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Antonio Mennone, Friends’ Historian

            Anthony Mennone has lived in Vineland for most of his life and has a reservoir of first hand stories of life in Vineland over the past 

seven decades.  His interest in Vineland history keep him traveling to various city events with the Friends of Historic Vineland photographic display, such as the weekly Vineland Farmer’s Market held on historic Landis Avenue in Vineland from June through September.

John Makos, Pinkerton’s Secret Service

            John Makos is a Boy Scout leader and Civil War re-enactor making history come alive for the young boys he influences through 

scouting and the community at large when he steps into his historic alter ego as Allan Pinkerton, the founder of the famous 

Pinkerton Detective Agency and fore-runner to the Secret Service.   Using his unique powers of observation, strengthened by courage 

and skill, he prevented an assassination attempt on President Abraham Lincoln in 1861 – the year of Vineland ’s founding.  He went 

onto organize the first official Secret Service of the United States Army whose duty it was to guard the President in addition to certain 

covert spy operations behind Confederate lines during the Civil War.

After the war, Pinkerton earned a reputation among the outlaws of the Old West as one of the most feared lawmen, gaining him the 

nickname, “The Eye,” from which we presently use the term “private eye” to describe a detective.   As Pinkerton, John Makos accompanies 

Matt Jordan in his guise as Abraham Lincoln to all public events.  At the Founder’s Day event, Pinkerton guards escort Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln 

about the grounds just as they would have done over 145 years ago.

Bill Mazza as Henry Clay Work,

Vineland Musician and Composer, Civil War Era

            Bill Mazza brings many talents to the Friend’s of Historic Vineland.  You may not recognize his face, but you probably have heard his voice over the local radio airwaves.  Mazza can be heard on his own show, Bill Mazza’s Jukebox, playing Rock ‘n Roll Oldies on the popular Vineland station, WVLT 92.1FM.  He is seen throughout the region producing live remote broadcasts, plus specializes in radio promotions and advertising as well as private disc jockey performances.   But, when Bill isn’t on the air, he might be working on cataloging his vast collection of vintage tunes in addition to his vintage radio equipment.  Studying the history of popular music, especially in relation to the South Jersey region and specifically, Vineland , brought him to the Friends of Historic Vineland and his portrayal of a former Vineland resident, 19^th century songwriter, Henry Clay Work.

          Born in Connecticut in 1832, Work traveled throughout the country laboring initially as a printer setting music type.  His natural musical abilities found their outlet in his own compositions, which came to the attention of publisher George F. Root, giving the young man a start in a very successful popular songwriting career.    He wrote many songs during the Civil War, but was catapulted to national fame with the publication of “Marching Through Georgia” in 1865, a marching song of Union celebration in victory over the Confederates.  Most of his works kept audiences entertained in the popular minstrel shows of the time.  Later, he sold over a million copies of another pop tune, “My Grandfather’s Clock.”    Songs like these are featured in Bill Mazza’s specially designed musical selections played throughout the Founder’s Day event where he serves as sound engineer, technician, and stage master – in period attire, of course!

Patrick D. Peters,

Civil War Re-Enactor & Living Historian

            Patrick D. Peters is a fellow member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, working with Buzz Smithcors as a Living Historian re-enacting aspects of people and life during the Civil War.  Patrick has also been involved with the hobby for many years.  Patrick is what we call a "galvanizer" Reenactor, that is, he portrays both sides with equal enthusiasm.  A larger percentage of the time you will find Pat on the working end of a Civil Cannon.  It is also not uncommon to see Pat wear the clothing of a preacher and give a Sunday service.  Patrick's Civil War knowledge includes Civil War Artillery, uniforms, medical and camp life of the common soldier.

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