Civil War era comes to life in Trumbull

BLOOMFIELD -- The grounds of Center Brook Manor have been transformed into a living history of the Civil War as the public has the opportunity to see what life was like during that time period.

The two-day Civil War living history event kicked off Friday and will continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at 8745 state Route 45, south of Bloomfield Center.

Three Civil War reenactment groups are set up on the property, which includes a Civil War hospital, cannon display, soldier encampments and a log cabin.

Roger Peterson, a Bloomfield trustee and owner of Center Brook Manor, said he wants people to attend and ask questions of the participants.

"You don't have to be a Civil War expert to come here. I want everyone who attends to leave here having learned more about the Civil War,'' Peterson said.

He said this is the third year the event has taken place.

Peterson said while the Civil War has been showcased for three years, there is talk of having a World War II-themed event.

"We are staying with the Civil War where our knowledge base is right now. The people participating are Civil War experts,'' Peterson said.

Hugh Mullen of Niles portrayed President Abraham Lincoln's bodyguard soldier, Sgt. Smith Stimmel.

"I love being part of this. I love history and getting to be with all the people who are interested in history. I love when they ask questions,'' Mullen said.

Dan Ward of Waterford, Pa., and with the 111th Pennsylvania Regiment, said he was part of the Civil War hospital portraying a hospital steward.

"I am responsible for the nurses, the cooks, the supplies for the hospital and the camp guards. I help order the supplies for the hospital," Ward said. "The first thing they see at the hospital is the surgery. They see the surgeons and the nurses. I talk about the drugs and medicine that was used at that time and the diseases people could get."

Pat Emig of Saegertown, Pa., and with the 150th Pennsylvania Regiment, portrayed a surgeon in the hospital scenes.

"Events like this are all about education. We show the hardships and suffering that happened during the Civil War not just to the soldiers," Emig said. "Many of the soldiers during the war were farmers. They faced many hardships during the war."

Emig said Peterson has a great vision for Center Brook and the programs and events that take place there.

"This is a wonderful place where he can provide programs like this for the community. Roger understands the history of events like this and what we need to have programs that educate the public ,'' Emig said.

John and Marian King of Rock Creek portrayed President Abraham Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln in one of the reenactment scenes.

Marian King said she enjoys portraying Mrs. Lincoln and getting the word out about who she was as the wife of the president.

"I tell them she was a real person who supported the Union," Marian said. "Mr. Lincoln does most of the speaking and tells how we went to Washington. I tell them when I was age 13 and told people I was going to be a president's wife. When I first met Mr. Lincoln he had presidential looks. People are fascinated when I tell them that.''

Terry Mecandino of Champion said he was interested in attending the event because he always enjoys learning about history,

"I like this historic house and what they are doing here today showcasing the Civil War,"' he said.

Judy Thornton of Freedom said she also heard about the event and drove from Portage County.

"I am so impressed with this. This is unbelievable what they have been able to do. In Freedom. we try to do something like this,'' Thornton said.

Other displays included women and girls fixing food and men and boys setting off cannons and shooting guns.