Crossroads to Gettysburg

By Joe Bordonaro · Originally published August 2018 · p. 28

Alan Eney marching with the 5th Alabama back to camp after a long night on the picket line.

The bar was raised at this year’s reenactment and living history at historic Allaire Village in Farmingdale, N.J. Starting out as a very small event several years ago, the event has proven to be a popular attraction. Building on that success, organizer Tom Burke invited fellow organizer, S. Chris Anders, to bring a sizeable contingent of Confederate reenactors to this year’s event. Chris responded enthusiastically, and over 100 reenactors showed up, some coming from as far away as North Carolina! They worked together to form the 5th Alabama Volunteer Infantry. The Federal side was well represented by most of the New Jersey and Southeast Pennsylvania based reenacting groups, who portrayed various Union regiments involved in the early fighting during the Gettysburg Campaign.

Barry Derrickson stands at his picket post. (Joe Bordonaro)

Major Sharpe (Rich Hill) of the Bureau of Military Intelligence confers with Major Meigs (Rob Meyer).

Sami Abate of the Camp Olden Soldiers’ Aid Society puts a bandage on Sean Daniel of the 5th NY, Co. D.

Sgt. Jeff Cohen supervises the firing of a 6th New York Light (Christopher C. Wantuck)

(Vee Hansen)

Union forces advance outside town. Julie Marin Grant)

Over 400 registrations were sent in prior to the event which made it the largest Civil War reenactment and living history event at Allaire, by far. On the weekend of June 2-3, “reenactor magic” was made and suddenly the illusion was created that Allaire village was a small town drawn into the maelstrom of Civil War battle. The accompanying photos show some of this magic happening in the old iron-making village of Allaire. Joe Bordonaro is a USAF veteran (1973–1977), Glassboro State College graduate (1980),

Alex Glisson leads his company of the 5th Alabama back to camp after a night on picket duty.

Artillery cannon.. (Christopher C. Wantuck)

(L-R) Craig Anderton, Don Meninitz, and Brian Steffey raise the soldiers’ spirits with a song.

Catholic school teacher (St. Joseph’s Pro-Cathedral, 1983– 1988), and retired public school teacher (Mullica Township School, 1988–2009). He has been involved with Civil War reenacting/living history since 1999. Joe began submitting articles to the Civil War News in 2005 and has been covering events for the News on a regular basis since 2016. He has also recently begun to write book reviews for the News. Joe lives in Mount Laurel, NJ, and has been married to his wife Karen for 29 years. If you wish to contact Joe, you may send an email to [email protected]. (Jesse Mata)

Union forces advance outside town. (Joe Bordonaro) Julie Marin Grant)