History buffs will fight the Battle of Whitehall
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on June 10, 2004 2:04 PM
SEVEN SPRINGS -- If you hear a rumble coming from the direction of Seven Springs Friday night, don't worry.
It's only the ghosts of Whitehall, say Civil War re-enactors. They will be camping in the Seven Springs area, getting ready for Saturday.
The re-enactors will bring the Battle of Whitehall back to life Saturday during the town's Ole Timey Days Festival, which will begin at 10 a.m. with an opening ceremony at the Seven Springs boat landing.
The re-enactors will be involved in two "re-enactments" -- don't say performances -- of the Battle of Whitehall, which occurred in December of 1862.
Historians say both sides claimed victory. When they're not re-enacting the battle, the re-enactors will be providing "living history" lessons to the festival goers.
The first re-enactment will follow the opening ceremony at around 10:45 a.m., and the second will be at 1 p.m. During the re-enactment, Randy Sauls of Goldsboro will stand on the bridge and narrate the performance, which Danny Davis, commander of the Andrews Battery of Goldsboro, organized.
Other activities are planned for the banquet room of the Seven Springs Restaurant, including a period fashion show at noon and a 1:30 p.m. talk by historical author George Williams about the battle. At 2 p.m., the Huckleberry Brothers will sing period music with period instruments and tell about how the music came about during the 1860s.
The street will be closed from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for craft and food vendors and displays. Displays include antique cars and a living history presentation of a Civil War Army encampment at the River House. Chris Grimes will also bring a Civil War Navy display from Plymouth.
Calls are still coming in from people who want to set up booths. Organizers said Wednesday morning that 17 had been verified so far. To reserve a booth or for information, call 252-569-1581.