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HISTORY CLASH
Medieval actors battle as part of students’ final exam
By Denise Dick
youngstowN
It wasn’t their father’s final exam. It wasn’t even their great-great-great-grandfather’s.
For the final exam in Eleanor Congdon’s class on the High Middle Ages on Thursday at Youngstown State University, students got to see a real-world example of what they’ve been studying all semester — well, almost.
Several members of the local Society for Creative Anachronism demonstrated aspects of medieval warfare and life that students have been studying in the course. To fulfill the university’s requirements, the students had to answer questions about what they learned, but the bulk of the class on the last day focused on the demonstration.
Congdon, associate professor of medieval and Renaissance history, thought the SCA’s demonstration of what the students learned in class was a good way to cap off the semester.
“Some of these people have been doing this after years and years of practice,” she said.
Dirk Hermance, an SCA member from Hubbard, donned the apparel used for fighting during the period and “battled” another SCA member in front of St. John’s Episcopal Church on Wick Avenue.
“This is not a process we take lightly,” Hermance said, explaining that members must wear appropriate apparel and follow safety precautions.
“This is not something you should do at home in your backyard,” he said.
Complete with armor, helmet and padding, Hermance estimated that his ensemble weighed about 50 pounds with the helmet comprising the bulk of the weight.
A room inside the church displayed weaponry, armor, clothing and musical instruments from the period.
Michael MacTavish of Champion brought a small sampling of his collection that includes swords, maces, long bows, cross bows and guns as well as chain mail, helmets and armor.
People make some of the pieces, including MacTavish’s sister Charlena Beasley, also of Champion, who sewed her elaborate red velvet dress similar to the style worn by Elizabeth I before she assumed the throne.
They buy other pieces.
Beasley said her brother’s collection fills a two-car garage at home. He started collecting long before joining SCA.
“I love history,” MacTavish said.
Congdon’s final test got great reviews from students.
“I wish all my finals were like this,” one student said.