Kids invited to Abe Lincoln's birthday party Monday

Quick. Where did Abraham Lincoln like to store his notes? (Hint: What was he famous for wearing on his head?)

What was his connection to Naperville?

First- through fifth-graders attending Lincoln's 200th birthday celebration Monday at Naper Settlement will find all that out and more.

"It's kind of a fun birthday party for Abe Lincoln," said Nancy Smith, education manager at Naperville's 19th century living history museum.

For the record, Lincoln was born Feb. 12, 1809, but Naper Settlement along with the rest of the country is starting the bicentennial celebration a year early.

Kids will learn fun facts about our nation's 16th president and trace his accomplishments on a chalk timeline, while enjoying typical birthday party fare at the School's Out program set for Presidents Day.

Birthday parties would have been different in Lincoln's day, Smith said. No McDonald's, Chuck E. Cheese or ceramics to paint.

The food was different too. The cake might have had caraway seeds instead of sugar sprinkles on top.

"They weren't as sweet. They didn't have the frosting we have today," Smith said.

Party-goers will have modern-day cake and ice cream to eat, but they'll try their hand at cranking out that all-time favorite treat.

"They're going to be making ice cream and hearing a little about the history of ice cream," Smith said.

Kids will play games old and new, including corn cobs thrown through a horse harness, clothespins in a milk jug and pin the tail on the donkey.

They'll make stovepipe hats, beards and Lincoln penny pendants.

And in a true Lincolnesque experience, kids will listen to stories by candlelight with a fire going in the log cabin.

So what about Lincoln's connection with Naperville? Informal history has it that he gave an impromptu speech from the roof of the original Pre-Emption House. The re-created building, of course, now serves as the Visitors Center at Naper Settlement.

Could have happened, Smith said.

"It's reported that he had family in the area so he traveled the roads fairly frequently," she said.

After learning about Lincoln, kids wanting to experience more of pioneer life can attend the next School's Out programs during spring break from March 31 to April 4. The scheduled themes are learning about horses on Webkinz Day on March 31, Building a Town on April 1, Survivor Prairie: Part II on April 2, Prairie Animals on April 3 and Prairie Apprentice on April 4.

If you go

What:Abraham Lincoln bicentennial birthday party

When:8:30 to 4 p.m. Monday

Where:Naper Settlement, 523 S. Webster St., Naperville

Cost: $45; bring sack lunch and drink

Info:(630) 420-6010 or napersettlement.museum