Blue & Gray Reunion

Last weekend (June 2-5) Philippi came alive for the 150th anniversary of the Blue & Gray reenactment of the first land battle of the Civil War. In case you weren't aware, Philippi's clame-to-fame (besides the mummies) is it's place in history as the site of the first Civil War land battle. Philippi, the county seat of Barbour County, was aligned with the confederates for the Civil War. So although it was a minor skirmish in which the confederates that were encamped in town quickly retreated from the Union soldiers, it placed Philippi in the history books. And every year since, a re-enactment takes place in early June.

Courthouse lawn filled with exhibitors and vendors

In addition to the re-enactment, the town was filled with Civil War era dressed people, many of whom camped in tents around the downtown area. There were plenty of crafts, art work, jewelry, and the such for sale around the courthouse. And of course the usual mobile food carts selling wonderfully fatty foods like deep-fried oreos, funnel cakes, and corn dogs were ever-present. One interesting observation we made was that the food prices at most carts were high...especially for such a low-income town.

Enjoying funnel cake and deep-fried oreos

The most popular cart (and the one we stood in line for) was the local high school booster club. There you could buy a hot dog or pepperoni roll for $1.50, when most other places were charging $4 for a hot dog! Philly steak sandwiches and other specialty foods were going for upwards of 6 and 8 dollars. But regardless of the price of food, there was a lot of activity all weekend long. There were a couple skirmishes, including one at night. There was a re-enactment of an amputation, which as interesting as it was, Ian was very concerned that they would be amputating the spectators afterward!

So many loud fire trucks!

There was a monster fireworks show, and of course an always popular parade which concluded with at least 12 fire trucks sounding their alarms all through downtown. Ian and Ella found that part a little too loud. All in all it was a fun weekend with no shortage of things to do. In a fitting end to the weekend, most of the group (Mike and the kids outstanding) were able to experience first-hand what firing a Civil War era gun was like. Our friend from Philippi Church, Jim is not only a Civil War history buff but has muzzle-loader rifles. Jim invited everyone over this week to learn a little more about the history and practice shooting some targets. They all were proved to be pretty good shots, especially Ranita, who hit the target jugs too.

This week is the closing week for the 2010-2011 Philippi Service Adventure unit. Last Friday was the girls' last days at work, and next Saturday they all head home. We'll probably have one last post with some of the exciting activities we are doing to wrap up the year.