From Chillicothe Gazette: Re-enactors fight for independence
CHILLICOTHE -- This past weekend, the 205-year-old Adena Mansion & Gardens played host to historical events predating even its own.
Reenactors with the Brigade of the American Revolution's Northwest Department were at Adena Saturday and Sunday to wage battle in a war that began when the estate's eventual owner, Thomas Worthington, was still a toddler.
For a group that has grown accustomed to fighting in non-descript fields with little historical significance, the opportunity at Adena was difficult to pass up.
"This is really an ideal place to have something like this," said Greg Jewett, of Findlay. "We get to camp on land Thomas Worthington walked on, and that adds to it."
Jewett and his son, Philip, a high school junior, are members of the 8th Pennsylvania Regiment and relatively new members at that. The event at Adena was only their second encampment since joining the unit.
"It's a nice way to actually live out history -- to sleep in a tent and smell the black powder," he said.
Jewett learned through genealogical research he and his son are descendants of a man who fought in the revolution with the Berkshire County, Mass., militia.
"That makes it more special," he said.
The Jewetts' application with Sons of the American Revolution, a group that requires proof of lineage, is pending.
With a certain nonchalance, Jewett explained Sunday how a militia had just raided a British camp.
It was a "little skirmish," he said. "... to make a little noise."
Reenactors decide in advance how the battles will unfold and who will win, said Joe Forte, of Circleville, who has participated in living history events for 35 years and in Revolutionary War reenactments for the past 13 years.
There's a certain amount of preplanning that goes into reenactments, because safety is the first priority. That's not to say, however, there isn't some gamesmanship, Forte said.
"We're doing it for fun, but also education," he said.
In 2010, Forte recommended Adena as a possible venue for an encampment and since February has been helping to plan the event.
Unlike some sites, Adena has terrain that would not be out of place on a Revolutionary War battlefield, he said.
"This scenario is one that could be real," he said.
On Sunday, the colonial regiments regained control of the bridges on the property, although they were expected to suffer more casualties than their counterparts -- British troops and colonial fighters still loyal to the crown.
"The folks here at Adena have been very good hosts, and the audiences have been great, too," said Bob Carnes, a Canton resident and commander of the Northwest department.
While the reenactors were in town, some of them took in a performance of "Tecumseh!", and others dined at the Old Canal Smokehouse -- all of them still in uniform.
The weekend featured educational talks, fife and drum demonstrations, weapons demonstrations and staged battles.
Forte said he was happy to see the event draw people to Adena.
"It gets people up here and puts a few bucks in (Adena's) coffers. That's great," he said.
