Missing ‘Downton Abbey’? Try David Davis
Historic David Davis Mansion highlights the lives of Irish servants March 17

[March 14, 2018] 

BLOOMINGTON

Anyone who misses the behind-the-scenes intrigue of “Downton Abbey” will want to visit the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site on March 17 for a look at the lives of servants and their employers.

Costumed storytellers will portray Irish servants who worked for the Davis family at their Victorian mansion. Visitors can talk with the servants rushing to complete their chores and then hear what the Davis family members have to say about the staff.

The free, family-friendly “Upstairs/Down-stairs at Bloomington’s Downton Abbey” event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, March 17.

Meet characters like Bridget, the cook, who 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. Visitors should be careful or they might wind up helping with the chores!

The David Davis Mansion was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis and his wife, Sarah. Davis, who also served in the U.S. Senate, was a friend and politically ally to Abraham Lincoln.

The mansion is open Wednesday through Saturday for free public tours, and is located at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington. For more information, call [phone] or visit www.daviddavis mansion.org.

The site is operated by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. IHPA protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy. IHPA sites include ancient burial mounds, forts and buildings erected by settlers, and homes connected to famous Illinoisans.

[Jeff Saulsbery]