Seasonal & Holidays
Royal Oak's Civil War Day Saturday
Civil War re-enactors, both military and civilian, will be on site to demonstrate life in a civil war encampment.
From Royal Oak: The Royal Oak Historical Commission will once again be hosting Civil War Day at the historic Orson Starr House on Saturday, May 20, from 10 am – 5 pm. The event is free to the public.
Civil War re-enactors, both military and civilian, will be on site to demonstrate life in a civil war encampment, including musket firing demonstrations, drill sessions, and camp life, as well as answer any questions.
“This is our third year for the event” said Rick Karlowski of the Royal Oak Historical Commission, the volunteer city committee that oversees operations and upkeep of the Starr House as well as other historical projects.
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The theme is that of a recruiting party coming to Royal Oak. The 15th Michigan Volunteers will again be the main participants, along with their civilian camp followers. A few Confederate paroles will also be walking the grounds.
Kids can participate in a recruit musket drill with the soldiers through the day after “enlisting.”
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“Kids will be loaned a wooden musket and kepi cap, and go through the basic drill and maneuvers of a Civil War era recruit” Karlowski said. “At the end, they will be given an enlistment certificate based on an actual Civil War document.”
New this year, a surgeon will be plying his trade in the Starr House parlor, and musicians will be playing period music on the porch from 1-3 pm.
“We are very excited to have an excellent impression of a Civil War medical officer, who will set up his field hospital in the parlor, as well as a small group of local residents who will be playing period tunes between the gun fire on the porch in the afternoon,” Karlowski said.
Don Caulder of the Starr House Guild will be conducting tours throughout the day.
“He is very knowledgeable on the history of the house and the furnishing, and loves to do the tours” Karlowski said. “I would encourage everyone that stops by to take a tour with Don.”
Extra parking is available at the Salvation Army church, one block south of the Starr House.
Photo courtesy of Royal Oak
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