Irish holiday, but not for Irish servants
David Davis Mansion marks St. Patrick’s Day by spotlighting servants working in Victorian mansion

[March 11, 2015]  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 Saturday, March 14.

“Upstairs/Downstairs at Bloomington’s Downton Abbey” will be held 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!

The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis and his wife, Sarah. It is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours, and is located at 1000 Monroe in Bloomington. Donations are welcome.

For more information, call [phone] or visit www.daviddavismansion.org.

[Jeannie Riordan, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]