A Visit from a Civil War Soldier

The O’Brien County Conservation Board will host O.J. Fargo on Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairie Heritage Center, 4931 Yellow Ave., for a special program entitled “Just Before the Battle Mother – A Visit from a Civil War Soldier.”  After an overview of Iowa’s involvement in the Civil War, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War soldier (played by Mr. Fargo).  The audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the “soldier” who will stay in character.  The speaker will bring along a full roster of all men who served in and from Iowa in the Civil War to enable the participants to check for ancestors who served.  Mr. Fargo dresses in full Union Army regalia for the presentation and focuses on an individual soldier’s experience.

O.J. is a retired Social Studies consultant and Director of Support Services.  He became a reenactor in 1993 and got into the hobby because of his love of history and the opportunity to interact with others of like interests.  Although retired he continues to teach classes and do talks.  Mr. Fargo is also the president of the Army of the Southwest, a group of Civil War reenactors headquartered in Waukee.

The presentation is free and open to the public.  Refreshments will be served.  Please join us for this intriguing reenactment.  For more information, contact the O’Brien County Conservation Board at 712-295-7200.