Civil War celebration is key part of Peddler Days
By DAVID M. GRIMES (dgrimes@reviewonline.com)Article Photos
HANOVERTON - People strolling down Plymouth Street on Saturday might have found themselves back in the Civil War era.
In the area of the historic Spread Eagle Tavern people were taken back in time as music, singing, costumes, toys, battles and look-a-like appearances by General Robert E. Lee and former President Abraham Lincoln -who once visited the tavern - turned the atmosphere of the small village into one of yesteryear.
"The people who were here have enjoyed it," Lenore Sechler, president of the Hanoverton Township historical society said of the day's events.
The festivities were officially kicked-off on Friday evening with a Hanoverton Historic Cemetery ghost walk and was followed by less scarier events of line and square dancing.
On Saturday, residents had a visit from General Lee and the 16th president of the United States who spoke about his life on the steps of the Spread Eagle Tavern.
After Lincoln spoke, a Civil War re-enactment battle took place for an hour. During the skirmish, Sechler and others enjoyed a Victorian Tea by the gardens of the Hanover House. A firemen's parade wound through the little town as well.
In addition to the numerous vendors, who sold items from vintage jewelry to gourmet candy apples, were various musicians who entertained the crowds and filled the village with lively music.
Just beyond the main vendors, people found Alice and Earl Whitehall strumming their dulcimers - a long, narrow string instrument - outside of the Plymouth House. Behind the Whitehalls hung large quilts of various colors and designs that blew in the wind showcasing their patterns in the Quilt Show.
"We're having a good time," Alice, a first-time visitor to the Peddler Days weekend event, said.
Alice and Earl were once Chester residents but now call Georgetown, Pa., their home. The couple travel to various events, like civil war re-enactments, to play their instruments that originated sometime in the early 1800s or earlier.
The Whitehalls are joined by a familiar face, Deborah Boyd-Kimball, who was once a dulcimer student of Alice.
According to Boyd-Kimball's mentor, the dulcimer translates to "sweet sound," which is what some guests enjoyed that afternoon.
Traditional American music, the Tytely Wound Stryng Band, and the Celtic sounding Fey Fire also performed throughout the day.
Over at the main Gazebo, guests were able to hear more modern tunes as the Hanoverton Idol semi-finals went on through most of the day. The final competition will take place at 3 p.m. today.
Erin McGuire and Jean Mackey and Friends also played various modern-day music for the crowds.
Today's events begin after the church services at 11 a.m. The final day of festivities will end at 4 p.m. with the Hanoverton Idol finals. Afterwards, the band Rumor Hazit, featuring Jesse Galchick, will take the stage.
