Swatting black flies and mosquitoes, staying hydrated drinking mugs of water, trying to catch a breeze to stay cool, sitting in the shade or under a tent, shooting the breeze with friends.

Sounds like almost any of us on a warm summer day in Maine.

Only add this to the picture: These folks are dressed in blue woolen uniforms or long dresses. Muskets stand at their sides, or baskets of handicrafts in their laps. These are the members of Company A of the 3rd Maine Regiment Volunteer Infantry dressed in period attire, a living history museum on the move.

A bit of Civil War history: The formation of the 3rd Maine Infantry Regiment occurred when the Bath City Grays, the Maine militia unit, was mustered into federal duty on June 4, 1861. The 3rd Maine included all of Company A and most of Company D. Members came from Augusta, Bath, Gardiner, Hallowell, Skowhegan, Waterville, Winthrop and Winslow.

The 3rd Maine was involved in 25 major battles, including Bull Run and Gettysburg, and many smaller skirmishes. The 3rd Maine first “saw the elephant,” a Civil War term meaning one’s first time in battle, at the first Battle of Bull Run, on July 21, 1861.

Company A is a group of people with a wealth of knowledge, history and education, plus the ability to do hands-on teaching.

Since reactivation in 1981, this nonprofit group has been offering educational living history events, battle reenactments and educational presentations about Maine soldiers, period fife and drum, and civilians during the Civil War years, 1861 to 1865. Company A, which originally recruited from the communities in the Kennebec River Valley, was also called the “Kennebec Regiment.” Its members now practice mid-19th century military drills and use these in reenactments and demonstrations. Most of the volunteers take on the role of any soldier or civilian in a given rank or occupation, not a particular historic figure.

Marching in the heat

The People: I was invited to visit an encampment. Coming dressed in my 1800’s dress, apron and bonnet, the members called me their “embedded reporter.”

According to Lt. Craig Young, the members have a strong desire to educate the public on the real recorded history of the Civil War, as opposed to the glamorizing or ignoring of the war. I was told that all the guys can quote from the movie “Gettysburg,” and they do so frequently! What do they have in common? An interest in history, Civil War history, and education. This is a group that encourages involvement by the whole family.

When I was welcomed into the fold, I heard stories the group enjoyed sharing. Discussion begins with event highlights, such as looking over thank-you notes sent after a recent educational program; there is a consensus of appreciation for the handwritten, beautiful penmanship.

The volunteers share the miseries that all can see the humor in – after the fact: the hot days of walking, and marching, and the real need to stay hydrated. The tin cups are constantly replenished with water or an electrolyte sport drink. Recollections of members suffering from heat exhaustion are recounted. The captain, Dave Gowen states that members have become very aware of their physical states and will take care of themselves accordingly, sitting in the shade or stopping when they need.

Our conversation ranges from historic diners, since a new ’50s diner is opening near Hiram, to medical practices. Most topics keep us laughing.

“We do it because it is fun,” says Judi Beverage, about the reason the reenactors keep coming back. There is a grandfatherly love, respect and admiration for senior members. A camaraderie among the “family” of members is evident.

‘The role picked me’

Women of the Civil War: Although women were not technically allowed to sign up, some women successfully disguised themselves to do so. I was impressed with the 3rd’s own Judi Beverage a female “male” member of the Fife and Drum. Beverage says, “The role picked me” since she has a history of playing music. She provides the group with much comic relief as well as genuine caring since she’s in constant motion, frequently filling mugs for the captain and lieutenant, and taking responsibility for keeping the supply of water constant.

Initially, nurses were injured soldiers assigned to help at the overburdened field hospitals. As the war progressed, women wanted to help out in the field. Nurses were increasingly recruited, 20 coming from Lewiston. Women at home sent supplies, including food, sheets, blankets, quilts and comfort bags to be given out to the solders. These last would include a personal note of cheer and support from home. A young lady in this time was not otherwise allowed to speak with a gentleman unless introduced by her father, so this was a novel approach to introductions and communication.

Sue Carrier, Carolyn Lawson, and Regina Ketcheson portray civilians who supported the troop. The ladies shared recommendations of books, patterns to use and recipes of herbal cures used during the Civil War period. We also talked about their dresses, which most make themselves. I learned of a rope petticoat that’s a softer alternative to the hoop skirt that would be worn in formal attire. These also are safer near the campfire.

Pickett’s Charge

Regarding encampments, the members say that many of their ranks were former scout leaders or educators, or they worked with the public.

“Here we can camp and be … ‘crazy,’ ‘silly,’ ‘young again!'” are the answers coming around our little circle.

But on a serious note, almost all can recount a time capsule or “magic moment”: a moment in time that transcends time, and for an instant they truly seem to be in the exact battle they are reenacting, such as at Peach Grove.

The national events are surreal, since they’re surrounded by other reenactors representing Union and Confederate soldiers. Describing the magnitude of the Union camps, members say they get chills when spending two to three days immersed in the Civil War during one of these national events.

One such as Pickett’s Charge, which is considered a turning point in the war, can attract between 20,000 to 30,000 reenactors.

“We try to do everything but throw lead and iron at each other” to make the effort as realistic as possible, says Steve Henry. Some say they “die” early on to have the chance to watch what is going on, and take pictures. After you have marched for hours and finally appear at the point that you can see the vast lines of Union soldiers ahead, in one motion they all move – and a huge flash appears before your eyes, as thousands of cameras flash in unison! Reenactments keep repeating the same five years in a never-ending loop.

Demonstrations in the camp when you walk between tent exhibits brings this to life for us, the guests, the expertise and historical impact of the roles portrayed by these fascinating individuals as they represent the community of camp life on the field in the Civil War. Presentations include Civil War medicine, and musket history and use. To see the surgical implements brings reality frighteningly close. You can visualize the many soldiers losing life and limbs.

Educational outreach: A small number of members are assigned to a given program, according to availability and skills or interests. Remember that these nice folks hold 21st century jobs! Topics that the 3rd of Maine can cover include: the lives of soldiers, roles played by women, music of the Civil War, medical care, the U.S. Sanitary Commission and weapons used in the 1860s. For more information, contact Jim Brown (207) 829-3146.

Edith Churchill is a freelance writer living in Auburn who frequently takes day trips with her family.

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