Most Civil War reenactments are out on the battlefield, offering a glimpse of a time when soldiers were fighting for their lives and land. The Travelers’ Repose Civil War Celebration takes a look at the other side of war – life on the home front.

Organizers Jason and Julia Bauserman chose to focus on what life in Bartow was like as the war between the North and South was being fought.

A pivotal character of the reenactment at the Travelers’ Repose is the Elder John Kline, a doctor and preacher who tended to the community of German immigrants.

“He would come here every six months or so and preach to the people and collect herbs,” Jason said. “He would perform marriages because there weren’t any preachers here.”

The Bausermans felt connected to Kline and his wife, Anna, because their backgrounds are similar.

Both Jason and Julia come from a long line of missionaries who worked with volunteers to help countries rebound after war.

“I was raised in a culture, a family, with mission emphasis,” Julia said. “We have a very strong Brethren background.”
The Bausermans will take on the task of bringing the Klines to life at the reenactment, and will present a performance as the couple during a church service.

The reenactment, on Sunday, October 7, will also include demonstrations, discussions and a guided tour of the grounds.

Lunch will be provided by the Thornwood Community Church.

“At 1 p.m., Hunter Lesser is going to give a talk,” Julia said. “We didn’t get to hear him last time and we want to make him more visible. He’ll give some guided tours of the campsites. Aaron Pugh made signs and we’ll have them stationed where the buildings were, like the butcher shop, the mill race, Negro houses and various places on the map.”

The schedule is not complete, but the Bausermans hope to have a history-filled day.

“We’re hoping to make it a little different,” Jason said. “We could probably use a couple more presenters. There are a lot of aspects that you can use. It’s a living history.”

Suzanne Stewart may be contacted at sastewart@pocahontastimes.com