February 24, 2014

Albert Woolson Then and Now

  

Okay, this isn’t a super-exciting “then and now” involving photos from the 19^TH century, but I guess nine years apart will have to suffice. I was recently struck by the difference in my two photos of Albert Woolson, the last remaining Union soldier (who died in 1956, or so the story goes). The view from 2005 shows the Cyclorama building, with which locals and tourists alike had either a love or a hate relationship . . . there wasn’t much of a middle ground :-) The 2013 photo, albeit shaky (taken from the car) shows Mr. Woolson and --- hold your applause --- no Cyclorama! I’ve got to say I appreciate the modern view much more.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. SETH WILLIAM HARPELL

Co. C, 74^TH New York Infantry

Born November 1818 --- Died July 02, 1863 at age 44

Pvt. Harpell began his life in Nova Scotia and relocated to America at the age of seven.  He married a lady named Martha and had eight children, all but the eldest under the age of 21 when he was killed at Gettysburg. During that fateful battle, Jeanette was 21, John was 19, George was 18, David was 16, Thomas was 14, Ann was 12, Sarah was 9, and Arabelle was 1. It’s highly likely that if the three eldest boys didn’t join the war effort, it was certainly on their minds. Pvt. Harpell was later buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.


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