Jon-Mark Grussenmeyer and his dad Mark Grussenmeyer immerse themselves in local history as re-enactors.
By Margie Barham
You can say that Mark Grussenmeyer is a time traveler. Not the science fiction superhero who saves the world by changing history, but an actor/ teacher who educates through the historical re-enactment. After spending 37 years as a math teacher, his choice of career may seem to not match up with his geology degree from Rutgers, but perhaps that interest in earth’s past studying fossils was the hint to what developed into a love of history.
Two years ago, when Mark Grussenmeyer turned 70, he started following in his son’s footsteps. His son, Jon-Mark Grussenmeyer is a historian by trade and was part of the 9th Virginia Cavalry Unit, a group that turns historical events into theater. At first the senior Grussenmeyer attended these events to support his son’s interests only as a spectator. But as his interest grew it soon became a passion.
“Since I was always there anyway, they invited me to join,” explains Mark. “It is a really fun group, and turning 70 felt like the right time to try new things.”
His first event was a physical throwback into the past. He made paper cartridge rounds using firing caps, learned tactical maneuvers and how to follow orders, lived in a tent, and cooked outside in various weather conditions.
“Some of my best memories come from camping and reenacting at locations that are historical in their own right,” he says,” It makes me realize how courageous those men were and what they had to endure.”
Having ancestry on both sides of the Civil War, Grussenmeyer is a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, Lyon Camp No. 10. His great-great-grandfather Samual S. McConnell was a Private in the 205 PA Infantry.
The Vineland organization is dedicated to maintaining this treasured piece of the past for the betterment of the future. Today, Lyon Camp #10, Department of New Jersey, Sons of Union Veterans of Civil War maintains artifacts and historical documents at the Vineland Historical Society. During the Historical Society’s annual open house, members display Civil War relics and Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) memorabilia from their personal collections. These go on display in the G.A.R. room filling it with Civil War history. In the Lyon Camp members often attend meetings and events in traditional Civil War Union uniform, bringing the taste of the past to the present.
Visitors to the camp, especially children, are curious about everything. Re-enactors spend many hours out of uniform, researching the individuals they represent. It’s ongoing process of reading about the people who helped shape our nation.
“It’s a lot of time, but it is deeply interesting,” said Mark.” We strive for authenticity in everything we wear, as well as in c weaponry, camp tents, and supplies, to truly get a feel for what life was like then.”
The fact that Vineland was founded in 1861, the same year the war began, resonated with Mark, as a resident of Vineland, and gave him an added connection to the period. Re-enactments explain the historical facts regarding the causes of the war, specific battles, and period weaponry. His son makes this history come to life as he explains it.
“Sharing this hobby, watching him interact with others and the public, spending time together around the campfire, and hearing these stories has given me a deep appreciation for him and the rest of the group,” says Mark.
Being a historical re-enactor is an expensive hobby, which includes collecting period specific clothing and equipment. It is an investment of time as well as money and spending time outside re-enacting in the environment where our ancestors lived can be a challenge to personal comfort. But the rewards far outweigh the costs, Mark notes as he shares a treasured experience.
Father and son participated in the Flags and Flowers event held in June at the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society. See Mark in action at the Spirits of Siloam Living History Cemetery Tour on October 24. Featured portrayals will include Charles Phineus Lord, Vineland’s sixth mayor and a Civil War veteran, portrayed by Mark Grussenmeyer, and Dr. Charles Brewer, personal surgeon to Gen. Jeb Stuart, portrayed by his son Jon-Mark.
Father and son participated in the Flags and Flowers event held in June at the Vineland Historical and Antiquarian Society. See Mark in action at the Spirits of Siloam Living History Cemetery Tour on October 24. Featured portrayals will include Charles Phineus Lord, Vineland’s sixth mayor and a Civil War veteran, portrayed by Mark Grussenmeyer, and Dr. Charles Brewer, personal surgeon to Gen. Jeb Stuart, portrayed by his son Jon-Mark.
“One of my favorite memories was a surprise attack on our camp on a Sunday morning at Carroll County Farm. We were finishing breakfast and preparing for the afternoon battle when the opposing side suddenly opened fire. There was quite a scramble to grab gear and weapons,” he recalled. “It reminded me of Stonewall Jackson’s surprise attack on the Union camp at Chancellorsville.” Stonewall Jackson is one of his favorite historical figures because he was both a master tactician and a great motivator and role model for his men, as Mark explained.
“I find that visitors genuinely want to learn about our country’s history. They are not always taught the full truth about what our ancestors fought and died for, or what they willingly sacrificed,” he said. “Many visitors express gratitude and recognize the time and effort we put into these re-enactments. Accurately portraying our nation’s history matters to me because it is often presented with bias or inaccuracies today.
In the future Mark hopes that this family tradition will continue with his grandchildren. He offers this advice to anyone interested. “It’s simple: Just do it. Join a group. You will get hooked and have a great time—stepping into the shoes of someone from another era really gets into your blood.
“When we are standing side-by-side just before a battle with cannons firing, it is a profoundly emotional experience. It makes you reflect on what it means to stand together and sacrifice for what you believe in, for each other, and for family,” he says with a passion.
Today, he also engages in his first love of geology—not as a career, but as a hobby, collecting rocks and fossils. After all, they have great historical significance, too.
The Spirits of Siloam Cemetery Living History Tour
History will come to life at the Spirits of Siloam Living History Cemetery Tour on Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. at Siloam Cemetery, 550 N. Valley Ave. in Vineland.
During the immersive, self-paced event, visitors will receive a map and meet first-person re-enactors portraying notable and lesser-known people from the area’s past. Guests may explore the cemetery at their own pace. Admission is $10 per person.
Siloam Chapel will also be open during the event, offering visitors another opportunity to connect with the site’s history.
Proceeds benefit Siloam Cemetery and Vineland Historical Society. Visit vinelandhistory.org for ticket link.
