Postville Courthouse, where Abraham Lincoln practiced law, hosts 1800s Craft Fair

[August 12, 2010]  The annual 1800s Craft Fair at Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, 914 Fifth St. in Lincoln, will be held this year on Aug. 29 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors to the grounds of the historic courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law can take a step back in time and enjoy the talents and skills that have been handed down from many generations before ours.

Many crafts will be presented, including rug hooking, rope making, spinner-weaving, quilting, blacksmithing, broom making, cabinetmaking, coopering, wool dyeing, candle dipping, paper marbleizing and chair making. There will be an herbalist, an 1840s buckskinner, a live honey bee display and presentations of other 19-century activities.

There is no admission charge.

Lincoln interpreters Gary and Carole Simpkins will be on hand for the festivities, interpreting Lincoln in his early years as a prairie lawyer.

Period music all day will be provided by the Postville Express, Chris Vallillo, Dale Evans, Steve Staley and Mark Mathewson, and others.

Courthouse tours will be conducted throughout the day. There is no charge for the tours, but donations are accepted.

There will be a welcome tent and memorabilia, and some crafters will sell their wares. Food will also be available on the grounds. This site has lots of shade trees. The event is on the same weekend as the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival.

Postville Courthouse is an Illinois State Historic Site and is staffed by a team of more than 40 dedicated volunteers, headed up by volunteer coordinator Shirley Bartelmay. The site was recently designated as an official Route 66 Roadside Attraction.

For more information, please call 217-737-0979 or 217-735-4977, or visit www.postvillecourthouse.com.

[Text from file received from Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County]