Whiteoak Springs Western Town: Re-enactment, Community, and the Birth of a Book .
Life in Whiteoak Springs
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 invited fellow reenactors can set up authentic displays and join the festivities.
Both books are built around real reenactors from Whiteoak Springs, with their personalities, roles, and frontier identities forming the cast for the stories. This is one of the things that makes the books unique, the characters aren’t invented from thin air, they’re drawn from a living community
The Birth of the Book
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.
Whiteoak Springs Gazette Presents: Truth, Lies & Consequences
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.
Still Riding Strong
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.
Illustration by Ian Lyle
Myself as Marshal Chapman
Growth Into a Full Frontier Settlement
In 2017 Mr Whiteoak (Tony) A former lorry driver and Western reenactor worked for Mr Atwal (Tom) landowner and businessman, as Toms Estates manager, Marie, Tony’s partner helps run the livery and horses, She owned horses herself, and has experience running yards, After a time Toms and Tony’s friendship grew, There was a dis-used Avery, and an old small petting zoo was in disrepair. As this was an old attraction for the Holiday homes that Mr Atwal rents out, Mr Atwal (Tom) asked Tony what he would do with the small parcel of Land, Tony replied, I would build a western town that has been my ultimate dream. Tom turned around and gave Tony the go ahead. As time went on their friendship grew, Tony converted the old petting zoo into a large cabin and then started to ask friends if they would come and be a part of the project and build, he then had 3 to 4 cabins not quite a town but certainly taking shape. From just a small few cabins’ rising to a thriving town as it is today. The town’s founding ethos was authenticity without hardship, instead of hauling gear to shows, members could thrive in a ready-made frontier settlement.
Image Taken 2026 4th July Weekend
Today it looks like a Frontier Town with every cabin showing detail of the era.
No 1 Main Street - Sheriff Office
No 2 Main Street - Brokenwood Mercantile
No 3 Main Street Carpenters
No 4 Main Street - R&R Fur Traders
No 5 Main Street Boxx & Co land Registry & Assay Office
No 6 Main Street Barbers Shop
The Painted Pony Saloon
No 8 Main Street Apothecary
No 9 Main Street Thomas Trust & Saving Bank
No 10 Main Street School house
No 11 Main Street (Currently Vacant Possible New Court House)
No 12 Main Street Undertaker
No 13 Main Street U.S Marshal Office and Gazette
No 1 2nd Street Bella Union Hotel
No 2, 2nd Street Triple R Cattle Company
No 2a 2nd Street Attorney of Law
No 3-2nd Street Madam Lil's
No 4 2nd Street Gunsmiths
No 5 2nd Street Saddlery
No 6 2nd Street Blacksmith
No 7 2nd Street Old No 7 Mining Co
No 8 2nd Street The Chapel
No 9 Belle End. The Haberdashery
No 1 Lincoln Corner Wells Fargo & Co
N o 1 The Fields Texas Rangers Office
N o 2 The Fields The Bunk House
And the Camping field, for visiting reenactors to set up authentic displays.
Image Taken 2026 4th July Weekend