Serving the Loup Valley for 140 Years
Stepping Back In Time at Fort Hartsuff
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REENACTORS AND VOLUNTEERS dressed in period attire to illustrate authentic workings in the late 1800s at Fort Hartsuff State Historical Park during the site's 150th anniversary event.
By Bev Donner-Williams
The transition from the present into the late 1800s was astonishing as I walked from the parking lot full of cars from Nebraska, Iowa and Colorado, and through the gate of one of the most complete examples of the small prairie forts in the mid plains. Fort Hartsuff, near Elyria, was celebrating its 150th anniversary on Sat., Aug. 31, from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sun., Sept. 1, from 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Strolling on the gravel paths around the parade grounds, as well as in the carefully restored buildings of the officer’s quarters, barracks, commissary, hospital and guardhouse, were reenactors and volunteers dressed in the fashion of that era along with the soldiers in their military uniforms. Young boys had to wear dresses until they were potty-trained, while the young girls wore dresses that were buttoned in the back until they “become of age,” then the buttons were on the front.
The office/gift store was restaged to simulate a Sutler’s Store with many history books and souvenirs to purchase.
As I sat on the porch of the Enlisted Men’s Barracks gazing at the beautiful flag of our nation and reflecting on the life of the military families and settlers living at the fort, I heard a little boy say, “Mom, can we go around the fort one more time?” Apparently the kids were having a great time! While sitting on the bench, I also overheard a father talking to his son, “You complain about your bedroom, how would you like to sleep on one of these cots?” I did not hear the boy’s answer, but I’m sure it was a big NO!
They had an area for food trucks, and even a beer and wine garden featuring a Fort Lager, a pre-prohibition style lager, made from Nebraska and Czechoslovakian hops by Scratchtown Brewing Company in Ord. I was told that many Czechoslovakians settled around the fort in the 1800s. Picnic tables were scattered under the tress for visitors to eat, drink, rest and socialize without the blazing rays of the sun.
Several vendors sold furs, soap, candles, jewelry and much more. I lingered way too long looking at and buying some of the beautiful and unique jewelry. I can’t help it, it’s my weakness.
I finally arrived at the anticipated speaker tent. I made it just in time for the introduction of Kimberlee Berezuk, a well-known speaker about the women that moved west with the Army. Much of the information came from research of diaries and letters of the officer’s wives, as they had little else to pass the time. For example, General Custer’s wife, Libby, traveled with the army and lived very extravagantly at Fort Riley. Her diary was filled with achievements to exalt and promote her husband. The wives were the head of the household, and made all of the decisions concerning the family.
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