Thursday, April 14, 2011

Civil War Days at Mahaffie Stage Coach Stop

Today the boys got to see Civil War uniforms, bedrolls, and various tools.  Below two girls are folding up the "dog tent" which was carried by two soldiers, put together and shared, but it wasn't big enough to keep a dog dry.    
The kids listened to a letter from a "primary source" - a Civil War soldier's letter home.  Then they got to write their own letter home with old fashioned pens.


Eight soldiers were involved in loading a cannon.  Here DS is in charge of the box with the artillery in it.  His sole job was to open and close the box at the opportune time.  Below is the blank the kids prepared.  The ground shook when he demonstrated the "real thing".  Wow.  Loud and smoky.
Stage coach ride had nothing to do with the Civil War, but it is a great thing to do at a historic stage coach stop nonetheless. 

The kids did a good job learning to line up and march in formation.  The shorter ones in front because of the logistics of having someone with a gun right behind you.  If they had to shoot you would want to be as low as possible.
A demonstration of loading the gun.

All in all, a great experience.  I want to dress up in period costumes, too!

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