Civil War Reenactment Highlights Festivities
History came alive on Memorial Day weekend as visitors flocked to the Geauga County Historical Society in Burton to experience the thrill of reenactments of revelry and remembrance.
History came alive on Memorial Day weekend as visitors flocked to the Geauga County Historical Society in Burton to experience the thrill of reenactments of revelry and remembrance.
“If not for the Civil War, there wouldn’t be a Memorial Day,” said Rick Bouwhuis, a Civil War reenactor from Centerville, Va. “It’s special as a veteran, to honor my comrades in arms.”
The Geauga County Historical Society’s 2017 Civil War Encampment and the 75th anniversary celebration of the Century Village Museum’s opening kicked off the weekend May 27 on the grounds of the museum in Burton Village.
“I hope visitors take away from this experience an appreciation for preserving things for future generations to enjoy,” said Sandy Mueller, Pioneer School director for the society.
More than 300 reenactors from across Ohio, neighboring states and beyond, set up camp representing the Union and Confederate armies with skirmishes, battles, artillery fire and other military exercises presented on the grounds.
“I love it and it’s nice to be local and see this action take place,” said Michelle Potochnik, who ventured to Burton from Lakewood, along with her 2-year-old son, Thaavi Potochnik.
On July 4, 1938, the Geauga County Historical and Memorial Society was organized.
However, at that time, the society did not have a permanent home for the museum.
On May 30, 1942, the historical museum was officially opened to the public with Congresswoman Frances Payne Bolton giving the dedication and address.
Anniversary celebrants gathered inside The Auburn Church, built in Auburn Township in 1846. It was known as the First Disciples Church and later became the Auburn Community Church. In 1963, it moved to the grounds of Century Village Museum.
Mueller said this celebration pays tribute to the two women responsible for creating a museum, Bolton and Lottie Doolittle Fox.
Frances was the first woman elected to Congress from Ohio, representing the 22nd Congressional District that consisted of Cleveland’s eastern suburbs, as well as part of Geauga County.
“It was Lottie Fox and Frances Bolton, however, whose friendship made the museum a reality,” Mueller said. “Lottie was a board member of the Geauga County Historical Society who knew the society needed a home. The honorable Frances P. Bolton wished to do something for Geauga County, which was part of her congressional district.”
Portraits of the two ladies were unveiled during the celebration.
“Those individuals in 1941 envisioned a museum to keep the artifacts collected from early settlers,” Mueller said. “We were fortunate these last 75 years, we experienced growth. So many things now-a-days are discarded or torn down. In 25 years, our Century Village will literally be a century village. I am hoping that those who came to our event will see the importance of saving structures and artifacts for future generations.”
Mueller said the 1838 Eleazer Hickox Brick home came up for sale in 1941 and Bolton donated $15,000. On July 5, 1941, the deed to the Eleazer Hickox was transferred to B.J. Shanower, president of the historical society.
“My goodness the progress of this organization,” said Charles Bolton, grandson of Frances Payne Bolton, and guest speaker. “My grandmother loved history. She came from a family of deep roots in this area.”
Other guest speakers included Jacqueline Brockway, granddaughter of Lottie Doolittle Fox.
Reenactors sat at their camps overlooking the landscape of Geauga County, soaking in the sun and enjoying the camaraderie.
“We develop some very special friendships,” said Jeffrey Blanc, a reannactor from Pittsburgh.
Ten-year-old Alex Barto, a reenactor from Bedford, stood on a hill on watch.
“It’s really a lot of fun to do,” Barto said as he joined his family near their tent.
“It is special to me as a veteran,” added Bouwhuis, who began as a reenactor in the early 90s. “I get to remember and educate others on the Civil War, such an important part of history.”
Geauga County Historical Society memberships are available and give families free admission to all four major events at the museum this year. For information, call 440-834-1492.
