Civil War

obelisk

Civil War Memorial Gets a New Shine Amid Cannonballs in Edgartown Park

Patriotism, Vineyard history and the meaning of the Fourth of July holiday remain vibrant at Memorial Park in Edgartown. The one-and-one-half acre park has never looked finer. The Civil War-era cannons and cannonballs, the whaling-era trypot and other aging features of the park were just recently repainted.

Tomorrow is the 108th birthday of the dedication of the park and the unveiling of a tall bronze obelisk, a tribute to the service of veterans, men and women, who served in the Civil War, a war that was felt deeply by the residents of the Vineyard.

Civil War Diaries of Island Boy: Museum to Launch Charlie Mac

Twelve years ago, Marian Halperin of Vineyard Haven began reading and copying the private journal of someone she didn’t know. Then she read and copied the letters he wrote far from home and the account book his father kept on the Island while he was away.

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The Long March North in 1863: Remembering the Civil War

Editor’s Note: Memorial Day is a day of flags and remembrance established after the Civil War, where some 620,000 men died, more than in any other American war in history. The battle at Gettysburg is probably one of the most poignant symbols of that war.

Oak Bluffs Civil War Statue Rededicated

The Soldiers’ Memorial Fountain at Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs was rededicated Friday afternoon in ceremonies celebrating the completion of an ambitious two-year restoration project.

Bagpipes, played by Tony Peak, began in the distance and came nearer as the Massachusetts 54th re-enactors and members of American Legion Post 257 marched to the foot of the memorial.

Clouds began to roll in, blocking the splendor of the sun but not the glory of the celebration.

Distant Blazes of War Engulfed Island

For the sheep grazing in pastures above Vineyard Sound, the patches of weathered canvas beating toward Holmes Hole were barely worth a glance away from meals of September grass. Farmers, townspeople and public officials, however, greeted the approach of some four dozen English-flagged vessels with a bit more alarm.

Memorial Tablet Dedicated

While the dedication of the Confederate Memorial tablet was planned as a part of the Oak Bluffs Celebration, it seemed that the fates must have willed that a day be set apart for the ceremony alone, as the heavy electrical storm on Friday prevented the carrying out of any other part of the day’s program, other than the Fireman’s Parade which took place just before dark.
 
Owing to the sudden death of Judge Hillman, Herbert N. Hinckley was chosen as master of ceremonies, and read the speech which the Judge had prepared for the occasion.
 

Opposes Placing of Confederate Name

Despite the protest of Grand Army Senior Vice Commander-in-Chief Wilfred A. Wetherbee against the placing of a Confederate veteran’s name on the Soldiers’ Monument at Oak Bluffs, representatives of the surviving member of the Henry Clay Wade Post, and the Woman’s Relief Corps, declare that the plan shall be carried out, and regard the commander’s objection as ridiculous and shameful.
 

Confederate Soldier Honors the Blue

Last Saturday at Edgartown marked the beginning of a new paragraph in a chapter of Vineyard history which was begun 30 years ago. At the close of the public exercises, patriotic orders including the G. A. R., W. R. C. and the American Legion met in the town hall for refreshments and friendly discussion.
 

Dedication Ceremonies

As we go to press the exercises attending the dedication of the Soldiers’ Memorial at Cottage City are in full progress. The fine weather, accompanied by a cool breeze from the northward, together with the noble aim of the events of the day, has brought together the largest body of people Cottage City has seen for years.
 
At 1 o’clock the several posts assembled at Grand Army Hall, Lake avenue. The line formed for parade on Siloam and Kedron avenues, right resting on Lake avenue, in the following order:
 

Hurrygraphs

President Johnson recently remarks: - “Mercy has been slain. Let us now take care that Justice is not slain also.”
 
Another mercantile firm of New York, has added its proffer of $10,000 toward the half million fund proposed to be offered for the capture of Jeff Davis, which makes $30,000 already proffered.
 
It is proposed to raze Ford’s Theatre, and to raise on its site a monument to President Lincoln.
 
Gen, Halleck has taken command at Richmond.
 

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