LIVERMORE — The Washburn-Norlands Living History Center will present its 5th annual tribute honoring local Civil War veterans at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7.
A heritage dinner will be followed by readings and music of the Civil War in the Ladies’ Parlor of the 1867 Washburn Family Mansion. The dinner will feature stuffed roast pork wrapped in bacon, soup, baked beans, roasted root vegetables, coleslaw, cornbread and dessert that will be served in the historic Farmer’s Cottage.
After supper, guests will adjourn to the parlor to hear readings from Washburn family letters and to listen to songs of the era with piano accompaniment. Presented by Norlands’ interpretive staff in period costume, the program is directed by Willi Irish, Norlands’ director of interpretation and training.
This year’s program will have a special emphasis on Israel Washburn Jr.
Washburn, who lived from 1813 to 1883, was the oldest of 10 children born to Israel and Patty Washburn of Livermore. He studied law with his Uncle Reuel, opened a law practice in Orono in 1834, and got involved in politics. After serving in Congress for several terms, he was inaugurated in 1861 as Maine’s 29th governor. He became known as “Maine’s Little-Known Giant of the Civil War” when he raised more troops per capita than any other state. When he declined to be a candidate for renomination, President Lincoln appointed him collector of customs of the port of Portland. Upon retiring in 1877, Washburn later became president of the Rumford Falls Railroad and also president of the board of trustees for Tufts College in Medford, Mass.
Limited seating is available. Tickets must be purchased in advance by Tuesday, Nov. 3. The cost per person is $23. To purchase tickets, call 207-897-4366 or email norlands@norlands.org.
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