In 1861, at the outset of the Civil War, the Marine Corps was authorized by Congress to increase its strength to 3,000 men. In comparison to the hundreds of thousands of Army troops massing early in the war the number was miniscule.
Today, more than 150 years later, few of the distinctive Marine items remain.
‘There’s lots of Civil War items out there’that’s pretty common,? said Dale Kutehey, 68, a Clarkston resident and war historian. ‘But few are from the Marine Corp that fought in that war.?
The Marine Civil War items is just part of Kutehey’s extensive military collection which he will share from 10-11 a.m., Nov. 1 at the Goodrich United Methodist Church, 8071 S. State Road, Goodrich.
The discussion will be part of a Veterans brunch sponsored by the GUMC men which begins at 9 a.m.
‘I’ve always had an interest in history,? said Kutehey, a retired Waterford Schools teacher and athletic director. ‘From Marine Corps swords to hats to soldiers? personal items, my collection spans from the Revolutionary War to the Gulf War. I also have a tri-cornered hat from the Revolutionary War and felt Tar Bucket (hat).?
The event is free to veterans, a donation is requested of others.