September 24-26
Bedford 1865, Bedford, Pa.
Federal and civilian townfolk.

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MILITARY: US SEPTEMBER 1865 PORTRAYAL

We will be portraying the 55th Pennsylvania, of which companies D, H, K, and a portion of I were raised from the Bedford area in late 1861. At this event, the troops of the 55th Pa. will be returning home after their muster out at Petersburg, Va. on August 30, 1865.

The impression is standard late war Federal. Given that the war ended in the east in April and these troops were mustered out in August, their gear could have possibly been reissued and might show only moderate wear. Historically, soldiers were given the option to turn in their weapons or purchase them upon their mustering out, but for the purposes of this event, please bring weapons. The 55th Pa. was a battle hardened, veteran unit with an impressive list of battle honors. In June 1862, they fought the somewhat odd Battle of Simmon's Bluff near Charleston, SC, where they led an amphibious assault to sever railroad lines, and in the process surprised and burned the camp of the 16th South Carolina. The 55th Pa. finished the war in the 1st Division, 24th Corps which was involved in the last throws at Appomattox -- so that's right, corps badges are red hearts!

Friday night’s camp will be in the field by the nearby redoubt. Each person will be responsible for their own food during the weekend, with the exception of Saturday evening.

On Saturday around 10am, the military will break camp, march into town, be met by civilians and parade through town, followed by a demonstration for the public. There will be a second firing demonstration around 2pm, and after this demonstration all military will be dismissed from service. For those members who "live in town" and have civilian clothing, they can go into the houses and change at this time. For those military members without civilian clothing, you simply "live outside town" and can stay in your uniform. Saturday evening will involve a town picnic with food and drink (see below). All military will then stay in houses Saturday night.

Sunday's activities could include church services, baseball game, and small military demonstrations. For those able, please plan to stay until 2pm because the public will still be coming through the town during the day.

CIVILIANS: WELCOMING THE BOYS HOME

All civilians will stay in houses for both Friday and Saturday nights. If you also do military, please portray the returning soldiers and plan to change into civilian clothing Saturday as we would like as large a company as possible.

On Saturday you will be portraying civilians in the town of Bedford. It would be great if Bill Mac could set up his store again, and if one of our many members who do photography could bring their camera. When the military arrives at 10am on Saturday morning, the civilians will meet the soldiers and lead them in a parade through town. Maybe the civilians would be interested in constructing a banner "welcoming home the boys," or something similar for the celebration. A couple members from the “Union” Nancy Hearts could act as the guard for this banner during the parade. Maybe lots of flowers for the returning soldiers would also be appropriate -- there are lots of unique opportunities for this special occaission.

Saturday evening will be much like Bedford 1861 in 2006. There will be a large picnic for everyone, with ham or some other dish, bread, vegetables & fruits, pies, cookies, and drinks. The food will be funded by the LR, and if Jerry is able, we could use the tavern again with music later in the evening.

For Sunday, it is understood that many people have long drives home, but we need to have as many people remain until 2pm as possible because of the public coming through the town. Remember that vehicles will not be allowed into town while the it is open to the public, so pack what you can before the town opens in the morning. Activities for Sunday could include church services, baseball game, and small military demonstrations.

More information about this event will be posted soon.

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Old Bedford Village
220 Sawblade Rd
Bedford, PA 15522
www.oldbedfordvillage.com

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