Ohio Civil War & WWI & WWII Show

Originally published July 2023 · pp. 1–6

Ohio Civil War & WWI & WWII Show — lead photograph from the original article

Ohio Civil War & WWI & WWII Show Our History ~ Not Forgotten MANSFIELD, Ohio—The “Ohio Show” is a true testament that our history is not forgotten; thousands of guests filled the grounds looking for a bit of Civil War and WWI & II historical education. Mansfield, Ohio, came alive with Civil War, WWI, and WWII enthusiasts for a weekend packed with militaria and special featured events. The local community looks forward to this annual event each year. The Show is happy to support the Mansfield community. We hear that the hotels were filled, and restaurants were packed. Guests were given an opportunity to see unique and rare memorabilia, pose questions to historian experts about the details of war, and experience actual living history encampments of the Civil War and WWII. The cannon firing demonstrations are always a crowd pleaser and definitely makes some noise. The weekend is a family event that should not be missed. Dealers traveling from over 44 states, along with over 4,000 attendees, tells the fact that the Ohio Show is the most attended event of the year. Dealers traveled

from as far as New York, Texas, Missouri, Maine, California, and even Hawaii, to share their unique wares. The testimonials simply tell it like it is: • “Incredible show as always – One of the finest!” – Brendan Synnamon • “One of the best shows of its kind in the country.” – Ron Coddington • “Many thanks to everyone who participated and made this happen – Keeping history alive.” – Andy Rogers • “It was AWESOME.” – Eric Sackman The Annual Ohio Civil War, WWI &II Show is held at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio, each year, during the first weekend in May. Seven buildings filled with military material from 1775 through 1945. This is the 45th year for the grand event. Hats off to the Williams family who continue to manage and coordinate the Show. It takes a year in the planning to contact

Award winners from left to right: Daryl Poe, Richard Wolfe, Kevin Kinney, Cliff Krainik, Bret Schweinfurth (with daughter), Tom McEvoy, Abe Lincoln, Cathy Spencer (with spouse) and Lynda Setty. (Elizabeth Topping is not shown) all the dealers and orchestrate all the added special features that have become the crowd pleasers for young and old. The Williams family has a passion for history, and they come by it honestly. Don Williams originated the Show in 1977 with just a small isle of tables and a dream to keep our history alive. The Show quickly grew to over 750 tables with all the added outdoor features, making the Historical Show an event for all ages to enjoy. The Show’s favorite features are the Civil War and WWII encampments spread over the entire grounds; rows of cannons stand along the tent lines; fire pits set up for evening campsite story telling. As the still of the night came alive each morning with a grand opening ceremony by the infantry, both Civil and Revolutionary Wars. What a spectacular sight to enjoy with your morning coffee. Everyone enjoys music and the Camp Chase Fife & Drum Corps and the 73rd OVI Regiment Band played favorite tunes and featured period duty calls using drum beats throughout the day. Abraham Lincoln presented the Gettysburg

Address to a full crowd of interested guests, The Brigade of the American Revolution, along with Confederate and Union Civil War infantry, fired weapons and marched in line across the grounds. What a great photo opportunity it was. Special Civil War and World War II Living History Encampments showed visitors how the soldiers survived and endured life during periods when they were not marching or in combat. An educational presentation by the WWII U.S. 801st Medical Air Evacuation Squadron was one presentation not to miss. Guests learned how the squadron took care of the wounded and how they evacuated them in such challenging conditions. What a great history lesson. The Artillery demonstration is a unique portion of the Show; the only one of its kind in the United States, showcasing artillery field pieces from the Revolutionary War through World War II. Visitors enjoyed seeing fullscale cannons, limbers, caissons, and artillery shells along with an eight-cannon firing line.

Reenactors took to the field in full dress to give an educational and entertaining demonstration of artillery firing. In addition to celebrating Civil War valor and history, the World War I & World War II exhibitors were added to the Show due to the interest in our history. U.S. and German soldiers walked amongst the crowd and answered questions from guests who wanted to learn and understand more. A rare encampment set-up within the large barn showed complete living quarters, uniforms, weapons, and ammunition. Onlookers were in awe as U.S. WWII GI’s and German Soldaten demonstrated with blank firing WWII military weapons. The educational displays never disappoint. Exhibitors were invited to participate in a display competition, where 26 dealers showcased unique items with historical facts in outstanding visual displays. Thanks for all the great educational presentations this year.

Award winners this year included Cliff Krainik who received a Judges Award for “Black Hawk From Frontier Warrior to Cultural Icon,” Lynda Setty won a Judges Award for her display entitled “Jumpers: 1852 to 1876,” Richard Wolfe received another Judges Award for his display “General Benjamin Franklin Kelley,” Kevin Kinney won Best Arms and Equipment with “German Machine Guns 1938–1945,” Elizabeth Topping won Best Educational with her display “Sanitary Fairs,” Bret Schweinfurth received Best Photographic for his display entitled “Invalid Corps,” Daryl Poe received Best Outstanding Artillery display for his “U.S. Model 1905 3-inch Field Gun with 1904 Limber,” and Cathy Spencer won Best World Wars for her display of “American Barrage Balloons in WWII.” The Best of Show Award for 2023 went to Tom McEvoy for his display of a very rare historical inclusive view of Lincoln’s funeral arrangements. A history lesson of its own presented beautifully. It was another successful year for both dealers and guests. The Ohio Show is honored to make your visit enjoyable and memorable. Never forget our history and what our country fought for. Make the Ohio Civil War Show your travel destination each year. Take time to step back in time! Mark your calendars for May 4-5, 2024. The show will be held in the same location, the Richland County Fairgrounds, located in Mansfield, Ohio. Visit us on Facebook – Ohio Civil War Show and find out more information and stay up to date at: ohiocivilwarshow.com.

Cathy Spencer’s, American Barrage Balloons in WWII.

Tom McEvoy’s Best of Show award winning display, Abraham Lincoln Candidate to Canonized.

41st OVI Infantry Regiment.

Abe Lincoln presenting Best of Show award to Tom McEvoy.

Kevin Kinney’s German Machine Guns 1938–1945.

Lynda Setty’s cloth display of Jumpers 1852 to 1876.

Daryl Poe brought his 3-inch 1904 limber to the show.

Daryl Poe’s U.S. Model 1905 3-inch Field Gun.

Richard Wolfe’s display about General Benjamin Franklin Kelley.

There were plenty of for sale tables full of antique weapons and artifacts. Here is Ed Knisley’s sale table.

Elizabeth Topping’s display of Sanitary Fairs memorabilia.

Cliff Krainik’s display, Black Hawk: From Frontier Warrior to Cultural Icon.