I have always loved Christmas, and the whole holiday season…my parents still laugh about my “playing Christmas records in October” when I was young…many memorable Christmas’ have passed, but I still break out the old favorites[Glen Campbell, Andy Williams, Nat King Cole], and some new traditions[Chieftains, Celtic, Civil War period music], pretty early…the “Spirit of Christmas”, after all, is not to be “boxed up” after the first of the year, but should be a fresh in our minds year round…and although I do love the lights, the tree, and the decorations, traditions that my parents, grandparents and family have always shared, the most important thing I’ve learned, is “what Christmas is all about”-the birth of our Savior, ’tis Christ the Lord!

"Ma and Pa"--priceless!

"Glory to the Newborn King"

This year, for the first time in a number of years, I didn’t have to worry about getting called to work, as Christmas Day was “calm and bright”…so, what a blessing it was, to be able to spend the whole day with my family, going to Sue’s, my parents’, my Uncle’s, and then finally back home, watching smiling faces exchanging gifts at each stop, and of course a delicious Christmas dinner at Ma’s…

I always enjoy watching faces light up when reading a heartfelt card, or opening the perfect present…many wonderful things were given[and received] this year, and one the favorites turned out to be the “Hallmark recordable storybooks” that we gave to Chloe and Cayden…what a great idea-being able to record your voice reading “The Very First Christmas”, or “The Night Before Christmas”….

"Christmas is for Children..."

Another tradition that our family continues to carry on, is that we go house-to-house on the evenings following Christmas, which makes it a week-long celebration of sorts…and this year, Sue’s Mum, sister and brother-in-law were able to come visit from out of town, a very nice surprise[again,the weather cooperated]…I also got to spend some time with Nicole, my “unadopted daughter”!…each of these small gifts of quality time, as the commercial says, “priceless”…

Many families have experienced the loss of a loved one during the holiday season, and ours

"O Christmas Tree..."

is no exception, with my Grandmother passing away several years ago in December…it was especially difficult, as she was the last of my Grandparents, but I know that I was Blessed to have four wonderful Grandparents for so many years…through a strange little “gift from above”, this years’ tree ended up being a gift from them!…so, with that in mind, I adorned the 13 foot frasier with silver and gold, and homemade angels…”God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen,let nothing you dismay, remember Christ our Savior, was born upon this Day!”

"Deck the halls..."

“Merry Christmas Everyone!”

"Happy Holiday's"

"Sue and I"

Rob was very welcoming, and showed me his original cameras, the tin and glass plates, and explained the process, including the original chemicals and how they bring the image to life…he also showed me his extensive wardrobe-uniforms, dresses, and civilian clothing, for those outside the living history realm who wish to dress for the occasion…

Having my own uniform, that of a Union private with the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, I was ready for my first Gibson image…and what a great experience, doing just what so many soldiers did once they received their uniform–setting for a tintype…it didn’t take long to realize that Rob truly is a “master photographer”, as he took great care in the prepping for the shot, and then invited me to watch as the chemicals “raise” the image on the tin plate…

"My first Gibson image"

"Sue-in an original case"

"62nd Descendant Tintype"

"62nd Company Tintype"

"62nd Descendants Print"

"62nd Company Print"

To see more of Rob’s images, including “God’s and General’s”, History Channel, and PBS specials to name a few, visit: www.civilwarphotography.com

**Copyright laws apply to all Gibson images**

"Wheatfield Tribute"

  It hardly seems like it’s been almost two months since our annual visit to Gettysburg…A very busy schedule[civil war, holiday preperations, work] hasn’t allowed much time for writing, but I’ll try and catch up again……

The trip to Gettysburg started with an early departure from Kittanning, arriving in Gettysburg around mid-morning…since Sue and I had a little time before other members were to arrive, we decided to go to the Wheatfield to place a flag on the 62nd monument, and to check the ground conditions prior to Saturday’s ceremony…it wouldn’t be long until we would realize that we were “guided” there for a reason…as we arrived at the monument, I noticed one other gentleman in the Wheatfield…as I was placing the flag, he drew closer, as if wanting to see “who places these flags”…”I’m going to put a flag there myself”, he said, and in an instant I knew that he too was a descendant of a 62nd volunteer…”Tom”, Sue and I all sensed that our meeting was special, and I invited him to attend the ceremony and other events on Saturday…having several ancestors in Company H[St. Clair Guards], he said “I’ll be here”, and we parted ways, knowing we would be seeing each other again…

As the day went on, other members arrived, including “new recruits” Joe and Cindy

"Lightner Farmhouse B&B"

McShane…with the grounds at the Lightner Farmhouse B&B being extremely soft due to recent rain and snow, we elected to preserve our encampment site by staying off of it, and we enjoyed the comforts of the farmhouse for the weekend…As always, Dennis and Eileen treated us like family[I may give up tenting in November!]…

"Lightner Farm breakfast room"

Saturday, 19 November, 2011…one hundred and forty-eight years have passed since President Abraham Lincoln came to Gettysburg to help dedicate the Soldiers’ National Cemetery…

As the sun rose on a cold, frosty November morning, friends, families, and members of the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, gathered around the monument to pay solemn tribute to the men of the Regiment…once again, a large contingent from the Confederation of Union Generals[ Generals, staff, and lovely ladies] showed their support for our unit, with General JNO Buford[Mike Smith] and General Rufus Ingalls[Pat Fairbairn] both delivering very moving tributes to the sacrifices offered by the 62nd Regiment, not only at Gettysburg, but throughout their three years’ service in the Army of the Potomac…

"...we must never forget..."

Following the Wheatfield ceremony, we all traveled to the Soldiers National Monument, for a tribute to the U.S.Regulars, the “regular Army”  Veterans…General G.G. Meade[Andy Waskie, Meade Society], and General George Thomas[Bill Vossler, COUG] both gave accounts of the Regulars’ history, with many representatives being introduced…the 62nd served as Honor Guard, along with the 98th PA…

Just a short walk up Cemetery Ridge, we gathered around the large equestrian memorial to General George Gordon Meade, hosted by the Meade Society…speeches by General Meade[Andy Waskie], and General John F. Reynolds[Mike Riley,COUG] graced this ceremony, with our unit bearing the Colors of Meade’s former Corps, the Union Fifth Corps…

"Our lovely ladies..."

"62nd PVI"

Following a brief lunch break, it was time to “form up” for the Remembrance Day Parade, sponsered by the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War[SUVCW], to which many 62nd members also belong…The SUVCW led the parade, with the 62nd PVI, as Honor Guard for COUG, following right in line, as the endless line of troops marched thru the streets of historic Gettysburg…this never fails to provide the “in the moment” feelings, as if for just a brief moment we become our ancestors…the streets were crowded with on-lookers, and the weather was beautiful…a grand day…

"...is marching on..."

"His Truth..."

Finally, after another short time to relax, the 62nd PVI, along with some friends from the 66th Ohio Regiment, gathered at the Soldiers National Cemetery for the most solemn duty of the day–Guard detail for the Illumination of the Cemetery…I know that I have stated this before, but it is in the performance of this duty that one REALLY feels the connection to the fallen heroes at Gettysburg…many times as a living historian things happen and all hints of the modern world seem to fade away, but if you take seriously the opportunity to stand guard over the illuminated graves, you easily “become” a soldier assigned the most sullen duty…and as you listen to the names of the thousands of

"Ghostly image-guard detail"

dead, as they are read by other volunteers, you know that each name represents someone who gave his life, to preserve our Union, and see the abolition of slavery through…may God Bless them all…what an appropriate way to end a long, meaningful day, knowing that you are standing at the site where President Lincoln gave his timeless address…

Sunday, 20 November 2011…following a delicious breakfast, we said our goodbyes at the Lightner Farm, and headed to the battlefield for some quiet walking time and discussion of the battle…we then gathered in town for a meal together before returning home…always hard to leave Gettysburg…already looking forward to our return………

PHOTO CREDITS: Joe McShane

"Joe and Cindy"

If you have heard or read about Larry A. Smail’s painting of the 62nd PVI at Gettysburg, you will find additional information on this site about the painting, prints, and the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry[including D.W.Swigart]…

If you would like to order a print, there are several options available…

You can type your request by clicking on the “leave a comment” link  at the bottom of this post, which will in turn go to my e-mail…

You may E-mail me directly at: 100yrs2L8@windstream.net

Or you may call me at: 724-545-1330  Please leave a message if no answer, and I will return your call as soon as I can…

Whichever way you choose to order, please include the following details:  Your name and contact information, the series of print you are interested in{150th Anniversary-$150.oo, Artist Proof-$120.00, or Limited Edition-$100.00}, form of payment[ cash or check], and address[if shipping is required]…

Checks can be made payable to: Robert J. Bowser, and add “print” on the memo line if possible…

On behalf of Larry and I, thank you for your support of this project, which benefits in part: Co. D, 62nd PVI Living History Unit, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Camp#43, and the “Rest on Arms” Indiana County Civil War Memorial Project…

"THANK YOU"

On a beautiful autumn afternoon, a few members of the Sarah A. Crawford Auxiliary, along with Larry Smail and myself, gathered in front of the Worthington-W.F. library[the old high school] to put on a presentation about “Civil War Life: Soldiers and Civilians”…

"Story time..."

We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day, and once the tents were in place, we started the program around 1PM…I spoke for around 45 minutes about the GAR, it’s transition into the Sons Of Veterans’ of the United States, and into its’ current status-the “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War”…I discussed the changes in membership requirements over the years, the fact that the SUVCW is a national organization, with state departments, and on the local level, camps…I told the small group of the local response to Lincoln’s call for volunteers, and what it means to the members of the Sons to be descendants of those brave men…

I then turned the program over to Auxiliary member Mindy Eckler, who talked about the ladies roles during wartime, on the homefront and at times in the field…she discussed the various fashions of the time, food and cooking, and also, what it means to belong to the

"Mindy's turn"

Auxiliary to the SUVCW…Mindy and I then jointly related stories of soldiers’ diaries, and their letters written and received…

We then invited our guests to get up and look at all of the items on display…the ladies had a very nice display of ladies clothing, accessories, and literature, as well as several types of cookies for sampling[my favorite display!]…

"Addie"-our youngest member

Larry A. Smail was on hand with his civil war painting “The Wheatfield-Whirlpool of Death”, which he displayed on an easel beside an A-tent, which was set up with items relative to the 62nd PVI, including replica brigade, division and regimental flags…the 62nd regiment is featured in the painting, and it made a nice follow up for some of the folks who were present at the library in April, when Larry and I did an indoor program there…

I also had an A-tent set up with a display of typical soldiering equipment[musket, leathers, blanket, ground cloth], along with some of the information about my ancestors who served in the Union Army…

All-in-all, the folks seemed very appreciative of our efforts for the day…

One nice bit of “irony”: As I speaking to the crowd, as they would inform me later, a bald eagle flew over head, encircling our encampment…that is the second event in a row that that has occurred, as the same “fly-over” took place in Smicksburg several weeks ago…

"Bald Eagle"from another day

Photo Credits: All photos by Larry A. Smail, exept “Bald Eagle”, which I captured along the Reesedale Road a few years ago.

As you may have read in past pages, the Indiana County Civil War Memorial is in the fundraising stage…we’ve done the planning, we know what the statue,base and surrounding memorial are going to look like, and we’ve got plenty of reasons for WHY we want to complete it-over 2,800 to be exact…every one of the over 2,800 Civil War Veterans from Indiana County deserve it…

"The wagon train"

Beginning on Saturday morning, following a campfire breakfast, we opened up our camp to visitors…the Smicksburg Train, a team of horses pulling a covered wagon, encircled the town and our camp throughout the day…on many of these stops, our guests were greeted by none other than President Abraham Lincoln[committee member Walt Marr]…

"Sam talks guns"

Guests were free to roam the camp, with plenty of opportunities to learn about the Civil War…they could visit a weapons display, presented by Sam McKissick, an ongoing cooking demonstration[we need to eat], or visit with the ladies as they worked on a variety of projects…they could use a “training weapon”, meant for the kids, to go through a brief “drilling and marching” regime[we also had Kepi's for the youngsters for a donation]…they could hear stories by Mr. Lincoln, or by any of our members-always willing to talk about our ancestors and their service[including some who fought and died on this date 149 years ago at the Battle of Antietam]…and of course, there was a “Memorial” display, where visitors could not only see what the statue will look like, but could feel it, as we had the bronzed “miniature” there…our “thank you” gifts were available as well[for varying levels of support], and our newest item-the “Dollar Campaign Lantern”-which basically says “there are over 85,000 residents in Indiana County, and we need $80,000 to complete the memorial”…one dollar per person is not much to ask for such a meaningful and significant project; one that will be a visible reminder in the community for future generations, of the sacrifices made by those brave men 150 years ago…we hope to have these “lanterns” throughout the county in the near future, so if you

..."Drill!"

see one-drop in a dollar…

"Drill..."

All-in-all, we had a great weekend: we shared some history, made some new friends, and

"...Drill"

raised some money for the “Rest on Arms” memorial…

The following weekend, many of the group also participated at the “Clymer Days” event in Clymer, PA, where many of the same displays were available, and more money was collected toward our goal…

This past weekend, the wind and rain kept us from a scheduled event at “Thistle and Pine” in Marion Center,PA…

On Saturday, November 5,2011, there will be a “Ladies Victorian Tea” in Indiana, PA, also for the Memorial Project…for more details about the Tea , or the project itself, you can go to www.restonarms.wordpress.com

Photo Credits: All photos on this post by Erin Stewart, ICPT-Thanks Erin!

‘

"COUG at OBV"

26 August-28 August, 2011

It’s hard to believe it’s been a month since this event…so much has been going on, with the

"Ready for duty"

62nd, the “Wheatfield” painting and prints, the SUVCW Camp and it’s Indiana County Memorial project, that I haven’t had time to report on any of it!

As I’ve said in previous posts, Old Bedford Village is hard to beat if you are a living historian…once again, the 62nd PVI set up our encampment in the center of the village, where we would do our cooking, eating, soldiering, and in some cases, sleeping for the weekend…and once again, we would be in a supporting role for the “Confederation of Union Generals”…both groups had a great turnout of members, dispite the threatening hurricane, with some leaving their homes in it’s path to attend the event…

We added several features to this years’ schedule, with Tim Nupp presenting as his gr,gr grandfather Franklin Nupp, and showcasing Franklins’ wartime diaries…also, several of the ladies presented some period fire-side cooking demonstrations, which helped out our “company cook” Jim, when it came mealtime on Saturday evening…we had over 40 to share in the meal, and in each other’s company…that is one of my favorite parts of any living history, when we gather around the campfire, and tell stories, past and present…it’s easy then to imagine our ancestors doing that same ritual, as soldiers in camp, and as friends and comrades after the war..

Of course we had duty to fulfill–guard detail for the daily “Meet the General’s” gathering…a good crowd gathered each day to interact with generals and staff officer’s, too numerous to count…each one of these sessions is a special event, as they are driven by the crowd’s questions and comments…this year featured several new COUG presenters, including Lt.General Winfield Scott, Maj. General George B. McClellan, and Major Delaney…

On Sunday morning, many of us gathered in the old log church in the village, for a 10AM service…General McClellan played the piano beautifully for this service…General Scott opened the meeting with a few fitting remarks, and General Rawlins spoke as well…”Miss Emily” shared a few words, as did Pvt. Absalom Stoner from the 62nd PA[Jim Johnson]…I

"Church Call"

was especially moved to speak at this gathering, knowing now that 1st Sgt [and Reverand] Daniel W. Swigart opened the Dedication of the 62nd’s Monument with prayer in 1889…tears streamed down my cheeks as I spoke the words of Jesus-”No greater love”, as it related to the Christ-like actions of a soldier, willing to lay down his life for his friends, for his family, and for his country…we then took up an offering, which we donated to OBV for badly needed repairs to the church building, and vowed to return to the church each year to praise the Lord…

A couple of side notes from the event: First, it was with much sadness that our friend General W.T. Sherman[Tony Rosati] was unable to attend OBV this year, due to his on-going battle with throat cancer…I did receive a “good report” from Tony just this week, and will continue to pray for Tony and his family through his victory over this illness…

Also, Larry A. Smail, was to be in attendance for the event, to present “The Wheatfield-Whirlpool of Death”, as a civil war artist, showing his interpretation of the battle for George Rose’s wheatfield at Gettysburg…however, Larry’s horse[a Dodge named "Caliber"],took up lame about 17 miles from Bedford, keeping artist, painting and prints from arriving…

"Chloe is 4!"

Finally, on a lighter note, while we were gathered around the fire Friday evening, we made note of Chloe’s 4th birthday[29th], and Sue and I gave her a yellow dress that Sue made for her[she asked me in the spring,"Pap-Pap, can my next dress be a yellow one?"]…she was so happy when she came out of the log cabin that we called “home” on Saturday morning, yellow dress, yellow ribbon, green wagon!…

So, we left Bedford Village for another year, but not without setting the date for next year-August 25-26,2012…put it on your calender, as this event seems to grow with each passing year…

Photo Credits: All photos on this post by Susan Carson, except “Chloe”, taken by the author, Pap Pap

To commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, Camp#43 and Auxiliary decided to do something special for this years’ Folk Festival…we hosted the “PA 150 Civil War Roadshow”, a traveling museum filled with wonderful displays, exhibits, and interactive features…in short, this is a 53′ tractor- trailer, with pop-outs on each side, making for a spacious and air-conditioned learning experience…after many months of planning and persuading, the Roadshow rolled into town ahead of schedule on Monday, August 1st…Wednesday evening the Camp set up our encampment surrounding the trailer, and bright and early Thursday morning we got the trailer set up…the first tours were VIP tours Thursday evening, with the Roadshow opening to the public at noon on Friday…

For the next three days, our members, along with volunteers from several other local organizations, saw a steady stream of visitors go through the exhibit…we had folks lined up before starting hours each day, and had to cut the line off each evening…it was at times overwhelming to see the amount of people wanting to learn about this vital part of our nation’s history…as I told many visitors during my hours volunteering in the trailer, my favorite feature was the newsreel loop, featuring the Veterans themselves, at GAR Parades, Gettysburg Reunions, etc…to see them, together, Veterans North and South, shaking hands and dancing together, should teach us all a lesson in friendship and forgiveness…

By the time we closed the Roadshow down Sunday evening, over 2,700 people had gone through, with donations coming out of the box totaling almost $800, half of which went to the Camp and Auxiliary…Orville[the driver] and John from the Roadshow became our friends, and in talking with them recently, they stated that our weekend event was still being talked about for its’ success…

On the weekend of September 9-11, a few of our members[myself included], volunteered with the Roadshow at its’ appearance in Clarion, PA, with the Clarion County Historical Society…they too saw many who were eager to learn about the Civil War…

Over the next three years, the Roadshow is scheduled to travel to every county in Pennsylvania, operating from April thru October…watch for it, and go see it…you’ll be glad you did!

For me, as Commander of Camp#43, I couldn’t have been more pleased with the turnout from the community, and especially with the members of the John T. Crawford Camp and the Sarah A. Crawford Auxiliary, who showed up early and stayed late, from set -up to tear- down, to help make it the successful event that it was…I thank them…

[As I was too busy the entire week of the Roadshow, I do not have one photo to show of the event, but if I'm able to obtain a few from others, I will add them for you to see]

Larry and I with the painting

Last autumn, I approached my good friend, former co-worker, and accomplished artist Larry A. Smail, about the prospects of having a painting done…knowing that Larry specialized in wildlife and French & Indian art, I wasn’t sure what he’d say when I asked him “how would you like to try a Civil War painting?”…but when he said “what’d you have in mind?”, we were off and running…we sat on his back deck for several hours discussing the idea…for many years now, I have been traveling to Gettysburg, knowing that I had an ancestor, Sgt. Daniel W. Swigart, who fought in the bloody Wheatfield there, as a soldier in the 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry…I have been honored to portray the man in a Living History Unit of that Regiment, which features many other descendant members…all of the brave men who entered that field deserve to be recognized and remembered with the same regard as their comrades who fought on Little Round Top, the Peach Orchard, the Railroad Cut and Culp’s Hill…that is why I asked Larry to consider the painting…

On a sunny October day,2010, I took Larry to the Wheatfield…we walked the hallowed ground there, talked at length about what took place there, photographed the various angles of the action there, and then the real work began…what Larry called “an enjoyable challenge” started with rough sketches, cutouts, photos, and countless hours of research…after several months, a 40″x24″ panel began to tell a story…before its’ completion, Larry and I even did a presentation at a local library, showing not only the painting process, but telling the story of the 62nd PVI-from the local ties of the men who mustered in, to their fateful fight for their lives on the evening of 2 July, 1863, when the entire Second Brigade of the First Division of the Fifth Corps of the Army of the Potomac, was almost lost-finding themselves surrounded by the enemy in the low ground along a stone fence in “The Wheatfield-Whirlpool of Death”…

Ironically, Larry completed the painting on July 2nd, 2011: 148 years after the battle…

Since then, we have been looking into having the painting made into prints, a process that is also complete…I am very pleased to announce that prints are now available in several editions and at varying costs, as follows:

“150th Anniversary Edition” prints–there will be 150 of these prints available, numbered 1 thru 150, signed by Larry, with a special hand drawn red maltese cross and anniversary note in the bottom border…these are available for $150.00

“Artist Proof” prints–there will be a very small run of these prints, signed and numbered 1 thru 45…these will be available for $120.00

“Limited Edition” prints–there will be 450 of these prints available, also signed by Larry and numbered 1 thru 450…these will be available for $100.00

All prices are unframed prints…we are currently waiting on a quote from a local framing specialist for a framing/matting package, which we will make available as soon as it is received…

Prints are 19″x 28.6″, with the image size measuring 16″x 26.7″

Portions of the proceeds from these prints will benefit Company D,62nd PVI Living History Unit, Camp#43-SUVCW, and the “Rest on Arms” Indiana County Memorial Project–all of whom strive every day to keep the service, the sacrifice, and the memories of our “boys in blue” alive…

If you are interested in a print, please contact me, either through this site, or one of the following:

Robert J. Bowser, 144 Preston Lane, Kittanning, PA 16201

724-545-1330[home]; 724-664-6625[cell]; or e-mail at 100yrs2L8@windstream.net

Please indicate the edition of print you would prefer, and if you desire a specific numbered print…

Further information available at www.larrysmailart.com  where you can also view many of Larry’s other paintings, as well his book about the French & Indian history in Armstrong County, and his instrumental CD “As the Deer”.

With that in mind, I cannot describe with words the feelings that came over me this past week, when my Uncle Joe discovered the following piece of information: an article from the “Pittsburg Dispatch” from the September 12, 1889 edition–the day after the actual Dedication of many monuments on the Gettysburg Battlefield, including that of the 62nd

Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry…

As an officer and member of both the “Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War” and the “62nd PVI Living History Unit”, I am deeply humbled to discover that my portrayal of my great,great Uncle, Daniel Warren Swigart of Company D, has proven to be even more accurate than I was previously aware…

Maybe the next breakthrough will be the long awaited discovery of  a photograph of Rev. Swigart!