This paper is a by-product resulting from research completed for "Lincoln Cemetery- the Story Down Under" a paper published in October 2011. After finding many articles about the "colored" G.A.R. Post in the local newspaper as part of that research, it seemed obvious that the story of this fine organization needed to be told.
The 1863 shelling of Carlisle during the American Civil War left indelible marks on some of the town's buildings. It crystallized into stories passed down in family histories. Its presentation in print was a fascination for local residents who relished the collection of facts and opinions in their newspapers. A piece in the Carlisle American gave the popular opinion that the Confederate leader in charge of the shelling, Major General Fitzhugh Lee, was "the dastard ... not only lost to pity but destitute of humanity".
In the summer of 1863, the Cumberland Valley was awash in fear and excitement as General Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia came northward, culminating in the Battle of Gettysburg on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Much has been written since then, 'indeed perhaps too much- by one estimate more than 5000 books and articles have been written about the Gettysburg Campaign of June and July 1863.
Tom Gumby interview by the Orton Family Foundation on the Mount Tabor AME Zion Church and cemetery.
Interview of Jim Griffith for the Greater Carlisle Project Heart and Soul Initiative. Griffith discusses his interest in family and local history and how he came to own the building at 11 E. High Street in Carlisle, Pennsylvania and the preservation and restoration that went into restoring the building. He further talks about his involvement in the Heart and Soul project.
David Toner interview by the Orton Family Foundation on the Mount Tabor AME Zion Church and cemetery. Toner discusses how he came to attend the Mount Tabor Church as a child and how it was different than other churches. He also mentions how he returned to Mount Holly Springs after living in California and his reaction upon seeing the church in disrepair and the joy he has in seeing it serve as a renewed focal point for the community.
Barbara Redmond interview by the Orton Family Foundation on the Mount Tabor AME Zion Church and cemetery. Redman dicusses the influence of the Church in the lives of its congregants.
Interview of Frances Del Duca for the Elizabeth V. and George F. Gardner Digital Library.
Michelle Ward and Danielle Ward-Smith interview by the Orton Family Foundation on the Mount Tabor AME Zion Church and cemetery. Both Ward and Ward-Smith discuss connecting with their past as well as community.
Carmen James interview by the Orton Family Foundation on the Mount Tabor AME Zion Church and cemetery. James discuss connecting with her past through the Mt. Tabor Church and how the church further developed a sense of family and community in Mount Holly Springs including instilling a sense of right and wrong that has help guide James' life.