Grant Days at Ulysses Grants Boyhood Home

Before it gets too far away from me, I want to post some of the pictures from our first event of the season, now nearly a month ago! This event takes place yearly at the Ulysses Grant Boyhood Home historic site, and though we did not attend last year, we did the year prior and had a lot of fun!

I initially planned to go to a rendezvous held the same day but after a few friends said they would be at Grant Days, I decided to go there instead and I am glad I did! I took three of the boys with me and the other children preferred to stay with Grandma.

It was a cool day and really rather perfect weather for donning lots of layers. I didn't know if any of the clothes from last year would fit any of the children but thankfully we managed, although I will definitely need to make my oldest son, David, a new suit for any future events.

Grant Days is a small living history since the area in town is not situated well for a battle. I like these types of events better, though. A battle is a huge crowd draw, but life in the 1860's was SO MUCH MORE than battles. Most civilians of that time, especially those in the more northerly states, likely never saw any type of battle. They continued to live life as best they could, caring for themselves and their families in as normal a way as possible, and probably everyone alike, north and south, desperately wished for an end to the conflict.

I really like seeing the Grant home and I never lose a happy thrill of excitement when I step through the doorway into the home that Jesse Grant built for his family when his famous son was just a little boy. The names and personalities of the prior inhabitants seem to warmly fill the home still; it was, after all, not that long ago the rooms echoed with the sounds of childish voices, the low murmur of adult conversation, maybe the sounds of Ulysses himself giving a sermon (though he was the only child in his family not forced to go to church).

It was also nice to see friends who were encamped in the yard across the road. My oldest son was absolutely thrilled to talk with a blacksmith who came out to demonstrate his craft and was even more thrilled when he was allowed to sit at the forge and make an S hook (with some help!) Since that time he has become obsessed with blacksmithing and hopefully in the future he can do more!

We watched a period style magic show, talked with members of the local Sons of Union Veterans group and enjoyed a nice lunch. A big birthday cake for Ulysses was presented and cut and consumed. Happy birthday Mr. President!

Love,
Sarah