Battery "H"
1st Regiment Illinois Light Artillery


Frequently Asked Questions

What is Battery H?

The organization's full name is First Regiment Illinois Light Artillery, Battery "H" (De Gress' Battery). We are a reactivated American Civil War unit that saw gallant service in the United States Army during the war of the rebellion (1861 to 1865). We have retained the name De Gress' Battery from the name from one of the original commanders who saw service during the war.

Battery "H" is registered with the Sat of Illinois as a Not-For-Profit organization. All of the donations received are used exclusively to maintain Battery owned equipment. De Gress' Battery was started in 1974 by a group of American history enthusiasts, who had a common interest in preserving the memory and honor of the lives and times of the people of Illinois from the period, the research of historical events, competitive marksmanship with firearms from the Civil War period, and the education of the general public through displays and demonstrations.

What is the Purpose of De Gress' Battery?

When the Battery was established in 1974, a set of "Bylaws" was created to provide an underlying format. Part of these included a purpose. The founders did this so that future activities would be centralized around their intentions.

The specific purposes of the organization are:

a. To perpetuate the patriotism shown by Battery "H", 1st Illinois Light Artillery during the War of the Rebellion (1861 - 1865).

b. To preserve and demonstrate in an authentic manner, artifacts and methods of the period.

The "Bylaws" also include the basic rules concerning membership, elections, officers, and regulations. Since this is a living organization, subject to changes, amendment procedures were also included. These "Bylaws" were approved by the State of Illinois, when the Not-For-Profit status was granted.

What does it take to Join Battery "H"?

Membership can be granted to anyone of legal age. Each new member is accepted by a majority vote of the existing Volunteer membership. New member are given a " Recruit" status, which excludes them from voting privileges for the first year. After one year, a recruit in good standing can submit a request to be voted in under the "Volunteer" status. At that point, the member now has voting capabilities. This is a probationary period that allows the general membership time to approve new recruits.

There is also a membership fee of $1 per month or $10 for a year. This fee helps cover the events the Battery pays for, and for the items like the newsletter. It has not increased since the Battery started in 1974, is not anticipated to rise in the near future.

What are some of the activities that Battery "H" gets involved in?

The Battery has been involved in a variety of activities ranging from displays to live fire cannon firing competition. Here is a list of some of the events the Battery might attend in an average year:

For over the last 20 years the Battery has sponsored a live firing skirmish at local area shooting ranges. An average of 75 or more people from other units match their marksmanship skills using various types of Civil War weaponry in an effort to win prized awards.

The Battery regularly attends parades such as the 4th of July parade and the Memorial Day parade. These are held in local communities such as Buffalo Grove, Brookfield, Algonquin and others. These events bring n donations to the Battery, which keeps dues fees minimal.

The Battery attends at least three regional or national skirmishes per year. The national skirmishes are held at the N-SSA national range at Fort Shenandoah. As many as 2,500 competitors attend, creating an awesome sight.

Educational displays and talks have been attempted to be added to the agenda, as more of our members develop their appreciation for the authenticity, and their desire to share their education with the public.

These are only a few of the activities, not to mention the meetings, elections and Lincoln's birthday party. New events are constantly coming up, adding to the enjoyment for the entire family.

If I join, how much do I have to be involved?

There is a wide diversity of people who belong to the Battery. Some are interested in the history of the Battery while others enjoy the live fire competition. Then there are those who like to participate in all that is offered. Because of this fact, the only requirement is to attend at least one meeting a year. Of course we are sure that you would want to attend as many of the events you can.

What about the costs? How expensive can this be?

Like in many organizations, the level of cost is dependent on how much you want to be involved. The Battery tries to keep the requirements at a minimal. The yearly Battery dues is $1 a month or $10 a year, which ever is cheaper. If you decide to compete in the firearms, you will have to join the North-South Skirmish Association (N-SSA). This association provides ranges, targeting rules, safety rules, and insurance. Most of the cost to join the N-SSA covers insurance, but other portions go to the "Skirmish Line" the quarterly magazine, National range maintenance, etc.

As far as uniforms, there are recommendations made for the first year members that include the following: a hat, shirt, pants, and suspenders.

There are additional needs for shooting, and many of our new members can borrow articles from existing members free of charge. All they ask is that you take care of the borrowed articles and return them.

Once you join we can give you a list of suttlers that sell clothing items. You are NOT required to purchase the items from these suttlers, and some of our members make their own articles from available patterns. All we ask is that you purchase items of the style that the original Battery used.

Is the shooting competition safe?

The N-SSA and the Battery places safety above everything else. There are standard sets of rules based on over 50 years of experience and combined with those of the National Rife Association with regards to the firing and handling of firearms. The veteran members of the Battery are always willing to offer safety tutoring.

If you have any other questions please feel free to contact us at our PO Box address or the Battery e-mail address at…

Battery H
PO Box 7183
Buffalo Grove, Illinois 60089

Batteryh-wr104@sbcglobal.net
Webpage: http://users.adelphia.net/~spjezior/
Last update on: 11 February 2008