Shiloh Living History 

Shiloh �  2003  

Mother Nature seemed to throw us an example of what the weather was like for those brave souls who fought the battle there when a storm blew through on Friday night.  By then we were set up inside the cabin as comfortable as could be, however, and were but very little inconvenienced by it. 

It was a joyful sight to see our friends pulling up, and there was a great deal of hugs and greetings passed around. 

Linda and I entertained two tour buses full of visitors as we set up on Friday answering many questions about what we had planned, what our role was, and did we really intend to stay in the cabin for three days.  We also met a very nice gentleman from Oregon who was on vacation and invited him to dine with us later in the day.  He did return and seemed genuinely to appreciate our simple meal and way of life.  We hope he has a very enjoyable vacation before returning to Oregon.

Saturday morning we dined on grits, boiled eggs and had a ready supply of coffee for those in need of it.  Since grinding the beans in the coffee grinder was a fairly slow process Lucy got a jump start on Sunday morning breakfast by grinding the beans for the first pot before retiring Sat. night.

 I don�t recall anyone had time for a meal during the day on Saturday except for boiled eggs, cheese, and cornbread as one could find a minute to eat.  We had a very large number of visitors and several hundred boy scouts come through our little homestead during the day on Saturday.  Many seemed genuinely interested in our existence, our clothing, our foods, etc. and asked a good many well thought out questions. 

 We were joined by Mrs. T. Lawson and friend, Susan who spun wool, dyed socks, and displayed a beautiful array of naturally dyed yarns.  I was delighted when they took pity on me and using their naturally dyed wool turned a very drab ugly shawl into a gorgeous garment I will be very proud to wear. 

Mr. Cooley (aka Lee Walker) did a fabulous job of building us a table pictured in the book Prairie Traveller which was written by an Army Captain in l858 for people wishing to travel to the frontier.  Lee used all period wood working tools and finished the table except for two small pieces which will be added on our next trip out. 

 Chris used the weekend to study period medicine for his role as the town doctor at the upcoming McDowell event.  Leila enjoyed churning butter and playing her whistle to the chicken who apparently appreciated the music and reciprocated the hospitality by laying an egg underneath the porch.  Laura helped with butter, and answered numerous questions throughout the day.

 Miss Pat sewed up a storm making Federal issue shirts, (I knew signing that oath at Dover would come in handy for her), and was assisted for a while by Lucy.  Several folks joined in for dance instruction Sun. morning after which Pat & Lucy cleaned up the morning dishes.  Lucy and Laura made a delicious breakfast of cheese grits, boiled eggs and coffee on Sunday morning with some of Miss Pat�s German rye bread and fresh churned butter.

 Saturday Laura, Leila, and I made molasses taffy which was very popular with visitors.  Many stayed around for the entire demonstration � cooking, cooling, pulling, and best of all tasting.  Everyone pronounced it very good, and since it was such a well received activity we will do it again soon.  It was explained to visitors that this was the only candy most Southern children knew by war�s end.

 Many thanks to Justin and Nikki for bringing the chicken and for lending humor and fun to the weekend�s activities, and to Paula for sharing her wonderful antebellum dolls.  I am very pleased that Foody the cat and the farm chicken seemed to show a mutual admiration for each other.

 Miss Pat�s German lentil stew was much appreciated by all on Sat. night after which most of our little party departed for the camps for some period music. 

 I begged those present to taste test a couple of period foods the receipts for which will be included in the historic cookbook I am writing, and everyone was very agreeable to at least try them. 

 Once again we transformed the cabin into a cheerful home for the duration of our visit.

 Sunday the weather began to deteriorate and the soldiers were dismissed early in the morning.  The rangers asked if we could stay as long as possible to entertain the visitors and promised to help us cart our belongings out before the storm hit.  We were happy to oblige and already had most of our bedding and gear that wouldn�t be needed throughout the morning loaded into our vehicles.  True to their word the rangers came and helped us get the water barrel and the last of the gear loaded into the vehicles and we were able to depart before the storm hit. 

 As is usual with our little group the success of the weekend was judged by our reluctance to part company on Sunday.  Even with the storm coming we seemed to tarry and postpone leaving saying our goodbye�s and hugging each other and promising to meet again in a few short weeks.  I feel truly blessed to be part of such a loving and caring group. 

 Susannah,

aka Victoria

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