Two Civil War Events Set

PRAIRIE GROVE —A couple of events at Battlefield State Park in June will take visitors back in time to a day when a war was raging or how clothing was made during that war.

Ann Webb and Steve Burgess will be displaying their Civil War collections from 1-5 p.m. on June 16.

Alan Thompson, museum registrar, said Webb and Burgess have been displaying their collections for many years.

“I came here in 1999 and they were both coming to the park to show their collections then,” Thompson said.

Webb collects antique kitchen wares and ladies accessories.

Burgess has a collection of Civil War items such as cannonballs, bullets, canteens and more.

They also will display their items on July 14 and Aug. 18 at the park.

“They bring different things each time, so people won’t see the same items,” Thompson said.

Thompson said Burgess’ collection is similar to what one can find at a Civil War museum.

“His items appeal to men more than women,” Thompson said. “Ann’s things are real unique. You don’t see a lot of mourning jewelry. Her things appeal more to women.”

Thompson said Webb can tell about how long women had to wear a black veil and how long they had to wear a black dress after losing a husband.

“She can tell a story you don’t hear very often,” Thompson said.

Another story is told by members of the local Wool and Wheel Handspinners Guild and Dogwood Lace group, who will be at the park from 1-5 p. m. on June 30.

Members will show and tell about the complexity of handmade cloth worn by civilians and soldiers during the Civil War period.

They will discuss the basics of making cloth in the Arkansas Ozarks.

Both events will be at Hindman Hall Visitor Center. Admission is free.