19th-century splendor returns to Buckland

It doesn't have to be Halloween for PWC area residents to enjoy 19th century splendor. Wear Civil War garb or black tie to the Blue and Gray Ball to support Buckland Farm on Saturday, Nov. 7, and take a trip back to the days of the true Old Dominion.

In the moonlight, look over the expansive lawn, the site of the Battle of Buckland Races, and greet the moving column of soldiers tracing the steps Virginians took almost 150 years ago. Carpenter's Battery re-enactor Kyle Printz will help lead an artillery drill and nighttime cannon firing. Carrying torches, members of Company H of the 4th Virginia Cavalry, "The Black Horse Troop,"commanded by Captain Terry Treat, will make their dramatic ride on horseback.

Inside, participants will enjoy browsing the silent auction tables and placing bids on items such as Virginia-themed gifts, antiques, relics, paintings and prints by renowned artists such as John Paul Strain and Keith Rocco.

Rick Garland, as General J.E.B. Stuart, will provide nostalgic song in the parlor on the Steinway.

After dining at the buffet, attendees will have the opportunity to dance to pieces performed by the highly acclaimed period musicians of Southern Horizon, a string quartet from Richmond. Veteran dance master Corky Palmer will instruct ball dancing. John Robison, Su Tarr, Lynn Trott and Roger Reynolds will play a variety of songs from the War Between the States period.

The dance master will teach guests basic movements of various dances including, the Grand Marche, Schottische, Spanish Waltz, Le Carillon De Dunkerque and the Virginia Reel among others. Two dance sets will be performed with an intermission in between.

Mrs. Didi McConnell and staff will be on hand to take portraits of guests for a nominal fee throughout the evening.

Period décor and the atmosphere of Buckland Farm, established in 1774, will add splendor to this memorable evening. Additional drama, theatrics, mid-19th century mannerisms and social pleasantries will round out the evening's activities.

Tickets for the event are $100 per person or $75 for students.

The Welcome and Reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the Blue and Gray Ball will be used to support the Buckland Preservation Society and to preserve the Town of Buckland National Register Historic District and the integrity of the Buckland Races Civil War battlefield core-ground. Buckland Preservation Society is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization.

As one of 12 battlefields in Fauquier County, Buckland is a cultural landscape providing a rare opportunity to see and experience 18th and 19th Century early America through architecture and archeological record. Buckland offers a picture of how the earliest Native American occupation and the early republic affected the development of the Old Dominion's Fauquier and Prince William Counties through technological and entrepreneurial innova-tions.

The Society welcomes and encourages interested individuals to aid historic preservation efforts by joining as a supporting member or by volunteering. Contact Buckland Preservation Society President Linda Wright at 703-754-4000 or Board Chairman David Blake at 540-347-5821. Learn more at the Society's Web site: www.bucklandva.org.