Glen Ellyn steps back in history with Founders Ball
There will be a lot to celebrate at the Glen Ellyn Historical Society's Founders Ball at the recently redesigned Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glen Ellyn.
Besides an expected appearance by an Abraham Lincoln impersonator to recognize our 16th president's 200th birthday, the event on Saturday, Feb. 28, also will honor the 175th anniversary of the village of Glen Ellyn as well as the 40th anniversary of the venerable Glen Ellyn Historical Society.
"There's a lot of overlap between all those things because of all the elements that we are pulling together," said Ruth Wright, event organizer and chairwoman.
A champagne reception will be followed by a historically themed dinner, dancing and a silent auction. There also will be a chance to get sepia-toned photographs with Abe and Mary Lincoln as portrayed by Max and Donna Daniels of Wheaton.
Invitations to the gala suggest either black-tie or historically themed attire. Many of the costumes guests are choosing will reach into the fashion pages of the past.
Wright's dress is an ornate black textured velvet gown she has worn in the past to play the role of Glen Ellyn historical figure Ellen Hill, for whom it is believed Lake Ellyn and the village is named. The spectacular ensemble is designed from an 1880s pattern of a Paris Couture dress.
"It is a typical ball gown of the period," Wright said.
To add to the festive atmosphere, the 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band, in full military regalia, will entertain guests with dancing demonstrations of the times.
"There are 13 of them, and each of their wives will also come in costume," Wright said.
The hoop-skirted ladies will lend their dancing expertise to the old-fashioned reels, waltzes and promenades.
Even the food selected for the occasion was carefully chosen with a nod to history. Modeling his menus after that of Lincoln's 1865 Inaugural Ball, the chef will prepare roasted chicken and corn chowder, a prairie salad, beef tenderloin with cabernet sauce, herbed potatoes, shrimp scampi and a caramel apple pie a la mode. Wine will be served with dinner and there will be a cash bar.
There also will be a silent auction.
"A lot of the silent auction items are experiences that money can't buy," Wright said.
Proceeds from the festivities will be used to fund development of the Glen Ellyn History Park and Cultural Center.
The Founder's Ball reception begins at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1250 Roosevelt Road. Tickets are $175.
For information about attending the event or sponsorship opportunities, call (630) 858-8696 or e-mail info@gehs.org. Information also is available at the Glen Ellyn Historical Society Web site, at gehistoricalsociety.homestead.com.
• Kathy Slovick writes about Glen Ellyn.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What: </b>Glen Ellyn Historical Society's Founders Ball</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Crowne Plaza Hotel, 1250 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn</p> <p class="News"><b>Cost:</b> $175</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> (630) 858-8696 or <a href="mailto:info@gehs.org">info@gehs.org</a> </p>