Brian Kesterson, Civil War author and enthusiast

Mike Church trains a platoon

Pleasant Hill school had an exciting Octoberfest Thursday with the visit of some regional Civil War enthusiasts. Wood County resident Brian Kesterson, a Civil War historian for over 20 years, brought a truck load of rifles and artifacts for students to view.

His associates, Mike Church, whose roots are in Calhoun, and Mike Martin, both residents of Ohio, presented several demonstrations and shared Civil War history. A number of the students participated in marching and drilling exercises.

Tales of the Civil War

Civil War artifacts

Later in the day, the three Civil War presenters, gave horsemanship demonstrations to the students on the school grounds.

Kesterson and his associates have often visited Calhoun, studying the Moccasin Rangers, Nancy Hart, Peregrine Hays and looking for Civil War sites.

Kesterson has written books on the war, and is currently working on a book about the 17th Virginia Calvary. He can be contacted at P. O. Box 81, Washington WV 26181 or by calling 304-863-5682.

Pleasant Hill students in kindergarten and first grade participated in several other Octoberfest programs throughout the day.

The kids get into the act

Real horses are part of re-enactment

Gloria and Johnny Jones play for the children

A variation of "hot potato"

Tatoo shop is open

The fish pond never fails