Ruth and Stan said a lot of ghostly things happened to them while filming "Gettysburg".

Ruth: While in camp, for three nights I woke up and detected a light from behind the tent flap. I saw the silhouettes of 5-6 men walking along with their bayonets fixed. (No re-enactor would have done this in camp). I first thought these were men in camp being up late making noise. On the second and third night, I pushed open the flap of our tent and the light was suddenly gone and no one was there.

Stan: I noticed fires (like a campfire) in the distant meadow. When I raised my camera to take a photo, I couldn’t see the fire in the viewfinder. When I put the camera down, the fire burned on.

Ruth: I came out of our tent one day when I heard someone talking to me. He was an authentically dressed infantryman sitting down on his haunches. He looked at me and said, "How do you stay so prim and proper while out on campaign. You must be getting those shipments from Richmond." I then turned for a split second to put a lamp down. I turned, and the man was gone.

Stan: At one time, shortly after the 3,000 southern re-enactors were required to do a "rebel yell" for a scene, we heard a collection of individual shouts coming from in back of us through the trees. We could clearly see that no one was near the trees, and we were all facing out to a large open field. So, it was impossible for the sound to be an echo.

Both Ruth and Stan discussed the story of five Union Civil War en-enactors who were tented at the campsite. One evening, the poles of their tent danced about and literally lifted off ground. The whistle of bullets flying could be heard. The men got so spooked, they packed up and left. Other strange encounters occurred over the two-week period.

From speaking with others about such occurrences, apparently it is not uncommon to hear of strange happenings that occur at Gettysburg and other Civil War battle sites. These have been places of great violence and death. The battle sites are sacred and should be respected for the price paid by both North and South fighting for what they believed.

Stan played the part of a Union infantryman imprisoned in Andersonville.

Stan and Ruth mentioned that the weather was bad while they were doing the film in late November. The wet and cold did nothing for the re-enactors well being. In fact, many of the re-enactors got sick, some needing the aid of hospital care. Here is an interesting note - the coughing heard in the camp, particularly when filming, was real. Despite sickness, the re-enactors were committed to complete the movie.

Stan portrays a Confederate soldier in the movie "Gods and Generals". The wall behind Stan is artificial - made of Styrofoam to appear like a rock wall.  This depicts the wall behind which the Confederates defended the town in the Battle of Fredricksburg in the movie.

Stan and Ruth participated in the movie "Gods and Generals" as civilians. Stan also portrayed a Confederate infantryman. "It was very exciting to participate in that project," Stan confirms. Whenever Stan and Ruth watch the film, they enjoy "pointing themselves out in the movie."

Stan and Ruth in costume on the movie set of "Gods and Generals". Check out the buggy!

Stan and Ruth worked on a project near and dear to their heart. An independent film entitled "Prairie Rose".  

"We worked long hours on that film," Ruth said.

They were involved in a variety of activities on the film including script writing, wardrobe, props, rehearsal, and filming.

"Our weekend consisted of rehearsing on Thursday evening from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Then we would start again at 7:00 p.m. on Friday until 12:00 a.m. - 1:00 a.m.," said Stan. They also put in lengthy hours on Saturday and Sunday, too! In short, they got a taste of the hours that are required of Hollywood actors.

Stan as a Pinkerton Agent, Mr. Peterson
in the movie "Prairie Rose"

The hard work was worth the commitment. The movie was written, filmed, and directed by Civil War Re-enactor Rebecca (Sutera) Tulloch.  The premiere of the movie will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2006 at 5:00 p.m. at the Arcada Theatre, 105 E. Main Street, St. Charles, IL 60174. 

See www.prairierosemovie.com for details regarding getting tickets to the event!

For lovers of the Civil War period, you can do more than study the pages of history. You can become a part of that history, at least in a fictional participation.

Ruth and Stan provided some helpful recommendations for people interested in checking out Civil War re-enacting.

It’s exciting to see individuals pursue a dream. To commence your journey as a Civil War re-enactor, you need to do your research, talk with others, and just do it. You will discover new horizons to explore and interesting strangers soon become friends.

Photo Gallery

Check out additional photos of Ruth and Stan in the movie "Prairie Rose" and other events and locales by visiting Stan & Ruth Photo Gallery.

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