Perrys Victory celebrates 204 years

Date: September 1, 2017
Contact: Mary (Maggie) Beckford, 419-285-2184 extension 1229

PUT-IN-BAY, OH – Nearly 104 years ago, on September 11, 1913, the remains of midshipmen Henry Laub and John Clark and Lt. John Brooks were moved from DeRivera Park to a crypt beneath the rotunda of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. On September 8-10, the National Park and its partners will honor them and all others who fought in the Battle of Lake Erie with a celebration of history, music, and art at the 26^th annual Historic Weekend. “Historic Weekend at Perry’s Victory is really about these three veterans, and the many others under Perry’s charge who made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Park Superintendent Barbara Fearon. “The Battle of Lake Erie changed the course of the War of 1812 to favor the United States. But more importantly, the end result created an enduring peace between the United States, Canada and Great Britain.” The boundary between the United States and Canada stretches nearly 5,000 miles, making it the longest undefended border in the world. The War of 1812 actually helped give birth to Canada which wasn’t a country until 1867, Fearon said.

Park Rangers and about 25 re-enactors from the Toledo and Monroe, MI areas will provide the history during the three day event, including a flag retirement ceremony, an 1812 Military Encampment, black powder demonstrations including musket and carronade firings, programs on life during the early 1800’s, a memorial service, and a Grand Parade. Members of the Black Swamp Intertribal will also participate.

“The Perry Group, the Park’s Friends organization, will provide the music,” said Superintendent Fearon. “They are sponsoring the Toledo Symphony Brass Quintet on Saturday at 5 pm.” The Perry Group also sponsors the “Lights of Peace” Harbor Illumination Saturday at dusk. Four area high school bands – Genoa, Clyde-Green Springs, Anthony Wayne and Eastwood – will perform three patriotic songs and the National Anthems of all three countries at the end of the parade. They will also perform in DeRivera Park throughout the day. The Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce will provide the “art” with its annual Art in the Park in DeRivera Park, from 10 am to 5 pm, she added.

Rear Admiral Randall M. Hendrickson, retired, a former commander of the USS Lake Erie, will deliver the keynote address at the Memorial Service on Saturday morning at 11. The USS Lake Erie is currently deployed, Superintendent Fearon said, and members of the crew will not be able to attend. Visitors to the National Park will have the opportunity to sign a banner that will be sent to the USS Lake Erie’s captain and crew.

“Our Color Guard from the US Coast Guard’s 9^th District may be headed to Texas,” she added, “but we already have our American Legion Color Guard ready to go.”

The USCG Cutter Bristol Bay will also be in port over the weekend. The cutter will take the congregation of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Park Rangers, and Perry Group and Lake Erie Islands Historical Society members out to the battle site for a wreath laying ceremony Sunday morning at 10:30 am. Sunday marks the 204^th anniversary of the naval engagement that Perry won after leaving his flagship, the US Brig Lawrence, and taking command of the US Brig Niagara.

At 1 pm on Sunday the Put-in-Bay Mossbacks challenge the Ohio Historical Society Muffins to a doubleheader at the annual Old Tyme Baseball Game at the ball field on Concord Avenue. Miller Boat Line sponsors the event and donates hot dogs and soft drinks for the historical society to sell during the game.

“Nearly 1,200 area Boy Scouts are here this weekend too,” Superintendent Fearon said. “Port Clinton Troop #360 does an exceptional job with their annual camporee. The scouts provide a lot of support to the Park and do community service projects while here.”

All programs at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial are free and open to the general public. The Old Tyme Baseball game, Art in the Park, and the Toledo Symphony Brass Quintet Concert are also free.

“Collaboration makes this weekend of history, music and art work,” said Superintendent Fearon. “It’s three days of reflection, appreciation, and hope.”

Friday, September 8, Schedule

·         Flag Retirement Ceremony, National Park flag poles, 7 pm

Saturday, September 9, Schedule

·         1812 Military Encampment, National Park grounds, 10 am to 4 pm

·         Honoring the Fallen Memorial Service, National Park Visitor Center back porch, 11 am

·         Art in the Park, DeRivera Park downtown, 10 am to 5 pm

·         Musket Firing, National Park grounds, 1 pm

·         Grand Parade, departs ball field on Concord Avenue at 2:15 pm

·         Carronade Firing, National Park grounds, post parade

·         Toledo Symphony Brass Quintet, National Park Visitor Center back porch, 5 pm

·         “Lights of Peace” Harbor Illumination, along the downtown waterfront, dusk

Sunday, September 10, Schedule

·         1812 Military Encampment, National Park grounds, 10 am to 4 pm

·         USCG Cutter Bristol Bay Wreath Laying at Battle Site, departs at 10:30 am, returns about 1 pm

·         Musket Firing, National Park grounds, 11 am and 1 pm

·         Carronade Firing, National Park grounds, 12 and 2 pm

·         Combined Musket and Carronade Firings, National Park grounds, 3 and 4 pm

·         Old Tyme Baseball Game, doubleheader at the ball field on Concord Avenue, first game at 1 pm