150th Observance of Lincoln's Death on April 15th: Lincoln's Watch & "Dear Parents," John Finney's Letters from the Civil War

Highland Park ---- Highland Park Historical Society will host on Wednesday April 15 at 7:00 PM ‘150th Observance of Lincoln’s Death,’ an event part of ‘Civil War Comes Home’ Series. There will be two presentations:‘Lincoln’s Watch,’ by Doug Stiles, Vice President of the Waukegan Historical Society.A reading from “Dear Parents,” John Finney’s Letters from the Civil War,’ treatment by Paul Max Rubenstein and interpreted by Colm Egan.

This evening will commence with ‘Lincoln’s Watch.’ In 1861, Abraham Lincoln brought his watch to a Washington, D.C. jeweler to be repaired. Did the jeweler, Jonathon Dillon, add an inscription to it? Doug Stiles, a descendant of Dillon’s, will tell the fascinating story of how this question was recently answered.

At 8:00 pm, Colm Egan will read excerpts from letters written by Highland Park city clerk, John Finney. During the war, Mr. Finney wrote letters home to his Irish immigrant parents. The young Finney details life in the “Scotch Regiment,” the 65th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Finney wryly recounts watershed marches and battles, including capturing “Rebel” soldiers who were revealed to be women in soldier uniforms, daily life as a soldier, and the deadly dangers of swimming in unknown waters. The John Finney letters are part of the Historical Society’s Archives and Research Collections, a nationally recognized historical repository.

‘150th Observance of Lincoln’s Death,’ will be presented at the Highland Park Public Library Auditorium 494 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park. For further information, please contact the Highland Park Historical Society: 847.432.7090 or hphistorical@sbcglobal.net Admission is free.

This ‘150th Observance of Lincoln’s Death’ is part of the ‘Civil War Comes Home’ series of events and exhibits, a program that provides Northeastern Illinois and Southeastern Wisconsin residents with affordable and thought-provoking programs related to the Civil War and Lincoln Assassination. A roster of these events, hailing from historical societies around this region can be found at: www.lcfpd.org/civilwar or facebook at NortheastIllinoisHistoricalHappenings.

‘Civil War Comes Home’ is a project of the Lake County Historical Alliance, dedicated to fostering a culture in which the local history is a vital part of the lives of our communities.