Fellow Re-enactors,
I would like to remind you about the Civil War Days at Thunder Valley Stables in McKean, PA on July 29-31. The early registration cutoff date is July 1st and is fast approaching. The cost is $7.00 for persons twelve and over. After that date, the late and walk-on fee is $10.00.
This is an event put on soley by re-enactors; and we try very hard to be re-enactor friendly. The grounds are very picturesque and have almost no modern intrusions. It's only a few minutes from the I-79 McKean exit.
The Federal Commander will be myself and the Confederate Commander will be Colonel Jim Finnegan of the 5th VA and Tri-state. Each year, we donate a portion of our proceeds to historic preservation. There are several activities planned for both military and civilian reenactors. Battles will be held both days. A game of rounders in the morning, in the afternoon a period wedding, horse drawn wagon tours, and an evening ball are scheduled for Saturday.
Sunday, we'll be holding our popular judged tactical in the morning to test your units skills with other things to do throughout the morning and early afternoon. I hope you will consider attending. Our event's web site is: www.geocities.com/civilwardays. On it you may download the registration form, event rules, directions to the event, and the schedule of activities.
We hope to see you there!
Respectfully,
Paul D. Baltzer
Lt. Colonel
1st Battalion
Birney's Division
Monday, June 20, 2005
Thursday, June 09, 2005
Hale Farm covers the "war years"
Step back in history - Hale Farm & Village takes us back to turbulent times of 1861
By Marina Takahashi, Beacon Journal staff writer
Heavy boots crunched against the gravel path as the men of Camp Chase Fifes and Drums marched to the tension drums.
Leading visitors to the heart of Wheatfield Village at Hale Farm & Village in Bath Township last weekend, the corps opened the beginning of a five-year re-enactment of ``The Civil War Years 1861 to 1865: The Lives of Citizens and Soldiers.''
This summer we travel back to 1861.
Wearing a navy blue federal uniform whose design dated back to the Mexican War, and with a pipe in his mouth, Colonel Tim Perry squinted toward his Wheatfield Militia as they marched with sweat beading down their faces.
"People tend to forget the history of this nation," Perry said. "It was a very traumatic time, and the great sadness, of course, most thought the war was going to be over in one battle and it wasn't."
During the weekend event, heated debates on the war were exchanged in front of the white-steepled meetinghouse.
"We're experiencing the same problems that many Ohio militias and towns had," Perry said.
"This time in 1861, we had gentlemen on both sides in our militia. Right now they're going through personal conflicts to make their decisions on what they're going to do."
Civil War-related events will continue throughout the summer, including a tribute to war horses and a 3-D photo exhibit.
Jeanne Konowal, clad in a handmade six-bone hoop skirt, visited the event with her daughter from North Canton.
It's just so exciting to be able to bring history back to life and be able to experience it," Konowal said. "I just think it was a neat time in history, such a tumultuous time. There were so many emotions running wild, so many political aspects of it, yet it all came down to the love of country."
At Hale Farm, artisans and craftsmen demonstrated their skills in 19th century fashion.
As the fifes and drums marched past Martin Reisig's barn, he started hitting the anvil with his hammer.
"They're not the only ones with music," he said. "I'm working on Stars and Stripes." With fingers covered in soot, Reisig demonstrated 30 years of blacksmith training to the crowd.
The Camp Chase Fifes and Drums, a group of 16 men, has performed nationally, as well as in movies such as Gods and Generals. Founded in 1983, the group is named after a Union Army training camp near Columbus, and is composed of members from across Ohio and neighboring states.
"We basically represent a piece of history, so trying to participate in these events hopefully makes it a little more alive when you add some music to it,'' said Bill Maling, who has been a drummer in Camp Chase for 10 years.
"When I was a kid, I played a lot of the same music because it's historically accurate, but I didn't know the history. So now it's an awakening to actually understand the background of the music."
By Marina Takahashi, Beacon Journal staff writer
Heavy boots crunched against the gravel path as the men of Camp Chase Fifes and Drums marched to the tension drums.
Leading visitors to the heart of Wheatfield Village at Hale Farm & Village in Bath Township last weekend, the corps opened the beginning of a five-year re-enactment of ``The Civil War Years 1861 to 1865: The Lives of Citizens and Soldiers.''
This summer we travel back to 1861.
Wearing a navy blue federal uniform whose design dated back to the Mexican War, and with a pipe in his mouth, Colonel Tim Perry squinted toward his Wheatfield Militia as they marched with sweat beading down their faces.
"People tend to forget the history of this nation," Perry said. "It was a very traumatic time, and the great sadness, of course, most thought the war was going to be over in one battle and it wasn't."
During the weekend event, heated debates on the war were exchanged in front of the white-steepled meetinghouse.
"We're experiencing the same problems that many Ohio militias and towns had," Perry said.
"This time in 1861, we had gentlemen on both sides in our militia. Right now they're going through personal conflicts to make their decisions on what they're going to do."
Civil War-related events will continue throughout the summer, including a tribute to war horses and a 3-D photo exhibit.
Jeanne Konowal, clad in a handmade six-bone hoop skirt, visited the event with her daughter from North Canton.
It's just so exciting to be able to bring history back to life and be able to experience it," Konowal said. "I just think it was a neat time in history, such a tumultuous time. There were so many emotions running wild, so many political aspects of it, yet it all came down to the love of country."
At Hale Farm, artisans and craftsmen demonstrated their skills in 19th century fashion.
As the fifes and drums marched past Martin Reisig's barn, he started hitting the anvil with his hammer.
"They're not the only ones with music," he said. "I'm working on Stars and Stripes." With fingers covered in soot, Reisig demonstrated 30 years of blacksmith training to the crowd.
The Camp Chase Fifes and Drums, a group of 16 men, has performed nationally, as well as in movies such as Gods and Generals. Founded in 1983, the group is named after a Union Army training camp near Columbus, and is composed of members from across Ohio and neighboring states.
"We basically represent a piece of history, so trying to participate in these events hopefully makes it a little more alive when you add some music to it,'' said Bill Maling, who has been a drummer in Camp Chase for 10 years.
"When I was a kid, I played a lot of the same music because it's historically accurate, but I didn't know the history. So now it's an awakening to actually understand the background of the music."
Here are Civil War events scheduled for this summer at Hale Farm & Village. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $7 for children ages 3-12. Events are included in ticket price unless noted otherwise.
Hale Farm is at 2686 Oak Hill Road in Bath. Call 330-666-3711 or visit ww.wrhs.org/halefarm.
• Civil War and More!: Children can participate in activities to learn more about the war, and try on Union and Confederate soldiers uniforms and gear. Every Sunday at 2 p.m.
• A Civil War Wedding in Wheatfield Village: Watch the re-enactment of an 1860s wedding between Wheatfield locals Amy Buckley and Theodore Richards. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18.
• The Civil War's Chosen Breed: The American Morgan Horse: Participate in grooming and caring for the horses, and learn about the role of horses during the war through exhibits and discussions. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 25-26.
• Everyone's War: The Family's Role in the Civil War: Learn about the family's role and participate in activities such as writing to soldiers in Virginia, making Union badges, and drilling with the Wheatfield School Guard. Presale admission: $10 adults, $5 children. At the door: $12 adults and $6 children. 6:30 to 9 p.m. June 23, July 14, and Aug. 4.
• 1861 Medicine and Nursing: A Look at Medicine for Soldiers and the Civilians Left Behind: Learn how battle wounds and diseases were treated at the Army Field Hospital. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 23, noon to 5 p.m. July 24.
• The Best Photos of the Civil War: A 3-D Stereoscopic Presentation: Explore the Civil War in 3-D through a presentation by photo expert Bob Zeller from his books The Civil War in Depth Volumes One and Two. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 30, noon to 5 p.m. July 31.
• Annual Civil War Encampment and Re-enactment: Join more than 500 actors as they re-create the days of making meals and getting ready for battle. At 2 p.m. each day, the muskets and cannons will sound off as President Abe Lincoln walks around to greet visitors. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13 and 14.
• Twilight in the Valley: An Evening in the Civil War: Take part in the Military Ball with New England waltzes and reels, or listen to stories about the warring states near the Meetinghouse. Presale admission: $6 adults, $4 children. At the door: $8 adults, $6 children. 7 to 10 p.m. Aug. 13.
• A Soldier is Laid to Rest: An 1861 Funeral in Wheatfield Village: Wheatfield residents will attend the funeral of Rodney Hathaway. Elder Maxwell and other members of the community will offer eulogies. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 27.
Saturday, June 04, 2005
New web site for the Zoar Civil War Reenactment in September
http://www.zoarcivilwar.com (Download your PDF registration forms) and check out the gallery of photos from the last event. You may be famous!
We have 16 Sutlers registered and Camp Chase Fifes and Drums will be performing all weekend. We have also added a Beer Tent! This along with the brothel will keep our 51st Provost extremely busy and remember we can be bribed. Still working on a casino, so that we will have all the vices covered.
Pass the word!
Thank you,
Capt. Mark Gaynor
51st OVI, Co. B.
Provost
PS: Also looking for warm bodies to help out with School programs on Friday. We have close to a 1000 students coming for demonstrations of Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery drill and tactics. Just show up by 9:00am and will put you to work.
We have 16 Sutlers registered and Camp Chase Fifes and Drums will be performing all weekend. We have also added a Beer Tent! This along with the brothel will keep our 51st Provost extremely busy and remember we can be bribed. Still working on a casino, so that we will have all the vices covered.
Pass the word!
Thank you,
Capt. Mark Gaynor
51st OVI, Co. B.
Provost
PS: Also looking for warm bodies to help out with School programs on Friday. We have close to a 1000 students coming for demonstrations of Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery drill and tactics. Just show up by 9:00am and will put you to work.