It'll be 1863 again when re-enactors visit lodge

"Our membership is always looking for something to do to give back to the community," explains Greg Anstrom of Argus Lodge 545 in Canfield.
So, this group of Masons is giving back a bit of history.
For the second year, the Masonic Lodge at Argus Park on Shields Road in Canfield will host a Civil War re-enactment, demonstrated by the members of the 105th Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
The infantry will settle in four different camps within the 44 acres of the park. There will be Union and Confederate camps, an artillery camp and a sutlers camp.
"Sutlers are people who would sell everything that a soldier would need," Greg explains. "We will have a big assortment of period craftspeople."
The two-day event will begin this Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. with a pie-baking demonstration and rolling pin or skillet toss.
"The re-enactors stand and have the wives toss rolling pins or skillets at them to see how close they can get," Greg chuckles as he explains the event. (Couples visiting the re-enactment will not be permitted to compete!)
After that ringing demonstration, those attending the event can visit the four camps; purchase items from the sutlers, see how the soldiers lived, perhaps even speak with General Lee or General Grant.
'Getting into period'
"When these re-enactors arrive on site," Greg says with amazement in his voice, "they take on the personae of the people of 1863. It's like they don't have a car or a home. This is their life. They call it 'getting into period.'"
Their acting is very convincing, from the clothes that they wear to the half-bale of hay that they sleep on.
"You can walk into one of their tents and see how a soldier really lived," Greg says.
At noon on both Saturday and Sunday, the camps will gather for a word from Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Bill Ames of Michigan.
"I believe Bill has read every word that was ever written about Abraham Lincoln," Greg says. "You would swear you are talking to Abe. He looks exactly like him. The kids love him."
Bill, as President Lincoln, will speak on the life and times of the Civil War. Visitors may ask questions for him to answer.
After Abraham Lincoln will be the presentation of Colonel Nash's sword.
"During the Civil War, the original 105th infantry was raised in the Canfield area," Greg says in explaining the history behind the presentation. Col. Nash was from the 105th. His home has been turned into the War Vet Museum on East Main Street in Canfield.
"Colonel Nash's sword is presented to the Union commander to use during the re-enactment," Greg says in sharing the significance of the event.
After the sword is presented, the Union and Confederate armies stand in line for the dress parade.
"Each side does an inspection of the uniforms by the officers," Greg says.
Mortar fire
Then it is time to shoot mortar fire.
A stake is placed in the ground and each side tries to lob a cannon ball closest to it.
"These guys are so good they will drop those cannon balls within a foot of the stake," Greg says with childlike excitement.
At 2 p.m. the re-enactment begins.
"The re-enactors come up with different scenarios," Greg explains. "One day the Confederates win. The next day, the Union."
The battle begins with a blast from the cannon. Two of the cannon that will be fired in the battle were actually used in the Civil War. All four cannon were used in the making of the movie, "Gettysburg."
With cannon balls flying overhead and ground charges exploding upon impact, this historical re-enactment is sure to be a blast!
gwhite@vindy.com
XArgus Lodge is located at 5050 Shields Road, Canfield. Gates open at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. General Admission is $5. Children under 10 are free.