Germans who were settling in the United States at this time introduced this particular form of greeting with its Baroque ornamental style ultimately spreading to other parts of the country, thus paving the way for our modern Valentines).

On this amorous day of note, bring your significant other to Our Mansion House Restaurant for a special prix fixe menu for two which includes Traditional Surf & Turf, Juicy Fried Oysters, Beef Crostini, Sweetheart Salad, Chef's Seafood Chowder and a Gooey Hot Fudge Sundae. Call for Reservations (717) 642-5410

The Superbowl and The Civil War

How did those poor boys ever survive without one of America's favorite pastimes, the Super Bowl? Look out, Eli and Tom; a little digging uncovered that during the civil war, soldiers would often pass the time (especially during the winter months) reading, partaking in musical "jam" sessions, enjoying a game of cards,dominos,chess or the occasional game of baseball.

One might take a moment and ponder if there had been a Super Bowl back then, Robert E. Lee or George Meade asking for a pause in the battle while they checked the score on the game. Oh, how things have changed so drastically over the years.....While it is a great way for Americans today to kick back and relax and enjoy an event like this , let's take a minute to remember those who came before us and sacrificed so much so we can enjoy everything that is so great about this wonderful country we live in. Those men and women of yesteryear had much simpler pleasures and lifestyles.

Soldiers enjoying a game of chess