“The Boys from Kentucky” by Chuck McCue to be highlight of Elkhart Dinner Lecture

[March 09, 2018] 

The Elkhart Historical Society announces the return of the ever popular Chuck McCue to the Dinner Lecture podium on Friday March 16th. In his presentation last spring, “The Boys from Kentucky”, McCue spoke of the relationship between Richard J. Oglesby and Abraham Lincoln - two men, born as sons to Kentucky farmers just a few miles and a few years apart, who each grew to have an enormous impact on the legal system and government of Illinois and the nation.

This year, McCue will focus exclusively on Oglesby, whom he considers one of the most interesting figures in Illinois history. Orphaned at young age, Oglesby was a self-made man who had already been a lawyer, prospector, soldier, shopkeeper, and world traveler before turning to politics. He was the only Illinois governor elected to three non-consecutive terms, and represented the state for one term in the U.S. Senate. This program will go beyond last year’s, including Oglesby’s third gubernatorial election and his time in Elkhart.

Once retired from the Air Force, Elkhart native and historian McCue chose to volunteer his time as a docent at the Mount Pulaski Courthouse, as well as recently appearing on both the Muni and HFTA stages.

The lecture will be held in Horsefeather’s Wild Hare Café on Friday, March 16th at 5:30p (Doors open at 5:00 p) and a traditional dinner of Corned Beef and Cabbage or White Lasagna will be offered. The cost, includes a $10 donation to the Elkhart Historical Society. Reservations should be made quickly as space is limited, please call 217-947-2238, once confirmed you may download the reservation form from www.elkhart historicalsociety.org and mail it in with your check.

[J Rob Wilson]