Civil War Cane

Lebanon has one of the oldest Masonic Lodges in the State of Ohio.  Anyone who was anyone in this part of the state during the 19th century was a Mason. That statement still holds true today.

Our own Steve Kaiser (he's the museum's accountant)  is just completing his first term as Grand Master of the Lebanon Masons and stopped by on Tuesday to show us one of the artifacts on display at the Lebanon Masonic Lodge.

Durbin Wards Civil War Souvenir cane

After the Civil War veterans of the Union Army gathered together calling themselves the Grand Army of the Republic. They met for reunions at least once a year, marched in numerous parades and celebrated their service. We often see carved wooden canes commemorating  various Civil War battles.

General Durbin Ward, the first man from Warren County to volunteer for the Civil War, was also a Mason.  A man named Perce Reese presented him with this cane carved with Masonic symbols to commemorate Ward's service in the Civil War. Ward's widow donated the cane to the Masonic lodge in Lebanon.  General Durbin Ward was the second owner of our Glendower Historic Mansion. He and his wife Elizabeth Probasco Ward moved into the house in 1868. He died there in 1886.

From the condition of the tip, the cane appears to have been well used.
 

The Warren County History Center has several other Civil War commemorative canes including one for the Little Round Top offensive in the battle of Gettysburg.


Steve Kaiser shows the head of the cane carved like an animal paw.

 

 



Fall Happenings at WCHS | Antique Show, Flea Market, Civil War Soldier's Wake at Glendower

Fall is always a busy season for WCHS and this year is no exception.  With several annual events that draw large crowds, we are always thankful for the selfless help that our dedicated volunteers offer to help plan and staff our venues.

Thank you, volunteers!  Our successes at WCHS depend on you!

Here's a photo sampling of what WCHS has been up to thus far this fall:

Antique Show & Sale, October 5 & 6, 2013 

 

 A few lovely offerings from our loyal vendors:

 

 

 

Flea Market, September 27 & 28, 2013

 

Located at the Lebanon Conference and Banquet Center (Old Post Office)

 

 

 

 

Civil War Encampment and Soldier's Wake at Glendower, September 28 & 29, 2013

 

Many thanks to our Gendower volunteers for presenting this first ever Civil War Soldier's Wake at Glendower!

 

 

 

 

 

Civil War Encampment at Glendower Featured Soldier's Wake

 

The White Mountain Grass blue grass band, gathered round the cannon on Sunday.

The annual Civil War Encampment at Glendower Historic Mansion this past weekend was once again a fantastic success. It is always a pleasure to work with the Ohio Valley Civil War Association, whose authentic encampment on the lawn at Glendower allows visitors to experience a slice of Civil War life from the viewpoint of the soldiers and their entourage.  The weather was beautiful and the booming cannon could be heard throughout downtown Lebanon whose streets were filled with visitors to the annual Country Applefest street fair.

This year, our dedicated Glendower costumed interpreters added to the Civil War ambiance by staging a Civil War Soldier's Wake inside Glendower.  Visitors to Glendower were welcomed by the sorrowful sight of black mourning swags tied around the columns that flank the back door.  Inside the sitting room, the grieving relatives of the young soldier gathered round to tell the tale of his life and his death. 

The front door at Glendower draped in mourning.

 

 

Mourners paying tribute.

 

 

 



The housemaid, Kitty, overcome with grief.