Events highlight Civil War

By Carol Weimer
Canastota Corner

Two major Madison County arts and historical organizations are collaborating on a series of events to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

The Earlville Opera House Multi-Arts Center and the Annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend have developed two historical and musical programs to provide education and entertainment about the War Between the States.

The 20th annual Peterboro Civil War Weekend will be held June 19 and 20.

The first collaborative event took place on May 19 at the historic Madison Hall in Morrisville. Hugh C. Humphreys hosted “John Brown’s Ghost: From Madison County to Harpers Ferry,” which highlighted Madison County’s profound role in the support of John Brown. Greg Artzner and Terri Leonino comprised the musical duo “Magpie,” which entertained in the performance.

On Friday, June 8 at 7:30 p.m. the Earlville Opera House presents “Four Seasons, Four Years - The Civil War, A Musical Journey.” Magpie returns with nine other upstate New York musicians performing popular songs of the era (1820-1865).

Tickets for this event are available at the door, by calling 691-3551 and online at :

www.earlvilleoperahouse.com

The Peterboro Weekend will be held June 9 and 10 and if you have never visited one of the weekends this is the year to do so with the 20th annual event and the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. There is something going on those two days to attract everyone. Special programs for the children are planned with participation for those interested. The general admission is $8 for adults, $3 for children 6-12 and younger than 5 free. Family rates are available - ask at the gate. The hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

A mock battle will be held at 2 p.m. both days, music of the times, military camps will be exhibited, costumed historians will be available. A special Saturday evening concert will be held at 8 p.m. with the 77th NY Regimental Balladeers to be held at the Community Center. Tickets are $10 at the door.

There will be food available booth days supplied by various organizations including the Peterboro United Methodist Church and the Smithfield Fire Department. A unique country store in the manner of Civil War days offers a souvenirs and books. Modern day production of clothing, utensils and articles are also offered for purchase.
Each year a Civil War ballroom dance has been held at the firemen’s building with those attending invited to wear period costumes of the times or conventional dress is also welcomed.

The Peterboro Civil War Weekend is a wonderful opportunity for children as well as adults to learn additional information on the War Between the States to be revisited by adults and extra points for school-age kids when they study history.

Proceeds from the Peterboro event are used to preserve and promote the Gerrit Smith Estate, a National Historic Landmark, and the Smithfield Community Center, home of the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum.