FOUR OAKS – Experience the blended aroma of assorted homemade foods cooked over on open hearth at Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site during the Fall Civilian Living History Program on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. During the American Civil War, a variety of food substitutes such as sweet potato coffee, “artificial oysters” and “No Matters” (biscuits) were commonly found on southern dinner tables, as southern women found creative ways to keep their families fed. At this free event visitors can learn about the hardships these women endured in order to provide for their farms and families during the Civil War.
Other event demonstrations include natural dyeing, sewing, knitting, candle-making, children’s games, dancing and more. All activities will be presented in and around the kitchen area, which is adjacent to the circa-1855 Harper House. This living history event gives the visitor the rare opportunity to see what mid-19th century civilian life was like. All demonstrations are subject to change due to circumstances beyond the staff’s control. Admission is free, although donations are appreciated.
“Through knowledgeable re-enactors, we will interpret an often-overlooked segment of the war, the life of the families remaining at home and the suffering and shortages they lived with on a daily basis,” said Bentonville Site Manager Donny Taylor. The program is open to the public, he added.
The battlefield is located three miles north of Newton Grove on U.S. 701 and then three miles east on S.R. 1008. Directions: From Goldsboro, Mount Olive, Kinston, take U.S. 13 South or N.C. 55 to Newton Grove and then take U.S. 701 North to S.R. 1008. From Wilmington, Raleigh and Durham take I-40 to exit 343 and follow the brown historical markers on U.S 701 North from Newton Grove. From Fayetteville or Dunn take exit 73 on I-95 to N.C. 55 to Newton Grove, then take U.S. 701 North and follow the historical markers from Newton Grove. From Smithfield area, take exit 90 on I-95 to U.S. 701 South for 15 miles to S.R. 1008. For more information, call (910) 594-0789 or visit the Web site at www.nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi/bentonvi.htm.
Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is an agency of the Division of State Historic Sites in the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, the state agency dedicated to the promotion and protection of North Carolina’s arts, history and culture through such programs as “Treasure N.C. Culture,” a yearlong celebration that showcases North Carolina’s culture and heritage. For more information, visit www.ncculture.com.