Written By Lisa Breslin
More than 100 Union and Confederate soldiers and their dance partners gathered in the Longwell Armory Building in Westminster on June 28 for the Corbit’s Charge Ball.
The ball was the culmination of a series of events that took place over three days to commemorate the 145th anniversary of the fierce fight against J.E.B. Stuart led by Captain Charles Corbit and 90 brave men at the junction of Westminster’s Main Street and Washington Road.
The events included a Civil War encampment, infantry maneuvers, cannon and medical demonstrations, a civil war church service, historical tours and the ball.
Peg Shute and Bruce Young provided piano, fiddle and flute music and guests enjoyed reels called by a dance master and mistress.
“These are people who want to keep the tradition of Civil War dance alive and encourage others; especially young people, to learn and stay involved,” said Sue Harry, one of the event coordinators.
Attendees came from Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia and New Jersey.
The hall was decorated with black-eyed Susans (in honor of Maryland), roses (in honor of Stewart), bunting (a tribute to Union soldiers), ivy (for remembrance) and vintage flags, explained Kim Prehn, who also helped organize the event.
“Everyone looked so beautiful in their Civil War era dress,” said Westminster resident Margaret Kuehne, who attended the ball with her husband, Ron. “This has been such a wonderful event and a beautiful spectacle.”
