Can you believe it’s finally here? Spring! Glorious Spring! 🙂
While my parents took the older boys skiing one last time in WV, we took the younger guys on a trip to Gettysburg for the day. It was warm and just the perfect day for milling about outside. This might be the first time I went to PA without doing at least a teeny bit of antiquing, but this time it was strictly the Gettysburg battlegrounds and museums. First we had a picnic….first of many more to come now that Spring is here!
I’ve found that I’m really drawn to Civil War history. Maybe it can’t be helped considering we are surrounded by reminders of the past living in Virginia. I’ll never be a Civil War buff per se, and its not military strategy that interests me. I’m fascinated by the individuals, whether its the tale of a soldier or of a “civilian” whose life was touched in some profound way during the war. While visiting the Gettysburg National Park Museum, the photo of a girl caught my eye. The caption beside the picture described her feelings of anguish, helplessly watching her favorite horse being taken away by a Confederate soldier. The picture was of Matilda “Tillie” Pierce. As it turns out, Tillie later went on to write a book about her experience during the battle at Gettysburg. First-hand accounts such as Tilllie’s are ones that I am compelled to read. When leaving town later, we happened to drive right by her house (which is now a bed and breakfast)…. we stopped the car so I could take a picture.
One day is just not enough to take in all of the history here. We visited last summer and I’m sure we’ll be back again soon.
Thank you for stopping by…. and if you haven’t already done so, you can still enter the give away for Kerry Bogert’s new book, Totally Twisted! You can enter here through Tuesday night!
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{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Looks like you had a wonderful weekend, full of nice weather, family and history! Wishing you a just as wonderful week, sweet Cindy!
Thanks for making history come alive. Now I’ll have to research Tillie and find her book!
Cindy…love your pictures, especially the one of your husband and youngest son coming down the hill!!! Wow…he is growing so fast!
All the whispers from the past, in your part of the country, certainly has me wanting to come visit.
xoxox
Wasn’t the weather fantastic!? We spent the whole weekend outside in shorts! I love winter, but I am totally ready for spring.
Love your pics of Gettysburg; I feel the same about history — love the material culture, the stories about people and their lives.
what wonderful photos… thank you for showing the sweet little bare calves and baby shoes – scuffed from playing and stumbling… my heart melted… i really love history too… i think i really began to love it when my art history profs required a thorough understanding of everything that was going on during the time periods… so it became about people like us born at different places and times facing different challenges… it’s when it becomes personal that it all comes alive… so glad you enjoyed your weekend… the first picture has such a pooh and piglet feel to it ~
I love the photo of you taking a picture. Very neat, as is all of your photography 🙂 I know what you mean about having a new liking for history. I hated history as a kid. I thought it was so boring but now I find myself drawn to it. I try to think of what life was like during that time and what the individual person was thinking and doing. We’ve never been to Gettysburg but you definitely have me intrigued.
Glad you had a good time in Gettysburg! I just love the place and all it’s history, and would someday like to take our kids there (it’s a long drive from Kansas!). Like you, I can’t get enough of this type of history. My husband and I have traveled all over the south and east visiting similar battle grounds and cemeteries, but nothing beats Gettysburg!
Hi Cindy – thanks for the info! I’m sure a lot of us will be looking for that book! I’ve been to Gettysburg once (and I went to Dickinson College!!!!) but didn’t get as into it as you did. We didn’t have as much time, just a stop through on the way somewhere else. I’ll have to take the kids some day!
Cindy,I know what you mean about the individual stories.I feel that way when I look at a vintage photo and I cant help but wonder..the story behind the person caught in that moment.So much wonderful history there in Gettysburg and what a lovely memory to treasure.Warmest Regards,Cat
Omygosh! We were in Gettysburg on Saturday morning! We did the 10-mile “Billy Yank” hike with Ben’s cubscout pack! I am having a hard time moving right now. I love Gettysburg.
What a fabulous weekend for visiting Gettysburg…couldn’t have asked for better weather! We are surrounded by so much history, it’s fascinating and heart wrenching at the same time. Love the photos.
What a wonderful day you had! I loved all of your pictures and those little baby legs are just the cutest!!
It looks like you had a great weekend and perfect weather! I love the photos!
Hi Cindy….thank you so much for sharing this with us, I’m not that familiar with the details of American history….so I really enjoyed the journey you took me on. And, I’m so pleased you put Tillie’s link in as well…I read her story too. Great photos Cindy…they were perfect for your post. Chat soon. Julie. xx
Oh! It looked like the PERFECT spring day and sounds like you had a truly wonderful time. 🙂 Love the picture with your reflection in the glass…. I love pictures like that.
TAKE CARE.
Hi Cindy! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I love your photos! My two favorites, the little shoes… simply precious and innocent. And of course the photo with your reflection while taking the photo! I felt the emotion and feelings you guys had while touring and sharing the history!
Thanks so much for sharing!
Dawn
Your pictures are always beautiful Cindy! I agree with Diane, the one of your husband and son is special! My husband has been to Gettysburg many times when he was younger, his uncle(mother’s brother) is buried there…and he loves it there. I have never been, but would love to someday!
Hugs!
Gettysburg is cool! We took a bike ride through it when we lived in Frederick. LONG bike ride FROM Frederick.
Sounds like a nice trip…your weather looks lovely and warm too!