Postville Courthouse to host 1800's Craft Fair Sunday

[August 21, 2014]  LINCOLN - Everything from growing and using herbs to the ancient art of phrenology will be demonstrated during the 1800s Craft Fair scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, at Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, during the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival.

Gary and Carol Simpkins of Heyworth, in the guise of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln, will greet and chat with guests throughout the day and will pose for photos.

The family-friendly event offers a view of skills practiced by craftspeople during the 1800s, with many participants offering items for sale. Food will be available for purchase on the grounds and Postville Courthouse will be open for tours. Period music will be provided throughout the day by the Prairie Aires.

Other demonstrations will include Windsor chair making, quilting and handwork, silk ribbon embroidery, crocheting, rug making, weaving and wood carving.

Participating organizations include the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society, Quilters at Heart of Lincoln, the Christian County Quilt Guild and Lincoln’s Logan County Arts and Crafts Guild.

Due to reorganization of the events held in conjunction with Lincoln’s annual Art & Balloon Festival, this is the last year the craft fair will be held on the grounds of Postville Courthouse during that festival. The 2015 craft fair will be combined with the 2015 Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Festival. Craftspeople who wish to participate in the 2015 festival should visit www.railsplitting.com  for details.

The 2014 craft fair is sponsored by Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, Lincoln’s Logan County Arts and Crafts Guild and the Logan County tourism bureau. Postville Courthouse is located at 914 Fifth Street. There is no charge for admission to the craft fair.

[Text prepared by NANCY SAUL, delivered by LINCOLN LOGAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE]