Graue Mill gives visitors vivid glimpse of Civil War life

In this age of digital music files and MP3 players, John Mikenas loves showing people how music sounded more than a century ago.

So he set aside time on Saturday to play old folk songs on replicas of 19th-century banjos during the Civil War Encampment at the Graue Mill and Museum in Oak Brook.

"I like the connection it provides," said the Brookfield resident, who was decked out in a historical hat and clothes. "I think people enjoy hearing what music sounded like during the Civil War."

The Civil War Encampment, which continues today, is one of the most popular events the Graue Mill holds. Members of the 10th Illinois Regiment, a Civil War re-enactment group, donned costumes Saturday and gave visitors a glimpse of what military life was like during a key moment in the nation's history.

The actors showed how a soldiers' camp was built, what kind of weapons were used in battle and what role women played at the time.

"I hope it makes people think about what these soldiers went through," said Lombard resident Bob Winter, a history and Civil War buff who has been a member of the 10th Illinois Regiment group for about 20 years. "In any cemetery around here, there could be veterans of the Civil War. Some of the people who visit here this weekend could have ancestors who fought."

John Kelly of Hinsdale brought his fourth-grade son, Michael, to the event on Saturday. He said Michael is excited to learn about the Civil War in history class.

"I figured this would be an interesting way to really see how things were then," Kelly said.

The Graue Mill site has a particularly strong connection to the Civil War era because it was once a stop on the Underground Railroad. The Civil War Encampment will run from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at the museum, 3800 S. York Road, Oak Brook.

For information, go to grauemill.org.