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 Doors open at 5pm with dinner starting at 5:30.
Reservations are required and can be made by calling
217-947-2238. Dinner will consist of Beef or Chicken Pasties
Pies served with baked squash, sweet corn and rolls as well as
stewed apples topped with whipped cream or ice cream topped with
chocolate sauce. The program will be held not far from the place
where Edward’s Trace crosses through town. This original
performance is part of the official Illinois 200 Bicentennial
Celebration.
Two hundred years ago, as the original thirteen colonies were
bursting at the seams, as early pioneers came flooding over the
Alleghenies, and the tribes of the east were being pushed to the
west, as Illinois was struggling to become a state, there were a
series of events that are often left out of our history books.
Yet these events were pivotal in forever shaping our state
history and influencing our nation’s relations with Native
Americans. From the War of 1812 to the burning of the French
Village of Peoria and the Fort Dearborn Massacre in Chicago,
this engaging program will challenge the audience to reconsider
what they think they know about Illinois’ story.
First they will meet Illinois’ Territorial Governor Ninian
Edwards as he speaks on his role in The War of 1812, the
creation of our state constitution, and the Cahokia Council with
the Indians. While Fox changes characters the way some folks
change shirts, the host will lead a brief conversation to help
the audience more deeply consider Governor Edward’s stories.
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Then they will meet Potawatomi Chief Gomo and listen as he shares his side of
the story in the rescue of the French women and children of Peoria, his
relationships with the other principal chiefs of this region, including Black
Hawk, Tecumseh, and The Prophet, his relationship to the Fort Dearborn Massacre,
and his speech responding to the Governor.
Much of the text for this program is taken directly from the speeches these two
men delivered to each other at Cahokia as they squared off to determine the
future of this region. Storyteller, Brian” Fox” Ellis steps into each of their
shoes to bring to life a controversial story in this vital moment in the
birthing of Illinois. This program explores American History unvarnished and
promises to inspire a lively discussion!
Brian “Fox” Ellis is a storyteller, author and historian. He is of Cherokee
descent and strives to give voice to many of the characters left out of our
history books. The performance is part of a state wide tour Retracing Edwards
Trace. It is funded by Humanities Illinois and the Forgotten Illinois Grant. Fox
is also available for school programs while in the area. For more information
please visit www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org
[J Rob. Wilson]
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