WWII Living History Battle - Center Hill, Florida - May 13, 2017

May 13, 2017 – Center Hill, Florida – 10:30 am – FREE PARKING

Attention All Allied and Axis Living History Re-enactors!

It is 1941 and the Axis have converged on this small village occupying the buildings. Civilians are gathered and discussing the eminent surrender of their village. An assault is launched when the Allies arrive in their convey traversing in from the back roads to the main square. An extraordinary young patrol leader launches his band of 16 men and put on a daring raid and tries to crumple the enemy’s immediate defenses. Combat fighting ensues and many are wounded by gunfire. Medics race to their brothers aid only to be caught in the cross fire. The next moments will justify their very existence. Their mission is to knock out enemy soldiers and their emplacements among the buildings and take back the village.

Spectators will witness men, women, and their machines perform a living tribute to the veterans of WWII through dress, mock battles, and living history displays.

Public Schedule of Events:

Re-enactors set up 8:00 – 9:30 am – if you wish to set up the night before, please contact Paul Remis.
Vehicle Displays
Military Display
Weapons Demonstration
Battle Re-enactment – 11:00 am

Opportunity to have photos taken with vehicles, re-enactors and veterans after the battle.   

Military Vehicles will gather in downtown Webster on Central Ave and will travel to downtown Center Hill.  You will be met by a representative of the event. 

This event will also be filmed for media.

Corner building will be opened and used for all re-enactors.

This is the VERY LAST TIME we will be able to use these 1930’s abandoned buildings in Center Hill Florida for our WWII re-enactment events. We were given such short notice that Sumter County will be demolishing these historical buildings and our last day to utilize these buildings will be on May 13, 2017.

All re-enactors are encouraged to RSVP for complimentary food for their participation in this event.

Public Parking on all side roads and FREE parking will be available. More details to follow.

Center Hill WWII Re-enactment Oct. 12, 2014 – Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCTM0H_YjNU

Re-enactors are encouraged to register at:  Center Hill WWII Living History Event May 13, 2017

 

History on Center Hill: 

Center Hill is rich with American History dating back to 1800. The town's layout was influenced by slave quarters, Seminole villages, and African villages. The residents lived in buildings constructed from daub, thatch, and lumber. The government noticed the area’s fertility and discovered that the black Seminoles grew rice, peanuts, and corn.

By the 20^th Century, Center Hill was known for its string bean, green peas and lima bean production which was shipped to New England, Chicago, and Detroit.  By the 1930’s, soil fertility declined and by 1975 the bean farmers have all but left. Since 1988, farmers are still growing bell peppers, cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, and watermelons.

In 1998, archaeologists from the University of Florida started their first excavation of a black Seminole village in a pasture about two miles from Center Hill. The researchers hoped to determine the town's social structure and the former residents' lifestyle. The investigators found dozens of artifacts, including iron pieces, stoneware, glass beads, nails, and pottery.  Historians believe that over 100 black Seminoles lived in in this area known as Peliklakaha, one of the largest known black Seminole village.

Center Hill WWII Living History You Tube Video - click on photo below