Pioneer Day at Chapel Hill
Hear the sounds of memories...
Listen carefully and you may hear the sounds from the memories echoing on the wooded hilltop... the laughing of children pulling tricks on each other, the singing of the congregation and the sorrowing of mourners as they buried their loved ones in the small graveyard.
It’s a steep climb to the old St. Paul’s Episcopal Church built 140 years ago in Belle Creek Township southeast of Cannon Falls. Rev. Samuel Poole Chandler helped build it and it was dedicated in 1873.
His great great grandson, Orland Chandler of Wauwatosa, WI has been restoring the site for several years. (Pictured with wife Kay and the remodeled chapel.)
It was an enchanting Saturday recently when the first annual Pioneer Day was held on the site. Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy Ellison, organized the festivities.
A Civil War encampment was demonstrated by three members of the Third Minnesota Company C. It was led by Captain Randy Kuznicki (r) and the gun salute was demonstrated by Blair McNamara and Terry Norton. There are between seven and possibly nine Civil War veterans buried in the cemetery.
A Civil War encampment was demonstrated by three members of the Third Minnesota Company C. It was led by Captain Randy Kuznicki (r) and the gun salute was demonstrated by Blair McNamara and Terry Norton. There are between seven and possibly nine Civil War veterans buried in the cemetery.
Demonstrating the technique of using a bayonet during the Civil War is Blair McNamara. Interestingly, this method was not popular with soldiers.
Kids played tricks on each other too!
Various crafts of the times were demonstrated like spinning, weaving, candle making and wood working.
