Ohio Civil War Show

Ohio Civil War Collectors Show, 2009

 This yearly show held on the first weekend of May at the Richland County Fairgrounds in Mansfield, Ohio is one of the largest and oldest shows in the country. This year's show involved 380 dealers and exhibitors from 38 states with 750 tables of military memorabilia for sale to the public.  World War I and II military items were also available at this show for the first time. Besides the artifacts for sale, the 17th annual artillery show featured 30 full scale cannons, limbers, caissons, gatling guns, and mortars. Living history encampments, a sutlers village, and artillery firing demonstrations were conducted twice a day during the show. There was a lot to see and do besides browsing relics.

There was plenty of authentic period music played by Union drum and fife musicians. They kept everyone in a festive mood throughout the show.

Artillery cannons were everywhere along with the caissons. There were parrott rifles, napoleons, mortars, and mountain howitzers on display.

The 8th Pennsylvania Regiment had a 1776 Revolutionary War living history encampment with colonial camping, musket firing, and cannon firing shown in the above photos.

The Revolutionary War outfits added a lot of color to the show. Their music and activities outside made the show very interesting.

Union soldiers fire a volley salute and Confederate soldiers march across the square. Reenactors were out in force at this show throughout the weekend.

These two ladies in period Civil War outfits browsed memorabilia displayed by dealers. On the right is a section of the sutler village set up for the show. 

These two soldiers set up a nice World War II display even though they appeared to be very young. Their outfits were great. The G.I. on the right had a mortar set up and answered questions about the American soldier. 

I found the German reenactors to be one of the most interesting groups at the show. The soldiers in the above left hand photos looked like German soldiers, including their haircuts. They were a very enthusiatic group, answering the many questions by the public. On the right is a display of weapons used by the German infantry.

This soldier could play an extra in any WW II movie. He belongs to the Die 5 Gebirgsjager Division Historical Reenactment Unit. Besides the friendly information, it was a pleasure talking with him.

Civil War dealers from across the country set up at the show. On the right is Harry Ridgeway (The Relic Man), wearing his Virginia Tech shirt.

One of my mail order customers stopped by my table to say hello. Justin Dawson had some help from his girlfriend, Autumn, checking out Civil War relics. On the right is The Veteran's Attic's owner Vann Martin. He always saves some Florida Confederate Veteran items for me.

On the left, Artillery expert Mike Ward stands by his nice table display. On the right, Relic legend and author, Mike O'Donnell was there to sign copies of his latest book  'U.S. Army & Militia Canteens 1775-1910.'

Show Promoter Wayne Williams discusses a cannister round display. On the right is a nice naval display. Even if one doesn't want to buy any relics, the many displays were well worth the admission price.

My friend Jim Young is also a retired police officer and is now a man of the cloth. Each year, I set up my tables next to John and Ellen Tietjen. They always have unusual military antiques.

Ralph Abbruzzese provides information on one of his weapons to a customer. Ralph and I spend a lot of time discussing politics at each show. A Revolutionary Officer checks out the relics on the right.

A portion of the show's proceeds were donated to four Civil War preservation societies. One of them was the Johnson's Island Confederate Prison Association. This show has always been near the top of my list for shows. I hope this small sample of photos will give you an idea of what to expect. I will be there next year and hope that you will consider attending. You will not be disappointed.