1776

1776

A short cab ride from the

downtown Crystal Lake station

one finds the unassuming place

named, “1776.”

Curious about it for ages, I

finally reserve a table for

Luci and Trav’s first wedding

anniversary, one week after

their actual date.

The weather’s weird, at once

chilly and warm.

We breeze in a bit early, 

look around at eclectic decor,

leave the bar to move to our table.

Excited for the evening to start, feeling

at home in this cozy, warm and inviting place.

 Our server delivers menus, we dive in,

eager to discover all the temptations

they offer -

Each entrée sounds delicious, prices

take us by surprise, the wine list is

wow!  We choose the twenty bucks

Chuck merlot, hope for the best...

Finally, kids and in laws arrive, slip in.

We chat happily about our evening.

Around the table - all smiles…bride and

groom, still honeymooners, beam. 

Our meals appear, placed before us;

we’re taken by their beauty, eliciting oohs...ahhs.

Conversation focuses, at first, on

food; even still, a stir in the room prompts 

us to gaze at new guests marching

with purpose to a table in the back.

Attired, down to the last detail, in Colonial dress.

Riveted, we watch as the party files in, dressed in 

uniforms or dust cap, shawl and long skirt.

Hubby leans in and whispers,

“What’s the occasion? George Washington

 on parade?”  I nod. The Martha’s look beautiful to me.

 Bemused looks ring the table.

In our company, Travis, his Mrs. and

parents, too, dress as voyageurs at encampments,

I present as an 1860’s schoolm’arm

whenever the school bell rings, and

my dear husband  makes a darn good Santa Claus!

As one we stand, raise our glasses and call, “Huzzah!”

Eyes twinkling, twenty strong, they do the same.

1776 transports us to a familiar place and time…

Abe Lincoln and his First Lady,

Mary Todd Lincoln, will cross

the great beyond to enlighten guests

of 1776 around Independence Day.

We’ll be there to greet them.