Death shadowed every day of life in the nineteenth century, and touched each family in some way during the Civil War.
In a very special presentation this month, we will explore the mourning customs of the Civil War era in detail. From the elaborate rules of etiquette concerning social customs and matters of fashion, to the imagery of death used in tombstones, portraits, embroidered samplers, and even literature and poetry of the day. It will be our pleasure to host three speakers this month, each appearing in 1860's mourning attire, and coming equipped with mourning artifacts to share with our group.
Toni Van Beveren has been a Civil War re-enactress for over 18 years, both as a civilian from the south and as a member of the U.S. Sanitary Commission. In 2005, she will be introducing a new living history impression showing the interaction between the civilian Postal Service and the Army mail system in the field during the Civil War. In her 21st century life, she works as a Site Administrator for Allied Aerospace's North American Trisonic Wind Tunnel, which conducts mach speed testing on military and commercial aircraft.
Sandra Ashdown-Turner began re-enacting with the 1st North Carolina Cavalry at Fort Tejon in 2001. Always fascinated by the South, she started the Order of the Confederate Rose in California, and is state president, as well as Chaplain of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Altadena Chapter. Sandy is a member of our own CWRT, as well as 2nd VP of the Orange County CWRT, and Treasurer/Membership Director at the Drum Barracks Society & Garrison, the support group for the Drum Barracks Civil War Museum in Wilmington. She received her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Business Management from the University of Redlands. She is Controller and Human Resources Manager at Universal Plastic Mold in Baldwin Park.
Our own Kathy Ralston rounds out this trio. She became interested in this topic while portraying Eliza Johnston, Albert Sidney Johnston's widow. Her great-great grandfather was a member of the Stonewall Brigade. Kathy is president of the Board of Directors of the Drum Barracks Society & Garrison, and also serves as the webmaster for two Civil War Round Tables. Kathy holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, has worked in the computer industry for 20 years, and is currently responsible for the computer systems running at the Smart & Final stores.
Join us as we learn more about mourning during the Civil War.
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