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 The free event is part of the state’s commemoration
of the war’s 150th anniversary.
Saturday, July 19, brings a chance to hear from some of the Civil
War’s most prominent generals, including Ulysses S. Grant, George
Custer and Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Abraham and Mary Lincoln will
also appear at several programs, including “Lincoln and the
Children.”
The Soldiers Aid Society will be represented and a full field
surgical unit will demonstrate Civil War surgical techniques. The
afternoon will feature parade drilling and a skirmish with cannon
fire before concluding with carriage rides and a military ball. The
ball will include the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, Civil
War dancers and Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln.
Other activities include a military encampment, rope making, root
beer making, and vendors offering Civil-War-era goods for sale.
There will be a special display of military weapons, Civil-War-era
miniatures and vintage clothing. Children and families will be
invited to help the Soldiers Aid Society pack boxes for Union
troops.
Visitors can also help modern troops by making embroidered flags.
The flags include a small pocket on the back, and families will be
encouraged to write messages of support to tuck into the pocket. The
flags will be included in boxes for McLean County troops serving
overseas and will be mailed by the VFW.
Picnic-style foods will be for sale, and mansion tours will be
offered.
Activities on Sunday, July 20, run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day
starts with a church service that includes music by the 33rd
Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band. The generals and the surgical unit
will also make presentations, the Lincolns will visit, and there
will be another skirmish with cannon firing.
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 For more information and a schedule of events, visit
www.daviddavismansion.org
Civil War Days is presented in conjunction with "Lincoln’s
Festival in Bloomington," a citywide celebration of Lincoln in
Bloomington. Activities are also scheduled at Franklin Park,
Illinois Wesleyan University, downtown Bloomington, the McLean
County Museum of History, the Burr House and the Bloomington Public
Library. For information on other activities related to Lincoln’s
Festival, see the lineup on Facebook.com or
www.lincolnsfestival.com
The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, administered by the
Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was built for Judge David
Davis and his wife, Sarah. Davis had been appointed to the U.S.
Supreme Court by his grateful friend, Abraham Lincoln, and had this
lavish Victorian mansion built in 1872.
The mansion, located at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington, is open
Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours.
[Text received; CHRIS WILLIS,
ILLINOIS HISTORIC PRESERVATION AGENCY]
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