Hammontree returns to Moreland as Gen. Patton
Historian and actor Kenneth Hammontree returns to perform as Gen. George S. Patton at the Battle of the Bulge in a program at Moreland Church of God on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
The last time actor and historian Kenneth Neff Hammontree provided a presentation at Moreland Community Historical Society, it was great Indian Chief Tecumseh.
That presentation was last April, and the sheer number of people in attendance shocked both the actor and the MCHS board.
Hammontree will return to perform at Moreland Church of God on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 7 p.m. He will bring the story of Gen. George Patton to life as he delves into the Battle of the Bulge.
Hammontree, who is well known for his portrayal of many historical figures throughout the nation’s two-plus centuries, always comes dressed to impress, pouring himself into each of his characters, a list that includes former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Daniel Boone and many other important historical figures.
“His presentations are extremely popular, and he is an amazing talent. He is very convincing and tells each story with such detail,” Gail Miller of the MCHS said. “Our first event with him was incredibly well received, and we were shocked at how many people came. Ken couldn’t believe the turnout.”
The evening is free, and refreshments will be served during the event, where there will be limited seating on a first come, first served basis.
An Ashland resident, Hammontree began his career as an educator, teaching American and Ohio history. During that tenure he realized many of his students were very unaware of Ohio’s historical past. Thus, he set about recreating some key historical figures by dressing up and portraying them in public. Hammontree would even occasionally dress up in character while teaching his classes.
That was the beginning of Living History Productions, Hammontree’s effort to bring these historical figures to life.
Hammontree does extensive research on each individual, making sure they meet those standards, and pours himself into learning how to best recreate their life, their work and their message.
Hammontree’s presentation, “The Battle of the Bulge & General George Patton,” will take attendees through the World War II German offensive that began Dec. 16, 1944, with a massive artillery barrage and hundreds of English-speaking Germans infiltrating the Allied lines to create confusion.
Hammontree’s performance will walk listeners through the following days, where Allied forces recovered and began to fight back.
What took place was one of the fiercest and ugliest battles in World War II, where casualties were rampant and the Allied forces fought bravely to turn away Adolf Hitler and Germany’s advances, which even included German’s demands for the Allied forces to surrender at one point.
In addition to his portrayals, Hammontree is an accomplished author.
His first book, “There Was a Time,” is a historical novel centered around the life of Jenny Wade, the only civilian killed in the Battle of Gettysburg.
The recently renovated Moreland Church of God, which features loads of artwork from legendary local artist Rusty Baker, who recently passed away, is located at 7135 Millersburg Road in the heart of Moreland.