"From Holland to Elkhart by way of Capetown" to be presented by Elkhart resident Peter Niehaus March 8th

[February 23, 2019]   The Elkhart Historical Society announces its March dinner lecture entitled, "From Holland to Elkhart by way of Capetown,” with Peter Niehaus, which will be presented Friday March 8th at the Wild Hare Café in Elkhart.

Peter’s multi-faceted life began in Holland, one of eight children in the family who lived in a farming community occupied by the Nazis during the war. He will recall events of his life there prior to the family immigrating to South Africa.

Once in South Africa, he completed his education receiving a degree in mechanical engineering, joined the SA navy and was assign to submarine duty running various missions during the cold war, for a time being stationed in Toulon. As a civilian Peter worked for a Cape Town firm using his engineering skills, later starting his own building and restoration business.

For leisure activities he enjoyed both competitive transatlantic sailing and diving for lobster. In 1998 Peter and his wife/business partner Andrea moved to Lincoln, and immediately started a new venture of restoring the old bank building in Elkhart, which has become Horsefeather’s and the Wild Hare Café. An unbeatable team where hospitality and wonderful food are concerned, they have hosted the Elkhart Historical Society dinner lectures, and annual Christmas Candlelight dinners for many years.

Dinner will be a sampling of two traditional South African dishes. Each guest with have a portion of Bobotie and Malay Chicken Curry served with rice and a variety of Sambals which are sauces and relishes that accompany these dishes. Dessert will be trifle served with a splash of sherry or vanilla ice cream and chocolate sauce. Iced teas and coffee are included.

Please go the web site for more information on all events and reservation forms: www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org  Reservations are required and can be made by calling 217 947 2238, and the deadline for the dinner lecture reservations is March 1st 2019. The ticket price for March 8th includes the meal, tax and tip and $10 to the Elkhart Historical Society.

Additionally, Elkhart celebrates in Irish roots during the month of March, with a special drawing for the “Pot of Gold” from our merchants, and our second annual Celtic Concert to be held at the Gillett Chapel on Sunday March 24 at 2p.

[J Rob Wilson]