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.
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