Members of
the 15th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry Company E (Re-enactors) will pitch their
tents on the grounds of the historic Zenas Crane Homestead and conduct military
drill exercises from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. this Saturday, June 21, at 289
Westville Avenue, West Caldwell.
In their annual presentation at West
Caldwell, the members of this Civil War re-enactment unit will demonstrate soldier
life and military exercises under the direction of Capt. Larry Sangi of
Bayonne. This re-enactment unit, which includes some 40 members from New
Jersey's Sussex County to the State of Maryland, conducts Civil War
re-enactment programs at various locations throughout the state.
This
will be the first local appearance of this Regiment since the loss of its long
time commanding officer, Capt. John J. "Jack" Fitzpatrick who passed
away on Jan. 31, 2014, at the age 91. A World War II veteran, New Jersey Civil
War preservationist, and longtime Civil War re-enactor, Fitzpatrick had been a
member of the unit for over 30 years. NJ Military Historian Joseph Bilby notes,
“Jack was instrumental in the founding of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage
Association and its first president. We have made great strides in preserving
the memory of New Jersey's role in the Civil War, and that will be Jack's
lasting contribution, along with his service in World War II, to his state and
nation.“
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The West Caldwell Historical Society,
which manages the Zenas Crane Homestead, will also be open during the
encampment and Tours of the 1852 Crane Homestead will be offered from 1pm to 4pm.
The public is invited to observe the
activities, walk through the campsite and Crane House, and talk with members of
the troop.