The alluding to the Ku Klux Klan is a hot button. I'm certain it was not meant to be presented as such. That bunch of low-lifes were formed after the war concluded, and bigotry does not represent patriotism.
Let it go.

I talked to a woman at the Hunley restoration group today. I was told that there is no publicly announced plan for how the sub will be displayed or what degree of restoration will be applied to it. They intend to remove all encrustation, rust, and bacteria as part of the stabilization process.

I asked if they intended to paint, or apply some degree of restoration to the sub, and was told that this has not been decided. I told her that I would be disappointed if they destroyed that natural patina of the artifact. She told me she completely understood that concern and that they had some very talent people working on the science of the stabilization and preservation, and that they know all about preserving patina.

She told me that the best example of what they are doing can be seen with a Civil War cannon that they recovered and have displayed there. I asked her what that cannon looks like today. She said it looks almost brand new.

A small world. I was also in Charleston for the Hunley funeral and walked with/ahead of the parade from the battery to the cemetrery. It was quite the event. To add some rr preservation to the thread, I spotted this car on the NS under the bridges...


It was quite the event in the town.



Unfortunately, I can't find all of my pictures, but the gentleman on the horse is Ted Turner. The buildings in the background are some of the projects in the area, and the locals were less than pleased to see all the CS flags going by. The one pic I wish I could find is of the African American re-enactor in CS uniform marching with the stars and bars.



People did what they could for a good view. I believe these guys are Charleston Fire Department.



This is an example of the torpedo used by the Hunley.

Here is one of the many colorguards in the parade.



One of the Caissons.





There were re-enacting groups from all over.

It was very warm that day...


I am sure these widows were really roasting.




There were veterans groups of all shapes and sizes. I remember seeing several Silver and Bronze Stars and Purple hearts with this group.



I had water and good walking shoes and it was a healthy haul from the battery. These folks had it a lot worse...

There were people of all shapes and sizes...





That is all I have right now... I wish I could find the rest of them. This was before I switched to digital. I went to Korea shortly after this, so all my stuff got packed up. I wish I could find the rest of the pics.

Nice photos, Andrew. I was there at Magnolia Cemetery for the actual burials but didn't get to see the entire procession.

Interesting RR related photo you posted:



Both the bridges in the above photo have since been demolished and replaced with a new single bridge, although I believe one of the concrete piers in your photo is still standing.

You can find period photos of ACL steam under the older of these 2 bridges in Prince's book on the ACL.