HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – The Van Raalte Farm Civil War Muster is this weekend in Holland. Camps will open at 8 a.m. Saturday, September 17.
There will be activities for the kids, battle reenactments, music, a soldiers stage with sword demonstrations and a learning experience for everyone. Vittles for Victory will feature beef stew, corn potato chowder and hotdogs with baked beans presented by First United Methodist Church Women and the Seven Christians Club.
Richard Veenhoven is Senior Vice President of Wealth Management at West Michigan Community Bank and also the Chairman of the Civil War Muster. He says it’s not just a hobby for the reenactment soldiers. ” These reeanactors are both military and civilian reeanactors. They bring their wives and children and wear authentic uniforms. They come out often times on their own nickle in order to present history as authentically as they can. It’s a learning experience for all ages.”
The Civil War Muster will take place Saturday from 9-9 p.m. and Sunday from 9-4:30 p.m. on the Van Raalte Farm. The Van Raaltes owned the property until it was deeded to the City in 1983. The park has 160 acres and was first purchased by Reverend Van Raalte in 1847 for $2.32 an acre.
Van Raalte Farm is located at 1076 East 16th Street in Holland.
