LIVING HISTORY OF THE CIVIL WAR COMES TO ADDISON

Historical Society Hosts Reenactment, Kicks Off Fundraiser to Restore Piece of History

On Sunday, June 23, 2002, residents and visitors to Addison's Village Green will feel they have stepped back in time, as Taylor's Battery, Chicago Light Artillery Company B, conducts a Civil War encampment. This event is being sponsored by the Addison Historical Society.

From 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., a "Living History" will be presented, including historically correct Civil War era uniforms and civilian clothes, military drill demonstrations, and encampment with artifacts. Civil War era rifles and cannon will be fired as a part of the demonstration.

The day's activities will also serve as the kickoff to the Historical Society's fundraiser to restore the Civil War battle flag for the 105th Illinois Infantry Regiment. The group hopes to eventually raise $7,000 to restore this flag, currently held in the state archives. A replica of the flag will also be purchased for permanent display at the Village Hall.

The State of Illinois has available various Civil War battle flags for communities and organization to "adopt" and restore. The Addison Historical Society chose the 105th Infantry because of its historical significance to the community - of the 18 Addison Township residents known to have been killed during the Civil War, 13 served in the 105th Infantry.

"As the great-grandson of a Union Civil War veteran, I am particularly proud to have a part in sponsoring this event," said Village Manager and Historical Society Treasurer Joseph Block.

Taylor's Battery provides living history demonstrations to educational institutions throughout the Midwest, and are based in Villa Park. They have also been tapped to participate in two historical films - Gettysburg, which was released in 1993, and Gods and Generals, which will be released this fall.

Addison's Village Green is located just east of the Village Hall, at One Friendship Plaza. Donations for the restoration of the 105th Illinois Infantry Regimental Flag can be sent to the Addison Historical Society, One Friendship Plaza, Addison IL 60101.

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