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naturecoaster · 6 years ago

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Have a Blast at 2019’s award-winning Brooksville Raid Reenactment

The Hernando Historical Museum Association, Inc. and North Pinellas County Scout Sertoma Club, Inc. are presenting the 39th Annual Brooksville Raid Reenactment, Jan. 19-20, 2019 at Sand Hill Scout Reservation, 11210 Cortez Blvd. in Brooksville. This unique event is eye-opening and educational, as well as fun and entertaining. It is promoted as quality family entertainment.

What is the Brooksville Raid all about?

During the nineteenth century, Hernando County encompassed the entirety of Pasco, Hernando and Citrus Counties. The Nature Coast consisted of thick forests interspersed with plantations and homesteads. Brooksville was the government center north of Tampa. Florida was the third state to join the Confederacy. The Nature Coast area supplied shoes, cotton, uniforms and beef to the Confederate army during the Civil War.

A statue paying tribute to Confederate soldiers is located on the Hernando County Courthouse property in downtown Brooksville. Today there is a statue of a Confederate soldier in front of the Hernando County courthouse, offering a taste of the deep roots this area has to the United Confederate States. The Union, or Federal army fought with the Confederate army in Hernando County (approximately 20 miles south of Brooksville in present-day Pasco County) in a battle that is barely mentioned in the annals of history, but directly affected area residents. Many such battles occurred throughout the southern states during ‘The War between Brothers’. Modern day wars involve airplanes and tanks, grenades and nuclear submarines. In the 1860s, wars were fought on foot, on horse, or ship. Because of the slow pace at which the Civil War battles were fought, supplies of food, clean clothes and drinking water would directly affect who won.

The annual Brooksville Raid Re-enactment features 25 cannons, 20 horses, and over 50 sutlers

The annual Brooksville Raid Re-enactment features 25 cannons, 20 horses, and over 50 sutlers. In early July of 1864, the Union Army and Navy moved about 250 men up from the Caloosahatchee River (in southwest Florida) using ships that were captured from the Confederacy. Their goal was originally Brooksville, but eventually became Bayport harbor, a popular port for moving cotton, beef and other troop supplies. The Union ship put in near the mouth of the Anclote River and soldiers were transported up the river to set foot on its north side. In the twenty miles or so of terrain that the Army would need to cover, food, clothing and supplies were obtained by confiscating a homestead or plantation, eating everything they found, killing the livestock and destroying the buildings and possessions through burning.

Cavalry units are part of the Brooksville Raid Reenactment. Men who were found in their homes would be killed or captured as prisoners. Women and children might escape beatings and rape if they surrendered their supplies to the soldiers freely. They might not. The pillaging of property was common for both sides during war. Some of the local families that were directly affected include the Lesleys, Hopes, Ellis’, McCulloughs and the Hookers.

Meet Michael Hardy, famed Civil War Historian who researched and wrote about The Brooksville Raid battle

The 1864 Brooksville Bayport Raid is well-documented in the book, “A Heinous Sin” The 1864 Brooksville Bayport Raid by Michael C. Hardy and Robert M. Hardy, published in 2009. Michael is the author of twenty-three books, and his articles have appeared in Civil War Times, America's Civil War, Gettysburg Magazine, Confederate Veteran, Camp Chase Gazette, and the Tar Heel Junior Historians. Michael Hardy’s father, Michael C. Hardy, co-author, has choreographed the Brooksville Raid Reenactment’s battles for more than 15 years, providing a authentic foundation in the methodology of Civil War battles.

Michael is the author of twenty-three books, and his articles have appeared in Civil War Times, America's Civil War, Gettysburg Magazine, Confederate Veteran, Camp Chase Gazette, and the Tar Heel Junior Historians. Michael has appeared in Blood and Fury: America's Civil War, on the American Heroes Channel in 2012 and is a true expert on the subject. Michael explains, “I was first captivated by the Civil War era in the early 1980s. An uncle took me to a Civil War reenactment, bought me a hat and jacket, and I got to carry a flag. Having grown up watching westerns with my dad, it was a surreal experience. Here I was, surrounded by cannons and horses and swords. History had hooked me.” Although Michael Hardy doesn’t participate in many re-enactments any more, he has chosen to visit 2019’s Brooksville Raid Reenactment, where he will sign copies of his book and provide presentations to attendees, helping to bring the life of people from the mid-1860s to life for visitors. His presentations and signings are scheduled for 12:30pm on Saturday, January 19 and Noon for Sunday, January 20.

The Civil War Battles are Recreated by Volunteers

Visitors are welcome to tour the Confederate and Union camps. Visitors are invited on the third weekend of January each year to experience life during the 1860s and to witness the way battles were fought in the Civil War. For a nominal fee ($10 adults, $5 youth age 6-10, free for 5 and under, and $3 for scouts in uniform) you can step back into time and see for yourself how war was fought and the many support personnel who worked to supply the soldiers, and their war efforts. The public is invited to tour authentic Confederate and Union camps to see how our predecessors lived. Thousands of re-enactors are on-site, camping for the entire weekend to authentically portray life during Civil War times.

What is a Sutler?

Sutler's Row at the Brooksville Raid gives visitors the opportunity to taste Sassparilla and shop for Civil War items of all types. A sutler is a civilian merchant who sells provisions to an army in the field, in camp, or in quarters. Sutlers sold wares from the back of a wagon or a temporary tent, traveling with an army or to remote military outposts. The Sutlers on site at the Raid sell a variety of replica weapons, uniforms and clothing, cooking utensils, tinware, children’s toys and many other items of the era. There is always fresh kettle corn, old time root beer (known as ‘sasparilla’), and authentic fry bread.

Authentic Events for Reenactors include Ladies Tea

The Annual Ladies Tea for re-enactors in period dress. The 39th Annual Ladies Tea will be held for lady Reenactors. Light refreshments will be served. Period dress is required to participate. The public may observe. Michael Hardy’s wife, Elizabeth, will be the main speaker, providing insight into the role of women in the Civil War. Ladies Tea is a tradition that was brought from England and adopted by the ladies of the Victorian Era here in the United States. This was a time for women to gather together for educational and cultural purposes as well as a chance to share news of loved ones away at war. It was also a time for the women to support their troops by making everything from musket balls to bandages.

Southeast Tourism Society has named The Brooksville Raid Reenactment one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for January and February 2019.

Southeast Tourism Society Selects The Brooksville Raid Reenactment as an ‘STS Top 20 Event’

The Southeast Tourism Society has named The Brooksville Raid Reenactment one of the STS Top 20 Events in the Southeast for January and February 2019. STS Top 20 Festival and Event Awards have highlighted programs around the Southeast since 1985. Travel industry experts select 20 events per month, and STS publicizes them throughout the United States. This great honor affirms the value of The Brooksville Raid Reenactment on a regional level. As the largest Civil War reenactment in Florida, it is easy to transform modern attitudes and platitudes to those of this historic era.

Re-enactors resting in camp. Because the educational value of this event cannot be overemphasized, the Raid hosts a School Day on Friday, January 18. At the School Day, children rotate through different stations learning about the Civil War, cannons, musical instruments, medical hospital units, rifles, Union Camp, Confederate Camp and the Cavalry, bringing their textbooks to life.

With 1,500 reenactors participating, the Brooksville Raid Re-enactment is the largest Civil War re-enactment in Florida

History of The Raid

The first Brooksville Raid Re-enactment was held on the lawn of the Hernando Heritage Museum in 1980. It was so popular that the next year it was moved to a large ranch north of Brooksville owned by Murray Grubbs. It kept growing, and in 1991 the Brooksville Raid moved to the Sand Hill Scout Reservation where it has been held each year since. Re-enactors come from all over Florida, and even other parts of the U.S.

Live music of the period adds to the fun. The band is called 7# of Bacon Mess Band.

Things to Know When You Go:

Admission is required: $10 adults, $5 youth age 6-12, free for 5 and under, and $3 for scouts in uniform Boy Scouts sell food and drinks to benefit the Sertoma Club. Chairs may be rented for visitors’ comfort while watching a battle. Visitors are welcome to bring their own chairs. This is a family-friendly, alcohol-free event. Re-enactors tend to be “in character,” and you are welcome to ask them questions in the camps and on Sutler’s Row, but please stay off the Battlefield. The Battles are not exact re-enactments of the Brooksville Bayport Raid of 1864, but are realistic to the battles of the day. Animals are allowed to accompany visitors to the Raid, but they must be well behaved and on a leash. The event goes on, rain or shine, and it is just as interesting in the rain. Bring an umbrella. The location is on Hwy. 50 west at the Sand Hill Scout Reservation (11210 Cortez Blvd. across from Oak Hill Hospital). There is handicap parking and motorcycle parking available. For more information, visit http://brooksvilleraidreenactment.com or call 352-799-0129.Top of Form Read the full article

#brooksvillehistory #brooksvilleraid #brooksvilleraidreenactment #civilwarreenactment #familyentertainment #floridacivilwarreenactment #hernandohistoricalmuseumassociation #NorthPinellasCountyScoutSertomaClub

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naturecoaster · 6 years ago

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Building Chinsegut Hill's Family

Chinsegut Hill, Manor House Museum and Retreat is a magnificent venue, featuring rich history, impressive architecture and natural beauty. The land was originally claimed by Colonel Byrd Pearson of South Carolina as part of the US Government land grant program, 160-acres he called Mount Airy. In 1904, siblings Elizabeth and Raymond Robins purchased the home and property for $6,000. Before they moved into the house, Raymond married Margaret Drier. Their furnishings, architectural style, liberal views, political connections, art and vision fill this unique piece of National history with more than enough fodder for a fine tour on a hot August afternoon.

Colonel Rick Lester provides a wonderful tour of the Chinsegut Manor Museum to our group. He is a gifted story teller, knowledgeable and animated in his delivery. On September 26, 1954, Raymond Robins passed away. He had made previous arrangements to donate the property to the government, as long as he and his “family” could live at the Manor House tax free until that day. At that point, the Federal government took ownership of the house and its contents, due to the Robbins having no children. In 1958, the University of Florida’s lease on the property expired and they removed over 8,000 books from Raymond Robins’ library, essentially abandoning the property. University of South Florida took leasehold of Chisnegut in 1962. It was used as a conference center, with seven cabins having been built near the Manor House and a kitchen/dining and educational conference rooms being added separately. In 1982 the USDA transferred title to of the 125-acre property to USF.

The Chinsegut Manor House was place on the National Register of Historic Places on November 23, 2003. On November 21, 2003, Chinsegut Hill was added to the US National Register of Historic Places, but the manor house was becoming dilapidated. In 2008, the University of South Florida returned the property to the State, and the Friends of Chinsegut Hill, Inc. was formed “to preserve and sustain a historical, cultural, environmental and educational center pertaining to the homesite and property of Chinsegut Hill.” The Friends oversaw a $1.5 million renovation and began operating the Manor as a museum.

Natalie Kahler

Sherry Pedonesi

Jan Knowles A manager was hired, a website created, and events were held to help reconnect Brooksville with its local treasure. Volunteers conducted tours. Florida’s Adventure Coast Tourism Board joined in the mission to bring back “the Hill” with the Retreat Center being a great place for rentals, conferences and events. DAB Constructors, Inc., Cheyenne Asphalt, Inc. and Hernando County Department of Public Works (DPW) worked together to repair and pave the driveway up to the house in April 2016. The cabins were offered for rental, weddings were scheduled, quarterly dinners and monthly luncheons were held under the guidance of Chinsegut’s property manager Natalie Kahler, which drew crowds primarily from the local area. In May 2018, a new Executive Director was brought on board to help the Manor House Museum and its grounds fulfill its potential.

Melissa Kehler became Chinsegut's Executive Director in May, 2018. She welcomes the community to join in growing awareness of and participation with this wonderful treasure. “I was recruited by someone who was intimately involved with Chinsegut’s revival. They found me on LinkedIn and asked me to just visit the location,” Melissa Kehler shared. “I was on my way farther south, where I have family and was going to move, but I fell in love with this place. Chinsegut is an Alaskan word meaning “Place where lost things are found.” It worked its magic on me. Now it is my goal to get our community with its many organizations involved with this amazing piece of U.S. history. It’s OUR place.” Melissa is a dynamo who has worked to unite people in a common cause for many years. She spent ten years with The Good News Center in Utica, New York, building roots that connected the retreat center to its local community – and she “loves a challenge.”

Chair covers and white table linens upgrade the look of the dining hall for the August 15 luncheon. She described her vision for Chinsegut Manor Museum as connected to the local area as well as to historical resources nationwide. “When people go the the Edison/Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers, they should be planning to stop and see Chinsegut Manor Museum as well. Right now, we need to make them aware that we exist and of the valuable history connected to this amazing property,” Michelle passionately explains. She will talk to Senator Wilton Simpson and other legislators to seek funding for renovations on the air conditioning and an operational budget, work with Florida A & M Agriculture College to get speedy internet, and have Chinsegut join reciprocal museum and historic membership programs for starters. “By reaching out to those throughout the U.S. and the world who are interested in history, Chinsegut Manor Museum and the Hill will draw more people to the Nature Coast and raise the perceived value of this National treasure,” Melissa shared, “I am simply the facilitator. Our community will benefit.”

Taylor and Joshua McAdams are the new caretakers on "the Hill," bringing outdoor foraging expeditions and hospitality skills to the team. The previous property caretakers, Ron and Sandee Lester, purchased a home in Brooksville and have chosen to move on, spending more time on their Resurrection Power Marriage Ministry. Ron gave tours on August 15, during the first luncheon under Melissa’s tenure. His knowledge of the property, it’s former residents and his skill at storytelling were evident as visitors learned about the pioneers of the area, its history with slavery, post-slavery, the labor movement, the women’s suffrage movement and the cold war. It was akin to a full U.S. history lesson from the 1840s through the beginning of WWII. The Manor Museum is full of furniture, art, letters and properties of the Robins’ family. It is in fabulous shape and going on the tour offers the opportunity to see what life was like, as well as imagine entertaining the movers and shakers of the age. We were invited to stay as long as we like to view photos, letters and artifacts in the second story museum area.

Rick Lester shows us one of the many books written about the Robins who lived at Chinsegut Manor Museum. The stories go on and on. The photos, letters, books and properties are all here. A new caretaker couple has come to live here. Joshua McAdams is a skilled naturalist who can lead foraging expeditions throughout the property and his wife, Tayor, has added the cottages to Airbnb. To kick off our luncheon, Josh rang the 1776 Liberty bell just outside the dining hall. The new caterer, Albanese Catering, provided a wonderful North meets South buffet menu of pulled pork sliders, Italian sausage with peppers and onions, cole slaw, salt potatoes with butter, and several dessert options, including brownies, peach cobbler, and cookies… topped off with root beer floats. The dining hall appears upgraded with seat covers over the chairs and a sparkling clean kitchen.

Albanese Catering is the catering partner for Chinsegut now. They provided a wonderful lunch on August 15, capped with a fun, delicious root beer float. yummmmmm... The view is still magnificent, and guests commented on how far one can see from this special place. At 350-feet above sea level, it is the third highest point in Florida (according to our tour guide). Melissa shares with us excitedly that the windows are slated for replacement with single pane models to improve the view. There has always been an air of magic on this hill. Visit the Manor Museum and tour Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday any time between 10:30 am and 2 pm. Guided tours are only $5 and self-guided tours are $3. Ages 10 and under are free, although the tours are definitely more geared to adults. The grounds are great for running around, with lots of open space, nature trails and huge grandfather oaks surrounded by azalea bushes near the main house. There is a family graveyard that houses several of the previous inhabitants of the house featured in the tour that you can visit. If you haven't made it up to Chinsegut Hill Manor Museum, take the time to get over for a tour. And if you love history and old pictures, schedule yourself some extra time to spend in the museum researching what is there.

Photographs, letters, archaeological finds and more are in the Chinsegut Manor Museum on the Hill. Several upcoming events are scheduled. You can keep up-to-date with them by checking the NatureCoaster calendar or their Facebook page. October 6 from 11 am to 3 pm, there will be Antiques on the Hill with the Mudds Live Blues and Jazz. A Veterans Day brunch is planned for November 11. The museum is seeking volunteers now. Would you consider being a docent or helping with landscaping or other tasks? If so, please call the museum at 352-799-5400. Leave a message if you don’t get an answer. They are also seeking Board members for the Friends of Chinsegut Hill, as well as members of the Friends group. The Friends of Chinsegut Hill will hold their annual meeting September 15 at 6pm with Peggy Macdonald providing a talk on the 15th First Lady of Florida, Floride Lydia Pearson and a report from the Board President, Eric Kessel. Wine from Sparacia & Witherell Winery and light hors d'oeuvers by Albanese Catering will be served. Read the full article

#brooksvillehistory #chinseguthill #chinsegutmanormuseum #chinsegutretreat #floridahistory

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