Ohio Civil War Show: A Real Crowd Pleaser!

Originally published June 2021 · pp. 1–5

Ohio Civil War Show: A Real Crowd Pleaser! MANSFIELD, OHIO— Following the unfortunate cancellation of the 2020 Ohio Civil War & WWII Show due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 2021 Ohio Show came back with a HUGE bang! Social distancing, face masks, and required Covid protocols were in place, but dealers were thrilled to return to share their wares and stories. History buffs reunited and attendees followed guidelines while visiting and experiencing a bit of history. New friendships were created, and old ones revisited after a year apart. Many Civil War and WWII encampments were spread over the entire grounds. You could see rows of cannon along the tent lines and fire pits set up for evening camp site story telling. You could see soldiers and hear drums beating a good marching tune. The still of the night came alive each morning with a grand opening ceremony from the infantry units, Civil War reenactors and Revolutionary War units combined. What a spectacular sight to enjoy.

Testimonials

The testimonials about the Show tell the real story. • “I can’t wait to get there; it has been one of my best shows on the circuit. Always great treasures to be found.” – Jeff, • “Great annual show. Go! – you won’t be disappointed.” – Joe • “Can’t wait to go. Really, really excited about this year!” – Gordon • “The BEST Show in the Country.” – Phil It was all that and more; a successful exhibition for both dealers and guests.

The 73rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry (OVI) Regimental Band played period music during one of their many performances.

About the Show The Annual Ohio Civil War and WWI & II Show is held at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio, the first weekend in May each year. Thousands of visitors attended over the two days, indicating a welcome release from quarantine and lockdown cabin fever.

Performing outside with perfect weather: Union reenactors, Camp Chase Fife & Drum, and the Brigade of the American Revolution. One of the many outdoor events held during the show. The Show features seven buildings of military material from 1775 through 1945, making the event a true educational experience with a fun, full day of seeing many rare items on display. Many

Award winners from left to right: Elizabeth Topping, Richard Wolfe, Richard Hudak, Bill Combs, Randy Setty, Cliff Kranik, Ken Knoll, Ken Baumann, and Gene Salecker. Show promoters: Teresa Drushel, and her brothers, Greg and Wayne Williams.

Artillerist firing a volley for the spectators. The artillery demonstration is a crowd favorite.

guests say that four to five hours just is not enough time to see the entire show. Discounted twoday passes let guests come back the second day to continue their tour and visit the encampments to learn more, and to experience what it was like during those time in history. The Ohio Civil War Show offers special outdoor features to educate and entertain the visitors. The added outdoor attractions are always a crowd pleaser and grab the attention of young and old. Guests enjoyed period music by Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps and the 73rd OVI Regimental Band. Lincoln impersonator, Gerald Payn, presented the Gettysburg Address; members of the Society of Civil War Surgeons preformed a limb amputation on a wounded soldier. The Brigade of the American Revolution, along with Confederate and Union Civil War Infantry, fired weapons and marched on line as the cannon roared with repeated salvos. Special Civil War and World War II Living History Encampments showed visitors how soldiers survived and endured life during such difficult war times.

Living history and reenactor displays attract both young and old.

History of the Show The Show has a 43-year-old history; what a dream came to life 28 years ago when the show originator, Don Williams, decided to add The Artillery Show. The only show of its kind in the United States showcases artillery field pieces from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Visitors enjoyed seeing fullscale cannon, limbers, caissons, and artillery shells along with an eight-gun firing line. Reenactors took to the field in full dress to give an educational and entertaining presentation of an artillery firing line. The cannon fire could be heard for miles and the guns sent flames and smoke bellowing across the grounds. In addition to celebrating the history of the Civil War, the World War I & World War II exhibitors were added to the show due to the wider interests in our history. 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 and a separate WWII tent on the grounds showed complete living quarters, uniforms, weapons, and ammunition. U.S. WWII GI’s and German soldiers blank fired various military weapons in demonstration, a rare site to see. Exhibitors were invited to participate in a display competition, where 20 dealers showcased their unique items with historical facts in outstanding visual displays. A special thanks goes to all the dealers who were happy to display their collections, memorabilia, and educational materials.

Award winners this year included: •

Reenactors of the Revolutionary War: Continental Army and British soldiers in formation.

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Bill Combs for Best Educational with his display “The Argentine Model 1891 Mauser in Spanish Service 1893–1898.” Richard Hudak received Best Arms or Equipment for his display “Harpers Ferry

Hundreds of tables were filled with all types of artifacts, weapons, equipment, books, etc. Something for everyone!

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Abraham Lincoln impersonator Gerald Payn recited the Gettysburg Address at one of the many outdoor events.

Model 1805 Pistol Pairs and Pattern Arms.” Ken Baumann received Best Artillery for his “Travis/ Stockton Breechloader Display.” Gene Salecker received Best World Wars Display for his presentation entitled “Dogs for Defense: U.S. War Dogs in WWII.”

Three different Judges Choice Awards were presented. •

Photo taken right before the doors opened to the public. Dealers and the public practiced Covid safety during the show.

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Ken Knoll for his display of “Civil War Artillery Implements, Equipments, and Tools.” Randy Setty’s display entitled “Augustus Bennett Patents.” Richard Wolfe’s display “Death Before Dishonor – West Virginia Prisons of War.”

Best of Show Award 2021 Cliff Kranik for his display of rare Charleston Slave Badges, entitled “Charleston Slave Badge Project.” This display was a hit for all collectors and guests were pleased to see such a grand presentation.

Next Year’s Show Dates Take time to step back in time! Make the Ohio Civil War Show your travel destination each year. Mark your calendars for May 7-8, 2022. 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 information and stay up to date at: ohiocivilwarshow.com.

Best Photographic Award •

Elizabeth Topping for her display “Illuminating the Darkened Chamber.” Artillery units had hands on displays of the types of projectiles that would have been fired during the Civil War. Revolutionary War British soldiers were sometimes called “Redcoats.” The Redcoats refer to British soldiers, especially during the American Revolutionary War, who were so-called because of their red coats and uniforms that were worn by the majority of regiments. A World War II German medic display.