News From the Front: Lake Villa Civil War Days-- Part 1

I attended the Lake Villa Civil War Days September 18th.

It was a threatening day, but fortunately we did not receive the torrential rains that turned the 2008 encampment into a washout.

As usual, the Camp Douglas Sons of Confederate Veterans had our headquarters camp near the Lehmann Mansion (founder of Chicago's Fair Department Stores, on whose grounds the re-enactment is held). We set up each year the "Further the Colors" and to recruit new members. There is always a laptop on hand with genealogy for folks who wonder if they have Confederate ancestors.

I met our camp's new commander, Dr. Mark Woolfington. He has some great plans for the camp. The former camp commander, John Jeffers is now Illinois Division Commander.

While there, a former member of the camp from the 1980s re-enlisted. Always good to get an old member back. We need all the members we can get.

Several members of the Confederate Rose Society also came by the tent. They portray the roles of gallant Southern women.

More to Come. --B-R'er