Aurora history fundraiser set in fictional 1910 saloon

The Aurora Historical Society fall fundraiser, "When the Factory Whistle Blows," will re-create the working class culture of 1910, complete with a fictional saloon and a visit from a temperance crusader, ax-wielding Carry Nation.

The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, at 24 N. Broadway, Aurora.

The fictional O'Rory's Saloon is modeled after the 36 saloons in 1910 that served thousands of laborers in Aurora, many of them immigrants. Dan Dolan Sr. and Jeff Reuland, both grandsons of early tavern owners, will be celebrity bartenders.

Visiting the saloon will be Greg Fauth, whose great-great uncle Fred Fauth was mayor of Aurora in 1910, and other citizens of the time.

Carry A. Nation campaigned against alcohol and tobacco with theatrical acts of civil disobedience such as smashing up barrooms, setting fire to whiskey poured into the streets, and encouraging bystanders to sing along to the song of the movement, "The Whiskey Shops Must Go."

Portrayed by history re-enactor Ellie Carlson, Nation will confront partygoers and seek out any fallen women she might be able to save. In her lifetime, Nation was arrested more than 30 times, and an encounter with the police cannot be ruled out.

The location for the fundraiser, 24 N. Broadway, is the 1885 Danahy Building, site of the former Tavern on the Fox. The building is unoccupied but is scheduled to open under private management in January as a new bar and grill, Tavern 25.

Typical barroom food and drink of the period will be served. Price is $35 per person, or $30 for historical society members. Make reservations by calling (630) 906-0650 or by visiting the Museum Store at the Pierce Art and History Center, 20 E. Downer Place, Aurora, from noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays.