Wheaton Civl War Fair

During the Civil War both the North and the South were aided by the efforts of those left at home.  Women made uniforms, knitted socks, sent food to the front lines, and raised money for their respected side. The Sanitary Commission, established in 1861 sent women to nurse the wounded and improve the poor conditions and nutrition at the field hospitals and even in the camps.  Lavish Fairs were hosted by local branches of the Sanitary Commission to raise funds through monetary donations and auctions.  Chicago was the first to host a Sanitary Fair, called the Northwestern Soldiers' Fair, during the Civil War.  It ran for 12 days, October 27 to November 7, 1863, and raised almost $79,000 for the war effort.  The Wheaton Fair will replicate the Fairs during the Civil War by auctioning historic memorabilia along with other interesting items. The “hall” for the Fair will be filled with authentic Civil War memorabilia displayed in the Center’s exhibit The War of the Rebellion: On & Off the Battlefield.  Civil War music, re-enactors and “President and Mrs. Lincoln” will take part in the festivities.  This charity event benefits the Center for History and it education and preservation services.  To add to the festivities, guests are encourage to dress in period costume or fancy dresses for the ladies and coats and ties for the gentlemen as they did in 1863.. Center for History, 315 W. Front St., 2nd Floor, Wheaton, IL.  Elevator on-site. Reservations are required.  $50 per person including dinner.  Details: www.wheatonhistory.org, info@wheatonhistory.com, or 630-871-6601.