Tim Brookes, a popular presenter from East Liverpool and frequent speaker on historical topics, is again returning to Salem for the March 9 program at the Salem Historical Society. His topic, “Jacob Shenkel: Gettysburg Photo Mystery”, begins in 1984 when Brookes acquired several tintype photos of an East Liverpool Civil War veteran at a garage sale. He tracked down another descendant who had the 1863 diary kept by the soldier, Pvt. Jacob Shenkel of the 62nd Pennsylvania volunteer Infantry.
It is reported that Shenkel was left behind after the Battle of Gettysburg to help with the wounded and thus remained until late November. Certain diary references on the battle field allowed Brookes to make the connection to a series of well-known photos long-thought to be faked scenes of dead soldiers. Pvt. Shenkel’s familiar face appears in several of the images as he portrays a corpse. Mr. Brookes, who has written numerous articles for “Timeline” and “Military Images”, notes that Shenkel actually lived until 1927. The program will conclude with photos taken of Shenkel throughout his 86 year life.
Visitors are welcome to attend this informative and interest program which will follow the short 7:00 business meeting to be held at the Salem Historical Society meeting room at 208 South Broadway Avenue . Entrance is off the East Alley. For further information, contact the Society at 330-337-8514.
Serving as greeter will be Virginia Begalla and Nancy Fediaczko as hostess.