Historical re-enactors, rededication of Grant marker part of HSQAC event Aug. 13-14

August 6, 2022 | By Muddy River News

From left, Ulysses S. Grant, portrayed by Curt Fields; Mark Twain, portrayed by Warren Brown; and Abraham Lincoln portrayed by Fritz Klein. | Photos courtesy of Quincy Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County

QUINCY — The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County will be the host of a program combining tours of the Greek revival style Gov. John Wood Mansion with presentations by historical re-enactors on Aug. 13-14.

“Meet Lincoln, Grant and Twain” will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, in the Gov. John Wood Mansion in honor of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Ulysses S. Grant in 1822.

Thirty-minute tours of the iconic home will be offered, featuring vignettes by three nationally known re-enactors portraying Grant and two prominent figures in his life — Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain. Re-enactors are Curt Fields of Colliersville, Tenn., as Ulysses S. Grant; Fritz Klein of Springfield as Abraham Lincoln; and Warren Brown of Kankakee as Mark Twain. Tim Jacobs and Kelsey Pigg of Quincy will portray Gov. John Wood and Ann Streeter Wood.

The public will be greeted by Ann Streeter Wood as they arrive at the home. Visitors can take a trip back through time with the actors as they perform in the period-appropriate setting, telling stories about their lives and how they were connected.

Following the tour, participants can visit with Gov. Wood at the 1835 log cabin on the grounds, where refreshments, music and Civil War-themed activities will be available. The tours will begin at the society’s visitors center across from the mansion at 425 S. 12th, with the final tour scheduled at 6:30 p.m.

Reservations are required through the HSQAC office at 217-222-1835. The event, sponsored by the Hulsen family, is free and open to the public.

A brief re-dedication of the Ulysses S. Grant marker will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14 along the riverfront at Clat Adams Park. The marker was placed in the park in 2018 by the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County and the Tri-States Civil War Round Table. It was paid for with community contributions.

The stone honors Grant’s departure from Quincy on July 11-12, 1861, as he entered the Civil War with his regiment, the 21st Illinois Infantry.

Fields, portraying Grant, will speak at the ceremony, which will include patriotic readings and music, along with American Legion Post 37 providing military honors.