PORT SANILAC
CIVIL WAR DAYSSaturday, August 7 - Sunday, August 8, 2010Port Sanilac, on the shores of Lake Huron in Michigan's Thumb, will be the site of a weekend-long event commemorating the US Civil War.
Port Sanilac Civil War Days will take place August 7 and 8, 2010, on the grounds of the Sanilac County Historic Village and Museum. Hosted by the Port Sanilac Downtown Development Authority, in conjunction with the 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company H, the event promises a wide array of activities of Civil War buffs of all ages. This is the second year for this event.
Saturday, August 7 the festivities begin at 10:00 am and continue on into the evening. Sunday, August 8 there will be activities from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. There is no charge to visitors who wish to participate, so round up the family and come join in the fun.
Highlights of the Port Sanilac Civil War Days include:--- Union and Confederate military encampments and demonstrations, including the staging of skirmishes and the firing of cannons!Girl works with Ste. Claire Voyageurs to make candles
--- Exhibits and displays of all types, including weapons, tools, and methods of the period.
--- Educational talks from experts in many fields, all of whom will appear as personalities in appropriate dress.
--- Participatory activities, including a cricket game and various childrens' games.
--- Musical performances throughout the day, culminating in a grand ball Saturday evening
--- A vintage baseball team, featuring the Port Huron Welkins vs. the Mount Clemens Regulars
Military re-enactments: The following military units have been invited and expect to participate in demonstrations, including skirmishes between Yankees and Rebels!
--- 21st Michigan Volunteer Infantry, Company H, will be encamped and will provide overall coordination of military activities.
--- 2nd Michigan Volunteers, Hudson Artillery will demonstrate cannon fire with their field pieces.
--- Michigan Calvary Brigade and the American Civil War Shooting Association, demonstrating tactics and marksmanship, have been invited but are not yet confirmed.Re-enactors of President Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln
Educational talks: The following military and civilian personalities will mingle with the crowd and occasionally provide a talk that will communicate experiences of the Civil War period.
--- Dr. Mary Edwards Walker, a unique and outspoken historical figure, was one of the few women medical doctors both prior and during the Civil War period. Dr. Walker will perform mock induction exams of the youngsters present to certify if they are fit for duty!
--- Harriet Tubman will speak of the condition of the slaves who represented such a pivotal issue of the times, and the hope that was offered by the Underground Railroad.
--- Dr. Will Gagalot will entertain with his Punch & Judy puppet show, between shows he will demonstrate his persuasive powers as a snake-oil salesman.
--- The Ste. Claire Voyageurs, whose history spans the French and Indian fur trading throughout the Great Lakes regions, will demonstrate candle-making, iron working, and rope-making.
--- Local resident, Bill Moskwa, will lead a cemetery walk each day, identifying and honoring Civil War veterans buried in the Port Sanilac Cemetery.
--- Other talks include such topics as Civil War Era Fashions, Importance of Railroads During the War, Etiquette of the Day and Life of a Lighthouse Keeper.
Vintage Baseball Game: The Port Huron Welkins will face off against the Mount Clemens Regulars, Saturday, August 7, at 2:00 pm. These two classic teams will put on a show of old fashioned athleticism and sportsmanship. Don't forget to bring your cow bells to cheer on your favorite team!
Participatory Activities: Ste. Claire Voyageur teaches a boy how to make rope
--- Tom Melville will stage and 1860's style cricket match between visiting military and local residents.
--- Children will be entertained with games, crafts, and stories of yesteryear.
--- Patrick Barry, of 2nd Michigan, will lead children in unit formation, march, and drills, teaching what it was like to be a soldier during the Civil War.
--- The Civil War Club of Grand Valley State College will hold classes for children and adults in the Museum's one room schoolhouse.
--- Local resident, Sue Spellmeyer, will conduct a walking tour of historic homes in Port Sanilac.
Musical Performances:--- Tim Twiss will entertain throughout the day, using his banjo to play period music.
--- Saturday evening, the Golden Griffon Stringtet will perform at the Grand Ball. Caller, Karen Dunnam, will lead us in period dances, such as the Virginia Reel, The Fan Dance, and the Portland Fancy.
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