Custer's ride revisited by local reenactor Steve Alexander

In 1876, General George Custer led the 7th Cavalry of the United States Army on a fateful journey across four hundred miles of prairie in thirty nine days. Today, Monroe resident and Custer reenactor Steve Alexander begins recreating Custer's last ride, leading troops of the Frontier Army of Dakotas and Kincaid's Irregulars portraying the US Army‘s 7th Cavalry.

Ronda Stiffler, my co-blogging partner at http://www.blogsmonroe.com/custer/ is writing a series of articles for the Monroe Evening News on the recreation of this historic ride that landed Custer immortality.

Check out Ronda's first feature at: http://www.monroenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080621/NEWS01/352283197

Monroe MI Hosts 2nd Annual Fife & Drum Muster

Received this reminder email from John Gibney, Director of Monroe County Historical Museums. The 2nd annual Fife & Drum Muster is slated for June 20 & 21, 2008. Ten corps will be in attendance. 

"That's right my friends," says John. "Next weekend little old Monroe will be hosting the greatest Fife & Drum musicians in the world! Let everyone know that this unique opportunity is right here in your own backyard.

"Great family entertainment and get this: It's FREE! Bring the whole family and all of your friends and their families!"

See flyer for details.

If you haven't been to Monroe, it's worth the trip. The town is picturesque and features great architecture. Stop by the historical museum and see the Custer exhibit. (For more information on Custer and Monroe, visit: http://www.blogsmonroe.com/custer

Also, visit the War of 1812 Battlefield and take the kids to the Calder Farm to pet the cute farm animals and enjoy delicious ice cream treats. (Farm is on outskirts of Monroe).

Happy History! Remember, history is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko

The Happy Historian

The Happy Historian column debuts. Articles on automotive legend Preston Tucker and George Custer (Monroe years)

Been some time since I've set up this blog and actually posted anything. Here are some updates.

The Happy Historian will launch as a regular monthly column in Downriver Profile magazine, a regional pub covering the communities of southeast Michigan (dubbed Downriver by locals).

The first column covers Preston Thomas Tucker, the Lincoln Park "kid cop" turned legendary automotive icon. This column debuts in the January/February issue due out soon. To reserve your copy, send a $5.50 check or money order to: Downriver Profile, 150 Maple, Wyandotte MI 48192. ($5.50 includes postage)

My March column covers General George Armstrong Custer and his Monroe Michigan days. Again, you can reserve your issue now by sending check/MO to Downriver Profile at address listed above. A year subscription (10 issues) costs only $18.00.

I'm thrilled to finally launch The Happy Historian as a monthly column. Southeast Michigan has such a rich, diverse history. I want everyone to know about it.

Photos: Preston Tucker's final resting place (Michigan Memorial Park, Flat Rock, MI). Cornerstone of the The First Presbyterian Church (Michigan's oldest Presbyterian church) where George Custer and Elizabeth Bacon wed on February 9, 1864 in what Custer authority Steve Alexander coins "Custer's Wedding of the Century."

Steve Alexander has published several booklets on Custer's days in Monroe. Titles are: Custer's Wedding of the Century, When Custer Walked the Streets of Monroe, and The Civil War Writings. Publications are available at the Book Nook in Monroe. Call 734 241-2665 for further information.


Happy History! Remember, History is all around you. Seek it out!

Karin Risko,
The Happy Historian