Caledonia Argus

Students learn about the life and times of Civil War

Posted: 10/28/03

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

Fred Beseler is a walking encyclopedia about the Civil War.

He proved that to Caledonia High Schools students on a chilly Friday, October 24.

The students shivered in their modern sweaters and jackets while Beseler look toasty in his Civil War duds.

But the passion that Beseler, a Civil War reenactor, has for his subject may have kept him as warm as his wool jacket and pants.

With a small camp set up on the grass outside the school -- complete with a burning campfire --Beseler told students about many aspects of the Civil War.

He explained the uniforms that they wore. Those pants he was wearing, for example, were light blue instead of dark blue because less dye was required, thus saving the government money.

Donít underestimate the importance of that canteen that he draped over student Ben Klostermeierís shoulder. ìItís probably the most important equipment youíve got,î he said. Thatís because soldiers would often do battle in hot weather wearing that wool clothing.

ìIf you do see some water, youíve got to fill that up right away,î he explained. A lot of soldiers died of heat stroke.

And those funny looking baggy hats that you see in old Civil War photos were great for carrying potatoes and carrots from gardens that soldiers would come upon.

ìIt became known as a forage cap,î Beseler said.

He also demonstrated the use of the typical Civil War rifle, an 1853 Enfield rifled musket. The .58-caliber weapon was deadly at 400-500 yards, and had a range up to 1,000 yards. Its soft lead bullets -- Beseler passed a few of them around too -- would pulverize bones, and led to the many amputations associated with the war.

Beseler handed out these tidbits of information, and many more, in a sincere fashion that showed his passion for the subject.

Foundation pays for visit

Beselerís visit was made possible by a ìMini-Warrior Grantî from the District 299 Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps fund special school events.

English teacher Joanne Zard applied for the grant. She called District 299 foundation a wonderful organization. ìIt does provide material and opportunities that they wouldnít have otherwise,î she said.

Bringing in someone like Beseler makes makes the Civil War unit more meaningful. And that will continue when the sophomores see a play at Viterbo College in January called Freedom Bound, about the Underground Railroad. It will be paid for by the foundation.

When the district was in statutory operating debt a few years ago, the library budget was cut, so the foundation paid for $500 worth of Civil War-related library books.

Grants have paid for dozens of things like that over the years.

This year Paul Stevens received new geography maps for his fourth grade classroom. Plus all the fourth graders got a trip to a play at Viterbo College.

Sherrie White received a World Almanac and other books for the elementary school media center.

Craig Gieser received a Music Ace 2 computer program for his elementary music department.

The list goes on and on.

The group also awards eight $500 scholarships.

Teachers apply for the grants of up to $500, then the District 299 Foundation board meets and reviews them. If the event meets the groups criteria, it is funded. The criteria is to expand or enrich the curriculum, and develop student leadership skills, board member Laurel Rusert said on October 21. The group awarded $3,700 in grants at its last meeting.

Current board members are Marsha Daley, Dennis Gavin, Pam Hendel, John Klug, Jon Lilliquist, Jean Meyer, Tom Murphy, Laurel Rusert, Nancy Runningen, Debbie Wray, and Jaquelyn Vick. They serve on a rotating basis.

Past board members include Steve Christensen, Jeff Frederickson, Liza Jandt, Chuck Schulte, and Anne Selness.

Chuck Schulte started the foundation after seeing the need to enhance the education at Caledonia schools. ìWhen you manage the district as a board member and the administration, those needs donít always get met because there are more pressing issues,î said Schulte, who is a school board member.

For example, the Mini-Warrior grant for the Festival of Nations field trip exposes students to different cultures and people, something that Caledonia-area students donít normally get.

Schulte also thinks the scholarships are good, and hopes they will eventually lead to contributions back to the foundation. ìItís like planting a seed, I guess.î

Schulte said that teachers are very appreciative of the grants. ìItís been very rewarding in that sense, because these are opportunities that just wouldnít exist without the foundation,î Schulte said.

He is glad that people in the community can share their resources and help the school. He feels it is commendable that they do that.

Funds are contributed to the Foundation at a fun night that includes an auction and dinner every spring. Last year it raised about $16,000. Direct mailings have been done to alumni too.

Laurel Rusert said the fundraising takes a lot of work and planning. She said the community has been wonderful in donating services and goods. For example, Deb Wray of Eitzen had a hayride, bonfire, and supper for 10 couples last year that people bid on. ìItís really doing well,î Rusert said. Weíre really pleased. People in the community have just been wonderful.î

Board member Debbie Wray agreed with that. ìItís been overwhelming,î she said.

For more information on the District 299 Foundation, write to ISD 299 Foundation, P.O. Box 65, Caledonia, MN 55921, or call Debbie Wray at 507-495-3265.

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