From the April - May  2001 Edition 

Civil War Re-Enactment   Fair Lawn Public Library will host a demonstration and discussion of Civil War issues and equipment on May 23rd at 7:30 PM.  Four months later ...   In Memorial Park the weekend of September 21 - 23, re-enactors representing soldiers and civilians will bring “history to life”  as the Fair Lawn Chamber of Commerce and Borough co-sponsor the town’s first Civil War Weekend.      “This is an event for the entire family,” says Jim Hile, Sr. a long-time borough resident and Civil War re-enactor who is helping to organize the affair. “Our aim is to give students and residents alike a glimpse into their nation’s rich history.”   Re-enactors are people who take their love of history to the next level by outfitting themselves in authentic clothing and equipment from the period they seek to portray. Civil War re-enactors attempt to recreate the sights, sounds, and atmosphere that would have existed 140 years ago. It is not an inexpensive proposition. “At a typical re-enactment, the equipment we bring can total more than $250,000,” said Hile.   Camps will be set up in the park and will be open to the public on Saturday September 22nd and Sunday September 23rd. Scheduled events include morning drill, afternoon tactical demonstrations, an army field hospital display, candlelight camp tours Saturday night and a military ball featuring the 77th New York Balladeers, a Civil War-era musical ensemble.   The three-day affair begins on Friday September 21st with presentations to students from Memorial Middle School and Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Hile is coordinating efforts with Tom Metzler the Borough’s Office of Emergency Management Director, as well as with the Fair Lawn Public Schools.   “Providing an educational experience for students is the whole idea behind staging the event,” said Hile, who has two children in Fair Lawn High School. “We will be working closely with school faculty and Living History Associates, a professional facilitating group, to develop a rewarding and appropriate program.”   Three re-enacting groups will serve as co-hosts for the weekend: the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers, USA; Lee’s Light Horse, CSA; and Jackson’s Flying Artillery, CSA. Other units will be coming from throughout the Northeast. “We hope to have at least 100 re-enactors attend,” Hile said.   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 the Saturday night ball, or other needs.   For more information or to make a donation, please contact Tom Metzler at (201) 794-5390.