WATERLOO - Memorial Day is all about commemorating the sacrifices of our forefathers and mothers in the Civil War, and what better place to do that than in Waterloo, Birthplace of Memorial Day.
Living History Chair Caren Cleaveland and her committee have arranged an outstanding schedule of activities at the Civil War encampment on Oak Island. See camp life in the 1850s, listen to the roar of battlefield cannon, play children’s Civil War era games and crafts, taste Civil War cooking, listen to music of the era hear talks about life on the battlefield and at home during our nation’s bloodiest conflict.
CELEBRITIES HELP CELEBRATE
You never can tell whom you may meet at Celebrate Commemorate. Re-enactors portraying presidents and historical figures will mingle with the crowds throughout the village. The popular Gig Young as Teddy Roosevelt and local actress Eleanor Sterns as Clara Barton will be joined by Fritz Klein as Abraham Lincoln and Carolyn Evans as Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth will bring history to life at events from the Creative Expressions awards ceremony on Thursday to the Sunday worship service
Welles Award Reception on Friday, Saturday’s parade and Sunday’s worship service. Not all dignitaries will be at all events, but they are expected to gather on the front porch of the National Memorial Day Museum at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, where the public is invited to ask questions and participate in a press conference.
HARRIET TUBMAN/SOJOURNER TRUTH
Carolyn Evans is known for bringing history to life through her interactive dramatic presentations accompanied by dynamic drumming for a Ghanaian-styled drum and dance ensemble. She uses poetry and dance to portray the lives of courageous women. Harriet Tubman will speak about her experiences with the Underground Railroad at Oak Island Pavilion 2 at 1 and 6 p.m. Saturday. Sojourner Truth will speak at 10 a.m. Sunday at the Oak Island pavilion.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Considered one of the nation’s foremost Lincoln actors, Richard F. (Fritz) Klein makes Lincoln and his period of history come alive. Klein began acting as a hobby in 1975. The first time he was asked to portray Abraham Lincoln was in 1976 at a municipal celebration of the nation’s bicentennial. He began acting fulltime in 1980. Since then, the role has taken him to 35 states for film and television, on stage, and as a motivational speaker. He now resides in Springfield, Illinois, with his wife and family, where he performs for some of the city’s 500,000 annual visitors. From there he also travels to points across the nation on tours and by special invitation.
He will deliver the keynote address at the 6th annual Illumination and Remembrance ceremony at the American Civil War Memorial at 8:30 p.m. Friday On Saturday he will speak at the M’Clintock House at 1 p.m. and at the Oak Island Pavilion at 3 p.m. and will deliver the Emancipation Proclamation at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at Oak Island.
THEODORE ROOSEVELT
Gib Young has been a life long admirer of Theodore Roosevelt. He is a member of the Theodore Roosevelt Association. Mr. Roosevelt’s personality, intellect, and zest for life were an irresistible call to Gib. But it wasn’t until about ten years ago that a local teacher convinced Young to come to a fifth grade class as the 26th President. The ‘challenge’ and fun of that small event led to an acceleration of study of ‘TR’s’ history and a development of period clothing and spectacles.
A fortuitous meeting six years ago with Fritz Klein, the foremost Abraham Lincoln interpreter today convinced Young to become a professional interpreter himself. Klein felt that Young’s Theodore Roosevelt impression was the best he had ever seen. Besides the physical resemblance of Theodore Roosevelt – circa 1915 –Young has been able to develop the vocal and movements of his subject to a high degree.
He will lead a tour of the American Civil War Memorial at 1:15 p.m. Saturday and will speak at the M’Clintock House at 11 a.m. Sunday.
CLARA BARTON
Geneva’s Eleanor Stearns’ portrayal of Clara Barton gives glimpses of her life, her involvement during the Civil War, and her role in the founding and activities of the American Red Cross. She will also read portions of a Memorial Day address that Miss Barton delivered in Dansville, NY. Ms. Stearns developed this presentation after extensive research and visitations to Clara Barton’s birthplace and gravesite in North Oxford, Massachusetts. She also visited Dansville where the first chapter of the American Red Cross was founded and studied original letters and documents at their Red Cross Headquarters. In May 2004 she was honored to portray Clara Barton at Miss Barton’s final home and Red Cross Headquarters in Glen Echo, Maryland on the 100th anniversary of her resignation as President of the American Red Cross.
Don’t miss the Dress Parade and Presidential Camp observation and inspection.
Ever wish you could ask the President a question? Now’s your chance! The four celebrities will gather at the National Memorial Day Museum for a Presidential Press Conference. The public is urged to ask questions or stop by for a photograph or autograph.
Seneca County Historian Walt Gable will present displays and information on the many ways in which Seneca County was involved and /or affected by the Civil War as he discusses Seneca County and the Civil War at the pavilion on Oak Island. He will also have copies of his latest book, The Seneca Army Depot: Fighting Wars from the New York Home Front available for purchase. Gable is speaking at Pavilion #1 on Oak Island on Saturday at 1:30 and 3:30 and Sunday at 12;30.
On Sunday, gather at the American Civil War Memorial for the annual Civil War Church Service. At 9:15 a.m. Return to Oak Island to learn about the chaplains of the Civil War hear Sojourner Truth, talk about slavery and see a musket cleaning demonstration.
