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Return to ELMHURST READS: The Civil War homepage

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Community Events

Museum Exhibits & Displays

Stage, Screen & Concerts

Shopping & Lodging

Food & Drink

Classes & Lectures


Museum Exhibits & Displays    

Elmhurst Public Library Logo

125 S. Prospect Ave., Elmhurst, IL
(630) 279-8696
website

Three exhibits on Civil War Era currency, The reality of war, and a Smithsonian Institute presentation entitled "The Masks of Lincoln. More information here. Feb. 1-June 3

Elmhurst Historical Museum

120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, IL
(630) 833-1457
website

Between the States: Photographs of the American Civil War from George Eastman House
View the Civil War era through the lenses of early American photographers in this national traveling exhibition from the George Eastman House International Museum of Photography and Film. “Between the States” presents a selection of rare and poignant photographs of historic Civil War sites and circumstances by famous photographers including George Barnard, Matthew Brady, and Alexander Gardner. Free admission.

Sept. 27–Dec. 4

Tuesday-Sunday 1:00-5:00PM

Elmhurst Historical Museum

120 E. Park Ave., Elmhurst, IL
(630) 833-1457
website

Letters from Home
Experience the Civil War from a local perspective through original artwork created by the Elmhurst Artists’ Guild and inspired by the Elmhurst Historical Museum’s collection of Civil War letters. These letters–from area resident and Civil War veteran Frederick Fischer and his family–offer a vivid and intimate depiction of the ordeals experienced by soldiers and their families on the homefront. Listen to recorded excerpts from the letters detailing skirmishes with Confederate soldiers, the drudgery of daily duties, and even the sad news of a sibling’s death in the line of duty. Free admission.

Sept. 27–Dec. 4

Tuesday-Sunday 1:00-5:00PM

Lizzadro Museum

220 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 833-1616
website

Jewelry of the Civil War Era
Generic faux cameo jewelry is popping up in fast-fashion stores all over Chicagoland. Ditch the fakes and see authentic mid-Victorian jewelry direct from the Smithsonian Museum of American History. The exhibit includes mourning jewelry, micromosaics and cameos among other popular gemstone jewelry of the period.

Oct. 4–Dec. 31

Tuesday-Saturday 10:00AM-5:00PM

Sunday 1:00-5:00PM


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Stage, Screen, & Concerts    

York Theatre

150 N. York St, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 834-0675
website

Gone With The Wind
See this American Classic on the big screen! Manipulative Scarlett O’Hara carries on several turbulent love affairs in the American south during the Civil War. Despite hunger and the burning of Atlanta, Scarlett survives the war and its aftermath, but ultimately may lose the only man she really loves. Admission is $5.00. 

Wednesday, March 23

1:30PM

and

7:00PM

 

York Theatre

150 N. York St, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 834-0675
website

 

Glory
Robert Gould Shaw leads the Civil War’s first all-black volunteer company, fighting prejudices of both his own Union army and the Confederates. Following the movie, Dr. Lance Wilcox, professor of English at Elmhurst College, leads a discussion. Admission is $5.00.

Thursday, April 7

7:00PM

Green Man Theatre Troupe

Asbury Hall at First United Methodist Church
232 South York, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 464-2646
website

Soldier Come Home
Soldier Come Home is a dramatization of the Civil War letters of Mary Luke Pringle, her husband, Philip W. Pringle, family members and friends, from 1859 to 1865. Adapted for the stage by Frank Wicks, the great-grandson of Philip and Mary Pringle.

Thursday-Sunday April 14–17

Thursday-Saturday at 7:30PM

Sunday at 2:00PM

Elmhurst College Logo

111 East First Street, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 833-1604
website

Abraham Lincoln
First produced for the stage in 1918, Abraham Lincoln traces the development of Lincoln as a peace-loving man caught in the perils of war. Combining imagined conversation with actual dialogue recorded by history, John Drinkwater wrote about one of the world’s greatest and finest characters, handling it with poetic simplicity. Revised and adapted by Robert Brock and directed by Frank Del Giudice.
Thursday-Sunday, April 28–May 1
Thursday-Sunday, May 5–8
Thursday-Saturday at 8:00PM
Sunday at 2:00PM

Park District

Wilder Park
website

Elmhurst Community Band Civil War-Era Music Concert
The Elmhurst Community Band performs three summer concerts at Wilder Park featuring Civil War-era music. No need to sign up; just show up at Wilder Park! Cost: Free. (All ages) Watch for more details in the Elmhurst Park District’s summer brochure.
Summer (Date & time TBD)

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Shopping & Lodging    

Enzee Boutique

140 North York, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 530-2965
website

Dixieland Fashionistas
Want to dress like a Southern belle? Ditch the hoopskirts and hustle your bustle over to Enzee, where the display of Civil War era-inspired modern accessories will have you saying “I do declare, fashion in the 1860s was fabulous!”

Feb.1–March 31

 

Clarion Inn

933 S. Riverside Drive
Elmhurst, IL
630-279-0700 phone
630-279-0131 fax
website

Check “Inn” to Southern Hospitality
Looking for the perfect Southern retreat? Check into Clarion Inn, where warm hospitality meets a serene setting. Sip mint juleps on the patio or have a picnic in the lush green courtyard. Adjacent to Eldridge Park, 25 miles of forest, ponds and creek on the Prairie Path are yours to explore. There’s even a shuttle to take you to all of the ELMHURST READS sites and events during your stay in Trip Advisor’s top-rated Elmhurst hotel. Call for special ELMHURST READS rates.
Feb. 1–May 31

Als Hobby Shop

121 North Addison Elmhurst, IL
(630) 832-4908
website

Al’s Celebrates the Civil War
Check out the classic IMEX “little green army men” diorama in Al’s front window, then stop in to enter to win the completed diorama! Free to enter, all ages, one entry per person. Al’s also has Civil War memorabilia on display along with figures and accessories available for purchase to create your own Civil War masterpiece at home.
Feb. 21–March 31

Luscombe

122 West Vallette Street
Elmhurst, IL 60126-4451
(630) 833-7381
website

Music of the Civil War
Luscombe Music is the place to learn how to play historical tunes from the Civil War. From sheet music for piano to bugles, check out the display of music you can actually learn to play. You can even purchase your very own tin whistle! The tin whistle–due to its relativly low cost–was as ubiquitous as the harmonica during the mid-to-late 19th century.
March 1–31

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Food & Drink    

Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

156 N. York, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 834-2005
website

Civil War Sweets
Stop in to sample a Civil War era sweet treat anytime in 2011! Selections change every few months. Also, bring in a Civil War related picture or drawing for a free chocolate gold coin anytime during 2011. One coin per picture.

Jan. 1–Dec. 31

 

More Than Mocha

125 S. Prospect, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 279-8696
website

Drink in Gone With the Wind
“As God is my witness, I’ll never be thirsty again!” is what you’ll declare after just one sip of a specialty Gone With the Wind beverage. Try the Steamy Rhett Hot Chocolate, the O’Hara Irish coffee –nonalcoholic, of course– or the Sweet Melanie Caramel Latte, just to name a few.
Feb. 1–April 30

first cup cafe

111 East First Street, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 833-1604
website

History’s a-Brewin’
Can’t get going in the morning without a cup of joe? Imagine the Confederacy fighting a war cut off from their coffee suppliers by Union blockades. But they discovered that adding chicory to their meager coffee rations added the body and flavor they craved. Still popular in the South, enjoy chicory coffee–a true Southern tradition right here in Elmhurst.
Feb. 1–May 31

Flight 112

112 West Park Ave. Elmhurst, IL
(630) 758-0808
website

Civil War Cocktails
Commemorate the Civil War in style at Flight 112! Choose from specialty cocktails, such as the Real Georgia Mint Julep and the Liberty Cocktail. Served daily during the month of March. (21+)
March 1–31

Fitzs

172 N Addison Ave, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 530-0777
website

Spirits of the Era
Having trouble getting into the spirit of ELMHURST READS? Stop into Fitz's Pub to sample some of the beers and liquors that were in production during the Civil War. If beer’s not your style, try homemade "buzzy cider" that was popular during the Civil War. Originally cooked up in a tub of gravel, the modern equivalent –hard cider–is stocked at this friendly pub. (21+)
March 1–April 30

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Classes & Lectures    

CANCELLED

Elmhurst Pointe

111 West Third Street Elmhurst, IL
(630) 424-9222
website

CANCELLED

The Causes and Effects of the Civil War and the Role Played by Women
This program discusses how the war was executed, what was lost, but also what was gained over time that impacts freedom today. Mary Todd Lincoln will also discuss fashions during this period and the role of women during the Civil War. Portrayed by Max and Donna Daniels in this one-hour play.

CANCELLED

Wednesday, Feb. 23

1:30-2:30PM

Elmhurst College Logo

Large Meeting Room
in Elmhurst Public Library
(630) 617-3500
website

The Civil War Through the
Eyes of an Historian

Professor Walter Burdick examines the Civil War era and shows why historians find different episodes so significant in explaining the American past. Best for Teens & Adults. Cost: Free.

Wednesday, March 30

2:00-3:30PM

 

EAM EPD

150 South Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 834-0202
website

Drawing Studio
Students have the opportunity to work at their own level, developing drawing skills to reach their goals. Pencil, colored pencil, conte, charcoal and ink drawings will be explored under the instruction of Marie Strauch. A special unit on the Civil War will be included in the class, and the artwork created will be displayed at EPL from mid April–May 2011.

Spring Session (Dates TBD)

Lizzadro Museum

220 Cottage Hill, Elmhurst, IL
(630) 833-1616
website

A lecture on antique jewelry is planned for autumn.

Date/time TBD.

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