FREEPORT - As part of the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Sesquicentennial, an 1858 Grand Ball will be held from 8 to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, at the Masonic Temple in Freeport. The ball will include music by the First Brigade Band playing 19th century dance music on antique, period-correct instruments while wearing Civil War military uniforms.
Some of the instruments used have been documented to have been present at the original Freeport debate in 1858. The band is made up entirely of volunteers.
All dances will be authentic 19th century dances. No experience is necessary, as the First Brigade Band will provide a dance master and floor managers who will walk participants through each dance.
Historic dress is encouraged but not required. Historic dress for the ladies can be elaborate ballgowns, simple pioneer frocks, or anything in between. Gentlemen are invited to wear either civilian or military dress. Modern clothing can be as plain or fancy as you choose. For information on assembling an 1858 costume, including contact information for local and non-local patterns and suppliers, visit www.suzybeggin.com/Dance.htm and click "1858 Clothing Information."
Tickets to the dance are $20 per person and can be purchased locally at the Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center or the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce office or online at www.suzybeggin.com/ Dance.htm or through the mail by sending a check to Lincoln-Douglas 1858 Grand Ball, P.O. Box 58, Freeport, IL 61032.
Some of the instruments used have been documented to have been present at the original Freeport debate in 1858. The band is made up entirely of volunteers.
All dances will be authentic 19th century dances. No experience is necessary, as the First Brigade Band will provide a dance master and floor managers who will walk participants through each dance.
Historic dress is encouraged but not required. Historic dress for the ladies can be elaborate ballgowns, simple pioneer frocks, or anything in between. Gentlemen are invited to wear either civilian or military dress. Modern clothing can be as plain or fancy as you choose. For information on assembling an 1858 costume, including contact information for local and non-local patterns and suppliers, visit www.suzybeggin.com/Dance.htm and click "1858 Clothing Information."
Tickets to the dance are $20 per person and can be purchased locally at the Freeport/Stephenson County Visitors Center or the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce office or online at www.suzybeggin.com/ Dance.htm or through the mail by sending a check to Lincoln-Douglas 1858 Grand Ball, P.O. Box 58, Freeport, IL 61032.
