10 Questions with Robb Rowland
Robb Rowland, age 38, Xenia, Ohio
1. How long have you been a reenactor and how did you get involved?
I started when I was 10 years old … started with my dad (Larry Rowland). He was interested in it and started reading books. He had a couple friends from General Motors that were into it. We started in a 22-foot tipi. I tagged along. … Dad stopped when I was 17 and I was able to continue because Randy Bloom and Keith Clements allowed me to camp with them.
2. What is your club or organization affiliation, if any?
Heeeethin Heights … with home base at Greene County Fish & Game (conservation club)
3. In the living history world, who are you and what do you portray?
Well, I don't portray anybody in particular. I enjoy doing the Scottish Highland reenacting in the late 1700s.
I was highly influenced by Randy Bloom … "Skunk Meat."
5. What is your camp name and how did you get it?
Tin Man … I just got that about two years ago. … There are two reasons. One, I play the gut bucket, and also through work, I had a robot that did some severe damage on my arm and head.
6. What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I would say it's kind of two-sided. … I so much enjoy seeing the kids learn and have fun. The other would be the friendships you gain sitting around the fire in the evening playing music. Those are the biggest things.
7. What would you like to accomplish in the future?
One of my biggest goals is to see Greene County Fish & Game Rendezvous get back to its glory days … back to 70-some camps. … Now that I'm booshway that what I'm working on.
And I want to keep seeing the kids grow. Me and Randy and a few other hands built all the kids prizes (wooden tables, chairs, stools, etc.) that we gave away at (last year's) spring camp.
8. What makes you unusual or unique (within or outside of reenacting)?
Wow … I like to meet and greet with new people. I'm not sure if that's unusual.
I enjoy talking in front of large crowds and putting on a little bit of a show for them. I feel like I try to give 110 percent whenever we're working on putting on an event.
9. Do you have any advice for people who are beginners or might be interested in getting involved?
Yeah … Read up on what you want to do … on that persona you want to be … what era you want to be. … Find small camps to get involved in. Shop from small vendors or traders or campers. Start off slow, buy within reason and don't think you need to buy everything up front.
10. Is there anything else you would like to tell people reading this?
I guess it would be to remember we have to keep supporting the younger generation. Have activities for just the younger kids to make them feel a part of things.
Don’t be afraid to go to a new rendezvous. I recommend going to a new one every year. And, of course, come out to Greene County Fish & Game and you're going to have a blast.
Interview by Vicki Johnson