Dinner at Lincoln’s White House fundraiser for Mt. Prospect history group

The year 1863 stands among the most tumultuous in American history, and marked the turning point of the American Civil War. The Emancipation Proclamation, Gettysburg, Vicksburg, Chickamauga, Abraham Lincoln and Robert E. Lee remain etched on the American consciousness 150 years later.

On Saturday, April 20, the Mount Prospect Historical Society and River Trails Park District will host their second annual “History in the Headlines” fundraiser at Rob Roy Golf Course Clubhouse, 505 E. Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights.

This year, the society will re-imagine two inaugural meals at the Lincoln White House, marking the sesquicentennial of the great turning point of 1863.

As in last year’s “An Evening Aboard the H.M.S. Titanic” event, patrons are encouraged to attend in period dress, and will again have the choice of two ticket options:

The $25 “First Inaugural” menu includes a selection of corned beef and cabbage and parsley potatoes, the actual items served at Lincoln’s first Inaugural celebration. As the nation stood on the brink of all-out Civil War in 1861, there was little “appetite” for a lavish celebration and simpler fare prevailed.

The $75 “Second Inaugural” menu, personally prepared by Chef Dave Esau of Dave’s Specialty Foods, includes a crabcake appetizer with roast pepper sauce followed by chicken, prepared fricassee style (reportedly Lincoln’s favorite dish), with mushroom and caramelized onion cream sauce, roast vegetables Françoise and purée of sweet potato. The menu is inspired by the opulent celebration that took place in early 1865 as a weary Lincoln stood on the verge of a historic victory in the Civil War. The menu, and the mood, stood in direct contrast to Lincoln’s first inaugural celebration.

Partygoers will be greeted by the lady of the house, Mary Todd Lincoln and her sister, Emilie Todd Helm. After the meal, they will tell the fascinating story of the divisive effect the Civil War had on their own family.

Patrons will also be able to test their knowledge of one of history’s greatest leaders with Lincoln trivia, while completing for Lincoln-related prizes. A cash bar featuring a specialty period cocktail will add to the festivities, which will begin at 6 p.m.

Tickets are limited. For information, log onto mtphist.org or call (847) 392-9006 Tuesday through Friday during office hours.