I don't reenact the Civil War period nearly as much as I used to.
It's not that I don't like it~~~almost anything historical, I love~~there just doesn't seem to be nearly as many events. I suppose if I wanted to drive a ways I could do more events of the 19th century. But this period in time---the 1860s---just doesn't have as strong a hold on me as the 18th century does. Luckily, Charlton Park in Hastings is great for reenacting & living history and, since we get an actual house from the 1850s, does continue to have a strong hold on me. So, yes, this is a great event---top-notch, I think you'll agree...
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It was only this year that I'd come to the realization that of all the years I've been participating in the Charlton Park Civil War Muster, going back to 2008, I've always utilzed the 1858 Sixberry House in some form or another. In other words, I've never tented at this event before.
2008 may not seem like too long ago, but those who were born that year are now 17 years old and seniors in high school. George W. Bush was still president when they were born - this was the year when Obama was elected. Queen Elizabeth was England's queen, and the world was 12 years away from covid.
When put that way, I suppose 2008 really is a long time ago.
Quite a history in this history!
And quite a long time to have been utilizing the Sixberry House!
Here in 2025, the Charlton Park event was Jackie's first time returning to actual Civil War reenacting in two years, for she has had some serious health issues, most of which, thankfully, are behind her. She promised to take it easy - HA! - and so, along she came to spend a day back during the time of the American Civil War.
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| Right out of the past~~~ Larissa & Jackie waved their handkerchiefs at the Yankee soldier parade. Waving white handkerchiefs, particularly by women, was historically used to demonstrate approval at public events like processions and political rallies. |
The three of us took a walk along the boardwalk through the historic Charlton Park village. Even in such a short time we had adventures!
Do you remember our Mr. Bagley story from 2016?
If not, you may want to re-read THIS post to learn what happened, for the story continues on...
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| Jackie was quite surprised to see the apparition of her deceased beloved pointing to his grave. |
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| Here lies poor poor Mr. Bagley... |
Though the story of Mr. Bagley has had many twists and turns...his memory has been kept alive.
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| Jezebel? Jezebel?? Who is calling me a Jezebel??? |
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| But I do feel bad for the ol' soul. He was a kind man, even tho' father despised him and called him a lout. |
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| The guys that are always willing to take part in our scenarios! |
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| We certainly enjoyed running into a long-time friend on our walk - Mrs. Paul! It seemed like there were many friends from the past (see what I did there?) at Charlton Park. |
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| You may know I enjoy mirror pictures, so I naturally had to snap one of Amelia! |
Let's check out the battle.
Now, I don't have very many battle pictures because I prefered the coolness of our house rather than wander out into the muggy heat, but I did get a few:
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| This is what I got going from an air-conditioned room to the hot muggy out-of-doors. By George---I thought this 'accident' turned out pretty cool! I did not know when I first snapped it that it would look like this~ |
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| If you look in the distance upon the Village Green, you can see the battle has commenced. |
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| The battles "in town" at Charlton Park are, to me, some of the best I've seen. |
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| This was not any particular battle - just a scenario to give the visitors an idea. |
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| There are some out there who feel that since there has been no actual Civil War battles fought on Michigan soil then we should not be reenacting such battles. I say, "hogwash!" We here in this state give a great representation of historical battles, whether they have taken place on Michigan soil or not! The spectators very much enjoy them. And history is being taught! |
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| The cannons were not "technically" a part of the battle scenario, for their location was off in the distance and not on the Village green, though the sound they made sure added to it! |
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| The battle ended...the soldiers march back to camp, right past our house. |
Every year we in the Sixberry House try to come up with a new scenario to keep it interesting. This year's plan came from 21st Michigan member, Vickie, to do an outdoor medical scenario with the wounded men after the battle. Sadly, it did not come to pass, for the men were marched around a little longer than intended before the battle took place, the heat & humidity were creeping up into the uncomfortable zone, and the sky threatened to rain. The last thing these guys wanted to do was to take part in a vignette under those conditions.
But the ladies worked to be prepared, just in case, by ripping cloth and making bandages out of the scraps.  |
| Sandy, on the left there, comes all the way from Kentucky to take part in some of our reenactments and activities. In this shot, she joins Robin and Vickie, who were preparing bandages for the wounded men. |
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| Jackie, Larissa, & Sue joined the other three ladies in preparing for the wounded soldiers. |
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| Fun break: Vickie and Larissa---skipping along the boardwalk - - Ladies! |
This was fun to watch - - sometimes ya just gotta let loose once in a while! The Victorians did, I'm sure~~~
While the American Civil War presented difficulties, ice cream continued to be a part of civilian life. It offered a source of enjoyment and a way for friends in the communities to gather.
While not as common or as easily accessible as today, ice cream socials continued to be a form of social gathering for civilians on the homefront, particularly in areas less affected by the immediate hardships of war. These gatherings provided a sense of normalcy and a brief respite from the anxieties of the time. Ice cream, especially as it became more readily available after the war, would become an even more popular staple at social events.
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| Ian took his turn at the churn. I purchased this ice cream maker years ago. We certainly got a lot of use out of it. |
For us, it just would not be Charlton Park without having our annual late afternoon ice cream social, and it's been our tradition since 2015. It seems like so many look forward to taking part and enjoying the benefits.
Normally we will do it on the front porch, but with the threat of rain and the higher humidity, it was decided to have this in the kitchen of the house.
As per our normal, everyone who would like to enjoy this treat should take part in preparing it, as many did.
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| Jackie has had a rough couple of years with her health, but here she is, using her muscle to prepare the ice cream! |
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| JR was also on hand, as was one of the Monarch girls. |
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| The Kent brothers also had their turn, enjoying the fun and festive atmosphere.
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| On this day, Larissa was the Queen, for we look to her to lead us in making it correctly, since she has done it for many years at historic Firestone Farm at Greenfield Village. It always turns out wonderful. |
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| Civil War reenacting: The Next Generation. If this is the living history future, the hobby is in safe hands. |
And that's our record of the 2025 Charlton Park event.
Since we are blessed to get the Sixberry House every year, we try to come up with something new and different, yet historical, to keep interest going for us as well as for the annual visitors.
Trying to keep the past alive!
Oh---and traditions, such as our ice cream social, reign!
All while having fun.
And isn't that what it's all about?
It does help that we are at the beginnings of celebrating America's semiquincentennial, and yes, reenactors of all eras should show the many eras of American history.
Until next time, see you in time.
To see our history in the Sixberrey House, please click HERE
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