THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 19, 1996 TAG: 9609170120
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOAN C. STANUS, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 47 lines
The Norfolk waterfront will experience a flash from the past Saturday night when some 100 Confederate re-enactors pile into several Civil War-era boats at Fort Norfolk and row up the Elizabeth River to Waterside for a liberty call.
Don't be surprised to hear a few ``yo, ho, ho's'' rising from the waterfront that night.
``It should be quite a sight,'' said Bill Whorton, a local re-enactor who helped organize the event. ``Something like this has never been done before in this area.''
The marine and naval re-enactors will converge at Reggie's Pub to knock back a few libations after spending a day at Fort Norfolk holding public drills, demonstrations and classes.
The daylong re-enactment will include tours of the historic 200-year-old fort, three period boats and a scale replica of the USS Monitor. An 18-foot skiff and two 22-foot double-enders will be on display.
Other activities set to take place include rowing, artillery and period cooking demonstrations.
The re-enactors also plan to hold classes on naval customs, marlinespiking, period uniforms and torpedoes. Bayonet, howitzer and cutlass drills are scheduled, and a re-enactor posing as a naval doctor, using period equipment, will hold demonstrations and answer questions about 19th century medical practices.
In an activity specially geared to children, ``prospective sailors'' will be recruited into the Confederate Army. The kids will be given reproductions of original enlistment papers to take home.
Throughout the day, period troops behind the fort's shore batteries will engage the Norfolk Rover in a mock battle as it makes its passes.
In addition to the Civil War sailors and marines, civilian re-enactors also will participate in the day's activities. A cooper and several sutlers, or vendors who traveled with the troops, will set up shop at the fort.
For those craving more modern-day fare, however, 20th century food and drinks will be available.
The public re-enactment, set from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., is free, although a donation is requested to fund future events. With the exception of the liberty call, activities will be repeated Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.
The event's hosts are the Norfolk Historical Society, Ship's Company C.S.S. Virginia, Confederate States Marines Companies B and C, and the Wilmington Torpedo Squadron.
Fort Norfolk is at the end of Colley Avenue. by CNB