Whiteoak Springs Western Town: Reenactment, Community, and the Birth of a Book Series

In 2019, I officially joined the living history community of Whiteoak Springs, a privately built Western town nestled in the heart of England. Though I’d been invited to be part of the project from its earliest days in 2017, life had other plans. Health challenges dating back to 2015 had kept me from attending the usual circuit of re-enactment shows and events, and I simply didn’t have the funds to build a cabin at the time. Ironically, the very structure I would have built became the Marshal’s Office and the birthplace of the Whiteoak Springs Gazette.

But when the opportunity finally came to join in 2019, it felt like a blessing. No more long hours setting up tents or hauling heavy gear. Instead, I found myself part of a ready-made frontier town, surrounded by familiar faces old friends from the Western re-enactment scene and kindred spirits I’d met during my travels. The sense of community was instant and genuine.

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Life in Whiteoak Springs

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Whiteoak Springs isn’t open to the public. It’s a private, immersive experience for those invited to participate. Each year, we host several “Round Ups” long weekends where we live as authentically as possible in the spirit of the Old West. Costumes, saloon entertainment, shootouts, games, and even a functioning mercantile all bring the town to life. On July 4th, we celebrate not only American Independence Day but also the founding of Whiteoak Springs and the birthday of its visionary founder, Tony.

Tony and his partner Marie have been dear friends for years, and their dedication to the town is matched only by the generosity of its members. Maintaining the town is no small feat, so we regularly organize fundraising events some for the town itself, others for charity. While each member is responsible for their own building, we also share communal spaces like The Painted Pony Saloon, the Governor’s Building, and the Bunkhouse for overnight guests. There’s even a camping field where fellow reenactors can set up authentic displays and join the festivities.

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The Birth of the Book

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One of my contributions to the town is the Whiteoak Springs Gazette, a monthly newsletter I produce and distribute to every member at no cost. It’s my way of giving back though it does cost me in time, ink, and paper. I also support the town through donations and by helping with other fundraising efforts whenever I can.

In time, the Gazette sparked something more. I began writing short stories inspired by the town’s characters and sold them for a few coins during one of our open weekends. That year, Jackie who portrays our schoolteacher read the stories and encouraged me to publish them properly. She suggested that if I turned them into a book, I could donate a portion of the royalties to the town.

At first, I laughed it off. I didn’t think I had the confidence to pull off something like that. But the idea stuck. A year later, I released my first book:

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Whiteoak Springs Gazette Presents: Truth, Lies & Consequences

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A collection of short stories featuring as many of our town’s characters as I could weave in. To my surprise, it sold over 200 copies, and a portion of those proceeds went straight into the town’s fundraising pot.

I was fortunate to have help from Ian, one of our talented members, who generously contributed his artistic skills to the project. His hand-drawn illustrations added depth and authenticity to the book, capturing the spirit of Whiteoak Springs in every line and shadow. Ian’s artwork didn’t just complement the stories it elevated them, giving readers a visual window into our world.

Encouraged by the response, I followed up with a sequel:

Whiteoak Springs Gazette Presents: The Wilds of Whiteoak's

and so began a new chapter both literally and figuratively.

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Still Riding Strong

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We continue to gather at Whiteoak Springs for our re-enactment weekends, keeping the spirit of the Old West alive in our own corner of the world. And each month, the Gazette rolls off the press, filled with stories, announcements, and the kind of mythic charm that only a place like Whiteoak Springs can inspire.

What started as a personal escape became a creative journey, a community effort, and a tribute to the enduring power of storytelling. And if you ever find yourself invited to one of our open Round Ups, you’ll see first-hand what makes Whiteoak Springs more than just a re-enactment town it’s a living story.