Ohio Civil War Show News

Originally published July-August 2024 · pp. 26–29

MANSFIELD, Ohio—In 1977, a dream to start a Civil • Ron Chonjacki – “The Best Show in the United War Show all began with the determination of Don Williams, States! Will never miss it!” a true history buff who wanted to keep our history alive • Joe Atkinson – “A GREAT Annual Show, will continue and bring dealers together from all over the United States. to come back.” Ohio became the home of the Annual Ohio Civil War Show. • Brendan Synnamon – “What hard work and continues Starting with just a few aisles of tables and Don’s friends, dedication to running one of the BEST Shows in the the show opened its doors to an event that has grown to over Country!” 750 tables, along with unique outdoor attractions. It is not • John Bell – “Had a Blast at the Show and look forward just dealers, but visitors traveling from all over the U.S. to to it again!” see the rare memorabilia and experience the living history • Tim Barnhart – “Went to the Show for the first time, encampments and special featured artillery demonstrations. hands down an incredible Show!” It is a show for all ages to enjoy. 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, seven buildings of military material from 1775 through 1945. This is the 46th year for the grand event. Hats off to the Williams family, who continue to manage and coordinate the show. It takes a year of planning to contact dealers and orchestrate all the added special features that have become crowd pleasers for young Award winners (left to right): Elizabeth Topping, Cliff Krainik, and old. Many of our dealers and guests return Brandi Oswald, Amanda Manahan, David Gotter, Chris Rommel, each year with new stories to share. Their Karl Withrow, Bill Combs, Charles Baylis, James Schoenung, Matt and Viola Switlik. testimonials say it all:

David Gotter’s Best of Show Award winning display: “A Withering Hail of Iron” Grape and Canister in the Civil War.

The show is a true testament that our history is not forgotten, as thousands of guests filled the grounds looking for a bit of Civil War and WWI & II historical education. Mansfield, Ohio, came alive with Civil War, WWI, and WWII enthusiasts for a weekend packed with militaria and offering special features. Guests were given an opportunity to see unique and rare memorabilia, ask questions of historical experts about details of war, and experience Civil War and WWII living history encampments The cannon firing demonstrations are always a crowd pleaser and definitely amps up the noise level. Dealers traveling from over 30 states demonstrate that the Ohio Show is the most attended event of the year. Dealers come from as far as New York, Texas, Missouri, Maine, California, and even Hawaii to share their unique wares. Guests’ license plates showed that many had just as far travel to enjoy this event, coming from Canada, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Texas, Indiana, and Tennessee. The weekend is a family event that should not be missed. The shows favorite features are the Civil War and WWII encampments spread over the entire grounds. You can see rows of cannon along the tent lines and fire pits set up for evening campsite story telling. As the still of the night came alive each morning with a grand opening ceremony from the infantry units, Civil War and Revolutionary War reenactment units combined. What a spectacular sight to enjoy with your morning coffee. Everyone enjoys music and the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corp and the 73rd OVI Regiment Band played many favorite

The Williams Family presenting David Gotter for Best of Show Award. Left to right: Teresa Williams Drushel, Dave Gotter, Wayne Williams, and Greg Williams.

Best World Wars Display – Charles Baylis.

Best Photographic Display – Cliff Krainik.

Confederate cannon fire during the show.

One of the many cannon firing demonstrations held during the show.

tunes! Abraham Lincoln presented the Gettysburg Address to a crowd full of interested guests. As an added treat this year, President Lincoln gave a most interesting educational presentation, engaging the crowd with fun and unique facts. The Brigade of the American Revolution, along with Confederate and Union Civil War Infantry, fired weapons and marched perfectly on line across the grounds, presenting a wonderful photo opportunity. Special Civil War and World War II Living History Encampments showed visitors how the soldiers survived and endured life during such difficult times. An educational demonstration by the WWII U.S. 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron was one presentation not to miss. Guests learned how the squadron took care of the wounded and how they were evacuated in such challenging conditions. The Artillery Show is unique as it is the only presentation of its kind in the United States, as reenactors took the field Abe Lincoln (John Cooper) and Body Guard (Mark Watts).

Best Arms Equipment Display – Matt Switlik. Most Educational Display – Karl Withrow.

Judges Choice Display – Elizabeth Topping.

Best Artillery Display – James Schoenung.

in full field uniforms to give an educational and entertaining demonstration an artillery firing line showcasing field pieces from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Visitors enjoyed seeing full-scale cannon, limbers, caisson and artillery shells along with an eight cannon firing line. In addition to initially celebrating Civil War history, the World War I & World War II exhibitors were added due to their interest in our historical periods of American history. U.S. and German soldiers walked amongst the crowd and answered questions from guests who wanted to learn and understand more. A rare encampment set up in the large barn showed complete living quarters, uniforms, weapons, and ammunition. Onlookers watched in awe as WWII GIs and German soldiers demonstrated blank firing more modern military weapons. The local community looks forward to this annual event each year, and the show is happy to support the Mansfield community. We heard that the hotels were filled and the restaurants were packed. The educational displays never disappoint. Twenty-nine exhibitors participated in a display competition. They showcased unique items with historical facts in outstanding visual displays. Thanks for all the great educational presentations this year. Award winners this year included Karl Withrow for Best Educational with his display “Preserving Our Past: Camp Chase, Ohio,” Matt Switlik received Best Arms or Equipment for his display “U.S. Model 1835 Pack Howitzer

Limbered To Harness,” Cliff Krainik received Best Photographic for his display “Admiral Raphael Semmes, A Southern Patriot – Not a Southern Pirate,” Charles Baylis received Best World Wars for a great display entitled “WWII U.S. Infantry Weapons,” Three different Judges Choice Awards were presented, one went to Elizabeth Topping for her display of “Civil War Personal Effects of the Gentler Sex,” a second Judges Award to Bill Combs for his display entitled “Protecting Paradise – Spanish Colonial Police Forces 1880–1898,” and Amanda Manahan won with a great display entitled “Folk Art & Crafting at the Johnson’s Island Civil War Prison.” The Best Artillery award went to James Schoenung for his outstanding artillery display, “Spanish American War Trophies.” The 2024 Best of Show Award goes to David Gotter for his grand display of the various artillery grape and canister projectiles. This unique display was a hit with all collectors and guests. All in all, it was another successful year for both dealers and guests. Make the Ohio Civil War Show your travel destination each year. Take time to step back in time! Mark your calendars for May 3-4, 2025. 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: www. ohiocivilwarshow.com.