Minot Historical Society planning another encampment

MINOT — Minot Historical Society hosted its first annual Civil War Encampment at the society’s historical house on July 29 on Center Minot Hill Road. The society is planning another event next year, adding more local re-enactment groups as well as period vendors.

The restored building, the former parsonage for the Rev. Elijah Jones and his family in the 1830s, is now the setting for local history events sponsored by the society.

Martin King and Whitney King-Buker of the 5th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry, a North-South Skirmish Association team from Connecticut, talked with visitors about how life was for the common soldier in the 1860s during the American Civil War. They also discussed and demonstrated the typical black powder firearms used by soldiers during the war.

Along with the demonstrations, the Spruce Roosters, a band from the Portland area specializing in mid to late 1800s period music, played throughout the day.

The historical house was open for self-guided tours, and members served lunch.

Upcoming events include:

Minot Community Day: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Hemond’s Moto-X Track. Vendors, car show, pie-eating contest, kids craft tents, hay bale toss, firefighter demonstrations.

Annual Chili and Chowder Challenge: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 14, at West Minot Grange. All welcome to enter/eat.

Veteran’s Day: 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at Minot Town Office. All veterans welcome to attend. There will be a program and light lunch.

FMI: minotmainehistoricalsociety.wordpress.com.