May

12

Posted by Karin

Tickets for the Grand Ball are now on sale for just $35 each. Ticket price for this elegant and fun affair includes: soiree, dinner, dancing.
Reserve your tickets today. Email us at CusterGAC@aol.com and we’ll send you contact information.

Mar

31

Posted by Karin 

The culminating event of Monroe’s Custer Celebration 2008 is a lavish soiree and ball honoring Russia’s Grand Duke Alexis. Join us for this memorable occasion and Dance with the Stars of days gone by.

Hobnob with royalty, distinguished generals and military officials, dignitaries and prominent citizens. So far the celebrated guest list includes the Grand Duke Alexis (guest of honor), General George Custer, and Buffalo Bill Cody. We’ll keep you posted as this esteemed guest list grows.

You won’t want to miss this grand affair! Only a limited amount of tickets will be available. As soon as we know ticket details, we’ll post them here. Meanwhile, save the date - Saturday, October 11, 2008.

Mar

27

Posted by Ronda 

When I was about seven or eight, I used to sneak away whenever possible for a few moments of adventure with one of my older brother’s paperback Western books.

One of my favorites had short stories on different Western personalities like Buffalo Bill Cody. Inside was an illustration of a man who looked to me to be 7 feet tall, with a buckskin jacket and long golden locks. Years later, I was able to visit his grave in Golden, Colorado with my family.

Buffalo Bill may not have really been 7 feet tall, but he has enthralled children for over one hundred and thirty years. His strength, bravery and love of showmanship are legendary throughout the world.

Most Monroe residents know that Buffalo Bill and Monroe’s own General Custer were friends. They, along with General Phil Sheridan, accompanied the Grand Duke Alexis of Russia on a buffalo hunt out west in 1872 during the duke’s visit to this country.

This period of time in history is the theme of Monroe’s Custer Celebration 2008. Monroe will be visited by Buffalo Bill re enactor Kirk Shapland who will share stories of his times with General Custer. More details will be posted as we near the dates. In the meantime, enjoy this link to the Buffalo Bill Museum & Grave.

Mar

23

Posted by Karin

For years I’ve passed by the statue of George Armstrong Custer on the way to visit my sister, Liz, and her family who live on North Custer Road. When stopped by the red light at Elm and Monroe Streets, I’d sit there and admire the statue. Curiously, I always wondered, What is Custer’s real connection to Monroe anyway? 

Since I never heard anyone speak of it, I assumed the connection was tenuous at best. Perhaps he lived there for two years as a toddler, or passed through on military assignment, etc.

I’m embarrassed to admit that I, a former history teacher, wasn’t inquisitive enough to pursue this question once I pulled away from the traffic light.

Then, last October (through sheer luck as I don’t live in Monroe) I stumbled upon a Monroe Evening News article promoting the 9th annual Custer Week Celebration underway that week. 

The timing was perfect. It was Thursday, and I had the day off from work. Also, if you recall, the weather last October was fabulous. Sunny and 80 degrees!

Hmm. Should I spend one of the last beautiful days of the year running mundane errands or exploring Monroe’s history?

I opted for the latter, hopped in my car and set out to answer the question that has plagued me for years.

My trip to Monroe during Custer Week was amazing. I discovered impressive and rare Civil War era artifacts belonging to President Abraham Lincoln, General Robert E. Lee and Custer on display at the Monroe County Historical Museum. These artifacts were on loan from prominent public and private collections across the country.

Personal artifacts from his life in Monroe were interesting as well. Exhibits included an invitation to his bachelor party and the headstone of one of his beloved horses.

History came alive when I took a walking tour of Monroe. Armed with a copy of Traces of Custer obtained from the museum, I visited numerous sites pertaining to Custer such as Martin’s Shoes (still in operation) where the General purchased boots and shoes, the First Presbyterian Church where George and Libbie exchanged wedding vows, and the Custer plot at Woodland Cemetery where Custer’s parents, brother and nephew are buried.

Amazingly, while the businesses have changed, many buildings and streets from Custer’s time still exist. Although I wasn’t able to participate in the extensive weekend activities, I left Monroe excited. Despite the fact I’m no longer a history teacher, somehow I wanted to make teachers aware of this great opportunity to use local history to inspire kids and get them enthusiastic about our country’s history. 

The opportunity to inform teachers presented itself when I was asked to join the 2008 Custer Celebration Programs Committee as educational coordinator. So teachers, save the dates – Friday, October 3 – Saturday, October 11. You won’t want your students to miss this exciting living history event!This year, the Monroe’s Custer Week Celebration is even bigger and better.

Guest speakers include Ernie LaPointe, Sitting Bull’s great-grandson, and Dakota Goodhouse, chief of interpretation at Fort Abraham Lincoln. While many events are scheduled on weekends and weekday evenings, special weekday programs are being planned specifically for school groups.

Details to be posted here soon.   

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