42nd Annual Ohio Civil War Show Continues to Keep History Alive

Originally published July 2019 · pp. 1–15

MANSFIELD, Ohio—Guests were very pleased and commented about the many rare displays and memorabilia on display; “ I’ve never seen so many rifles and weapons at one show.” “It takes two days to see the entire show and I never want to miss any of the demonstrations and educational presentations.” “A quality show of this kind will entertain and educate interested history buffs about their passion and stimulate youngsters to learn more about our history and what happened during such difficult times.” The Annual Ohio Civil War and WWI & II Show is held at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio, each year in May. Almost 4,000 visitors attended over the two days this year. Exhibitors were very happy to see so many guests; diehard history buffs were excited to see rare memorabilia, weapons, books, prints, jewelry, and sutler materials, many of them unique items in the educational displays. The added outdoor attractions are definitely crowd pleasers and get lots of attention from young and old. The Ohio Civil War Show offers these outdoor features to educate and entertain the visitors. Guests enjoyed period music by the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps, 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 cannon roared. Special Civil War and World War II Living History Encampments showed visitors how the soldiers lived and survived. A dream came to life 27 years ago when the show’s founder, Don Williams, decided to add the Artillery Show. The only show of its kind in the United States, it showcases artillery field pieces from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Visitors enjoyed seeing full-scale cannon, limbers, caissons, and artillery shells along with an eight cannon firing line. Reenactors in full dress gave an impressive educational and entertaining presentation of artillery firing on line. The cannon fire could be heard miles away as the guns sent out flames and smoke billowed across the grounds with that unique burnt powder smell. In addition to celebrating the Civil War, the World War I & World War II exhibitors were added to the Show due to the greater interest in our history. German soldiers walked through the crowd answering questions from guests who wanted to learn and understand more about the “other side.” A rare encampment set-up within the large barn in conjunction with a separate WWII tent exhibit on the grounds showed complete living quarters, uniforms, weapons, and ammunition. WWII GI’s and German soldiers blank fired various military weapons in demonstrations. The organization and personal attention to the Show comes from the Williams family who manage the many details. The Show is thriving after 42 years, all due to the family’s passion and dedication for keeping history alive. Donald B. Williams of Ashland, Ohio, started the Show with just 60 tables in 1978. Don had the passion to share his love of the Civil War and give history buffs and the interested general public an opportunity to learn more about wars the U.S. has fought. Today, his three children and their dedicated committee of family and close friends continue their Don’s tradition. They are proud to say that respecting our history is simply how they were raised. The family hopes to continue the Show for many, many years to come.” Exhibitors were invited to participate in a display competition, in which 25 dealers showcased unique items with their historical facts in displays. We are excited to note that three award winners this year were women. The ladies definitely seized the opportunity to share their knowledge in creatively displayed exhibits. Award winners this year included Elizabeth Topping for Best Educational with her photographic display “Mystic of Death.” James Brenner received Best Arms or Equipment for his display “Changing Of The Guard – Ohio Volunteer Militia and National Guard 1830– 1874.” Ken Knoll received Best Artillery for his display of a “Macon 10-Pounder Parrott #8.” Matt Switlik received Best World Wars for a great display entitled the “French 75 In American Service 1918.” Three different Judges Awards were presented; one went to Cathy Spencer for her presentation on the wrecked USS Shenandoah Rigid Airship “Lighter Than Air.” A second Judges Award went to Ingrid

2019 Award Winners are (Left to right): Cathy Spencer, Matt & Viola Switlik, Ken Knoll, Ingrid Holzwarth, James Brenner, David Gotter, and Richard Wolfe.

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… … … . . from page 1 Holzwarth for her display entitled “The Chaplain in WWI.” George Reese put out a great display called “Ohio Was There.” The Best Photographic award went to Richard Wolfe for his display “West Virginia Mourns Her Dead.” The 2019 Best of Show Award went to Dave Gotter for his display of canister and grape shot entitled “A Withering Hail of Iron.” This display was a hit for artillery collectors and guests were pleased to see such a complete presentation of Civil War anti-personnel artillery weaponry.

Thanks to all the dealers who were generous in displaying 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 2 and 3, 2020. 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 ohiocivilwarshow.com.