By Katie Winter
Kids can learn to play games while their parents watch demonstrations on 19th century living during Pipestone’s upcoming Civil War Days.
Held this year on Aug. 16 and Aug. 17 at the “Song of Hiawatha” Pageant grounds, near the Pipestone National Monument, the event is the only Civil War re-enactment in Minnesota in 2008. With an average of 2,000 spectators, the family-friendly fun includes live music, food, demonstrations and strolling costumed characters. There are also re-creations of battles.
“The Pipestone Civil War Days allows visitors to interact in the lives of soldiers and civilians of the Civil War Era and to learn through living history,” Chuck Ness said. “The work of our actors, musicians and other performers make a full immersion in the 1860s possible.”
In light of 2008 being Minnesota’s Sesquicentennial year, the Civil War Days will highlight life in Minnesota during the 1860s. There will be programs on the Dakota Conflict, Minnesota Civil War soldiers and Minnesota as an emerging state. All put on by actors and living historians from across the country.
The two-day event begins with presentations on Civil War era medical treatments and continues into Sunday with the re-enactment of authentic battle scenarios from the Civil War. Gates open at 8 a.m. with programs running throughout the days. Tickets are $5 per person or $20 per family and can be purchased in advance through the Pipestone Chamber of Commerce.
Some of the highlights of Saturday’s events include a concert by the Round House Band, a five-piece band that sings and plays music using period instruments similar to those played by soldiers. The band will close out Saturday by performing from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the ball on the courthouse lawn.
Prior to the ball at 5:30 p.m. is a performance of “An Evening with Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln at the White House.” Taking place at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center, the show features Max and Donna Daniels of Wheaton, Ill., in the roles of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln. It reveals much about the relationship between America’s 16th president and his wife.
Tickets for the show are $2 and can be purchased at the Pipestone County Museum. The Daniels couple will also be in character on the grounds sharing facts about 19th century fashion and reciting the “Gettysburg Address.”
The Fifth Minnesota Regiment Volunteer Infantry, Company C will be on hand to re-enact the Dakota Conflict in Minnesota in 1862. The Fifth Minnesota accurately portrays the life of civilians and soldiers during this period. Some of the skirmishes during the conflict even took place near the site of the Pipestone Civil War Days.
“It is an environment where you will find yourself sitting in their camp discussing current events with members of the unit,” Ness said. “The story of what happened in 1862 is of importance to everyone, for it gives us a glimpse of human frailty and the danger of unyielding social dogma.”
Ness was quick to point out as well, that the Civil War was more than just gunfire and bloodshed. The only war fought on American soil also brought out the arts and sports. Those interests of the period are set to be showcased during Civil War Days. A vintage baseball game will be played at 1 p.m. on Aug. 16. The St. Croix baseball team is scheduled to compete against a team made up of local players. Ness said there are spots to fill on the local team by any men interested in playing.
The game will be played by 1860s rules in 1860s uniforms. Some of those rules include a fair ball that is caught either without hitting the ground or on the first bounce is considered an out and bunting, sliding and leading off bases was not allowed.
For more information and a complete schedule of events visit www.pipestoneminnesota.com/cwd/Home.html.
