Lombard staging Civil War encampment
Four Seasons Park in Lombard certainly wasn't a Civil War battlefield, but visitors later this month just may start to wonder about its history as Union and Confederate soldiers take up positions against each other.
Re-enactors from Stanford's Battery will create a living history encampment depicting an 1863-era military campsite at the park, then stage military drills and demonstrations during the Lombard Historical Society's eighth annual Lombard Civil War Re-enactment.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29, families can see how Civil War soldiers lived, passed time and prepared for battle at the park, at Finley Road and 16th Street. In lieu of admission, organizers suggest a $5 donation to benefit the Lombard Historical Society.
Stanford's Battery re-enactors will stage skirmishes between the North and South at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. both days using four full-scale cannons. Dedicated to preserving Civil War history by engaging in living history displays, Stanford's Battery members also have participated in school presentations, regional events and parades since 2009.
Also featured will be the 1st Brigade Band, composed of volunteers associated with the Wisconsin Historical Society, performing music from the 1860s on antique instruments.
A sutlers area will feature vendors selling Civil War-themed souvenirs, as well as food, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days. Miller's Ale House and Sadie's Roasted Corn will sell food and treats.
In connection with the re-enactment, the Civil War Ball promises an evening of music and dancing beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 28, at Glenn Westlake Middle School, 1514 S. Main St. The public is invited to sway and twirl and enjoy lemonade and cookies from vintage recipes. Again, admission is a suggested donation of $5 to the Lombard Historical Society.
Volunteers for the Civil War Re-enactment are needed and are asked to sign up and attend training at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, or at 9 a.m. Saturday, July 14, at the Carriage House, 23 W. Maple St., Lombard.
Men and women are welcome, and typical volunteer duties include staffing the gift shop or information kiosk or serving as a roving costumed interpreter.
The Lombard Historical Society celebrates Lombard's heritage and operates the Victorian Cottage Museum and Carriage House, 23 W. Maple St., and the Sheldon Peck Homestead, 355 E. Parkside Ave.
For information, visit lombardhistory.org or call (630) 629-1885.
If you go
What: Lombard Civil War Re-enactment
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, July 28 and 29
Where: Four Seasons Park, Finley Road and 16th Street, Lombard
Cost: $5 suggested donation
Info: (630) 629-1885 or lombardhistory.org