The 39th Annual Ohio Civil War Show Attracts Thousands

By Teresa Williams Drushel · Originally published June 2016 · pp. 1–7

On Saturday and Sunday there were 6-gun Battery firing demonstrations from both Union and Confederate artillery. The cannon firing is very popular and always draws a large crowd. (Photos by Teresa Drushel)

MANSFIELD, OH—The 39th Annual Ohio Civil War & WWI & WWII Show is still being called a grand event! Well liked by buyers and sellers, and most importantly, enjoyed by the public who attend the show to learn more about America’s history. The rain and cold temps, which were unfortunately on the radar for part of this year’s show, did not stop the history buffs who attended. Visitors enjoyed the 750 tables of memorabilia, weapons, books, prints, sutler materials and unique items, all within the seven building show. A great draw for the Ohio Show is the quantity and quality of displays. This year there were 24 in all! Each year the displays depict a part of our history that shares how difficult the times were, how detailed the craftsmanship was and how the weapons were manufactured to protect and defend. The displays are an excellent way to learn and see authentic materials that were used in battle, in the camps, at hospital sites and in the front line of duty. The Ohio Civil War Show is like no other show, offering outdoor features to educate the visitors. Abe Lincoln was seen presenting the Gettysburg Address, a surgeon was performing a limb amputation on a wounded soldier, the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corp and 73rd OVI Regiment Band played toe-tapping period music, the Infantry marched perfectly in line and the cannons roared with repeated fire against the enemy! The German camps showed visitors how the men lived and took care of their meals and daily needs while living with very minimal supplies to survive. Civil War weapons are no comparison to WWII weapons, and what a rare opportunity to see an M1 Carbine, BAR and a Thompson machine gun fired on the line. The quick rapid-fire is a unique sound of its own! The Artillery Show was a well-received addition to the main show 24 years ago and continues to awe the guests. The only show of its kind. Visitors enjoyed seeing full-scale guns along with a variety of artillery shells, a full-scale caisson, limbers and even a grand, detailed funeral wagon. Added attractions like “The Wall – The Spirit of America’s Story” and the Marlboro Volunteers Traveling Military Museum were a must see for all who attended. There were long lines at the entrance to the special features. With so much to see and do, the Show will continue to become your travel destination each year. We promise to educate, to entertain and to make your visit memorable. Take the time to step back in time! Mark your calendars for 2017 were history comes alive – Saturday, May 6th and Sunday, May 7th. Same location – Richland County Fairgrounds, Mansfield, Ohio. w w w. o h i o c i v i l w a r s h o w. c o m Facebook; Ohio Civil War Show

Some of the annual events are:

The 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry Band played Civil War music in the outdoor theater with plenty of seating for all.

Sutler’s Row Civil War Field Hospital by the Society of Civil War Surgeons Period Church Service Sunday Morning with Period String Music Abe Lincoln Live Presentations Living History Campfire by Brigade of American Revolution, 8th Pennsylvania Regiment Period Music by Camp Chase Fife & Drums Civil War Veteran’s Historical Association Encampment

Abe Lincoln is portrayed by Gerald Payne.

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Society of Civil War Surgeons demonstrated a Civil War field hospital living history program.

(Todd Whitmer) In April of 1978, a handful of people found themselves sitting in the Ashland Armory for the 1st annual Ohio Civil War & Relic Show. It would’ve been nearly impossible to imagine at the time what the future held for this newly founded mid-western show, however it is evident now that it was an idea aimed only for success. The Annual Ohio Civil War and WWI & WWII Show has just celebrated its 39th noteworthy year. This stands as a living testament to the commitment of the Williams’ family in keeping their fathers’ wishes and passions thriving. Today’s show, showcases 750 tables, as well as outdoor displays, living history encampments, period music, and other special features. The public can witness Abe Lincoln presenting the Gettysburg Address, a unique hospital scenario with a wounded soldier’s amputated leg, Revolutionary War drills, Union and Confederate musket firing, and cannon firing presentations. Keith Metcalf played his banjo entertaining us all at the show.

An original 12-pounder Mountain Howitzer was displayed in the Artillery Building where people could touch and feel historic pieces of the past.

Eric Oehlberg portraying a member of the 82nd Airborne from WWII.

Al Duquette smiles for the camera. He sits behind a table full of antique firearms for sale.

Kim Lynch, owner of the Dressmakers Shop was one of the vendors setup at the event.

Group photo of Civil War artillery unit, the 1st Ohio Light Artillery, Battery “D” from left to right: Standing: Gerald Fry, Jerry Imperio, Joey Gotter, David Brockway and Greg Williams. Kneellng: David Gotter, Wayne Williams and Brandon Warner.

In addition to Civil War knives there were WWI and WWII knives of all patterns and condition for sale.

Swords, sabres, bayonets and other edged weapons were displayed for sale from weapons experts from around the country.

Uniform equipment, identified groupings, regimental and other historical items were abundant.

Hundreds of antique firearms of every kind were available for purchase or trade at the show.

One of the seven buildings filled with exhibitors, dealers and participants. This event attracts people from every corner of the United States with some international travelers as well.