Seminary Saturday Night!

Saturday May 27th, 2006 Seminary Ridge

Ideal weather for a walk! Warm and a light breeze. People from Texas, Ohio, and some Pennsylvanians from Philly to Pittsburg came out. I even brought a few friends along for the ride!

I was a little frustrated when the tour began. I was expected the group to be twice the size, and we all know how I prefer larger groups. But it wasn't meant to be, so off we went aggravated guide and all! Some people take out their frustrations by exercise or meditation. I have learned over the years to channel that energy into my storytelling. I find that I can get real creative with my tone of voice when I am a little sideways before the tour. When I sold timeshare, I had a manager that would intentionally get me upset before sales presentations. He told me that my numbers were better when I was upset. Maybe he was right. When it comes to showtime, you must perform no matter what the circumstances. I guess what they say is true, the show must go on.

At the beginning of my Seminary Ridge tour, we have to recite a disclaimer at the request of the Seminary. If there are any kids in the group, I will usually try to get them involved with this. I'll ask them if they have a good memory. Then I'll tell them to repeat the disclaimer after I'm done reciting it. Most of the time the kids jump at the chance. What they don't know is that I can recite this thing with lightning speed! Then of course, they have no idea what I said, can't repeat it, and are left a little embarrassed in front of the group. Lollipops cure that everytime! On Saturday though, the only two kids in the group did not want to help me out at all! One of them flat out refused. I practically had to give them the candy up front! I had to ask them "if they would please humor the tour guide" by playing along. Like pulling teeth! I always get a kick out of how groups and individuals react and interact on tour. I wonder if anyone has studied this on a more scientific level?

From tours gone by... I try to always mention Hugh Ziegler and his experiences at Gettysburg when I'm out on the Seminary. He was ten years old when the battle came to his front door. He was excited before the battle and horrified afterwards. He had to help carry amputated limbs outside of Schmucker Hall. Gruesome work for a child that age. I tell Hugh's story to show how the war effected children in many different ways. There are no ghosts involved in this story, it is just one of my "interpretive rants."

I told Hugh's story back in April of this year and before I could transition into the next story a woman asked me a question that I consider one of the best I've ever been asked. "What happened to him?" she asked. "What did he grow up to be?" I almost fell to the ground! I told her that he lived unitl the 1930's and settled in Oklahoma. She was relived to know that he did well. It is a pleasure to see someone connect to a story, and in this case the subject of the story, on such a personal level. I look forward to the next such person!

Sleep well,

"Rick Saunders"