On Sunday morning we traveled north to the Vermont History Expo 2012, History's Country Fair held on the fairgrounds in Tunbridge where 150 + Historical Societies around the state participate in this event every two years. This year's theme was the Civil War. We were scheduled to 'sit' with the Weathersfield Historical Society's display in the afternoon from 1-5 pm so we arrived early in order to take in the sights before our time to man the booth.
After looking at the many interesting displays and seeing the reenactors in their encampments and many folks in period clothing, which got them in at half price, and good visits with participants we took our lunch break feasting on Wood Fired Pizza. The aroma was just too good, wafting on a hearty breeze that cooled our otherwise really warm day. Actually a picture perfect, mid June day. (The pizza was as tasty as it's aroma promised.) We skipped the homemade fudge!
At noon The White River Players of Rochester, VT presented highlights from "Ransom" an original play and music inspired by the Civil War letters of Lieut. Ransom W. Towle of West Rochester, VT which he sent home to his family from Virginia where he fought with the Union army and boys from the 4th Vermont Regiment. The play writer, Dick Robson was there as one of the actors. His wife Dorothy wrote original music, arranged traditional music of the Civil War and was the pianist. Every actor, and there were many, did an excellent job portraying the part of their 1860's character. If you ever get the chance to go to the play, "Ransom" and see the whole play, DO ! The 50 min. version on Sun. was very well done and very moving. In April 2013, the Lost Nation Theater production will be opening in Montpelier VT .
After a long day we stopped by the booth where the Vermont Cracker folks were offering free dishes of a traditional Civil War era supper.... Cheddar Ale on broken up VT Crackers...or the other choice was Civil War Stew, a concoction of crisped up salt pork and forage findings like greens, chives or whatever a soldier could find to add to his stew. I chose the Cheddar ale which was much like the sauce one would make for macaroni and cheese only with non alcoholic ale added. This sauce of a medium thickness poured over the crackers was absolutely delicious ! I took it along to have with a sandwich we made foraging in our little fridge in the Gypsy Wagon. Then we headed over the hill to Vershire where we parked the Gypsy for the night and had a good visit with friends on the Hill for the rest of the evening. It doesn't get really dark until about 9:15-9:30 there high on the open-to-the-sky hilltop. We don't have electricity away up there where we settle, so after getting ready for bed, reading wasn't on top of the list as to see to read we would need to light up the gas lantern...too tired for that so we hit the hay early and watch the darkness descend and listen to the night sounds, including the "who, who, who, to who" of an owl in the trees nearby. All cozy in our big bed we are soon off to sleep.
We wake early to the songs of many early birds. It's Monday and after our breakfast we pack up and decide to head home. Our friends get off to work and we leave for home. It was surely a nice first trip for our Gypsy Wagon... now we need to think about all our chores around here. But not until tomorrow. I remember it's "Be Still And Smell the Posies Day"for me anyway, Den is mowing the lawns. So I will just write my blog, sew a label on the new great granddaughter's quilt..Oh yes! she now has a name...Alexandra Paige... a very beautiful name for a very beautiful baby girl! And I picked some rhubarb to make us a rhubarb crisp...that doesn't count as work. Until next time... Be well and enjoy each day for the gift it is.
Some highlight scenes from the play, "Ransom"
Civil War Soldiers of the 4th Vermont Regiment
A family life back home scene, early in the war
That was a full weekend for you! I'm glad the weather and your campout went well also. Sorry to say, I called fairgrounds and they found no clothes in lost and found! Am glad to hear the great grand baby has a name, it is beautiful.
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