American civilians

New Market: The Town & Community

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment
The back of the Strayer House, New Market, VA

New Market, Virginia, was not reserved land for the battle in 1864. It was a town and community that war invaded.

When was the town founded? Why was it named “New Market”? How many people lived there in the 1860’s? What were they names? Are their homes still standing today?

Today’s video addresses these questions about the town of New Market. Hopefully, it reminds you that Civil War battles took place in real communities and you’ll appreciate the civilian side of the story which clashed with the military events.

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1864: “Three Hundred Pairs of Stockings, Knitted By Yourself”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 3 Comments

Executive Mansion

Washington, Jany. 8, 1864

Mrs. Esther Stockton.

Madam: Learning that you who have passed the eighty-fourth year of life, have given to the soldiers, some three hundred pairs of stockings, knitted by yourself, I wish to offer you my thanks. Will you also convey my thanks to those young ladies who have done so much in feeding our soldiers while passing through your city.

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1863: “I’ve Lost My Nerve”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 1 Comment

June 20th. – The gentleman who took our cave came yesterday to invite us to come to it, because, he said, “it’s going to be a very bad to-day.” I don’t know why he thought so. We went, and found his own and another family in it; sat outside and watched the shells till we concluded the cellar was a good a place as that hill-side. I fear the want of good food is breaking down H_. I know from my own feelings of weakness, but mine is not an American constitution and has a recuperative power that his has not. Continue reading →

1862: “Poor Fredericksburg!”

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 2 Comments

November 23.

Poor Fredericksburg! The enemy on the Stafford side of the river in force; their cannon planted on the hills. Day before yesterday they demanded the surrender of the town, which was declined by General Lee. They then threatened to shell it, at nine o’clock this morning, but it is now night and it has not been done. It is hourly expected, however, and women and children are being hurried off, leaving every thing behind, except what they can get off in bundles, boxes, etc. There is no transportation for heavy articles. The Vandals threw a shell at a train of cars filled with women and children. It burst very near them, but they were providentially protected. A battle is daily expected. In the mean time the sufferings of the wandering women and children are very great. Continue reading →

Historic Gardening: WWI & WWII Victory Gardens

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / 3 Comments

This week’s blog post takes gardening, homefront, and the military a historical step beyond the Civil War era. During the 1860’s, growing food was a necessity. People just did it. There wasn’t a propaganda campaign to get farmers into their fields and housewives into backyard gardens.

However, things changed in the 20th Century. In both World War I and World War II, gardening on the U.S. homefront became a patriotic endeavor. Many families planted victory gardens and their garden produce boosted the national and global food supply.

Today, we’ll compare the purpose of victory gardens in World War I and World War II, take about the effects of gardening, and its patriotic vibe. Ready to start? Let’s dig into the history! Continue reading →

With Gladness: World War II Christmases

/ Sarah Kay Bierle / Leave a comment

with-gladness-coverChristmas and other holidays in the 1940’s seem not as “far distant” as other historical eras. I think this is because I’ve heard so many stories from my grandparents and great-aunt about their war time holiday celebrations.

When I originally planned the World War II era story for With Gladness, I intended to base it off a Christmas play we had done years before and the setting would’ve been Battle of the Bulge. However, there were flaws in that story plot, and I eventually decided to scrap the idea. Having experienced moments of waiting for news from family and acquaintances in the military, I decided the home front setting might be better and more familiar for writing. If the theory is true that writing is good if it makes the author cry, then “Stars In The Window” should be one of the best the collection.

Now, without further jabbering, here are a few historical background facts or highlights from the tale. Continue reading →