Lake Country This Month

By Christopher Bennett Special to The Freeman DELAFIELD — It was wrong of Karen Alexander to sew a zipper into her first dress. Such an alleged travesty against fashion might normally make one snicker, but in this very specific instance, Alexander com- mitted what amounts to a heinous crime. Alexander sewed a zipper into the first dress she crafted for her hobby as a civilian Civil War re-enactor. "They didn't have zippers in the 1860s," Alexander said. "I wanted to get rid of that and do something better because you keep wanting to do things better and more accu- rate." The Alexanders spend a lot of their free time as Civil War re-enactors. Jon and Jenna Theissen do the same, along with their sons Erik, 15, and Mason, 10. The Theissens live in North Prairie, and the Alexanders live in the western Racine Coun- ty village of Rochester. Historical Timekeepers, a group co-found- ed by the Theissens in 2002 and one to which the Alexanders belong, is playing a pivotal role bringing history alive during the Cush- ing Memorial Rededication Event, May 22 through May 25 in Delafield. Alonzo Cushing was born in Delafield in 1841. He served as a Union artillery officer in the Civil War, and posthumously received the Medal of Honor on Nov. 6, 2014, during ceremonies at the White House. He earned the Medal of Honor for actions taken on July 3, 1863, during the Battle of Gettysburg as an artillery commander in Battery A, 4th U.S. Artillery, Army of the Potomac. Historical Timekeepers is holding an edu- cational program in Cushing Memorial Park on May 22. The group is playing host to an encampment at Cushing Memorial Park on May 23 and May 24, in addition to being involved in other events leading up to and throughout the weekend. Historical Timekeepers, according to the group's website, is "dedicated to the highest standards of safety, authenticity and accu- racy in its portrayal of the life and time of the people that fought, died for and lived in the United States during the (Civil War), 1861-1865." "We got really involved and really fell in love with the hobby," Jenna Theissen said. "It's not just a hobby — it became a family." The events concerning the rededication of the Cushing Monument and those honoring Alonzo Cushing is the stuff of dreams for living historians like the Theissens and Alexanders. Both families are involved with Cushing's Battery, a unit of re-enactors named for Cushing, which will be at the Delafield fes- tivities and is based in southeast Wisconsin. The passion in Jenna Theissen's voice is obvious as she compares her feelings on the upcoming weekend to the tingling felt by fans of the "Star Wars" franchise after the trailer for "The Force Awakens" debuted in mid-April. "We are stoked," she said. "It is the big moment." The Theissens jumped head-long into the hobby of re-enacting in 2002 after a trip to Wade House, a carriage house located in Greenbush that is maintained by the Wis- consin Historical Society. "Within a week I was buying a bolt of material to make my first dress," Jenna Theissen said. Jon later bought a forge at a farm auction, and set about becoming a self- taught blacksmith. The Alexanders became re-enactors after a weekend trip to Galena, Ill., about 10 years ago. General Ulysses S. Grant once lived in Galena, as did eight other men who attained the rank of general in the Civil War. "It's fun," Karen Alexander said. "I've always enjoyed history, and I like this period of history. My husband and I both do. Once you start digging, there's always something to explain. There's always something else to learn." Both Jenna and Karen explain typically unknown slices of life during the time of the Civil War. Jenna demonstrates what life was like at home, and Karen focuses on "sanitary fairs" held by the U.S. Sanitary Commission to help the Army's sick and wounded. The Theissens and Alexanders are prepar- ing for re-enacting season, which typically runs from May to October, and includes 18 to 20 weekends and numerous school presenta- tions. All of their activities are done in their free time and are self-funded — the financial investment by both families is significant. Jon Theissen purchased a six-pound naval cannon and started a unit called the USS Minnesota. The unit is named for the flag- ship of the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, and will be part of the events at Delafield. Karen Alexander said she and her hus- band and the Theissens are living histori- ans, and keep vivid a period of time Jenna Theissen said consists of little more than lessons on slavery, Jefferson Davis, Abra- ham Lincoln and the Battle of Gettysburg when taught in most schools. 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We offer assistance in criminal defense, real estate, probate, litigation, worker's compensation, social security disability and family court matters. Back row - Paul Bucher, Paul Kntzer, Thomas Simon, Steven Lownik Front row - Jodie Massey, Susan Calvanico, Deborah Mueller We are located in Delafield at 355 Austin Circle, Suite 110. To schedule a free consultation, please contact us at (262) 303-4916, or visit our website at www.bucherlawgroup.com Friday, July 24th 5-10:30PM Saturday, July 25th 3-10:30PM www.tasteoflakecountry.com 244051003 Welcome to North Shore Bank's Taste of Lake Country. Exceptional cuisine from 16 of Lake Country's finest restaurants, great music and the best sunset in all of Lake Country! Visit our website for each restaurants menus and entertainment. Bringing to life American history Cushing's Battery to showcase Civil War history during event Submitted photo Cushing's Battery re-enacts a Civil War battle at a past Muskets and Memories event in Boscobel. The battery will be at the Cushing Memorial Monument Anniversary Celebration in Delafield during Memorial Day weekend. Submitted photo Jenna and Jon Theissen will be participating in the re-enactment camp at Cushing Memo- rial Park during Memorial Day weekend. Submitted photo A group of men and boys portray the crew of the USS Minnesota at a previous Civil War re- enactment event.

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