Civil War Soldier Visits PC Summer School
by Ms.Casady's 4th/5th grade class
July 01, 2009
This year’s summer school theme is "Oh, the Places You’ll Go," and students from the 4th and 5th grades are traveling back in time to learn about the Civil War.
On Monday, June 15, local resident and Civil War reinactor Rich Cullum visited with students about his hobby, which has taken him as close as Centerville, Iowa; and as far away as Shiloh, Tennessee; and Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Mr. Cullum modeled both a Union and Confederate uniform, including packs and replica rifles. Trevor and Logan were picked to “try on” the soldier’s pack and poncho—they decided the Confederate gear was much lighter and smelled better. Mr. Cullum explained that the Union poncho had tar on it to help make it waterproof.
Mr. Cullum also described to students the life of a Civil War soldier. He explained that although they washed their clothes in the river, they still smelled. (Sometimes the water was unsanitary.) A soldier also ate only what he could carry, which sometimes would be spoiled from mold and bugs.
Students had an added surprise when Trevor, also dressed in period clothing, demonstrated children’s games that were played during the time of the Civil War. Favorite games included Grace and Hoop-and-Stick. Students from the audience had the opportunity to play these games with Trevor.
