"Upstairs/Downstairs at Bloomington's Downton Abbey" will be from 9
a.m. to 4 p.m. the day before the holiday. Costumed storytellers
will portray Irish servants who worked for the David Davis family at
their 1870s mansion. Visitors may talk with the servants as they
rush to complete their chores on a typically busy St. Patrick's Day
and then hear what the Davis family members have to say about their
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 for the
family and servants and determines how many pieces of coal it takes
to bake a cake.
This family-friendly event offers a hands-on experience for
children and adults. Visitors can help the servants with the
preparations or sit down for a visit with Sarah Davis. They also get
to sample authentic Irish recipes at the Visitor Center, where tours
begin.
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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 located
at 1000 Monroe in Bloomington and is open Wednesday through Sunday
for free public tours.
For more information, call 309-828-1084 or visit
www.daviddavismansion.org.
[Text from file received from the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]
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