 |
Ladies' styles |
Have you ever wondered why people get involved in Civil War re-enactments and
other period events? After visiting with several folks at the recent Old Settlers Day in
Waynesville, Missouri, I realize the reasons are as varied as the people.
 |
Wayne Issleb as General Grant |
Several ladies explained that they love making and wearing
their costumes. For accessories, they like to shop at the encampment tents and
pick up gloves and other sundry items. Since I don’t sew, I admired their skill
in making dresses with such intricate designs.
“I am involved in this period of history because it’s such
an important part of our nation’s unity,” Wayne Issleb, who portrays General
Ulysses S Grant, said. “Families divided, states at war with each other; we
cannot imagine this in modern times. The Civil War brought the nation
together.”
A couple of other re-enactors also spoke of preserving
history, both of the war and of the period.
 |
President Lincoln (Lance Mack)
addresses attendees |
When I asked if re-enactors choose special characters, Wayne
answered, “I portray U. S. Grant because he is such an important part of the Civil
War. People enjoy hearing from him and his point of view as Commanding
General.”
Wayne does approximately 20 events a years. That’s a huge
commitment.
“A re-enactor needs to study the Civil War, why it took
place. They learn the life and the daily routine of a soldier of that time. They
invest in period clothing and a uniform, and they join a local re-enactment
group.
Sometimes they want to portray a relative who fought in the
war, learn where he’s from, the battles he fought in, and even if he survived.
It’s always interesting to portray an actual person.”
A couple of the re-enactors spoke of preserving history,
both of the war and of the period. We watched one gentleman make and fly
turkey-feather kites.
 |
Union troops march into Waynesville |
Some are simply fascinated with the North-South division
that existed in Missouri before and during the war. Others love studying the
strategies employed by both sides.
In any case, re-enactments present a visual and auditory
experience of the scope of battle. The first time I saw a Pearl Harbor re-enactment
at the Brownsville CAF Air Fiesta, the timing and the noise taught me something
a history book never did. I was struck by the noise, how long it took the
planes to circle and the color of the sky as bomb after bomb exploded.
Re-enactments take time and physical space. It’s one thing
to drive a mile and think that troops marched the path. It’s completely another
to watch – and listen to – them march that distance. Think, then, of the undeveloped
land, lack of roads and modern conveniences, not to mention lack of food. It
boggles my mind to read that troops march through states – or countries – and
then engage in battles.
 |
On the battlefield |
If you and/or your children haven’t seen a re-enactment,
it’s well worth your time. The Pulaski County Museum and Historical Society sponsored this year's event and next year is already in the planning stage. For current information, follow their Facebook page at
https://www.facebook.com/pulaskicountyhistoricalsociety.
Many of the reenactors were from The 8th Missouri
Militia Cavalry (check out their Facebook page for more information
The Kickapoo Trace Muzzleloaders also demonstrated frontier
skills.