By Debra Minor Wilson
Times West Virginian
FAIRMONT —
The tall young soldier rests against the long muzzleloader that’s become his best friend. His bright red coat blazes against the gray weather-beaten wooden fence of the Indian refuge fort in the background.
He can take down a deer — or enemy just as easily — with that long rifle.
But he wouldn’t.
Robert “Sparky” Sparks has been a member of the living history world for several years. At first, he was involved in medieval battle re-enacting. For a while, it was fun. But it wasn’t as focused on history as he wanted.
Then he discovered bringing the history of the early American frontier to life.
He portrays a Scottish soldier from 1750-80, “the breadth of the French and Indian War, Lord Dunmore’s War and the Revolutionary War,” he said.
“We don’t re-enact battles, just the life and history of the time,” he said. “History is what I’m fascinated with.”
