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030401
Published Sunday, April 27, 2003
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SLIPPERY ROCK By Kristen Garrett Herald Staff Writer The past and present collided Saturday during the annual Old Stone House Civil War Weekend in Slippery Rock. Visitors to the historic home were taken on a guided tour where Civil War re-enactors demonstrated how soldiers lived on the battlefield in the 1860s. A Confederate soldier explained how he made camp with his government-issued gear, including a vulcanized rubber mat, a blanket, a canteen and a metal cup. He explained that soldiers typically ate hardtack, a heavy cracker made of flour, salt and water. They were issued a ration of meat each day and were also given sugar and coffee. A Union soldier talked about calling temporary truces with the rebels to trade coffee for tobacco. Soldiers also carried a haversack, or purse, for essentials such as food and utensils. Inside the house, women demonstrated the daily duties in support of the soldiers in battle. Women sewed, made quilts and blankets and wrote letters. Not unlike today, people on the homefront also put together care packages for the troops. About 100 re-enactors from western Pennsylvania participated in the event, said Scott Buffington, assistant curator of the Old Stone House and a graduate assistant at Slippery Rock University. Pvt. Dave Robison Sr., Fredonia, is a mess cook with the 10th Pennsylvania Unit out of Mercer. Robison said he got involved in re-enacting about three years ago because of his son. Robison said he started taking pictures at events, then started cooking for himself and his son and before he knew it, he got drafted and became a mess cook. Lunch on Saturday was Mulligan stew Ñ a combination of meat, carrots, peas and spices with some dumplings. Though he can create such delectables as pies in a Dutch oven, Robison said stews go the farthest when feeding up to 30 people at a time. "I have come up short," he admitted. Aaron Hooks with the 78th Pennsylvania Unit out of Freeport said he participates in about 20 such events each year. A typical day for a re-enactor begins about 7 a. m. with breakfast and then the soldiers report to their noncommissioned officer to get their duties and marching orders for the day, Hooks said. Not all re-enactors are adults. The Janoski brothers, Evan, 9, and Ian, 7, of Sarver, tried to start a fire. Evan also tried to clean off his canteen, which had collected some dirt during the day. The boys started participating in re-enactments about two years ago because their father, Bill, is involved, said mom Becky Janoski. Mrs. Janoski said she makes the boys' costumes. The Janoskis also serve with the 78th Unit. The event kicks off the season of on-site programs at the house, Buffington said. Other events that will take place this season include an Indian pow-wow and a French and Indian War event, he said. The Old Stone House Civil War Weekend continues today from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m. and is free to the public. The Old Stone House is located at state routes 8, 173 and 528, about four miles east of Slippery Rock. |
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Questions/comments: online@sharonherald.com Reproduction or retransmission in any form is prohibited without our permission. 030401
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