Remembering: 50 Years of Preservation
On the eve of the Civil War Sesquicentennial I reminisced over the decades back to the 1950s. In the rush of today with busy schedules and deadlines, it is good to stop and look back to a less hectic time. I regard 1960 to 2010 as the “Golden Age of Civil War Heritage.” In retrospect the grassroots efforts of many had a lasting impact. My hometown, Harrisburg, was always a hotbed for Civil War buffs, being so near to Gettysburg. As a lad, my Civil War introduction started in 1956. My great- grandfather, George Stapf, who was born in 1862, was a delightful storyteller who lived to 96. He was also known in Harrisburg for carving American eagles. As a first grader before Christmas, Grandpa took me to the “shop” and gave me an eagle, accompanied by his old picture with a flock of his creations. These eagles were from six-foot wingspans, which decorated the State Capitol on occasions, to miniatures. He sold many medium-sized eagles to GAR posts and veterans. But the gift and old stories about the Civil War era were addictive. The “grandpa experience” triggered a life-long journey. Preservation of Civil War heritage in Harrisburg took an additional step. As fate would have it, in the Caba neighborhood of 1956-65, the adults would gather on nice summer evenings and relax. At that time neighbors were very friendly and made invites. There were many Civil War buffs of exceptional character. Bernard Wert had his Civil War grandfather’s famous collection. Jack Cobaugh and brother, Ray, were collectors and Gettysburg men. Fred Shriver Klein frequently visited and taught at F&M College and owned Union Mills in Maryland. Robert Hoffsommer was an avid reader of Civil War books for decades and attended the 75th anniversary. Henry Eistricher gave an engineer’s point to military discussions. Anderson, Stephanic and Tucci were veterans who enjoyed the conversation. These were but a few who gathered and talked Civil War. But it included “show and tell” with an array of antiques. One could say preservation started in the back yard and for a lad, it was intriguing, inspiring and entertaining. In 1959, Jack Cobaugh started the Harrisburg Civil War Round Table in his private Civil War Museum. “The capital city must have a Round Table,” said Jack. Having obtained intact from Bernard Wert, the famous J. Howard Wert Gettysburg Collection, Cobaugh created a large private museum of inspiring treasures for the charter meeting, although most remained stored-away. Quickly the CWRT expanded and after a half century it is today one of the most prominent Round Tables in the nation. At the 50th anniversary this May, Dr. James McPherson was the keynote speaker. Of the many members known to the Civil War community the names of Dr. Richard Sommers, Jack Davis, Bob Fowler, Bill Williams, Col. Wilbur Nye, Dr. Richard Sauers and Bob Hoffsommer must be mentioned. Its members have written well over a hundred books. In the 1980s, the Harrisburg CWRT embraced the movement to preserve Pennsylvania’s Battle Flags, a movement that evolved into the present State Capitol Preservation Committee. By 1990, Jim Schmick was inspired to form the Camp Curtin Round Table for preserving local Civil War sites and erecting lasting commemorative monuments, while in nearby Hershey that CWRT was created by State Representative John Payne and newspaperman Bill Jackson. But back in 1959, Cobaugh, Hoffsommer and Eistricher also felt compelled to mobilize forces to preserve Gettysburg, which was under development pressure. The alarm was given by Dr. Fred Tilberg, GNMP historian. That same year, with the help of other patriotic citizens, the Gettysburg Battle Preservation Association was born and quickly took on a national character. The GBPA has bought, saved and preserved hundreds of acres, sponsored seminars, actively served with the Pennsylvania Legislature in Gettysburg’s monument preservation, hosted book and artifact shows, assisted with Lincoln Cemetery, and recently preserved the 146-acre Lady Farm. During the 1960s, Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower was a valued member and did much to lend a presidential hand and encouragement for Civil War heritage. In the 1980s, the GBPA was assisted in its preservation goals by new officers with the passing of the torch, including George Olinger, John Horner, Dr. Walt Powell, Bill Frassanito, Tim Smith and Mark Nesbitt to note only a few. During the Civil War Centennial in Harrisburg, Robert Fowler’s idea of a national magazine was hatched and quickly evolved into Civil War Times Illustrated. The services of Colonel Nye, “Superman illustrator” Fred Ray, and Bob Hoffsommer furthered the efforts of Civil War Times. Gen. Edward J. Stackpole’s Harrisburg-based publishing company played an important role and the general’s various Civil War books were geared for the Centennial. Francis Lord, Bell Wiley, Fred Tilberg, Bruce Catton, Glenn Tucker, and many other prominent historians published articles in Civil War Times and frequently visited Harrisburg. These men graciously became speakers at the round table. New friendships, discussion and enthusiasm reinforced the hobby of being a Civil War buff. The Centennial marked the beginning of “The Golden Age of Civil War Heritage.” During the 1970s, 80s and 90s the baby boomers continued to enjoy the Civil War, spurred on by the World War II generation’s example. Ike’s interstate roads system made travel easy and enjoyable. Civil War book and antique shows emerged and memorabilia from “grandpa’s” house was sold at flea markets, rather than trashed. Cobaugh always said, “If you pay for it, you will appreciate it more.” Thus many serious collectors presented compelling exhibits and eventually published their fascinating research. For years Civil War News listed the Display Awards at the Gettysburg summer Civil War Show. North-South Trader’s Civil War magazine focused on artifacts and filled a vacuum, created by a favorite pastime — relic hunting. Reenacting exploded on the scene and dedicated men and women became intensely involved, many focused on individuals and performing noteworthy research. The various unit organizations offered an opportunity for many to share mutual Civil War interests. Many living historians, including civilians, added reality to history and made the 1860s come alive for the public. Mr. & Mrs. Keener-Farley’s Victorian Dance Ensemble and the many Civil War musicians and bands have enhanced programs with musical performances. Dave Klinepeter portrayed Gov. Andrew Curtin at many events. “Abraham Lincoln” frequently appeared on Gettysburg streets. And Mike Riley honored the fallen memory of Gen. John Reynolds and Dr. Andy Waskie portrayed Gen. George Gordon Meade for his victory at Gettysburg. The Remembrance Day Parade at Gettysburg annually preserves and honors the memory of the Civil War veterans. From the 1980s, an eruption of books covered many aspects previously untouched by scholars, which continues to this day. The monumental work on Civil War by Time-Life and the great TV series, “Civil War Journal,” featured on the History Channel was exceptionally valuable as was the lifetime contribution of the late historian Brian Pohanka. Brian never missed a Remembrance Day Parade with his beloved Zouaves. Thomas Publications produced many fine specialty books on Gettysburg, while Stackpole Press and many university presses continued to sponsor a variety of Civil War and Underground Railroad books. The prominent magazine Gettysburg has given detailed accounts of specific events, units or individuals during the great battle and is legendary. The acclaimed PBS production by Ken Burns, using original wartime photographs, thrilled and increased public awareness of the trials, tragedy and achievements of the Civil War years. By 1993, the epic film “Gettysburg” featured many volunteer enthusiasts and noted actors in forming a realistic impression of that great decisive and fierce battle that shaped America’s destiny. These many achievements by Civil War buffs enriched and preserved American heritage. And indeed, the development of a monthly Civil War newspaper, providing national coverage, has given the public excellent service and increased understanding. Civil War News has kept preservation issues detailed and current. Accurate and timely reporting of even controversial happenings bears an unbiased professionalism. The public opinion column provides a multi-faceted approach and contributes greatly. Memorable Mentions George Marinos’ Battlefield Museum in Gettysburg also began in the Centennial and has been the private effort of one individual to preserve historic memorabilia. The Rosensteels’ donation of relics to the American people has been legendary. Eric Uberman’s Civil War Museum and Gift Center in Gettysburg has exceptional displays and has been very supportive to many preservation efforts. The Union Drummer Boy shop in Gettysburg has had historic public exhibits. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine in Frederick, Md., has expanded our knowledge on the healing arts and now has extended its educational outreach to the Pry House at Antietam and annual medical seminars in Baltimore. The National Museum of the Civil War Soldier at Pamplin Park, Virginia, preserves the memory of the common soldier and educates thousands of students every year. The new Civil War Center in Richmond has utilized and preserved the old Tredegar Iron Works of the Confederacy for educational purposes. And Mayor Steve Reed’s creation, the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, offers a comprehensive view of the causes, events and aftermath. These are a few examples of the noble efforts that occurred these past fifty years. There are many collectors and institutions that made tremendous efforts in preservation but due to space constraints recognition will be general. For those who enjoy material culture, some familiar names of the past are: Tommy & Mr. Gordon, Wayne Mattox, Mike Cohan, Norm Flayderman, Beverly DuBose Jr., Bill Albaugh, Lewis Leigh, Bill Turner, Dave Mark, Tom Dickey, Bill Guthman, Ben Michel, Sammy Higginbotham, Dan Carroll Toomey, Courtney Wilson, Dan Hartzler, Frank Lord, Mike O’Donnell, Steve Sylvia, Gordy Dammann, Mike McAfee, Howard Crouch; And, Howie Madus, John Benchoff, Larry & Annette Keener-Farley, Angelo Scarlotto, Terry O’Leary, Jim Mundy, Duncan Campbell, Mike Winey, John Fenstermacher, George Olinger, Harry & Skip Steeley, Mike Colella, Tom DeGuiseppi, Roger Alcorn, Bill and Brendan Synnamon, Bob Walters, Bob Harper, Bill Spencer, Art Beltrone, George Lower, Stan Phillips, Bill Gavin, Mark Elrod, and Steve Henry. These people are especially well known and appreciated for their scholarly insight, dedication, integrity and friendship. The past 50 years has truly been “The Golden Age of Civil War Heritage” and its grassroots patriotism should be recognized. A special mention must be paid to an accomplished member of the Civil War fraternity, Ed Bearss. He has participated in all of the above categories of preserving our Civil War heritage from the very beginning of this golden age and is a great inspiration. I am grateful for all the associations and memories. God did bless America! G. Craig Caba is a charter member and past president of the Harrisburg CWRT and GBPA, is on the Camp Curtin CWRT Board of Directors. He is CEO and curator of the J. Howard Wert Gettysburg Collection. He has authored numerous Civil War books and speaks nationally to Civil War Round Tables, historical societies, colleges and Underground Railroad seminars.
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