Civil War Encampment and Living History

June 7-9, 2002

by Helen Golden

On Friday evening, June 7th, Company “C” – NY 125th Regimental Association arrived to demonstrate how the Union Civil War soldiers lived in the field, marched and drilled. They also offered samples of hardtack and jerky and allowed viewers (all ages) to join in and receive drill instructions with wooden rifles. This event was held at the SHL campgrounds off Murders Kill Road on June 7, 8 and close on Sunday the 9 at 3:30 pm. The camp opened for visitors at 9:00am Saturday and Sunday with the drills shortly thereafter.

Mr. Rich Talay, Jim Palmateer, and Jim’s son 17 year old Ian all live in Athens and are part of these demonstrators. There are approximately 70 members, all living within a 50 mile radius of Albany. Every two months they meet at the Pruyn Building schoolhouse in Albany. As a member of this group, which was organized in 1988, you must purchase your own uniform, tent, blanket, poncho and eating utensils, all of which must be exactly as it was in the 1860’s during the Civil War. The uniform is 100% wool, and is uncomfortable in the summer, especially while marching. The cost of this equipment is approximately $1500.

There are several newspapers that they can subscribe to and they have their own newsletter called “The Bugle”. Their members range in age from 12 to 72 years. However, you must be 16 years old in order to handle a rifle. Women are also involved, doing the same work as the 1860’s women did such as cooking, washing of clothes and carrying buckets of water, all while wearing five layers of clothing.

Private Ian Palmateer speaks to history classes at schools, demonstrating the life of a Civil War soldier. The 125 NY Volunteer Infantry goes to actual Civil War battle sites and performs exhibitions of marching, battle formations and musket fire. They have been to Gettysburg, Leesburg and Bull Run, and have appeared in movies such as Gettysburg (1993), Andersonville (1994) and Gods & Generals, which will be released this year. Corporal Rich Talay, who has been active for the last 20 years, says the best part of this hobby is the camaraderie and the camping with fellow history buffs.