Reenactors demonstrate Civil War life, battles in Hainesville

Saturday morning's rain didn't bother Emily Runyan and her family as they played chess and knitted in their 1860s-era campground.

The Runyan family were part of a team of re-enactors taking part in Hainesville's first Civil War Encampment and Battle, which continues Sunday. In period-specific outfits, the Lake Villa family joined others in demonstrating what life was like for civilians during the Civil War. Down the dirt road were military barracks, a medical tent and the battlefield itself.

"I've always had a real big interest in history. It's really a lot of fun," Runyan said. "My daughter jokes that it's like playing dress up in the woods."

While rainy skies threatened Saturday morning's activities, a few dozen spectators gathered in a barn on hay bale benches to watch Abraham Lincoln recite the Gettysburg Address and spar with Jefferson Davis in a debate. In a nod to the town's history, a re-enactor dressed as Elijah Haines - for whom the 169-year-old town was named - introduced Lincoln and spoke about the beginning of Hainesville.

The sun came out just in time for the first military drill of the day where infantry in full military costume acted out battles on the field.

Village Treasurer Kelly Hensley brought her 10-year-old son, Troy, to take in the activities, which included medical demonstrations and cricket lessons.

"It's important for me to bring him to learn about the history of our nation," she said. "It's educational and it's a lot of fun."

Hainesville Trustee George Duberstein helped organize the re-enactment and said he hoped least 1,000 spectators would attend the first year of the free event at the sprawling Northbrook Sports Club. If the weekend is as popular as he expected, Duberstein said it will likely become an annual event.

The festivities drew Norm and Gina Camp, who live in West Chicago, but were spending time at their weekend home in Antioch when they heard about the event.

"I'm a history nut and I've always loved history about the Civil War," said Norm, who has been a re-enactor himself for 23 years.

Gina said they are drawn to the interesting historical facts as much as the simplicity of what life used to be like.

"There's no cellphones, no work. You don't have to worry about anything," Gina said.

The re-enactment will continue on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free parking and a shuttle bus are available at Prairieview Elementary School on Route 120.