I recommend that Jon Olson contact the East Hampton Historical Society
(631 324-6850) about finding re-enactors. I know that the Society has
used out of town re-enactors at some of its fund raising events. Have
no idea if they are limited to a specific time period in history but
feel certain that they might know of other groups who could be closer
to you. The Society's director is brand new so, be patient. However, I
also suggest that he contact the Long Island Collection of the East
Hampton Library. It too may have information on re-enactors. Its
number is 631 324-0222 and simply ask for the LI Collection.
Nancy Hyden Woodward
On Feb 17, 2006, at 4:27 PM, Travis, John wrote:
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Jon Olson [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
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Friday, February 17, 2006 4:17 PM
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Jon Olson
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Civil War Heritage Day at Albany Rural Cemetery: 9/23/06
Arial.
ArialGreetings, Civil War
Enthusiast:
Arial I'm on a committee
working on the Civil War Heritage Day at Albany Rural Cemetery to be
held on 9/23/06. I've have been assigned to see if I can line
up reenactors to portray some local Civil War personages at the
event, viz. Ira Harris, his wife Pauline, their daughter Clara, and
her husband Henry Rathbone. I don't have a clue as to where to begin
to find folks who might be interested in doing this. So, I need your
help.
Arial By way of
introduction, here's a brief bio on Ira Harris:
ArialIra Harris was born in
Charleston, Montgomery County, on May 31, 1802. He graduated from
Union College in 1824 and after studying law in Albany was admitted to
the bar in 1827 and began his law practice in Albany. Harris served
in the State Assembly (1845-1846) and State Senate (1847-1850). A
member of the Republican Party, Harris was elected to the U.S. Senate
(1861-1867). Harris was a family friend of Abraham Lincoln and his
wife Mary Todd Lincoln. He was among Lincoln's "most frequent evening
visitors". Harris's daughter and stepson, Clara Harris, and Henry
Rathbone, were with Lincoln when he was assassinated at the Ford's
Theatre on April 14, 1865. Harris was defeated in 1866 and after his
retirement from politics became a professor at the Albany Law School
(1867-1875). Harris died in Albany on December 2, 1875. He is interred
at Albany Rural Cemetery, as his is wife, Pauline.
Arial Here's a brief bio
on Clara Harris and Henry Rathbone:
ArialClara Harris was born in
1845. When her mother died her father remarried the mother of Major
Henry Rathbone. Rathbone was born in Albany in 1837, the son of the
mayor of Albany, Jarid Rathbone, who is buried in Albany Rural. He
attended Union College. He joined the Union Army in 1861 and during
the Civil War reached the rank of major. After his father's death, his
mother married Ira Harris. In 1865 he became engaged to his
step-sister, Clara. On April 14, 1865 the Lincolns invited Clara
Harris and her fiancée to the Ford Theatre to see the play
Our American Cousin.
John Parked, a constable in the
Washington Metropolitan Police Force, was detailed to sit on the chair
outside the presidential box. During the 3rd act Parker left to get a
drink. Soon afterwards, John Wilkes Booth entered Lincoln's box and
shot the president in the back of the head. Rathbone grabbed Booth but
he was slashed with a hunting knife. Despite a bad wound in his left
arm, Rathbone continued to struggle with Booth and as a result he was
unable to jump cleanly from the box. Booth landed on the stage eleven
feet below at an awkward angle and as a result fractured his ankle.
However, he was able to hobble out and get on his horse and escape. In
1867 Rathbone married Clara and over the next few years the couple had
three children. When Grover Cleveland became president he appointed
Rathbone as his consul to Germany. Rathbone's behavior became more
erratic and he appeared to become jealous of his wife's attentions to
the children. On December 23, 1883, Rathbone shot and killed Clara and
attempted to commit suicide by stabbing himself six times. He
survived and after being found guilty of murder was committed to an
asylum for the criminally insane. Rathbone died in the asylum in
1911. Henry and Clara were both buried in Germany.
Arial To have reenactors
portray the Harrises and the Rathbones at the event would be an
historically correct and good addition to our program. This is all in
the thinking stage at this point, so I don't know if they would even
have to speak. They could simply "work the room" in period grab and
the M.C. could introduce them at the dedication ceremony. But if
someone was interested in taking on the persona of these folks and
preparing some remarks, all the better.
Arial Sorry to be so
long-winded, but as I said above I have no idea where to begin. Do you
have any suggestions as to who I could contact locally to portray the
Harrises and the Rathbones? Is there a local association
of reenactors/living historians I could contact? I would appreciate
any suggestions/leads you might be able to give me.
Arial Thanks for your
attention to this matter.
Arial Jon
Arial
Arial<<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<>
ArialJon A. Olson
ArialPO Box 671
ArialNewtonville, NY 12128-0671
Arial(518) 785-1700
Arial<<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<><<>
http://www.woodwarddirect.net