Battle of Richmond Reenactment
by Krumlovgirl
If you’re into reenactments, the Battle of Richmond reenactment is certainly one of the biggest in the area. People come from all over, much like the Siege reenactment at Ft. Boonesboro. To start things off, on the 26th they have a living history day where you can walk around and get a glimpse of how life was at the time. People will be dressed up and in character and it’s a really fun experience. They’re generally very knowledgeable. The Battle then takes place Aug. 27-28 (2005). One thing that is really cool about this reenactment is that it actually takes place on part of the land where the real battle was. Other reenactment sites don’t have this luxury.
Note: photo taken by me http://www.battleofrichmond.org/reenactment.htm
White Hall Ghost Walk
by Krumlovgirl
Really more of an event than a custom...
Every year, White Hall State Historic Site hosts the popular annual event "A Haunting Evening with the Clay Family" in October. In 2004, dates were October 21, 22, 23, 29, 30 and 31. It happens in the evenings and guides lead groups from room to room and introduce the spirits of the past, who come out of the dimness to tell the tender and incredible stories of the illustrious Clay family. Each tour is limited to 20 persons. First performance at 7pm, and there are twelve tours a night. Reservations only; $10 per person. Call 859-623-9178 from 9 am to 5:30 pm
It's a really great deal because it's one of the few times that you can visit the house after dark. Since it is reputed to be haunted, it's a great time to visit it for that spooky feeling it omits.
White Hall is located in Richmond, off I-75 at exit 95.
Siege at Ft. Boonesboro reenactment
by Krumlovgirl
September 24-25
The reenactment of the siege at the Fort can be very entertaining. I worked it one year and living historians come from all over the United States to participate. They usually set up camp in the large grassy area by the river and you can walk amongst them and check out their wares. It’s a great way to get firsthand knowledge of that era. Some of the people actually live like that year round and area always in character. They don’t have anything to do with things that were invented after that time period. It’s a little bizarre but most of the people are really friendly and open. During the siege they use real guns, but no bullets, and it can get loud and intimidating for the little ones. They also bring their horses and do everything they can to make it realistic. My job when I worked there that day was to dye cloth in berries. I was making red cloth. For six hours I stood out in the blistering sun, stirring my big cauldron of dye and fabric. One of the historians made me, from hand, a pair of leather moccasins. That made up for it.
The reenactment is free with park admission and starts at 2:00 pm on the 24th.
All A Classic
by Krumlovgirl
The All A Classic, a tournament for high school students from around the state. Gets a little crazy here at that time of the year (early February) but there's a good electricity in the air. Last year, nearly 50,000 people attended it.
Red House
by Krumlovgirl
Like many of the other communities that have died out in Madison County (Kirksville, Kingston, College Hill, and Boonesboro) Red House was once a thriving village. Now, all that remains are some of the old structures that are difficult to see from the road and farms. Still, here is an interesting fact: Garry and Penny Marshall’s parents live in Red House. You know, the guy that directed “Beaches?” Yes, it is a badly kept secret in the community.
The neat thing about Red House is that instead of being a river community like Ford or a centrally located community like Kirksville, much of Red House thrived on the railroad. You’ll notice as you’re driving down Red House Road that the railway runs parallel. In some parts you can still see the old bridges. It’s a really nice country drive out that way and if you follow it to the end you wind up at the Ft. Boonesboro State Park. There are also some neat ruins of old homes if you’re into urban exploring like I am. Just be mindful of snakes if you’re out traipsing around. During my last jaunt I ran into about five at one place so it’s wise to wear long pants and boots.
Directions: From downtown Richmond, take Second Street away from town. You'll go under an overpass and from that point on the road becomes Red House.
Tailgating is a local sport.
Tea Fare
my tree in my room
the old railroad bridge at the ferry
