A Civil War Christmas

Saturday, November 16, 2013

McDaniel Farm Park is tucked away in Duluth, Georgia. Most GPS navigation systems can’t even find the 128 acre former cotton farm. The park has been restored to recreate a 1930’s farm complete with main house and all of the out buildings associated with it including a blacksmith workspace, a stable and many smaller buildings. On Saturday, actors portrayed a typical Christmas during the Civil War era complete with encampments from both the Union and Confederate sides. Father Christmas made an appearance as well as soldiers in complete regalia. Children were taught to make centuries old crafts like popcorn and cranberry necklaces and pipe cleaner ornaments. Demonstrations from blacksmithing to musket training were shown to visitors and the farm in general was full of activity.

Steve Tobelman (right) holds a pistol and a sabre as he talks with a group of people during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Steve Tobelman (right) holds a pistol and a sabre as he talks with a group of people during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Logan Walker (left) and his brother Harrison play on a fence during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Logan Walker (left) and his brother Harrison play on a fence during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Nora Badinger pokes a bag of dirt with a replica of a musket during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Nora Badinger pokes a bag of dirt with a replica of a musket during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Chuck Phillips (center) explains a typical soldier tent setup to Annie Cloonan (left) and her grandfather John during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Chuck Phillips (center) explains a typical soldier tent setup to Annie Cloonan (left) and her grandfather John during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Frank Russell (right) explains how a cannon works to Luke Metz and his brother London during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Frank Russell (right) explains how a cannon works to Luke Metz and his brother London during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Doc Watson pulls a piece of metal out of the fire as he gives a blacksmithing demonstration during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Doc Watson pulls a piece of metal out of the fire as he gives a blacksmithing demonstration during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Vikki Ganger (right) plays the banjo as Dave Roth plays a dulcimer during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Vikki Ganger (right) plays the banjo as Dave Roth plays a dulcimer during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Dilenney Guzman reaches for a handful of popcorn as she makes a popcorn and cranberry necklace during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Dilenney Guzman reaches for a handful of popcorn as she makes a popcorn and cranberry necklace during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Logan Lerew (right) and his brother Chase make pipe cleaner ornaments during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Logan Lerew (right) and his brother Chase make pipe cleaner ornaments during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

Nancy Berninger (left) holds her son Lukas' hand as they, his father Juergen and Carson Bergquist walk a path during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

Nancy Berninger (left) holds her son Lukas’ hand as they, his father Juergen and Carson Bergquist walk a path during A Civil War Christmas at McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth on Saturday, November 16, 2013.

 

 

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