HOWARD — Civil War reenactors set up typical campsites of the period and offered demonstrations, lectures and displays for the enjoyment of visitors roaming the grounds of the Eagle Iron Works and Curtin Village historic sites June 17 and 18.
The weather cooperated in the morning for Saturday’s posting of the colors and troop inspection by Gov. Andrew G. Curtin, portrayed by his great-grandson Hank Curtin Spencer. Curtin was the Civil War-era governor of Pennsylvania from 1861 to 1867.
“I try to stay in character to do the best for my great-grandfather,” said Spencer, impressive in his top hat and long coat. Following the troop inspection, he played a violin piece, “The Soldier’s Friend.” He then roamed the grounds, pausing to speak with visitors about the day and his famous relative.
Visitors to the encampment could view actual and reproductions of Civil War weapons. Gary Hoover, captain of Thompson’s Independent Battery C, was on hand to explain how the earlier pistols were loaded and how they differ from later models. The children nearby were fascinated by his explanations.
Another reenactor, John Contic, from Maryland, enjoyed telling stories about the group he belongs to and about others with whom he has participated in encampments. Thompson’s Battery C was present when President Abraham Lincoln was shot, and some of its members carried Lincoln across the street after the shooting. The reenactment group was invited to attend the anniversary of Lincoln’s assassination in Washington in 2015.
“It was an amazing experience to be part of the group commemorating the death of Lincoln,” said Contic.
The 148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry and Battery D, 1st Pennsylvania Volunteers reenactor groups also participated in the event.
Kathy Kershner was stationed at her tent to show off some of the clothing worn by women during the Civil War era. She described the dress she wore as a “camp dress.”
“It took me nearly a year to sew a ball gown for Civil War balls and formal affairs,” Kershner said. All the clothing the reenactors wear must be as authentic as possible.
Visitors to the event enjoyed the display of hard tack and the “typical food allotment” of a Civil War soldier. Real food of today was available in the Carriage House behind the mansion.
Other happenings at the two-day event included a children’s musket drill, a cavalry equipment demonstration and a talk about Union spies. Author Jeffry Wert discussed his book, “The Common Soldier of the Civil War,” and the Coburn Brass performing Civil War songs.
The Roland Curtin Foundation sponsored the event.
