Ohio Civil War, WWI & II Show MEGA Historical Event

Originally published June 2022 · pp. 1–5

Gerald Payn as Abraham Lincoln. (Tom Scott)

MANSFIELD, Ohio— Bursting with Civil War, WWI, and WWII enthusiasts for a weekend packed with so much to see, two days were needed to enjoy all the special features. The show was a true testament that our history is not forgotten, as thousands of guests filled the grounds looking for some Civil War to WWII historical education. Guests enjoyed hearing fun facts about the wars and were given an opportunity to see unique and rare memorabilia. They experienced living history encampments, cannon firing demonstrations, and even enjoyed singing along to period music. The show is a family event that should not be missed. This was the 44th year for the grand event. The testimonials about the Show tell the real story;

Reilly’s Battery during one of the firing demonstrations. (Tom Scott) “Wonderful Show, Year in, Year Out – GO! – Joe “Exceptional Event!” – Francie “First time I attended, very enjoyable!” – Charlene “The BEST Show in the Country” – Phil It was all that and more, another successful year for both dealers and guests. The Annual Ohio Civil War, WWI, and II Show is held at the are the Civil War and WWII encampments that sprawl over the entire grounds. There were rows of cannon along the tent lines and fire pits set up for evening campsite story telling. You could hear soldiers marching in uniform step as drums beat out a traditional air. The still

Brian McNamara with the 41st Ohio Volunteer Infantry. (Tom Scott)

Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio, over the first weekend in May every year. Seven buildings full of military material from 1775 through 1945 form the venue. Hats off to the Williams family that continues to manage and coordinate the Show. It takes a year, planning to contact all the dealers, and orchestrate all the added special features that have become crowd pleasers for young and old. The Williams family has a passion for history, and they come by it honestly. Don Williams originated the Show in 1977 with just a small aisle of tables and a dream to keep our history alive. The Show quickly grew to 750+ tables with all the added outdoor features, making it an event not to be missed. The show’s favorite features

Revolutionary War reenactors under Commander Bob Cairns.

Brian McNamara and Robert Stope fireside chat. of the night came alive each morning with a grand opening ceremony from the infantry units, Civil War, and Revolutionary War reenactors who combined to produce a spectacular early morning sight for show visitors. Civil War and World War II Living History Encampments showed visitors how soldiers survived and endured life during such difficult times. Other added outdoor attractions also educate and entertain visitors. Guests enjoyed period music by the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps that got their toes tapping. Abraham Lincoln presented the Gettysburg Address, the Brigade of the American Revolution, along with Confederate and Union Civil War Infantry, fired weapons and marched perfectly on line as cannon roared. An extra treat this year was an educational presentation by the WWII U.S. 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron. Hearing how the squadron took care of casualties and how they evacuated the

Best of Show Award – Phil McCoy (center) with Williams family Show Directors’ Teresa Drushel, Wayne Williams, and Greg Williams. (Kayley Boettner)

Gerald Payn as Abraham Lincoln. (Tom Scott) wounded in such challenging conditions, is quite a history lesson. Reenactors took to the field in period dress to give an educational and entertaining demonstration on the artillery firing line. The artillery is a unique portion of the Ohio Show, the only show of its kind in the United States, that showcases artillery field pieces from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Visitors enjoy seeing full-scale cannon, limbers, caissons, and shells along with an eight gun, cannon firing line. The cannon fire could be heard for miles and the guns sent flames and smoke bellowing across the grounds. In addition to the initial show celebrating Civil War, World War I and World War II exhibitors were added due to guests’ expanding interests in our military history. A rare encampment set up in the large barn showed complete living quarters, uniforms, weapons, and ammunition of more recent wars. U.S. and German soldiers walked among the crowd and answered questions from visitors who wanted to learn more. U.S. WWII GI’s and German soldiers blank fired various military weapons in demonstration. Even the food truck folks have a ball meeting people from across the U.S. “This is the most exciting and largest event we have, and we meet many people from several states” “We even met a dealer who traveled here from Hawaii. That’s amazing!” The local community is excited about this annual event; hotels are filled, restaurants are packed, and visitors enjoy area attractions. The Show is happy to support the Mansfield community. The educational displays never disappoint. Exhibitors were invited to participate in a display competition, in which 21

items with their historical facts in outstanding visual display. Award winners this year included Elizabeth Topping for Best Educational with her display “Heroines of the Hearth;” Chuck Baylis received the Best Arms or Equipment award for his display “M1 Carbines;” Ray Zielin received Best Photographic for his display of the 52nd Illinois Infantry images; and Cathy Spencer received Best World Wars award for a great display entitled “American Observation Balloon Service in WWI.” Three different Judges Choice Awards were presented. One went to Richard Wolfe for his display of the “1st West Virginia Infantry;” a second Judges Award was presented to Bill Combs for his display entitled “Cuba Libre;” while Bret Schweinfurth shared a great display entitled “The Invalid Corps.” The Best Artillery Camp Chase Fife & Drum. (Tom Scott) CivilWarNews.com award went to Matt Switlik for his outstanding “Iron Age Field Guns.” The Best of Show Award for 2022 went to Phil McCoy for his display of rare photographs and memorabilia of John Hunt Morgan and his raiders, entitled “John Hunt Morgan.” This display was a hit for all collectors and guests who were pleased to see such a grand presentation with a special link to Ohio where Morgan’s “Rebel Raiders” were finally captured in 1863. Thanks to all the dealers who 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!

Award winners in order L to R: Matt Switlik, Richard Wolfe, Elizabeth Topping, Ray Zielin, Phil McCoy, Bret Schweinfurth, Cathy and Mark Spencer, Chuck Baylis, and Bill Combs. (Kayley Boettner)

Mark your calendars for May 6–7, 2023. 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.

Ohio Civil War, WWI & II Show MEGA Historical Event — photograph 7 from the original article

Right: Chuck Baylis received the Best Arms or Equipment award for his display “M1 Carbines.” (Kayley Boettner)

Artillery at first light. (Kayley Boettner) (Kayley Boettner)

Phil McCoy’s Best of Show Award, a display of rare photographs and memorabilia of John Hunt Morgan and his raiders, entitled “John Hunt Morgan.” (Kayley Boettner)

Cathy Spencer’s display entitled “American Observation Balloon Service in WWI.