[March 05, 2014]BLOOMINGTON — It will be a slice
of "Downton Abbey" in central Illinois as 1870s Irish servants
prepare the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site for St.
Patrick's Day on March 15.
"Upstairs/Downstairs at Bloomington's Downton Abbey" will run from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. This free, family-friendly event offers a hands-on
experience for children and adults.
Costumed storytellers will portray Irish servants who worked for
the David Davis family at their mansion. Visitors may talk with the
servants as they rush to complete their chores on a typically busy
St. Patrick's Day. Then they can hear what storytellers portraying
the Davis family have to say about the servants' efforts.
Bridget, the cook, occupies a special position in the household
because she's an expert with the Magee range. She will give the
stove a workout as she describes how she prepares food and
determines how many pieces of coal it takes to bake a cake. Guests
are advised to use caution, or they may wind up helping with the
chores before their visit is over!
Visitors will also have a chance to sample authentic Irish
recipes at the Visitor Center, where tours begin.
The
David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, 1000 Monroe in
Bloomington, was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice
David Davis and his wife, Sarah. The site is administered by the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and is open Wednesday
through Sunday for free public tours.
