AUGUST 26 & 27, 2023

For the second consecutive year, the 62nd PVI Living History Family was invited to take part in a “walk through history” in Apollo, Pennsylvania…and once again, the Roaring Run Watershed, and event coordinator Chris Troup organized a wonderful weekend of history…

The event actually started on Friday, as Chris and his 40th PVI unit conducted morning and afternoon school sessions, offering various demonstrations, talks and activities for local children…it was during that time that the 62nd folks got our encampment established between the trail and the banks of the Kiski River…

For both Saturday and Sunday, there were Civil War events at both ends of the trail: The 40th PVI, along with a light artillery unit, offered skirmishes and demonstrations at the mouth of Roaring Run, which visitors could access by walking the trail, or riding the “shuttle”, a large wagon pulled by a tractor which made many trips throughout the event…there were also guest speakers scheduled each day, and as the events concluded for the day, the sounding of “Taps” echoed through the river valley, a solemn tribute to remember the countless lives lost during the Civil War…

As for the 62nd folks, we had our encampment at the other end of the trail, closest to the trailhead parking area…this made for a near perfect location to greet and educate the visitors to the event, which we took full advantage of…we were able to share cooking and baking demonstrations, camp life, drilling, and most importantly, personal stories of the men from Armstrong County who served in various regiments and capacities throughout the Civil War…and as is the case with every event we participate in, many friendships and connections were made, which makes it all worth the time and the effort…

If you would like more information about the event or the Roaring Run Watershed, you can go to:

https://www.roaringrunapollo.org

We are grateful to Chris & Danielle Troup for inviting us to be a part of this great event…photos appearing in this post were submitted by Danielle Troup, Katie Wolfe and Susan Carson Bowser…