Civil War 1860s Gathering Knowledge Event 2021

Submitted by Sandra Root

Once again, I would like to thank the Grand Valley Cap N Ballers Club for allowing me to use the high rifle range to hold the Civil War 1860s Gathering Knowledge event. This year we changed the dates of the weekend due to some conflicts. Unfortunately, the dates of October 8010 also conflicted with other fall activities.

We had 20 participants this year, which was only down by 5 people. There were a few new faces including 5 Confederate soldiers. All were very excited to attend and would like to attend next year.

We camp in canvas tents with period correct furnishings. We try to dress and learn everything we can about the time period. Five teams of 4 walked the woods walk this year, which was up by one team from last year. Each team stopped at a station and asked a question related to the 1860s or given a challenge to complete. Their answers were scored and the winners were awarded prizes off a blank, as if it was a shoot. Other activities this year included a swap-and-sell, puppet show, and harvest dinner on Saturday night. Everyone contributed an 1860s seasonal dish to the harvest dinner.

During the puppet show, shots were heard from the woods. Loud screams and hollers along with more gunfire. All of a sudden, a few Frenchmen along with an Indian were raiding our camps! Clothes were gone through, food was eaten. Once we realized they were not there to hurt us but were just hungry, we invited them to join us in our harvest dinner.

These new additions, Drew Harrington and a few friends, were asked by me to join us this weekend. I wanted the crowd to be a little started but also to learn more about Native Americans in Michigan in the mid-19th century. He set up his bard and cattail lodge. When the darkness of night was upon us, we all took a tour of Drew’s lodge. With a fire lit in the middle, we were able to squeeze 15 of us in the lodge. Stories were told and information shared. What a wonderful experience for all! It reminded me that we have so much to learn from other time periods and different reenactors.

Rain kept us from much activity on Sunday morning We did manage to get ready for a church service given by Rev. Guy Purdue in 1860s style. To conclude the weekend, everyone enjoyed leftovers from the harvest dinner the night before. We continued to have fun with parlor games, laughing together until it was finally time to break camp and go home.

1860s Gathering Knowledge 2020 Event Report

A Re-enactors Only Event
By: Debbie L. Jones
With Pictures by Ken Giorlando

On a chilly weekend in September, approximately twenty re-enactors gathered for a private event in Dorr, MI. Held at the Grand Valley Cap N Baller Gun Club, and hosted by our own Mrs. Sandy Root, participants experienced a weekend full of fun and friendship while adding to their knowledge of mid-19th century life.

We made the best of the colder temperatures. Many of us brought extra blankets, and along with fire pits, a couple of people had wood stoves, so those of us without were able to warm up nicely when needed. This naturally led to lots of socializing, and it was great to get to know several people I had never spent much time with, as well as meet new friends.

The Camp by Ken Giorlando

The Camp by Ken Giorlando

The weekend was full of opportunities to learn. On Saturday morning, many participated in a Woods Walk, with questions and challenges concerning life in rural Michigan during the Civil War. Put together by Sandy, with myself and Angela Morgan acting as additional guides, great fun was had by the participants, with plenty of good-natured competition. Our own 24th MI team- comprised of Sheri Giffin, Samantha Joseph, and Guy Purdue- came in third place. There were prizes for everyone, donated by some of the other participants.

Mayanne Greketis gave a presentation on the history and types of pockets for women’s clothing, and participants received patterns that they could use for their own outfits. There was also a presentation given by Ken Giorlando and Larissa Fleishman on farm life and how the types of farm activities changed throughout the year. Both presentations were highly informative, and the presenters were engaging and fun.

Mayanne Greketis gave a presentation on the history and types of pockets for women’s clothing (photo courtesy of of Ken Giorlando)

Mayanne Greketis gave a presentation on the history and types of pockets for women’s clothing (photo courtesy of of Ken Giorlando)

Ken Giorlando and Larissa Fleishman present about farm life (photo courtesy of Ken Giorlando)

Ken Giorlando and Larissa Fleishman present about farm life (photo courtesy of Ken Giorlando)

On Sunday, we had a Coffee Hour at the Root’s very cozy residence. Sandy had prepared several period drinks, including hot chocolate, various teas, coffee, and hot cider (my personal favorite!). This was followed by a church service, led by our own Rev. Purdue. The service was short, with a couple of hymns, a sermon, and prayers, but well done. Everyone gathered afterwards for a community picnic.

Throughout the weekend, Susan Hanson sold woolen items from her suttlery. Her warm mittens, hats, and scarves came in very handy! Linda Smith also had items for sale. Mr. Beech, a well-known wet plate photographer, was available for tintypes all weekend. He generously offered to have people pay by donation, with all proceeds going back to the event. There was also a re-enactor Garage Sale, where anyone could bring items they were looking to sell, and everyone had a good time perusing what was available.

Shopping at Susan Hanson’s suttlery (photo courtesy of Ken Giorlando)

Shopping at Susan Hanson’s suttlery (photo courtesy of Ken Giorlando)

Of course, the “after hours” parties were as much fun as they always are, with much laughter and catching up after so many months of being deprived of these moments.

Though the site was a bit of a challenge to get to in the dark (I personally had to be rescued when I missed the signs multiple times), the setting itself was beautiful, and perfect for this smaller gathering. There was plenty of room for more, however, and all agreed that it would be nice to see the event grow and continue for many years to come. Should it return next year, I would highly recommend participation in this fun weekend.

Photo courtesy of Ken Giorlando

Photo courtesy of Ken Giorlando

24th members (L to R): Rev. Guy Purdue, Ms. Debbie Jones, Mrs. Sheri Giffin, and Mrs. Samantha Joseph

24th members (L to R): Rev. Guy Purdue, Ms. Debbie Jones, Mrs. Sheri Giffin, and Mrs. Samantha Joseph

Join in supporting Historic Fort Wayne

Historic Fort Wayne is Detroit's “hidden historical gem.” While some believe that some of the first shots of the War of 1812 were fired near there, we do know with certainty that the Treaty of Springwells was signed on September 8, 1815 at the site of Fort Wayne, Detroit. This treaty ended the war between the United States and a confederation of Native Americans that included the Wyandot, Delaware, Seneca, Shawnee, Miami, Chippewa, Ottawa, and Potawatomi nations. Fort Wayne was used as a camp of instruction for every major US conflict, including the Civil War; World Wars I and II; Korea, and Vietnam. Thousands of soldiers shipped out for Vietnam from Fort Wayne. Italian POWs were held there during World War II. Fort Wayne was a major hub of the “Arsenal of Democracy” that contributed to the Allied victory in World War II.

For several years in the 1990s, Fort Wayne was an “orphan.” Buildings and grounds were allowed to fall into disrepair. In more recent years, a dedicated group of volunteers – the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition – has done much hard work to give the Fort some TLC.

But, like many other events this year, the five major fundraisers on which the Coalition relies were canceled because of Coronavirus concerns. This has put the Coalition in a difficult financial situation.

Here's where we can help! For $20 per individual ($35 for a family) for an entire year, each of us can consider becoming a member of the Historic Fort Wayne Coalition. Your membership dues will go directly to supporting the Fort but they will also give you access to the Fort for all events. Fort Wayne is a perfect spot for watching the Freedom Festival fireworks or seeing the lake freighters pass down the Detroit River.

The 24th Michigan may also have the ability to use Fort Wayne for a weekend event; our annual social; our “work on your impression” Saturdays; and other events.

You can read more about the Fort, the Coalition, and opportunities to help out on the Fort’s website.

Your obedient servant,

Guy Purdue

150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg

150th Gettysburg: The BGA Event Gettysburg. The very name evokes a flood of emotions and memories. The Battle of Gettysburg, fought in and around a small Pennsylvania borough on July 1 – 3, 1863 has claimed a rightful place in American history as the most significant battle of America's Civil War. 

As is the case with many national events, two separate Gettysburg observances were held: the BGA (Blue and Gray Alliance); and the GAC (Gettysburg Anniversary Committee). The BGA event was held June 27-30 at the Bushey family farm. Along with Eric Larson from our 24th Michigan, I attended the event, along with 418 other men from Michigan. Our “Michigan battalion” enjoyed the added distinction of actually portraying the 24th Michigan, adding a special flavor to our participation. We participated in the “progressive” portion of the event, in “Murray's Brigade.” Thursday at 4:45 pm an all-hands meeting was held to brief the participants on what to expect for the weekend. At 5:00 pm on Thursday, the men formed ranks and marched off to our temporary camp in the field. Rations were issued: three hardtack crackers, two slabs of salt pork, coffee beans and brown sugar for each man. Adding to the realism, we received the announcement that the army was not certain how long these rations would have to last. Just as it was for the boys of 1863, keeping nourished was a challenge.

An additional challenge was the rugged terrain. Rocks and logs were omnipresent but on Friday, we put the natural terrain to good use by building our own breastworks at our new camp on “Culp's Hill.” The comrades of the 24th Michigan valiantly held their position at all hazards against repeated assaults by the Confederate forces. But the high ground and the impregnable breastworks made our position unassailable. The firefights at Culp's Hill were some of the most intense battle scenarios I've ever experienced. Added to the realism was the fact that for the first time in my career as a living historian, we were summoned to battle by the “long roll,” a drum signal which indicates that the enemy is present and there is no time at all to waste in taking battle stations. We lined the breastworks clad without coats, with our leather accouterments hastily thrown on over our shirts.

On Saturday, we miraculously morphed into the First Maryland Home Guards. The change in impression was necessary because the original 24th Michigan did not participate in Pickett's Charge on the third day of the battle. By a simple change of caps from our dress black hats to our simpler forage caps, the transformation was complete. We fought an intense battle against fellow Marylanders. The raw emotions of 150 years ago came rushing back to us, as we heard to desperate cries of the wounded and dying in the valley below. Col. Eichler and Chaplain Rodney Miller reminded the men to show compassion to our suffering “fellow states-men.” At their suggestion, a humanitarian detail was sent to the fallen Confederates to supply them with water. Several Confederate soldiers, including a major, surrendered to our brave water boys.

Sunday saw the recreation of Pickett's Charge. The BGA event staff went to great lengths to recreate the stone wall and the copse of trees. It was breathtaking to see brigade upon brigade of Confederate soldiers valiantly making their last-ditch effort to pierce the center of the Union line in a desperate effort to carry the field. It was a surreal experience, somewhere between the most amazing reenactment scene ever and acting in a Hollywood blockbuster.

Following Pickett's Charge, Col. Eichler suggested that we honor the sacrifices of the men who fought on the hallowed ground of Gettysburg 150 years ago by marching off the field in full marching order. Although we all were hungry, thirsty, hot, tired and homesick, our pride in our great Wolverine State and our gratitude to the men who actually experienced the horror and hardship of 150 years ago spurred us on. We formed up, and marched off the battlefield singing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” We received the hearty cheers and applause of many people along our “parade route.” Many people snapped pictures of us. At one point, someone called out, “Who are these guys?” And the exuberant answer was shouted back, “These are Michigan men!”

Col. Eichler summed up the experiences of the weekend with his brief comments as we prepared to head home to Michigan. He said, “Men, it's a cloudy day. There are many men up there looking over the edges of those clouds, and they're smiling down on what you did here.”

It was a humbling experience indeed to represent the original 24th Michigan at the 150th anniversary of Gettysburg. There were many unforgettable experiences which will remain in the memories of all who took part.

By Guy Perdue