From books to speakers and train rides with President Abraham Lincoln and his secretary, there were many different events happening at the Kempton Community Center during the weekend of April 13 through 15.

The event was a fundraiser to help pay for restoring a steam engine at the WK&S Railroad.

Capt. Rick Eisenhart, 153rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, a resident of Northampton County, was teaching a group of soldiers how to form a company.

“We are proud to serve our Union savior, President Lincoln,” Private Dave Strawn said.

“The North will always be superior to the south. Before the Civil War, I was in the Mexican War at the Battle of Churubusco,” Private “Fighting Joe” Erceg said.

Erceg has participated in living history demonstrations for some 27 years.

Eisenhart said their battle flag was an exact replica of the one used in the Civil War. The original had been cut up to make mementos for soldiers.

Members of an Antebellum Marine Band wore red coats. They performed at the WK&S train station.

Members of the Dixie Rose Relief Society were honored when President Lincoln stopped to talk to them. Their opinion was it would have been better for the South if Lincoln had lived.

Lincoln said he chose Andrew Johnson as vice president because he seemed to be a Southern sympathizer and would be good at working with the South.

Lincoln said he could not imagine how Mary Lee, wife of Robert E. Lee, felt when she had to move from her home outside Washington, D.C.

Bruce Mowday, author of books about both the Revolution and Civil wars, had his books on display.

John Covert told about his paranormal studies at the Cashtown Inn, Gettysburg.

Jason Dilts, who portrayed a Union surgeon, said he had been an EMT for 20 years. With his background, Dilts said he discovered many of the things he did originated in the Civil War era.

The war was between the Blue and Grey, but many wore homemade uniforms such as Joe Minacapelli, whose coat was tan.

He said the army was short of supplies and would take uniforms off Union dead Some would leave on the Union belt buckles.

Stacey Vicente said she would be opening a Sutlers Store on the military post. She accompanies her husband, Jose, who has a collection of guns.

The long rifle had three bands wrapped around the barrel and was for infantry.

A two-banded rifle was for the cavalry. A 36-caliber Colt was the most popular. A nine-shot pistol, which had a 20-gauge barrel under the main one, shot a mini ball. The Bowie knives were made by a friend who had bought John Brown’s house. The wood from that was used for the knife handles.

Gen. U.S. Grant’s tent was set up but he was apparently on the battlefield.

Bonny Mallon is a certified engineer and conductor in addition to working as a brakeman. She said the conductor is actually in charge of the train.

President Lincoln joined riders and spent time talking with them.

His private secretary, John George Nicolay, urged people to vote for him, a Republican, in the upcoming election.

“Maybe we’ll have to call it the Union party,” Nicolay said.

The actors portraying Nicolay and Lincoln were actual descendants of the historical figures.

Nicolay began writing for a newspaper and worked his way up to editor. He met Lincoln and then got his job with the White House.

He welcomed the president to the “fine people of Kempton” as they exited the train.

“I do try to keep him on time. That is part of my job. He stops for every sad story,” Nicolay said.

John Hay, who was not on the journey, was the second secretary to the president.

Lincoln crossed the field through the camp to the community barn where he gave his address. The president said he had been asked to talk about his wishes for the country.

He said the country has been torn apart.

“The loss of love has been torn apart,” Lincoln said. “We cannot do anything about the loss of life but of love we can.

“We should no longer have a North or South but a United States. That is what this conflict is about. I see victory as an example.

“Several years ago, I asked Col. Robert E. Lee if he would command the Northern military, but he identified himself as a Virginian.

“We need to sit back and say “I’m an American.

“He asked why people left their old country, and it was for freedom and liberty.

“I’ve been fighting to keep that torch burning.

“I happen to live in Pennsylvania but I say I am American. We keep dividing each other more and more.

“I don’t want to see animosity between the states but to find a good common ground.”

The president discussed the 12 gauges of railroads. When moving from one state to another with a different gauge the goods would have to be transferred to a train with the higher or lower gauge. This was bad for industry, Lincoln said.

“Why not have a single gauge?” he asked.

“My hope is to build a diversified industry.

“We are growing – the most prosperous country in the world. We need to build relationships.”