Eckley, PA
Hometown of Co. K, 81st PA
August 2009
Many of the men in the original Co. K, 81st PA came from the mining village of Eckley near Hazleton, PA. Every August today's Company K, and other Civil War groups, hold a two-day encampment and living history to honor the men and their hometown. The town is now known as Eckley Miner's Village and has not changed much over the years. The old houses, churches, stores, and streets give a great backdrop to our encampment. It is not hard to imagine our men walking down the street or sitting under a tree contemplating what the future would hold for them as they prepared to depart for the war. Many did not return. A lucky few came back unscathed, but most returned with wounds or diseases they would suffer with until their dying day.
Again, we represent them with sincerity and pride. Please visit the Original 81st page to learn about the men of Company K.
Member Karen Esak and friend relax under the fly after the day's events were over.
The 81st Boilo Crew hard at work wrecking the heads of everyone within cup-passing distance. (L-R) Chief Fire-stoker Donnie Stefanick, Master Distiller Rick Wetzel, and Cheif Boilo Warmer Jack Pape. I heard a story about 30 men gathered around a roaring fire on one of the hottest and most humid days of the summer, passing the boilo and singing Christmas songs! Must have been a particularly good batch of boilo this year! Nice job fellas!
The effects of Boilo on one of our battalion staff officers, Andy Siganuk.
A view of one of the infantry company streets.
John, 12th New Jersey Commissary, kept the boys well fed over the weekend.
