"The Irish" comes to Elkhart with special events in March

[March 12, 2015]  ELKHART - The Elkhart Historical Society announces its March Dinner Lecture to be given on Saturday, March 21 at 5:30 p.m., featuring guest speaker Paul Beaver. The timely topic, “Where Would We Be Without the Irish” is in conjunction with a month-long “Celebration of Elkhart’s Irish Heritage.”

Paul’s lecture will discuss the various reasons the Irish immigrated to America, the reception they received, and the impact they had on the areas they settled. Besides farming, these immigrants played a major role in the creation of the I & M Canal, as well as the many railroads that crisscrossed Illinois.  Many farmed for Scully family, and were involved in tiling the swampy ground.  This lecture will give fascinating insight about a large portion of our population. 

Through March 28th shoppers may enter the drawing for the Pot of Gold Basket, that will be filled with gifts and certificates from local businesses and organizations.

On March 28th the St. Andrew Society Dancers will demonstrate both Irish and Scottish dances to live music at 11:00a at the Village Hall, followed by the drawing for the Pot of Gold Basket.

The dinner lecture on the 21st will feature a traditional corn beef and cabbage dinner or meat loaf and mashed potatoes will be offered at Horsefeathers at 104 Governor Oglesby Street in Elkhart, Illinois.

Reservations are required for the lecture and must be made by calling 217-947-2238; space is limited, so call early. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held on Saturday, March 28. The reservation form can be downloaded from the elkharthistoricalsociety.org website. 

[J Rob Wilson]