Sullivan County Democrat
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Big Red Engine: American Pharoah won the Triple Crown, but ULLIVAN IFE he’s still lengths behind Secretariat. 10B SSULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT L www.scdemocratonline.com FRIDAY, JUNE 12, 2015 1B At Liberty CS, a ‘Civil War’ breaks out 143rd Volunteers reenactors demonstrate living history STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHARON SPACE-BAMBERGER n May 28, some stu- dents at Liberty High OSchool screamed in alarm at the sound of rifle and pistol shots. They saw uni- formed men drilling with ri- fles, bayonets and swords. The smell of gunpowder and clouds of gun smoke drifted towards Buckley Street. The screamers were just being dramatic. Teachers and students had been informed by administration that re-en- actors from the 143rd New York Infantry Volunteers would be doing living history demonstrations for the classes of history teachers Kort Wheeler and Adam Bradley. Civil War reenactor Pvt. Donovan Nietzel, a 17-year- old Liberty High junior, had asked Principal Jack Strass- man if the 143rd could per- Pvt. Donovan Nietzel received written permission for the Living His- form the demonstration. tory Demonstration from Principal Jack Strassman. Donovan wears Strassman liked the idea and authentic Civil War garb. asked Donovan for a written Above: A student pointed to Donovan Nietzel’s bayonet and asked, “What is that?” Donovan showed the triangular shape of the bay- onet, which caused inoperable wounds. At left: The Coehorn mortar, a small cannon used by Acting Cpl. Joseph Lansing and Pvt. Joey Galli, 14, made plenty of noise as Joey set off the cannon by pulling the lanyard. proposal. added, “Some of them study In his permission letter, the extra hard, but I’ve got one principal enumerated the hundred and fifteen kids who types of Civil War firearms are really good kids.” that would be allowed in the Volunteers from the 143rd demonstration. This in- who took part in the re-enact- cluded, “muskets, pistols, bay- ment at Liberty High School onets, swords and a Coehorn included Program organizer mortar (a small cannon).” Donovan Nietzel, Joseph Galli The permission letter cau- Sr., his son Joey Galli Jr., Kolin tioned, “This event will use Bothum, Joseph Lansing and blank ammunition and fire Jesse Straszewski. Their Civil Jovane Dennis volunteered to shoulder Jesse Straszewski’s leather blank salutes.” War outfits, not including knapsack, which Jesse labeled, “My home away from home.” The NYS law allows “weapons” weapons and ammunition, student remarked, “It’s heavy and it’s hot.” on school grounds with writ- cost a minimum of $800 if ten permission of a school of- they are lucky enough to find I think it is good to give this to To join the 143rd contract ficial. All firearms used in the a used outfit in their size. the community.” group secretary Tina Bothun demonstration used blank When asked why he takes Donovan Nietzel said, at 570-224-7650. black powder ammunition, part in Civil War Living His- “Principal Strassman told us The group occasionally which produces authentic tory demonstrations, Joey he’d like to see us do this event lends equipment to new re- noise and smoke! Galli, 14, the group’s youngest every year.” Donovan added, cruits who have shown dedi- The re-enactment occurred re-enactor said, “To help peo- “Maybe, it would help the kids cation on the Liberty school grounds ple understand the Civil War. not to be so afraid of history.” behind the Middle School. History students were en- couraged to look around the unit’s encampment but “Don’t touch.” Volunteers showed what Civil War soldiers were likely to carry, including a pack of playing cards and a prized mirror. The students correctly identified Gettys- burg as the bloodiest battle in the Civil War and a turning point in the war. The student’s questions in- dicated most had a good un- derstanding of the war in which more Americans were killed than in any other war in American history. When a by- stander remarked on this At a student’s request, Pvt. Jesse Staszewski valiantly chewed hard Adam Bradley proudly stated, tack, a type of cracker developed for field rations. None of the stu- “That’s our teaching!” dents were willing to take a bite.Teacher Kort Wheeler During a drill, Pvt. Jesse Straszewski demonstrated the correct use of a bayonet. North Branch Inn, Arnold to become siblings BY DAN HUST tavern, spa and hilltop lodge Inn but to the general pub- whose owners – Kirsten and lic. NORTH BRANCH — The Sims Foster – have just for- A surprisingly spacious Old North Branch Inn will be mally added the Inn to their back yard will play host to new again – in a manner of to-do list. both outdoor patio dining speaking. “The linens and amenities and private parties, while a To be sure, the circa-1868 will be the same as The charmingly ruinous con- enclave of hospitality will Arnold,” Kirsten affirms. crete pool will be rehabbed still have that vintage tin “But stylewise, these rooms into a garden. ceiling above its 1939 will feel a little more ‘seri- The property spans the World’s Fair bar, and it will ous’.” Callicoon Creek’s North continue to offer the quietly Not that they dismiss all Branch (the town’s name- delightful rooms which have the work previous innkeeper sake), along which guests housed all manner of Victoria Lesser put into what will be free to relax under passers-through – including was a rundown property at far-spreading pine boughs. one Leo DiCaprio not too the turn of the 21st century. The bowling alley will long ago. Indeed, they bought the likely be open, though Sims So, too, will remain the Inn from her last month in is intent on ensuring its an- fabulous two-lane bowling part because of its turnkey tique woodwork is cher- DAN HUST | DEMOCRAT alley, around which curtains condition. ished (including hand-set The Old North Branch Inn along County Route 121 will be rebranded simply as The North Branch can be lowered to transform “Victoria did a great job bowling pins manufactured Inn later this summer, when it reopens both as the inn it’s historically been and as a restaurant it into a mini movie theatre, with it,” Sims notes in grati- by the long-gone Sher- and tavern. The new owners are familiar to those who’ve visited The Arnold in Shandelee: Kirsten complete with authentic tude. “We’re carrying on in wood’s Mill in Livingston and Sims Foster. Radio City Music Hall seats. the spirit she started.” Manor, where his grandfa- But when the “Old” is Her former quarters will ther worked). timeless,” says Sims, who are sold-out on a far more way, shares that historic dropped from its name and become a fifth bedroom and The couple’s hope is to hopes other entrepreneurs frequent basis than either country ambience that has The North Branch Inn re- a parlor for guests. create a lively destination in will see the potential in Sims or Kirsten imagined. made The Arnold a true des- opens this summer, it will The historic bar and adja- a town that retains all its North Branch, as well. “Our optimism for the tination. house a different vibe than cent dining room will turn 19th century charm but vir- At the least, The North area,” explains Sims, “is sup- “These places have soul,” before. into a full-time restaurant tually none of its businesses. Branch Inn will provide ported by this robust rooms acknowledges Sims. Different, too, than The under the Fosters, open not “Sitting on the front porch much-needed space beyond business.” “So it’s about honoring Arnold up in Shandelee, the only to those staying at the [of the Inn], you feel like it’s The Arnold, whose rooms And the Inn, in its own that,” adds Kirsten. ABOUT BOOKS 2B | CLASSIFIEDS 3B | CROSSWORD 3B | DEALS ON WHEELS 9B | GOLFING HIGHLIGHTS 8B | OBITUARIES 2B | REAL ESTATE 2B | SPORTS 10B | SPORTMAN OUTDOORS 9B.