See how they did it "back then"

LINCOLN - See how they did it "back then" as traditional crafts are demonstrated during the 1840s Craft Fair to be held Sunday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, 914 Fifth Street, Lincoln.

Midwest craftspeople will demonstrate a variety of 19th century trades including blacksmithing, coopering, chair making, wool dyeing, candle dipping, broom making, quilting, paper marbling, weaving, rope making, chair making, rug hooking, cabinet making, and other activities. There will also be an herbalist, 1840s buckskinner, a live honey bee display, the big wheel wood lathe, and hand-painted Russian nesting dolls by Natalia Pagmoni. Some of the items will be for sale.

Abraham Lincoln impersonator Greg Bergschneider, interpreting Lincoln as a prairie lawyer, will greet visitors. Live period music will be performed throughout the day by the Prairie Aires, Chris Vallillo, Steve Staley & Mark Mathewson, Dale Evans, and Postville Express.

The 1840s Craft Fair is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be sold on site. Postville Courthouse will be open for tours throughout the day, and there will be plenty of free parking in the shade. The event is sponsored by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (www.Illinois-History.gov) and is being held on the same weekend as the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival.

Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is a reproduction of the first Logan County Courthouse used by Abraham Lincoln and others from 1840 to 1847. It is normally open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Tours are free, although a donation of $2 for adults and $1 for children is suggested.