We Made History

10/12/2026

Bravo, Larry Marple and Kurt Skinner 🧐🧐

10/11/2026

"There are many characteristics which go to make a model civil servant. Prominent among them are probity, industry, good sense, good habits, good temper, patience, order, courtesy, tact, self-reliance, manly deference to superior officers, and manly consideration for inferiors."

~ 21st US President Chester Alan Arthur, First Annual Message, 1881

Portrait by Abraham Bogardus

10/08/2026

Part II - with the Lincolns.

10/08/2026

Several US Presidents and First Ladies from We Made History were honored to spend time at Historic Zoar Village for "Zoar and the Presidents." Gen. Washington, President and Mrs. Abraham Lincoln, and First Lady Lucretia Garfield spoke to students of all ages on Friday, then met and greeted families and the general public on Saturday. Sharing stories about our lives long ago...photos together...answering queries.

We sincerely appreciated the hospitality of Tammi, her staff, and volunteers! 💐

Hope to see you in September 2027 for "Zoar and the Civil War!"

10/06/2026

Won't you join our 16th US President Abraham Lincoln (portrayed by John King) for this family-friendly event on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.? 🎩

Civil War history "comes to life" at the Bristolville Monument Rededication Ceremony.

✨Bristol Civil War Monument Rededication Ceremony✨
October 17th from 10am-2pm

Join the Trumbull County Historical Society and the Bristol Historical Society for a day of living history as we rededicate the restored Bristol Civil War Monument, the first of its kind in Ohio and the second in the Country. Experience a faithful reenactment of the 1863 dedication ceremony, complete with period music, a Lincoln address, Civil War encampments, and a commemorative “Path of Honor” walking tour. This event honors local sacrifice and reflects on the enduring themes of unity and memory as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.

10/05/2026

If you're all about Theodore Roosevelt 🧐, please visit this podcast, co-hosted by our colleague Larry Marple (a TR portrayer) and Kurt Skinner: https://www.theodoreroosevelt.org/content.aspx?page_id=22&club_id=991271&module_id=770533.

It will be featured at the Theodore Roosevelt Associations' Annual Convention, taking place October 9-11, 2026 at the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, ND.

You'll have a bully of a time with these TR twins - educators, historians, and performers. More information is available at https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1797799954713437.

10/04/2026

Salutations:

"The best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation." ~ 39th US President Jimmy Carter

On October 1, 1924, James Earl Carter, Jr. , aka Jimmy, was born in Plains, GA.

Carter graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1946 and joined the submarine service before returning to his family's peanut farm. He was active in the civil rights movement, then served as a state senator. He became the 76th governor of Georgia, one of the first of the "New South governors" committed to desegregation.

After announcing his candidacy for US President in 1976, Carter secured the Democratic nomination as a "dark horse" - little known outside his home state. He narrowly defeated Republican incumbent Gerald Ford in the general election.

More information about Jimmy Carter's life can be found at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Carter.

Images found online: Carter Presidential Library; BBC; Town & Country Magazine

09/27/2026

Sunday Salutations:

On Monday, September 26, 1881, 20th US President James A. Garfield's funeral took place at Monument (Public) Square in Cleveland, OH.

An estimated 250,000 mourners viewed the casket, exceeding Cleveland's total population of 150,000 at the time. The eulogy was delivered by Isaac Errett, a Disciples of Christ minister and longtime friend of Garfield.

Following the service on the Square, the coffin was taken on a five-mile procession to Lake View Cemetery. There were so many mourners in the procession that when the head of it reached the cemetery, the tail was still at the square.

The entire nation grieved. He was 49 years old ~ two months shy of 50.

One hundred-forty-five years later, images of Garfield's funeral still carry a quiet dignity.

Engravings: Harper's Weekly, September 1881