August - September 2001 Edition

'Sgt. Ahern' Gives Glimpse into the Civil War   By Jim Hile   FAIR LAWN - Sgt. Cornelius Ahern of the 1st Virginia stood quietly before the audience. A modest man, he was not used to speaking before such a large assemblage of people. "I'm fighting for my home," he said in a soft Southern drawl. "We want our independence and for Mr. Lincoln to leave us alone."    For a half-hour 30 Fair Lawn residents peppered the sergeant with questions about the causes of the American Civil War. The talk was animated at times over issues like secession, emancipation, and prisoner of war camps, but Sgt. Ahern deftly answered them all. "Thank you sergeant," a voice finally said.    As applause filled the room, "Sgt. Ahern" disappeared and he became Robert Stevenson, North Jersey educator and Civil War reenactor with Lee's Light Horse, CSA. "That's what doing a good first-person impression is all about," said Jim Hile, Sr., moderator for the Civil War Reenactor Forum held recently at the Fair Lawn Public Library. The forum featured five reenactors and is part of festivities leading up to the Fair Lawn Civil War Weekend to be held Sept. 21-23 at Memorial Park.    "The key to doing a first-person impression is research and staying in character," said Stevenson. "It takes work but it's very rewarding when done properly." It can also have its comical moments too, as Stevenson recalled a scene at one event he attended. "I watched an impressionist as he expressed his chagrin to see ladies in camp. 'Why aren't you all at home caring for your children?' the soldier asked," smiled Stevenson. "The ladies were actually getting upset with his statements, forgetting that he was simply 'in character' responding as a man would have back in the 19th century. He never left character either, and it was a lively debate!"    Joining Stevenson were Ken LeSoine and Randy Andrese from the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers (USA), and Alex Leslie, Sr. and Hile of Lee's Light Horse (CSA). Both units and Jackson's Flying Artillery (CSA) will be hosting the Civil War weekend.   "I wanted to answer some of the points Sgt. Ahern made," smiled LeSoine. "But I need to work a little on my impression."   With stacked muskets and accoutrements such as canteens, field glasses, haversacks, hand-sewn shell jackets, and period bibles serving as a backdrop, the reenactors, dressed in full blue and gray uniforms, discussed how they became involved in the hobby.   "It's a family affair for me," said Andrese. "My wife portrays a 'spy' who moves between Federal and Confederate lines. My son is a drummer boy and my wife made his uniform."  The same holds true for Leslie. "My wife, son and I do confederate infantry and artillery," he said. "I had kin who fought during the war and it's my way of honoring them."   The Fair Lawn Civil War Weekend is free and open to the public. Its co-sponsors are the Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce and Borough.  "This is an event for the entire family," said Hile a long-time borough resident. "Friday will feature an educational program for students, and camps will be open throughout the weekend for public inspection."   Funding for the affair is being provided by private donations. "We are very appreciative to the Chamber of Commerce and Rotary Club for their help," said Hile. "We hope to make this a first-class event to remember."  Contributions can help pay for an artillery unit, educational facilitators, entertainment for a Saturday night ball and other needs.   For more information or to make a donation, please contact Tom Metzler, Fair Lawn director of emergency management at (201) 794-5390.     What Do You Think?: Send an e- mail to editor@fairlawnnews.com or post a message on the Fair Lawn News Discussion Forum.