CIVIL WAR COMES TO WEATHERFORD
by Shannon L. Story
The smell of gunpowder drifts through the air, mingling with the moans of the wounded and dying. Suddenly a deafening boom rings throughout the blood-splattered battlefield as cannons and rifles once again bring the onslaught of another battle.
So it went for four terrible years, during one of American's bloodiest wars . . . the Civil War . . . and so it will be during Weatherford's First Annual Civil War Weekend, October 17 and 18. The event is sponsored by the Weatherford-Parker County Chamber of Commerce and hosted by the Ninth Texas Infantry/Red River Battalion.
The Ninth Texas Infantry was an actual Confederate Unit that represented Texas in the War Between the States. The unit had many battle honors to its credit and the current members of the Ninth Texas Infantry/Red River Battalion is dedicated to an accurate portrayal that pays tribute to the original soldiers on the muster roll.
More people are interested in the Civil War than in any other period of American history. "And the most avid fans of the Civil War are the Europeans," said Howard McClurkin. A Civil War buff himself, McClurkin got interested--like many of the reenactors--when he dug deep into his history and found ancestors who had been in the Civil War. His interest turned into a passion, which he loves to share with others, especially school kids.
On Friday, October 16, 1998, the reenactors will have a special presentation for area school children. "We plan to have a couple of thousand kids there that day," McClurkin commented. The military scenarios at the First Annual Civil War Weekend will be taken from the Corinth Campaign of the Spring of 1863, which will feature a full scale Battery Robinett. Both days will present artillery, cavalry and infantry activities with Confederate and U.S. encampments. The battles will last around two hours.
Visitors will be able to visit and speak with the reenactors at the encampments, along with civilian reenactors who will demonstrate what it was like on the "homefront." There will also be period music, drama and literature preformed, a ladies tea, and a period ball, in addition to the military activities.
It's interesting to note, that the Civil War was considered the first "modern" war, in that
itintroduced methods of warfare seldom used before,
such as mines and rifled weaponry. It also brought
new techniques to the battlefield, such as
photography, balloon observation, breech-loading,
the telegraph, wire entanglements, trenches and
repeating rifles.
Medical reenactors will be on hand to show what went on behind the scenes of a field hospital as casualties come in off the battlefield. The Reenactment will give spectators the chance to see what it was like during a time when the war divided neighbor against neighbor, brother against brother, state against state and left a heritage of bitterness and grief that still lingers today.
As visitors mingle amid the encampments they shouldn't be afraid to ask reenactors questions. Don't know what to ask? Here are some questions: Ask the field doctor what kind of diseases were present (killing more soldiers than bullets), and what herbs were used in medicine during that terrible period in our history. Or ask an artilleryman what a "powder monkey" is. Question an enlisted infantryman about the rifle he carries. Ask an artilleryman why artillery colors are always red, or ask a soldier what were the Confederate and Federal colors (just don't ask a Confederate soldier what the Federal colors are . . . and vise versa . . . unless visitors want to go to the stockade).
As spectators watch the reenactors, they should be mindful that every part of a reenactor's uniform is authentic: from the cloth used, the stitches sewn, and the buttons shined. And it's not just the uniforms. Everything from tents to tack will be authentic to that time period.
"The battlefield and encampments will be spread out along 150 acres," McClurkin said. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Between battles, spectators can visit various sutlers (traders) selling merchandise such as sabers, uniforms, books, and sewing patterns. There will also be non-period food vendors available.
For more information about the Civil War click on the following links:
The American Civil War Homepage - A great site!
LookSmart Page of Civil War Links - Links, Links, Kinks!
Confederate Soldiers - 9th Texas Infantry
CIVIL WAR DANCE
by Shannon L. Story
Though they fought hard and dirty about everything else, there was one thing the North and South had in common during the Civil War . . . dancing. It didn't matter what their status was in life: rich, poor, old, or young, living in the city or on a farm . . . dancing brought people together.
On September 13th, The Weatherford/Parker County Chamber of Commerce and The Ninth Texas Infantry (a civil War re-enactment group) presented a demonstration of dances popular during the War Between the States.
Eight couples in period costume gathered at Weatherford College's "Doss Center," to demonstrate such dances as: The Grand Promenade, the Virginia Reel, the Sir Roger de Coverly Waltz, Yankee Doodle Contra and others.
Those who came to watch the demonstration were invited to dance along with the demonstrators, on many of the dances. Along with dancing, participants were treated to tidbits of information about what it was like to live--and dance--during those turbulant times.
Dancing during in the 1800's was not like it is now, where everyone seems to do their own thing on the dance floor. But back then,there was a ball room etiquette that each man and woman had to adhere to. No gentleman would ever think of going up to a lady and ask her to dance, outright. Instead he would ask the "dance caller" (someone who called the dances and steps) to introduce him to the lady in question. Men and women were to dance quietly, and not "kick or caper about, nor sway your body to and fro."
A man was never to forget that ladies were to have the best places of distinction, to have the best
seats, and were entitled to a man's courteous protection. A woman had to be very careful on how
she refused to dance with a gentleman, and it was important to carry two pairs of gloves, in case
one pair was soiled by refreshments or dark dresses. If a man wore his saber and spurs to a ball, it
was very uncouth. But if they did, they had better make sure they took them off before dancing,
because a spur caught up in a ladies petticoats was a disaster.
A woman's gown showed her status
in society. If a gown's fabric sported large designs, the necessary waste in matching the bodices
and skirts was a sign of affluence.
From barn dances to grand balls, the events were not just an activity for those "in love," but a social duty as well. The dances served another important purpose, by giving men and women a chance to exchanged information, gossip, and forget--at least for a little while--the bloody mayhem that was the Civil War.
For more information about the Civil War Ballroom Dancing click on the following links:
Period Ball Room Dance Directory