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Mount Ayr Record-News
Lamoni's 13th Annual - and final - Civil War Days (CWD) Re-enactment and Living History celebrates the end of the American Civil War this Labor Day weekend in Lamoni. The event starts with a School Day Program on Friday, September 4th (from 10 - 1:30) and runs through the weekend on Saturday and Sunday, September 5th and 6th. The Civil War ground to a halt 150 years ago when Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia surrendered on April 9, 1865, at the Appomattox Courth House. Cascading surrenders of Confederate generals, armies, and navy followed throughout the country until November 6, 1865, when the Confederate warship CSS Shenandoah finally surrendered at Liverpool, England. "Civil War Days is an educational opportunity, a hands on living history experience of mid-19th centurey U.S. life. It is more than guys with guns; it presents many aspects of civilian life as well. There are both military and civilian encampments, and period tradespeople," said Doug Jones, founder and driving force behind Civil War Days. "When we began the Lamoni re-enactment 13 years ago, I never imagined that it would become the
success it has. We've had PBS and The History Channel film here, as well as a few independent filmmakers. It is a testament to the broad-based support we've enjoyed from the community and the re-enactors. I think it is altogether fitting that we celebrate the end of that terrible war with our final event." CWD opens to the public
on Saturday morning of Labor Day weekend at 9 a.m. with a skirmish to defend - or seize - downtown Lamoni. After the battle for downtown Lamoni, all event activities move one mile west of town to a 38 acre pasture next to the Home Pond at the end of North Mulberry Street. There you will find the encampments of the opposing armies and the main battlefield. Saturday activities begin at the main battlefield with a live mortar fire competition at 11:30 a.m. and conclude with artillery night fire at 9 p.m. Two large battles will be fought, one on Saturday at 2 p.m., another on Sunday at 1 p.m. Just like during the real Civil War, spectators can sit and watch the confrontation, see and hear explosions, and watch buildings burn during the clash." There are many non-military activities throughout the weekend. On Saturday our civilian Town Square will feature a period Fashoin Show, a period dance (complete with caller), period tea ceremonies, a wedding anniversary, a period meal free to everyone in period attire, and a memorial to all living historians who have died over the last 13 years. There will be a non-donominational period church service Sunday morning as well.
"Be sure to check the schedule on the evnet web site for times of each activity," advises Jones. Lamoni's Civil War Days Re-enactment and Living History concludes with the 1 p.m. battle on Sunday. A detailed schedule of weekend events can be found at www.civilwardays.org.
Centennial Poster courtesy of civilwardays.org
Mount Ayr Record-News
After a one year layoff, Civil War Days Reenactment and Living History is returning to the streets and fields of Lamoni. Long the highlight of Labor Day, Civil War Days is moving to May 19, 20, 1nd 21 this year. "We chose the time of year because it is right after Mothers' day with a lead into Memorial Day," said Doug Jones, founder and driving force behind Civil War Days. "It won't interfere with holiday plans and is a good way to celebrate our veterans." The event takes place one mile west of town in a 38-acre pasture located north of Rose Hill Cemetery and east of Home Pond. Camps open to the public Saturday at 10 a.m. with large battles at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday. Civil War Days offers free parking and admission, modern and period vendors, and features a hands-on School Day Program on Friday. May 19th. "We're bringing back Civil War Days because so many people missed the encampment and activities last year," Jones said. "But the biggest reason is the Brookie Lee and Kevin Glaser - Lamoni residents - stepped up to take a leadership role and carry it forward. After 13 years, it was time for me to turn it over to new enthusiasts - and I think it's in good hands for many years to come." A detailed schedule of weekend events can be found at www.civilwardays.org.
Photograph courtesy of Mount Ayr Record-News
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