Mini militia kids learn about War of 1812 history
Chris Abbott
Editor
Simcoe’s Kevin O’Halloran has been sharing his knowledge and passion for history as a re-enactor for decades.
“I’ve been doing mini militia, I’m going to say probably 38 years,” said O’Halloran at the Backus Heritage Conservation Area’s annual War of 1812 re-enactment, where he coordinated ‘mini militia’ for children on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 12-13. “I just turned 78, and I’ve been doing it since I was in my 30s. Off and on here, at battlefields, I’ve been all over and I’ve done it in all kinds of places. Battlefield House (Museum and Park) in Stoney Creek, that’s where I started, but I pretty well like all of them.”
He remembers the first re-enactment they did at Backus Heritage Conservation Area, decades ago.
“When we did the first one, we camped down where that battle was today, by the mill. And everybody had headaches the next morning – that wheel pushing water over – it was like sleeping next to Niagara Falls,” he laughed. “Then after that we moved it up here.”
O’Halloran brings props for the mini militia children, teaches them some techniques and drills common in the War of 1812 era with the help of young volunteers, and they even do a lively ‘mini charge.’ And the children loved it.
“Five years ago, one of the kids showed me a picture his mother had taken. He said, ‘I was six years old when you did that (mini militia). It got me right into history.’ And he’s a big guy now.”
Mini militia at Backus immediately follows the battlefield re-enactments, which involve up to 100 re-enactors.
“The kids want to do something. They see the battle, they’re excited… and I always thought, ‘there’s nothing for them.’ So I said ‘let’s get them in and let’s pretend.’” Mini militia provides a historical learning experience, while the children have fun.
“I like to joke with the kids, and I’m a bit of a kid at heart still, I guess,” O’Halloran smiled. About 15 years ago, he started distributing militia certificates after they completed sessions. And a nickel to represent ‘militia payment,’ both in Canadian and American coins.
About 30 kids participated Saturday, and he wasn’t sure how many would join Sunday.
“I’ll be back again tomorrow – hope I have enough cartridge candies, hope I don’t run out.”
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Formerly with the Norfolk Militia re-enactors, O’Halloran is now a member of the Canadian Volunteers. At the Backus War of 1812 re-enactment, he was dressed in his 100th Regiment of Foot uniform.
He remembers the first time he wore the iconic ‘Red Coat.’
“It was one of the polyester ones. I was hooked, right there. How many times do you go to these forts, and you don’t see any soldiers, you don’t get to see a lot? But when you get into history, and you start reading about it, it’s fantastic. So I like talking about it.”
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