‘The Boys of Rockville’ Civil War Day Camp

By Frank Niederwerfer · Originally published August 2016 · p. 24

The photos show 14th CVI Co G members helping the campers in the tent set up activity and General Lee and General Grant bringing the day

VERNON, Conn.—On Saturday, June 4th a group of children was transported back in time 154 years to the recruitment time of the 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. The Alden Skinner Camp #45 (Sons of Union Veterans) and 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Company G in conjunction with the Strong Family Farm Foundation sponsored a Kid’s Civil War Day Camp in Vernon, Connecticut for children ages 6-13 on the 200-yearold farm. The majority of the men from Company D of the 14th CVI came from the Vernon area. They would become known as The Boys of Rockville. Fifteen children signed up for a day full of Civil War-related activities. Most of the presentations involved hands-on participation giving the children a chance to step back in time to touch the life of the Civil War soldier in 1862. The activities during the day involved mustering in the soldier, medical, telegraph, signal flag, camp life, drum calls, cooking, period church service and naval presentations. Also included were drill, mail call, pay call, manual of arms and two mock battles topped off by General Lee and General Grant discussing the end of the war at Appomattox. Some highlights from the presentations included naval knot tying, tent setup competition, bedroll making, using signal flags and the working telegraph. Our volunteer presenters were a group of dedicated Living Historians who all had outstanding presentations for the children. Each of us took the role of a Civil War Soldier.

Myself Frank Niederwerfer became my great uncle Oliver Dart of the 14th CVI Company D. Kent Sinram and John Lazzeri portrayed General Lee and General Grant respectively. Mick Bedard was Doctor Brigham Hadley, Ted Urbanski was Captain Hall of 2nd Corp Staff, Marc Bassos was Cook Marco a captured Rebel, Peter Stevens was 14th CVI musician John McCarthy, Ed Campolon-

go was 14th CVI Chaplain Henry Stevens and Dan Walls was Petty Officer Walls. Soldiers Dan Hayden, Matt Vallier and Ken Bernier were the Hirst brothers of the 14th CVI Company D from Vernon. The after action report showed that the day was a great success in the eyes of the children and their parents who were invited to stay and enjoy the day. The number one question presented to us at the end of the day was if we were going to do this again and the answer is a definite yes. It was such a great way to bring to life to these children what the Civil War Soldier experienced day to day. Again thank you to The Strong Family Farm and all the volunteers who made this day happen. Huzzah for the Union.