The Boys of Illinois — Teacher’s Regiment, and the Rock River Rifles
In this new talk, Dr. Dave Schrader intersects a view of the war through the stories of recruits from Illinois with his personal background growing up in the cornfields of northwestern Illinois. The talk focuses on the war as seen through letters home from soldiers in the Teacher’s Regiment, from the Normal School (now Illinois State University where Dave went), and the Rock River Rifles (exactly where Dave grew up). Dave will trace the steps of several soldiers in one regiment that faced battles in Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas, while the others marched through Kentucky and Tennessee to Atlanta, and ended up in Washington DC. Dave’s talks are always very interesting, and entertaining. This one is personal, and he is excited about it. So, you do not want to miss this meeting.

Dr. Dave Schrader
Dr. Dave Schrader has been giving CWRT talks to Los Angeles audiences since 2013. He is particularly fascinated by “the rest of the story” – for example, the activities of support organizations such as the Signal Corps, the Quartermaster, and Commissary Corps, who often played major, but behind-the-scenes, roles in the abilities of generals and presidents to achieve their goals.  Or, people like Lincoln’s Secretaries, or his Ambassadors, that played a pivotal role in supporting the President and his policies. Or, the Fire-Eaters, who drummed up support for secession in the south.  Most of Dave’s talks are interactive so be prepared for audience participation!