Did you know the following Civil War facts?

     Many southerners didn’t agree with secession; in fact, every southern state sent troops north to fight on the side of the Union, with the exception of South Carolina.

     Most of those who fought were not career military men, but farmers with very little training.

     The strange-looking, slouchy caps many of the soldiers wore were called forage caps because they were also used to gather any food that could be found. The band, on the front of the cap, slides forward over the brim and forms a container with a clever handle.

     Those who attended the special program at the Collins Library Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. learned these interesting Civil War facts and many more.

     There was a great turnout for the Civil War presentation, given by historians Chuck Denton and Steve Bolen. Both men were fully clad in Civil War Confederate Infantry uniforms. They were well prepared to answer a steady stream of questions and displayed a large collection of Civil War paraphernalia.

     Denton and Bolen are members of the 36th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Co. B Civil War Re-enactment Organization.

     This regiment took part in the blockbuster Ron Maxwell films “Gettysburg” and “Gods & Generals.” Theirs was also the first re-enactment group to be granted educational non-profit status recognition by the U.S. Department of Education. They have given similar presentations at schools, colleges and other community organizations.

     The 36th Virginia Infantry Regiment, Co. B Living History Organization has been active in the effort to preserve Civil War battlefields. Most recently, their hard work resulted in the preservation of an acre of land at Fort Donelson, Tennessee National Battlefield Park.

     This regiment is looking for Civil War history buffs to join their ranks. If you are interested, please call Chuck Denton at (716) 938-6083 or Steve Bolen at (716) 532-2493.

     The Amherst Museum will be presenting a Civil War Living History Weekend in which Denton and Bolen will participate from July 28 through July 30. For more information on this event, please call Amherst Museum at (716) 689-1440.

     The Collins Public Library will be hosting several other events this year. On Feb. 17, Bill Cain will be playing his accordion, and on March 17 there will be a hand-bell presentation. These events are free to the public and all are welcome; however, any donation is welcome.

     The Collins Public Library has felt the impact of large Erie County budget cuts and is in need of donations. They are anticipating no funding at the local level this year for new materials, if you would like to make a donation, please send it to: Collins Public Library, 2341 Main St., P.O. Box 470, Collins, NY 14034.