Perry historical society will host Civil War experience

From staff reports

Perry Township Historical Society has decided it will host its scheduled “Civil War Experience” event this summer.

The society is proud of the public events it has held in the past and this year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“Civil War Experience” will be held from 1:30 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the park and fire hall in West Freedom on State Route 368 between Callensburg and Parker.

Important figures of the Civil War era will be portrayed by local people including Clara Barton, Louisa May Alcott, a West Freedom seamstress, a West Monterey abolitionist and Abraham Lincoln.

Great-grandsons of Perry Township soldiers will tell their ancestors’ stories and the Underground Railroad through the township and Andersonville prison (where six township men died) will be highlighted.

Lewis Bassinger will explain surgery on the battlefield and give presentations with his collection of surgical equipment of the era, and Company C Second U.S. Sharpshooters will be represented at this event.

Fun and educational, this experience will also feature history of approximately 150 men, who served in the war from Perry Township.

Collectors of Civil War artifacts who would like to have a display at the event should call Sally Reed at (814) 782-3918 as soon as possible.