Larry A. Smail's Blog

  Traveling south on Route 220 I saw the big green and white distance sign. I clearly saw Bedford 17. Slight anxiety could be felt within me.  I continued on! Shortly, I saw the Exit 10 sign! If the Dodge Caliber can make it past this exit all would be well, I remember thinking.

Young soldier!

I breathed a slight sigh of relief after I went a few extra miles south. I MADE IT! Most of you readers are, probably thinking what is this idiot writing and why!

They wanted me to hold the target!

A year ago, I was heading in the early hours to the Old Bedford Village  for a Civil War event known as  “MEET THE GENERALS”. After I went past the Bedford 17 miles and prior to the Exit 10 sign I stopped in the wooded area for some business. Upon returning to the car, and turning the key, I was amazed that the dash had so many-colored lights! The car wouldn’t start. Eventually, I managed to get the car started periodically and after going right at Exit 10 the problems continued until I flagged down a state trooper for assistance. I didn’t make the event. The car’s computer system failed with only around 24,000 miles.

After the wedding.

Jim Butler-camp cook

This has been a joke between my friend, Robert “Slim” Bowser and myself since. He was one of the reasons I was making the trip. He requested I show my painting, “THE WHEATFIELD-WHIRLPOOL OF DEATH” at the event. Slim is president of the Company D, 62nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry 5th Corps group of living historians. (www.62ndpvi.wordpress.com) I am honored and proud to be a honorary member with the group.

I arrived early at the village and unloaded about 7 paintings to display. I spent much time with many friends of the 62nd group. We had lots of laughs and lots of friendly harassment! A great bunch of people indeed! 

My friend, Jim Butler, after much harassment, made an excellent breakfast of bacon and eggs! (I ate 4 eggs!) Jim later in the evening made a turkey; beans; potatoes and sweet potato pie over the fire and using dutch ovens. Other long-time friends and a few newer friends included Joe Rupp; Den Butler; Judy Butler; Marylou Rupp; Sue Carson; Jim Johnson,; Cindy McShane and others. A few young-uns are with the group too.

K.P. duty

Some events of the day were a firing demonstration and the Meet the Generals event. I attended a Civil war era wedding. This ceremony was a reaffirmation of a couple’s marriage. Of course, this was done in Civil War era clothing and style. Many officers lined up outside of the old church with sabers arched over the couple as they exited the church. A small reception was open to the public afterwards.  too.                                                                                                                                                              

The Old Bedford Village, for those who have never heard of the site consists of original log cabins and homes. Many are log cabins transferred to the site and erected again as a, hopefully, permanent display as to how our ancestors lived. The cabin I was at with my display was built in 1790. (Type in Old Bedford Village for a list of events and such for a learning experience.)

I have included some photos  to see just a few of the log cabins found here .