French & Indian War battle comes to county
MUDDY CREEK TWP — The French and Indian War rarely gets in-depth treatment in history classes.
“They sort of gloss over it,” said Daniel Nehrer of Harmony.
However, the organizers of the F and I Grant Encampment, which started Friday and runs until Sunday at the Portersville Steam Show grounds on Route 19, hope to emphasize the importance of the war.
This is the first time the encampment is in the area. The event features battle re-enactments, which are supposed to mirror the events that took place in this part of the state in 1753 and 1754.
“This is the first year of the war,” said Nehrer, the military coordinator of the event.
Early on Friday, there was a re-enactment of the Battle of Jumonville Glen, the first battle of the war.
At 6 p.m. Friday, a French and native council was held at the native camp. This was a formal ceremony where French officers and native officials forged an alliance.
Nehrer said that ceremonies like these are rare in other re-enactments.
On Saturday at 3 p.m., there will be a large reenactment of the Battle of Great Meadows. taking place at a smaller recreation of Fort Necessity.
“That's the main event,” Nehrer said.
He said that this year is the 260th anniversary of the battle, and noted that it took place on July 4 a few decades before that date became relevant.
On Sunday, the big event will be a demonstration of old-style, European military tactics at 1 p.m.
“This is what they did in Europe, and why it didn't work here,” Nehrer said.
He said that there were about 250 to 300 re-enactors on Friday, and more are expected to come Saturday.Tom Hinkelman of Mount Laurel, N.J., the war chief for the native re-enactors, said that the history covered by this event is thorough, and he particularly took note of the Battle of Jumonville Glen.“This is the first event I've done that actually pays attention to the beginning of the war,” Hinkelman said.He noted that the French and Indian War almost could be considered a precursor to World War I and II. Once the battles began, different countries started aligning themselves with other countries.“Everybody starts picking sides,” Hinkelman said.Nehrer also praised the amount of crafters and artisans at the encampment, including weavers, blacksmiths and potters selling period clothes, decorations and other items.“There's a little bit for everyone,” Nehrer said.Cathy Binsporn of Slippery Rock Township, Lawrence County, Brenda Applegate of Ohioville, Beaver County, and Hayley Modl of Brighton Township, Beaver County, diligently were weaving under a tent, and all three were wearing period clothing.“We like to teach it,” Binsporn said. “A better word would be sharing.”The women enjoy being together at these types of events while educating the public about historical style clothes-making techniques. For instance, Applegate said, many people do not know the difference between wool and flax.“They're not teaching that in school,” Applegate said.Bill Stout of Pocatello, Idaho, grew up in Pittsburgh and was back visiting his parents. He came to the event because his son, 11-year-old Josh, is a big history fan.Early in the day on Friday, the family got to see the re-enactment of the Battle of Jumonville Glen.“It was really nice,” Stout said.In addition to this event, Josh Stout said that he has been to Fort Ligonier, Gettysburg and Antietam.“I like to learn about battles,” Josh Stout said.Jerry McCorkle of Kennerdale is a big history buff, particularly of the French and Indian War. Few French and Indian events such as this are held in this part of the state, and he usually has to travel far to find them.“This is great,” McCorkle said.On Friday, he was taking note of the vendors, particularly those selling history books.“I bought four already today,” McCorkle said.The encampment will continue until 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $10 per car load.
