WINDHAM, Vt. – On Sunday, June 22, at 2:30 p.m., Town of Windham resident and historian Bill Dunkel will present stories, photos, and graphics from his research of 55 men from Windham who served in the Civil War. The presentation will be in the Windham Meeting House, at 26 Harrington Road, just off Windham Hill Road. The public is invited.
Dunkel said, “I have discovered some compelling stories about courageous and even heroic things that were done by these Windham men. Their stories deserve to be told, and I am looking forward to doing that.” Dunkel has a doctorate in American history. A retired educator, he has taught U.S. history for more than 35 years in public and private schools around the country, including 11 years at the Stratton Mountain School.
Isolated on a mountaintop, the Town of Windham has long been the home of sturdy folk. Life in the mid-1800s was filled with hard work and limited options. Some historians have suggested that might be why so many young men enlisted to fight in the war. As one put it, they were eager to get out from behind the rear end of a horse.
Whatever the motivation, young men knew how to shoot a gun, walk long distances, and endure the elements, making them excellent soldiers. According to historian Frank Van Diver, “Those good Vermont men who stood firm on every field should be the envy of every soldier of every war.” One such hero was Charles Gould, who enlisted as a teenager, became a captain, and despite numerous wounds, served the Union gallantly.
The presentation is free, including snacks and soft drinks. Contributions will be accepted for the Friends of the Windham Meeting House, which is sponsoring the event, to help make the 224-year-old building more energy efficient. Dunkel also chairs Windham’s energy committee and planning commission.
If you would like more information about this event, please contact the event’s organizer Cathy Fales at 617-653-1957 or cathyedgerly@gmail.com, or Dunkel at 802-874-4131 or bdunkel1455@gmail.com.