Civil War era comes alive in Lake Villa
President Abraham Lincoln will hold a news conference, but you won't need media credentials to attend.
Ditto for the famous generals, including James Longstreet and George Henry Thomas, who despite being on opposite sides, will share the spotlight this weekend as they provide insight into the battle of the day.
Besides the expert commentary, spectators also can get a close look at the action and will have a variety of other opportunities to learn about life during wartime in the 1860s at the eighth annual Lake Villa Civil War Days.
Events are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 18, and 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, at the Lehmann Mansion, on Route 83 just north of Route 132. Admission and mansion tours cost $5 each. Visit lakevillahistory.org for a detailed schedule.
"Anyone with an interest in history will find it enjoyable," said Hainesville resident Erik Schultz, who will serve as the Confederate commander in the re-enactment of the war between the states.
The event is portrayed in a historically correct manner in terms of dress, equipment, mannerisms and speech, so spectators will be transported to another time. Combatants, for example, will stand shoulder to shoulder firing single-shot muzzle loading rifles, and cannons will roar.
"We tend to look at things from a modern perspective," explained Schultz, who has been participating in re-enactments across the country and abroad for 25 years. "We don't realize the impact of modern technology on the battlefield."
But the battles, which will last 30 to 45 minutes each day, are just one aspect of the event that makes book history a tangible experience.
"There's a lot more to it," Schultz explained.
The public can learn the basics of Army life during the Civil War era, watch drills and maneuvers and visit with soldiers in their true-to-detail camps, for example. Sutlers will sell their wares and discuss events of the day in what will resemble a living museum.
Tours of the Lehmann mansion, including a display of 1860s clothing and a "Civil War Series" art show will be offered each day. Other activities include: period games for kids; a presentation on the submarine "The Hunley"; a duel; a period church service; and a discussion of home remedies and a medical demonstration by Dr. Trevor Steinbach, a nationally recognized expert on Civil War medicine.
Civil War Days is the largest fundraiser for the Lake Villa Historical Society, which is hosting the event with the village of Lake Villa, Army of the Cumberland and Camp Douglas.
"It's the best entertainment dollar a family can spend," said event co-chairman Jerry Kowalski, who portrays General Thomas. "If a picture is worth a thousand words, we're worth a million."
If you goWhat: Lake Villa Civil War DaysWhere: Lehmann Mansion, Route 83 one-half mile north of Route 132, Lake VillaWhen: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday. Boy Scout pancake breakfast from 7:30 to 11 a.m. Sunday.Cost: $5 and $5 for mansion tours. $10 for weekend pass (2-day admission and one mansion tour). $1 off for those with Lake Villa library card.Details: lakevillahistory.orgFalse16442000Visitors will get a historically accurate glimpse into the past this weekend at the eighth annual Lake Villa Civil War Days event at Lehmann Mansion.Mark Black | Staff Photographer, 2009False