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Re-enactors take part in Living History weekend

Regan Hill photo

Stan Clardy demonstrates the inner working of a replica of the Hunley, the world's first successful combat submarine.

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By Megan Sprague | Lake Norman Navigator

Published: September 20, 2009

Authentically dressed and roaming the grounds of Allison Woods, re-enactors from all over North Carolina and beyond are in Statesville to participate in "Living History at Allison Woods" this weekend.

Approximately 1,500 area students were educated Friday afternoon when they made the field trip to Allison Woods to see history up close and personal. Event coordinator Selena Goodin said the grounds held a "mixed gamut" from the Revolutionary War to World War II and that some of the most interesting exhibits were a Civil War-era cannon named "Satan" and an accurate replica of the Civil War's H.L. Hunley, the first submarine to ever sink an enemy's vessel.

"We've had about (3,000 to) 5,000 people come out in years past, and I hope that there will be even more this year," Goodin said. "All of the money we raise from entrance fees goes back to putting on this event and historical preservation, as well as donating to the fire department, rescue squad and state guard for making this event possible."

Sherry Johnson of the Statesville Convention and Visitor's Bureau said it's easy to see why people show up to historical events, especially in this economy.

"It's to get back to their roots," said Johnson, who was helping with ticket admission Saturday. "During times like these, people tend to get back to basics and to get a handle on their situation, they tend to look where they've come from to see where to go in the future."

In addition to the Hunley, almost 500 re-enactors were at Allison Woods. One such re-enactor milling the grounds was Jim Arnold, who traveled from Arkansas just to participate in the event.

"I became interested in re-enacting because I teach American history at two different community colleges," he said. "I found this event on the Web site and this is the second year I've come and I really enjoy it."