More Reenactment News

We now have a new date for Marilla Civil War Days. We've moved to JUNE 25 - 27, 2010.We are very excited to have moved to June, with an all new layout for the camps and activities. Do I dare say it, we have cut our rain challenges by 50%. If you are curious with what I mean, please check back later for more details. You didn't think I would tell you everything now did you. Stay informed and become a fan of Marilla Civil War Days on Facebook. Check out the link to your left. We will have your registration info posted in the next few weeks. As always we welcome Sutlers, Civilian characters, Union and Confederate infantry. Check out the Marilla Town Website.

David Wayne ERICKSON

E-mail Visit Guest Book

ERICKSON - David Wayne November 25, 2009; David is survived by his wife Lisa (nee Sinkovitz) Erickson; father of Carl (Tina Miller) Erickson, Sara (Ian Gladysek) Erickson, and Miles Erickson of Lockport; grandfather of Xavier Erickson and Weston Gladysek; brother of Dennis (Amy) Erickson and Bonnie (Robert) Hobday; also survived by several nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may call Sunday 1 to 5 PM at PRUDDEN & KANDT FUNERAL HOME, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport, where funeral services will be held Monday at 10 AM. Interment will be in Cold Spring Cemetery. Memorials to the American Heart Association or to the Niagara County SPCA would be appreciated by the family. Please visit www.pruddenandkandt.com to leave the family an online condolence.

To All,
It is with the deepest regrets that I write to say that we have lost a VERY dear friend and fellow re-enactor. Dave Erickson, 94th N.Y., has passed this world and moved on into eternity. I write this with a VERY Heavy heart and tears. Dave was a good friend and I will always remember all the good times we spent together. He was one of the main leaders in making the Marilla Event what it is today. He just recently retired from his position from the U.S. Postal Service and was a former U.S. Marine of which he was very proud of. He always had a way to make everyone laugh. I ask that everyone keep his family in their prayers.

With Deepest Sorrows,
Mike Krawczyk

Angelica NY, Camps were bustling with activity as tours were given to the local boy scouts and interested public. A battle ensued after the troops were issued their orders. There were minimal casualties on both sides with the Confederates victorious. A trip into town proved interesting for the Confederates as a deserter was discovered and chased through town with much resistance. He was finally captured; as he was found hiding in an alley way. He was brought up on charges and sentenced to public execution in the main street for all to see. As the Confederates were tending to their own problems, the Union forces made an advance from the rear to push back the Confederates to a defeat in the town square.

After Action Report for Artillery Coalition stationed at Marilla.

July 10, The Artillery Coalition began arrival and camp set-up. Rations were cooked and the camp was calm as the night set in.

July 11, Camps were alive with activity early. Coffee and Breakfast were made. Officers of the unit attended Officer's call. As the men took rations a flooding downpour began. After 3 hours of Thunder Lightning and rain the skies cleared. We took the field at 3:30pm with 3 Confederate Mortars facing a single gun from Wiedrich's Battery of NY. The Union force turned out to be a small group of skirmishers. They put up a good fight but were driven from the field. It was wet and the men found a small barn dance later in the evening to take the edge off after battle.

July 12, Camps were open and coffee was flowing. The men of Barr' Turner' and Washington Artillery were out as the weather was much better. The men were supposed to be drilling but due to lack of command by their Captain the Artillery was relaxing and enjoying themselves. Finally General Pettigrew noticed this and took command of some of the men and put them to work. The Battle started at 1:00pm and was started by a gun from the 1st NY Light Artillery. The battle was hot and the fire was much more than that of the day before. The skirmishers had gained the strength of men from the 9th NY Cavalry. these men put up a fight and took a heavily fortified Confederate Battery. They were all killed except their Captain who was taken prisoner. The Union had won the day. After battle the Confederates held a courts marshal for a shirker, the decision was that he be put to death by firing squad. The camps were a bustle as men tore down to move to the next battle. All the soldiers should be commended for the great event that was portrayed.
Captain Dale Turner
Artillery Coalition
ERA Adjutant

To keep with tradition we had a rain filled Saturday. All was not lost, as the Battle went on schedule with the Union being over powered by the Confederates. The Union suffered a terrible defeat with many casualties to report.

A short photo session was introduced after the battle to let the spectators mingle with their favorite characters. This was very popular with the few hundred spectators in attendance.

Sunday turned out to be a spectacular day with sunny blue skies and moderate temperatures. The union acquired necessary reinforcements for day two of the Battle of Marilla. The Confederates fought strong and hard but could not withstand the firepower of Union carbine supplied infantry. The Union pulled off a decisive victory taking several prisoners including their commanding officer Col.Turner. During the battle a Confederate Private refused to take orders from a commanding officer and deserted his unit. He was later captured and brought up on charges of desertion and failing to take orders from a commanding officer. Private Hogan 28 of the 52nd North Carolina appeared at court marshal, and was found guilty as charged. Private Hogan was sentenced to death by firing squad which was carried out at 2:08 pm July 12, 1863. Condolences go out to his wife Barb.

Marilla Civil War Days June 24 - 26, 2011

David Wayne ERICKSON

Marilla Civil War Days
June 24 - 26, 2011