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On Saturday, May 13th, Otsego 8th Graders conclude their Civil War educational program with a one-day event during which they recreate the lives and battles of the Civil War. The event, held on the Otsego High School Campus in Tontogany, Ohio from 9:00 am until 1:00 pm, is free and open to the public.
The students, dressed in period costumes, are assisted by dedicated Civil War demonstrators / reenactors as they man various stations (Soldier’s Letters Home, Farm/Home Life, Underground Railroad, Camp Life/Soldier Instruction, & Medical) and reenact the Battle of Second Manassas (Bull Run). New this year is a Medal of Honor station. Abraham Lincoln, as portrayed by John Cooper of Baltimore, Ohio, will be on hand. Mr. Cooper, a self-avowed history nut, excels at the toughest part of portraying an historical figure, which is to remain in character and time period. He enjoys the opportunity to meet with people of all ages, especially children, to share stories about Lincoln and his life. Cricket player and historian Tom Melville of Cedarburg, WI returns this year to share the American cricket story. Learn how to use the bat, ball, wickets, and bales and join in on a game of cricket. Civil War Era music is provided by the Napoleon Community Band. |
Click here to see photos from the 3rd Annual event in 2016.
Click here to see photos from the 2nd Annual event in 2015. 
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Special "thanks" to those who donated services and/or provided discounts for materials in 2017:
Laborie Enterprises Culligan Water And to Historical Society members and others, who made donations for 2017 that were specifically designated for this event: Glen Baron Rosemary Cox Russ & Nancy Everitt Debi Huffman Madelyn Kannen K C Loos Dave & Marian Orzechowski Judy Peper Priscilla Brehe & Bill Pixler Dr. Dorinda Shelley Shirley Suter Steve Sweede & Ken Reed Sean Thiebaut & Tony Delcamp Chuck & Tina Thomas Naomi Twining |
The event is sponsored by the Historical Society of Grand Rapids Ohio and the Otsego Endowment Foundation in conjunction with the Otsego 8th grade Social Studies Department.
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We thank those, who support this event, including various re-enactors and demonstrators, many of whom participate in our living history experience at Applebutter Fest.
If you are interested in supporting this event with a fully tax deductible contribution, please mail to the Historical Society of Grand Rapids Ohio at PO Box 124, Grand Rapids, OH 43522. Donors will be recognized on this page. Your help is appreciated!
History of Event
Our inaugural Civil War Reenactment Day was held during the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War in 2014 and involved 164 8th Grade students at Otsego Junior High School. See the pictures taken by Charlie Spencer here.
One of the inspirations for this event was a collection of letters (188 pages), held by Northwest State Community College, that were written by an Ohio Civil War soldier to his family. Larry Zachrich, PhD, Northwest State Community College Instructor and local historian, led the project to make the letters available. Scott Martin, PhD, BGSU History Professor, and one or more of his graduate students, directed the educational principles, guidelines, and learning outcomes.
If you are interested in supporting this event with a fully tax deductible contribution, please mail to the Historical Society of Grand Rapids Ohio at PO Box 124, Grand Rapids, OH 43522. Donors will be recognized on this page. Your help is appreciated!
History of Event
Our inaugural Civil War Reenactment Day was held during the sesquicentennial commemoration of the Civil War in 2014 and involved 164 8th Grade students at Otsego Junior High School. See the pictures taken by Charlie Spencer here.
One of the inspirations for this event was a collection of letters (188 pages), held by Northwest State Community College, that were written by an Ohio Civil War soldier to his family. Larry Zachrich, PhD, Northwest State Community College Instructor and local historian, led the project to make the letters available. Scott Martin, PhD, BGSU History Professor, and one or more of his graduate students, directed the educational principles, guidelines, and learning outcomes.
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"PLAY BALL!" What team sports did Americans play during the 1860s, a time when there was no football or basketball and baseball was in its infancy? One of the sports soldiers/civilians played was the venerable old English game of cricket, which was brought to America during the colonial era and was played throughout the country by the 1860s, even in Ohio.
Visitors to the Civil War Reenactment will have an opportunity to personally discover this long forgotten sporting legacy by joining in the short, informal, 19th century cricket games that American cricket player and historian Tom Melville will conduct throughout the day. The games will be run on a continuous walk-up basis and are open to all; absolutely no experience required! So come and discover what "play ball" meant to Americans during the Civil War! |