Ohio Civil War & WWI & WWII Show Our History ~ Not Forgotten MANSFIELD, Ohio—The “Ohio Show” is a true testament that our history is not forgotten; thousands of guests filled the grounds looking for a bit of Civil War and WWI & II historical education. Mansfield, Ohio, came alive with Civil War, WWI, and WWII enthusiasts for a weekend packed with militaria and special featured events. The local community looks forward to this annual event each year. The Show is happy to support the Mansfield community. We hear that the hotels were filled, and restaurants were packed. Guests were given a opportunity to see unique and rare memorabilia, pose questions to historian experts about the detail of war, and experience actual living history encampments of the Civil War and WWII. The cannon firing demonstrations are always a crowd pleaser and definitely makes some noise. The weekend is a family event that should not be missed. Dealers traveling from over 44 states, along with over 4,000 attendees, tells the fact that the Ohio Show is the most attended event of the year. Dealers travele
14 – American Battlefield Trust 34 – Book Reviews 12 – Central Virginia Battlefield
from as far as New York, Texas, Missouri, Maine, California, and even Hawaii, to share their unique wares.
The testimonials simply tell like it is: • “Incredible show as always – One of the finest!” – Brendan Synnamon • “One of the best shows of it kind in the country.” – R Coddington • “Many thanks to everyone who participated and made this happen – Keeping history alive.” – Andy Rogers • “It was AWESOME.” – Eric Sackman
The Annual Ohio Civil War, WWI &II Show is held at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio, each year, during the first weekend in May. Seven buildings filled wit military material from 1775 through 1945. This is the 45th year for the grand event. Hats off to the Williams fami who continue to manage and coordinate the Show. It takes a year in the planning to contact
26 – Critic’s Corner 28 – Emerging Civil W st 39 – Events
Award winners from left to right: daughter), Tom McEvoy, Abe Lincol shown)
all the dealers and orchestrate a the added special features that have become the crowd pleasers for young and old. The Williams family has a passion for history, and they come by it honestly. Don Williams originated the Show in 1977 with just a small isle of tables and a dream to keep our history alive. The Show quickly grew to over 750 tables with all the added outdoor features, making the Historical Show an event for all ages to enjoy. The Show’s favorite features are the Civil War and WWII encampments spread over the entire grounds; rows of cannons stand along the tent lines; fire pits set up for evening campsite story telling. As the still of th night came alive each morning with a grand opening ceremony by the infantry, both Civil and Revolutionary Wars. What a spectacular sight to enjoy with your morning coffee. Everyone enjoys music and the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps and the 73rd OVI Regiment Band played favorite tunes and feature period duty calls using drum beat throughout the day. Abraham Lincoln presented the Gettysburg
l Poe, Richard Wolfe, Kevin Kinne thy Spencer (with spouse) and Lyn
Address to a full crowd of interested guests, The Brigade of the American Revolution, along with Confederate and Union Civil War infantry, fired weapons and marched in line across the grounds. What a great photo opportunity it was. Special Civil War and World War II Living History Encampments showed visitors how the soldiers survived and endured life during periods when they were not marching or in combat. An educational presentation by the WWII U.S. 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron was one presentation not to miss. Guests learned how the squadron took care of the wounded and how they evacuated them in such challenging conditions. What a great history lesson. The Artillery demonstration is a unique portion of the Show; the only one of its kind in the Unite States, showcasing artillery fiel pieces from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Visitors enjoyed seeing fullscale cannons, limbers, caissons, and artillery shells along with an eight-cannon firing line.
iff Krainik, Bret Schweinfurth ( tty. (Elizabeth Topping is not
Reenactors took to the field in full dress to give an educationa and entertaining demonstration of artillery firing. In addition to celebrating Civ War valor and history, the World War I & World War II exhibitors were added to the Show due to th interest in our history. U.S. an German soldiers walked amongst the crowd and answered questions from guests who wanted to learn and understand more. A rare encampment set-up within the large barn showed complete livin quarters, uniforms, weapons, and ammunition. Onlookers were in awe as U.S. WWII GI’s and German Soldaten demonstrated with blank firing WWII military weapons. The educational displays never disappoint. Exhibitors were invited to participate in a disp competition, where 26 dealers showcased unique items with historical facts in outstanding visual displays. Thanks for all the great educational presentations this year.
H Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . see page e Unfinished Fight rough the Lens
