Huge Civil War Event Planned this Summer

The Strongsville Historical Society will host a day-long Home Front Day on Saturday, July 7.

Visitors to the Historical Village between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. will be greeted by people dressed in period costumes to re-create life in Strongsville from 186101863 during the Civil War.

Guests can learn firsthand the city’s contribution to the American Civil War effort -- inhale the smells, hear the sounds, meet Johnny Clem, live the life of a runaway slave, make an appointment with the town doctor, visit a Union Army encampment, witness weaponry demonstrations, touch the tombs of Civil War veterans, read entries from journals, diaries, and letters from those who served during the Civil War, see fashions of the era, shake hands with Abraham Lincoln and visit the sutler’s shops.

Entrance to the Village is through the Freedom gate by the library. Shuttle bus service will be provided from the Recreation Center’s parking lots. Admission at the gate.

Other events and activities will include an overnight encampment from the 29th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, a Civil War band and a slave re-enactor.

The volunteers will take on the identities of the people they are portraying. 

There will also be crafts and vendors, as well as children's activities.

Civil War Day Camp

A few weeks later, the Historical Society will stage its second Civil War Day Camp for kids entering the third, fourth and fifth grades.

The camp, which runs July 30 to Aug. 3, will give kids a glimpse into life during that era, with displays of weapons, clothing and the highlight of the week -- a mock battle.

Sign up now for the camp. Cost is $80, plus an optional $5 to visit The Log Cabin in Lodi. For information or to register, call 440-572-0057.