Re-enactors construct Civil War winter camp
Photo by Ron Johnson, PJStar
Originally published Nov. 14, 2015 in the Peoria Journal Star
Worn out boots and playing cards, the discarded belongings of the 77th Illinois Infantry, litter the trail leading to a Civil War winter camp tucked away in the woods of Sommer Park.
Canvas tents top walled living quarters fashioned from hand-cut timber and mud. A crude wooden spit straddles the fire pit at the center of camp. White smoke rinses over the infantry, milling about in their full Union duds.
One might for a moment believe time has turned back, if not for the flock of curious children poking around in bright-colored T-shirts and tennis shoes.
The camp is more than a simple demonstration of mid-19th century army life.
“It tells us where we came from, how we got to where we are today,” said Shane Grover, a Washington resident and member of the group re-enacting the construction of the winter camp.
“There’s important lessons to learn with what took place. It’s a really good learning experience about life in general,” he said.
Area residents watched as the Central Illinois Living Historians constructed the camp Saturday with period tools and techniques, demonstrated handling of Civil War weapons and prepared the daily rations.
Becky Steinlage of Mackinaw brought her three children to experience the event as part of their current home-school studies. The live-action scenario complements the historical fiction children’s series they are reading, she said.
“This brings it more to life. ... It adds to their learning. Getting to see the people just adds that other layer,” she said. “It’s neat how these guys are able to bring it to life for kids and for us adults.”
Grover said the experience quenches his thirst for history and offers him a chance to reflect on modern times.
“There’s nothing like getting out and making your own food out of a slab of a pig that you have to cut up yourself, that’s got the skin on it still, and the fat. You have to slice it and cook it yourself and clean up after everything,” he said.
“Its something we don’t experience in our day-to-day lives anymore.”
The demonstration continues from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in Sommer Park.