Kids Re-Enact Battles, Visit Soldiers' Graves at Civil War Camp

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the U.S. Civil War, and a group of Strongsville kids is marking the occasion at a camp that’s putting them in the middle of that pivotal time in American History.

The event, presented by the Strongsville Historical Society, enlisted 35 third-, fourth- and fifth-graders in the Army of the West (a part of the Union Army), who participated in a host of activities that ranged from games to a battle re-enactment.

Historical Society member and camp volunteer Elaine Cairns saidchildren have an interest in history, especially when there is a local tie.

“They don’t get much history in school any more, and the fact that we are able to tie the Civil War into Strongsville’s history makes it that much more interesting,” she said.

The camp, which took place on the grounds of the Strongsville Historic Village, included a demonstration of a field hospital as well as a tour of the Civil War graves at Strongsville Cemetery.

Visiting the resting places of nine Strongsville soldiers killed in Civil War battle had a deep impact on the children, who created crayon and paper rubbings of the tombstones to take home.

Organizer Marty Shaw said some participants were moved to tears by the side-by-side graves of brothers Edward G. and John H. Bartlett who died in battle within seven months of each other.

“Actually touching the stones made it very real for them,” Shaw said.

Campers also participated in more lighthearted activities, including lessons in marble-shooting and other popular pastimes of the 1860s. They also learned songs from the era, learned how soldiers prepared meals, and did quilt making activities.

Camp culminates with battle planning and re-enactment as well as a visit from volunteers playing the roles of Abraham Lincoln and his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln.

Camp volunteer Gina Cathcart said the children have a new appreciation of the daily life of a Civil War soldier. They march, carry haversacks for their journals, water, fifes and other supplies, and use jargon such as “skillygallee” (a thin, watery oatmeal), “kepi” (the uniform hat worn by soldiers) and “dog tent” (a small two-man tent).

They have also, via real letters from their own parents, learned about the importance of “mail call” as a soldier’s sole connection to home and family.

Plans are already under way for next year’s Civil War Camp, which will include additional activities and will accommodate more children.

“We can’t wait for next year,” Shaw said.