Elkhart, Illinois

August 11, 2023

     On Friday, September 22, 2023, the Elkhart Historical Society will welcome Carol Pelz and David Davis from the Oglesby Mansion Board in Decatur as our featured speakers for the September Dinner Lecture. They will present "The Other House that Richard Built: Oglesby's Decatur Mansion." The talk will include the history of the house and Oglesby's family, the restoration of the house, Oglesby's place in American history, and the tours and activities that the group offers to the public.

     As President of the board, Pelz enjoys sharing her knowledge of the Oglesby and Lincoln history to children as well as adults, many of whom have no idea of the extent of that friendship. Davis, who serves on the property committee, also chairs the "History Comes Alive" committee, and is very involved finding speakers and getting people excited about our Oglesby history, which, as you will discover, goes well beyond "local."

     Richard J. Oglesby, born in 1824, orphaned at age 9, was raised by an uncle in Decatur, studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1845.  Everything else about Oglesby reads like a novel. He served his country politically in many venues and defended his country in many locations. He had a large family, and he had connections! This event is going to enlighten or refresh your knowledge about the Oglesby/Lincoln era and make you glad that you came, and perhaps happy to be in Illinois!

     The event will take place at Horsefeather's Wild Hare Cafe, 104 Gov. Oglesby St., Elkhart, IL 62634, at a cost of $45 per person. The entrees are: Crusted Breast of Chicken topped with Alfredo sauce or Pork Medallions in a wine & mushroom sauce. Please go to www.elkharthistoricalsociety.org for the complete menu and reservation form.

     Reservations are required and must be made by calling 217-947-2238 before September 11, 2023. Once confirmed, download the reservation form, fill it out, and mail it with your check to the Elkhart Historical Society, PO Box 255, Elkhart, IL 62634. Please note seats can only be held 5 business days without payment. A parking lot is available one block east of the event. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner service begins promptly at 5:30 p.m.