Gettysburg Daily

Licensed Battlefield Guide Charlie Fennell: “Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours”

Dr. Charles C. Fennell received his Ph.D. in history from the University of West Virginia in 1992. His dissertation was titled, “The Battle of Culp’s Hill.” Dr. Fennell believes that Culp’s Hill was the most important action on the battlefield, but you wouldn’t know it from his quick overview of the Battle of Gettysburg: “Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours.” This view was taken facing south at approximately 9:00 AM on Sunday, November 23, 2008.

Now that Remembrance Day is over, visitation is dramatically dropping off at Gettysburg National Military Park. The tours are infrequent, and Licensed Battlefield Guides have time on their hands in the guide room. Guides need to get out of the guide room and work. If they don’t get out as soon as possible, they go “stir crazy” and come up with all sorts of interesting stories and ideas. Today we are featuring Licensed Battlefield Guide Charlie Fennell’s version of a typical Gettysburg guided tour, “Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours.” If you’re unable to play Flash videos in your browser, sing the lyrics to the tune of “Shortnin’ Bread.”

Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours

On the first day Reynolds got shot
Guide will take you right to that spot
Go to Peace Light, Gotta get out
Guide will tell you what it’s all about

Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guidin’ Guidin’
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Ridin’ Ridin’
Ridin’ on a Guided Tour!

On the second day Rebels went around
20th Maine they held their ground
Ran out of bullets, but don’t you fret
Chamberlain ordered the bayonet!

Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guidin’ Guidin’
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Ridin’ Ridin’
Ridin’ on a Guided Tour!

On the third day Pickett did charge
After an artillery barrage
12,000 Rebels came across that field
But the Union boys refused to yield

Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guidin’ Guidin’
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Ridin’ Ridin’
Ridin’ on a Guided Tour!

After the battle, Lincoln came to town
To help consecrate that hallowed ground
Tours over now, here’s your keys
Don’t you forget that gratuity!

Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guidin’ Guidin’
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Ridin’ Ridin’
Ridin’ on a Guided Tour!

When you go to Gettysburg you must see
The Cyclorama and new Movie
They’ve got a great museum it used to be free
But now you’ve got to pay a fee!

Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guidin’ Guidin’
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Guided Tours
Mammy’s Little Baby Loves Ridin’ Ridin’
Ridin’ on a Guided Tour!