This was the first time either of us had been to any kind of Civil War battle reenactment. If memory serves, there were about a dozen people on the field and half a dozen cannons. I believe Keith called it "more of a skirmish." Dudes just want to show off their cannons, amiright?
Other activities at the Victorian Festival include stage coach rides, crafting demonstrations, a kind of flea market, and tours of the Hazel Dell Mansion, which is a private residence only open for special events such as this.
Hazel Dell was built by Colonel William J Fulkerson in 1866, and the Victorian Festival takes place on the Fulkerson farm. Guess who stayed on the farm once? FRANK AND JESSE JAMES. We just run into them everywhere, don't we?
In all seriousness, you can read more about the history of the property here. The whole reason I'm digging this out of the vault is to show you the pictures Keith took of the front doors. He missed half of the tour for this.
Marvelous, yes? A few other highlights from the mansion:
I have to say, my favorite part of this trip was driving up the Great River Road from St Louis, and I highly recommend taking that route if you decide to visit the Victorian Festival this year. The festival runs September 4-6 and admission to the grounds is $8 for adults and $2 for children.
Ooh, I've been to that, it is really neat. The house is gorgeous, the festival offers good food and neat crafts.
ReplyDeleteThat window was amazing!
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