Naperville picnic dials back to simpler days
The ingredients of a historic afternoon outside will fall into place Sunday at the Naper Settlement.
Yard games, vintage baseball and free ice cream will combine as part of the Hometown Picnic from 1 to 4 p.m. at the museum, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville.
Visitors can bring their own lunch, spread it across a picnic table and soak in a scene from a simpler time, said Sheila Riley, director of learning experiences.
Kids of all ages and the young-at-heart alike can play corn hole, ladder toss, ring toss and a bucket game, compete in a Hula-Hoop contest or try a cookie walk, which Riley said is a variation on the old-fashioned cakewalk style of dance.
Families also can see a demonstration of an 1800s pumper fire engine and tour the historic buildings on the Settlement grounds.
"It's a great opportunity for a unique family get-together," Riley said, "something based in history that's lots of fun."
No food vendors will be available because Riley said the idea is for families to bring their own picnics to enjoy together. But the free ice cream from Colonial Cafe joins the celebration from 2 to 3:30 p.m., while supplies last.
Admission to the picnic is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors ages 62 and older, $8 for youths ages 4 to 17 and free for Naperville residents or Naper Settlement members. The price includes a ticket to a vintage baseball game featuring the Lemont Quarrymen squaring off against the Chicago Salmon.
Richard Kurek of Orland Park, known as "Master Strategist" when he plays for the Quarrymen, said his team plays by the rules - as if it were 1858 - and aims to educate more than to win.
"We try to interpret the game," Kurek said. "We try to use the lingo of the times."
Within vintage baseball lingo, a "dew drop" is a foul ball. "Dish" is home plate. A "muffin" is a bad player, but a "peach" is a remarkable play. "Rover" is the shortstop, while "scout" is an outfielder. A "willow" is a bat, and "apple," "pin," "horsehide" and "onion" are all names for the baseball itself.
Vintage baseball doesn't use a diamond and can be played anywhere. The ball is live and can be caught for an out even if it's bounced off a tree. Players all go by nicknames and ring a bell when someone scores a run.
Typically played without an umpire, the vintage style is a gentleman's game that starts with a coin toss to determine who is the home team and ends with the athlete/interpreters giving kids a chance to play.
"You can also see how the baseball game evolved over the years and why the rules changed," Kurek said. "You can see how the game has changed if you play the old way."
If you go
What: Hometown Picnic
When: 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 10
Where: Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville
Who: Features vintage baseball game between Lemont Quarrymen and Chicago Salmon; includes yard games for participants of all ages
Cost: $12 adults, $10 seniors 62 and older, $8 youths ages 4 to 17, Naperville residents and Naper Settlement members free
Info: <a href="https://www.napersettlement.org/index.aspx?NID=358">https://www.napersettlement.org/index.aspx?NID=358</a> or (630) 420-6010