Reenactment, Keokuk, IA

[Albert Sailhorst]

After over 25 years of hosting a Civil War reenactment at Rand Park, the Civil War Reenactment held at Keokuk, Iowa will host it's last event.....there will be no more.

The dates for the event are April 25-26, 2015, and we will be reenacting the Battle of Sailor's Creek and the Battle of Ft. Stedman. There will be a period dance, Ladies Skillet Throwing contest, various period correct musicians performing, Memorial Service, Church Service, etc.

I will be there, serving with Scott's TN Battery. We'd love to see as many people come out that can. If you can make it, look me up!

Thanks!!

 

[Pat Young]

After over 25 years of hosting a Civil War reenactment at Rand Park, the Civil War Reenactment held at Keokuk, Iowa will host it's last event.....there will be no more.

The dates for the event are April 25-26, 2015, and we will be reenacting the Battle of Sailor's Creek and the Battle of Ft. Stedman. There will be a period dance, Ladies Skillet Throwing contest, various period correct musicians performing, Memorial Service, Church Service, etc.

I will be there, serving with Scott's TN Battery. We'd love to see as many people come out that can. If you can make it, look me up!

Thanks!!

Why is it being discontinued?

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Why is it being discontinued?

Well, we kinda figured, over the last few years, that they're not making/loosing money....and it has proved to be true.....Troop numbers have declined and expenses for the Park have increased. They do not charge an Admission Fee (for reenactors or spectators), but they do "pass the hat" for donations. They always get a good crowd of spectators, but, I guess, not enough donations to cover insurance, straw, "bounty money", toilet facilities, etc......Our fear is that a lot of local, annual events like this are also suffering. Because of this, the "hobby" of reenacting may be slowly dying out.....which is too bad, as our ability to teach, at a local level, is diminishing......

 

[Pat Young]

Well, we kinda figured, over the last few years, that they're not making/loosing money....and it has proved to be true.....Troop numbers have declined and expenses for the Park have increased. They do not charge an Admission Fee (for reenactors or spectators), but they do "pass the hat" for donations. They always get a good crowd of spectators, but, I guess, not enough donations to cover insurance, straw, "bounty money", toilet facilities, etc......Our fear is that a lot of local, annual events like this are also suffering. Because of this, the "hobby" of reenacting may be slowly dying out.....which is too bad, as our ability to teach, at a local level, is diminishing......

That is too bad. I hope that ways to reinvigorate it can be found. My kids got turned on to history through reenactors and living history presentations.

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

That is too bad. I hope that ways to reinvigorate it can be found. My kids got turned on to history through reenactors and living history presentations.

I hope so, too.....The fun part of reenacting is talking to people. Whenever I talk with someone, it is interesting to think or wonder about just how much I touched their life, or otherwise affected it, by creating or fostering an interest in history....Their interest could set them on a path of a lifetime to go to college, get a degree, teach and get a job doing something that they love and have a passion for!!

 

[ole]

Looking into it, Albert. Doubtful, but possible. Can't get there from here.

I hope so, too.....The fun part of reenacting is talking to people. Whenever I talk with someone, it is interesting to think or wonder about just how much I touched their life, or otherwise affected it, by creating or fostering an interest in history....Their interest could set them on a path of a lifetime to go to college, get a degree, teach and get a job doing something that they love and have a passion for!!

 

[rhettbutler1865]

That's a good observation, Albert. Kids (who are still open-minded) can especially see/hear a "thunderbolt"--and know in their minds--"...that's what I want to do--study that! " I'll just bet you do influence some people!

 

[Albert Sailhorst]

Thanks, rhettbutler!!

Ole, hope to see you there!!