June 24 Soldiers Fair in Pittsburgh To Benefit Memorial

PITTSBURGH, Pa. - A reenactment of Robert E. Lee's Civil War surrender to Ulysses S. Grant, dramatic readings from the works of emancipator Frederick Douglass, and a large soldiers encampment will highlight this year's Pittsburgh Civil War Soldiers Fair.

The fair will be held on Sunday, June 24, in the historic West Park near the National Aviary on the North Side. All proceeds will be used to restore the park's crumbling, more than century-old Soldiers Monument. Admission is free.

Other features will include a wreath-laying ceremony at the monument and unfurling of the Tri-State's largest United States flag, first-person portrayals of President and Mrs. Lincoln, reconstruction of a wooden box used by escaping slaves, a recruiting parade, period photographer, and a raffle of Civil War prints by artists Dale Gallon and Paul Martin.

At the original dedication of the monument, on Memorial Day 1871, the Pittsburgh Gazette said the monument was "an imposing and beautiful specimen of artistic workmanship, and was the praise of all."

For information, call Fair organizers John Lyon (412) 323-1989 or Ruth McCartan (412) 321-4502.