Harry Ehrman, left, Ken Auld and Richard LeVee stand in front of the Carson City Movie Theaters in an effort to recruit for the 2nd U.S. Infantry Company C Civil War reenactors. The movie God and Generals, based on the best selling novel and prequel to the movie Gettysburg that climaxes at the Battle of Chancellorsville in 1863, has sparked a new interest in Civil War reenacting which some of the enthusiasts hope to use to draw in new members. Photo by Brian Corley
As if they had walked off the battlefield, out of the screen and into the lobby of Northgate Movies 10, three Civil War reenactors in full regalia answered questions about their group Saturday during the showing of the Civil War film "Gods And Generals."
While movie goers lined up to see the 215-minute film released Friday, a second lieutenant, sergeant and private in Company C of the 2nd U.S. Regiment of Infantry "Regulars" stood with muskets answering questions from the curious.
"Is that a real gun?" asked a young movie goer.
"Yes it is," replied Richard LeVee, who transforms from a private with the regulars in 1861 to a senior control technician at Sierra Pacific Power Co. in 2003.
"Coooool," said the wide-eyed boy.
The men had a table display with flags, books, a revolver and several real bullets actually fired in the Civil War. The bullets, misshapen by impact and now corroded, were dug up on battle fields back east. The also had three-pound cannon balls.
"We want to be a visual representation of that time period," said 2nd Lt. Ken Auld who works as a federal firefighter at the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong, Calif.
Auld visits schools in his reenactor gear to bring civil war history lessons to life.
"History can be a very boring subject, but if you bring a guy in dressed like this it really grabs the kids' attention and really helps them learn."
The 2nd U.S. Regiment of Infantry "Regulars" reenactment group started just two months ago and already has eight members. They strive for authentic reenactment out of respect for those who died in the war for national unity.
According to Auld, the 2nd U.S. Regiment was known for its resolve in the face of oncoming fire and respected for its high standard of drill.
"We'd like to get people to join up who are interested in accurately recreating history," said Sgt. Harry Ehrman of Carson who also works as a firefighter at the Sierra Army Depot in Herlong.
The group organizes family-oriented events such as civil war theme dances and encampments.
On The Net
Nevada Civil War Volunteers: http://www.ncwv.org/
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