Be a guest at 19th century prairie wedding at Durant House Museum

Submitted by Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley

Old-time wedding traditions will be the theme at a performance at the Durant House Museum at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 26. A young couple will portray a bride and groom on the early Illinois prairie. They will repeat their vows and tie the knot in the traditional setting of the Durant House Parlor.

By the mid-19th century, couples were more and more marrying for affection rather than convenience. Women were generally held in high regard and were treated with dignity. Wedding ceremonies had become more solemn and the presentation of a ring symbolized a permanent commitment on the part of the groom. A wedding was an important social event for early settlers, work was set aside for a few hours to celebrate.

Kate Bussey of Winfield and Jamison Shimmel of Wheaton will don 19th-century garb to depict the newlyweds beginning their life together in 1850. The part of the officiating county judge will be portrayed by Jerry Williams of Geneva, with music provided by John Maupin. Museum visitors are invited to be the wedding guests. Customary refreshments of cake and lemonade will be served after the ceremony.

The Durant House Museum is in the LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve on Dean Street, west of Randall Road in St. Charles. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays. Admission is a suggested donation of $2 per adult and $1 per child. The living history programs at the Durant House are sponsored by Preservation Partners of the Fox Valley, with support from the Forest Preserve District of Kane County. For more information visit ppfv.org or call (630) 377-6424.