By David S. Duchek
Salem News Staff Writer

In 1980, some local individuals interested in the Civil War era were toying with the idea of establishing some round table (discussion) groups in the area. It was suggested that, instead of starting separate clubs in Canfield, New Castle and Columbiana, for example, one group could be formed under a blanket name that would encompass all areas.

"That's the reason we call it the 'Mahoning Valley Civil War Round Table'," said Earnhart, one of the group's founding members. "Our membership draws from New Castle, Farrell, Warren, East Liverpool, Salem... I mean, they just come from everywhere. So, 'Mahoning Valley' fits everybody.

The Mahoning Valley Civil War Round Table (MVCWRT) gathers at 7 p.m. the second Monday of each month from September through May at Antone's Banquet Center, 8578 Market St., in Boardman. Each meeting features a buffet-style dinner and a guest speaker or speakers who discuss some aspect of the conflict.

"The purpose was to get together Civil War people, who were quite numerous. They could share ideas, they could plan trips together, they could meet once a month to exchange books, they could do anything they wanted," Earnhart explained. "It was an opportunity for Civil War enthusiasts to meet with other people. People formed friendships that would never have gotten together at any time. This was the vehicle to do it."

The MVCWRT met a YSU for its first five years. Initially, about 20 people came to the first meeting; then, as the word spread, 30 people showed up for the next one. And the numbers kept increasing. Currently, the Mahoning Valley Round Table has a mailing list in the neighborhood of 180 -- but that number isn't necessarily an accurate reflection of membership, because, for example, husbands and wives who are members count as one mailing.

Originally, the group intended to meet throughout the summer. But attendance was poor, and the decision was made discontinue the summer meeting schedule -- thus, sessions are held September through May. But the gatherings have always been dinner meetings.

The organization's membership reflects varied interests within the realm of Civil War history. For example, many more members are interested in the eastern theater (region) of the war than its western theater. A majority prefer military to non-military history (of the non-military enthusiasts, a handful are interested in the naval aspects of the war). Then there are those who whose interests lie with the conflict's social aspects, such as the civilian population, religious involvement or those related to helping soldiers improve their lives. Earnhart puts the programs together to reflect these differences.

"The largest number we've ever had is about 350 for a meeting," he said. The guest speaker for that session was Edwin Bearss, former chief historian of the National Park Service. Generally, speakers can draw anywhere from 130 to 200 people. Besides Bearss, other well-known speakers include: John Priest, who has written several books on Antietam; Paul Chiles, another Antietam historian; Brian Pohanka, an historian who can regularly be seen on A&E; and Weldon Petz, a Lincoln historian.

"I try to find east and west theaters, then I try to find military and social, or religious, or something. And we try to have a couple of local people, a couple of regional people -- and then we feel that's a representation," he explained. "But I consciously work hard to get an even balance in the presentations so, if someone is not interested in, say, military aspects of the Civil War, he or she can find some interest in something else."

The MVCWRT's primary expense is airfare, flying the speakers in and out. A $15 annual membership fee is good for individual as well as family memberships. And dinners cost $11 per person per meeting.

The group organizes trips to Civil War-related sites -- Gettysburg, most frequently, due in large part to the proximity of the battlefield, along with the Mahoning Valley Round Table's participation in the Adopt-a-Position Program there. There is also an official newsletter titled "Drum and Bugle Call," which is published when the group is in session. The newsletter put together by MVCWRT member Gordon Morgan, provides members with information on upcoming meetings scheduled speakers; it also contains book reviews and informational items related to Civil War anniversaries and events.