41st Annual Ohio Civil War & Artillery Show. A Booming Success!

Originally published June 2018 · pp. 1–7

The Annual Ohio Civil War Show just celebrated its 41st year, and what a show it was; ”the largest of its kind!;” with indoor and outdoor features for everyone to enjoy. You won’t leave this show saying you didn’t see or learn something new. It can take two days to see all the special features. The show was sold out for the exhibitors who filled over 750 tables. Each year there is a waiting list for dealers to get into this show. Exhibitors came from almost every state, including Hawaii. This says a lot about the quality of the Ohio Civil War & WWI&II Show.

The Annual Ohio Civil War and WWI & II Show is held at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio, in May each year. The crowds were especially heavy throughout the seven buildings on Saturday and steady on Sunday with people of all interests and ages. Almost 4,000 visitors attended over the two days. Exhibitors were very happy to see so many guests, and diehard history buffs were excited to see rare memorabilia, weapons, books, prints, jewelry, sutler materials, and many unique items and educational displays. What makes this show so special and draws the crowds are the added outdoor attractions. The Ohio Civil War Show offers special outdoor features to educate and entertain the visitors. Guests

(Jack Melton)

enjoyed period music by Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps and the 73rd OVI Regiment Band; Abraham Lincoln presented the Gettysburg Address; members of the Society of Civil War Surgeons preformed a limb amputation on a wounded soldier; and the Brigade of the American Revolution, along with Confederate and Union infantry, fired weapons and marched in line as the cannons roared with repeated fire. Special Civil War and World War II Living History encampments showed visitors how soldiers survived and endured life during such difficult times. The artillery show was added 26 years ago and is definitely a favorite amongst the crowds. The artillery show includes eras from the Revolutionary War through

World War II. This is the only show of its kind in the United States. Visitors enjoyed seeing full-scale cannon, limbers, caissons, and artillery shells along with a 13 gun, cannon firing line. Reenactors took to the field in full dress to give an educational and entertaining reenactment of an artillery firing line. The guns sent flames and smoke bellowing out, rolling across the grounds. In addition to celebrating Civil War history, World War I & World War II exhibitors were added to the show due to the current interest and anniversaries. German soldiers walked amongst the crowd and answered questions from guests who wanted to learn and understand more. A rare encampment set-up within the large barn showed complete living quarters, uniforms, weapons, and ammunition. A WWII Willy’s Jeep was also on display and made for a great photo opportunity. U.S. WWII GI’s and German Wehrmacht soldiers blank fired various military weapons in demonstrations. What a rare site to see. The organization and personal attention to the show comes from the Williams family that manages all the details. The show is still thriving after 41 years, all due to a family’s passion and dedication for the love of history and keeping a dream alive. Donald B. Williams of Ashland, Ohio, started the show in 1978 with 60 tables; nearly half the displays being his own collection. Don had a passion to share his love of the Civil War and to give history buffs and the general public a better opportunity to learn more about one of the most ferocious wars ever fought. Today, his three children and their dedicated committee of family and close friends continue their father’s tradition. Managing this high quality show, they are proud to say that respecting our history is simply how they were raised. “This is just what we enjoy doing, keeping history alive. We hope to continue the show for many, many years to come.” Exhibitors were invited to participate in a display competition, in which 25 dealers showcased their unique items with historical facts in an outstanding visual display. Award winners this year included Mike Wosher for Best Educational with his display “Non-Metallic Buttons.” Rick Hudack received Best Arms or Equipment award for his display of “Harpers Ferry M1805 Pistol Pairs.” Ken Baumann received Best Artillery for his cannon display “Ellsworth & Prairie Limber.” Jerry Imperio received Best World Wars for a great story about Ashland’s Co. E in the Great War. Three different Judges Awards were presented. One went to Bill Combs for his display of “Spanish Army in Cuba & Puerto Rico 1868–1898;” a second went to Mark Elrod for his display entitled “Variations on the Production Issue U.S. Model 1855;” and Elizabeth Topping shared a great display entitled “Sanitary Fairs.” The Best of Show Award 2018 went to Ken Knoll for his display of a rare Confederate cannon titled “Skates & Co. Serial #1.” This display was the hit of the Artillery Show and guests were pleased to see such a rare piece. Thanks to all the dealers who are happy to display their collections, memorabilia, and educational materials. The Ohio Show is happy to have such a variety of quality displays for all to enjoy. Make the Ohio Civil War Show your travel destination each year. Take time to step back in time. Mark your calendars for May 4–5, 2019. The show will be held in the same location, the Richland County Fairgrounds, located in Mansfield, Ohio. Visit us on Facebook – Ohio Civil War Show and find out more on www.ohiocivilwarshow. com. Wayne Williams, Ken Knoll (Best of Show Winner), and Greg Williams present Ken with his award.

Jay Reid opening a rare cased sword. Ladies bonnets and accessories from Lynn Bury.

Award Winner for Best Photographic - Richard Wolfe for his display entitled “ Mountaineer Eagle Colonels of West Virginia Regiments.

A couple dressed in period costume.

Ken Baumann’s Ellsworth Rifle and Prairie Limber.

Award winners L to R: Ken Knoll, Mark Elrod, Rick Hudack, Bill Combs. Jerry Imperio, Mike Woshner, Richard Wolfe, Ken Baumann, and Elizabeth Topping.