Join Strawberry Hill as we present at the NPS Campfire Programs!

What are the Campfire Programs? NPS rangers present evening campfire talks on a wide variety of topics on the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Programs take place at 8:30 pm at the Pitzer Woods Amphitheater, near Auto Tour Stop #6.

Topic: Battle of Gettysburg: From Civilian “Skedaddlers” to Survivors

Presenter: Linda Martin Gilmore

What was it like for civilians living even fifty miles away from the battlefield? Let’s talk about storekeeper Nicholas Hench. He watched “skedaddlers” walk past his store– escaping with their animals. He hid his own animals and money. The town close by barricaded the road from soldiers. Other soldiers guarded the river bridges. Would they be burned down? Nicholas probably watched Ben Huber ride past on his way to the Newport train station. He boarded it to Harrisburg to tell the Pennsylvania governor about the troops west of Gettysburg. Nicholas’s two sons fought at Gettysburg for the Union. Did he know they were there? His son Frank died on the morning of the third day. In the next few days Nicholas drove fifty miles with his wagon to bring his son’s body back home, but he could not find him. He came back a second time and finally found him. The roads would have been very crowded. Nicholas may have known the young Bretz brothers who went to the battlefield to help clean it up. They were eighteen and sixteen years old. Such were the experiences of civilians.

Bio: Linda Martin Gilmore is the author of several historical markers for the Perry County Bicentennial 2020.

She is an active historian for The Perry Historians, writing articles for the organization’s newsletter, leading tours, and assisting in research. She has presented numerous talks about historical figures and events for various organizations including The Perry Historians, Historical Society of Perry County, Rotary Club of Perry County, Conococheague Institute, Adams County Historical Society, Cumberland County Historical Society, Juniata County Historical Society, Hemlock Historians, and Tuscarora Property Owners Association.