July 16, 2024 – The Governor Richard J. Oglesby Mansion located at 421 West William Street in Decatur will be hosting a 200th Birthday Celebration in honor of the Governor.
The event will be Thursday, July 25th, 2024, from 6pm-9 pm.
Tickets are $25 and available online or a limited number of tickets will be available at the door on July 25th.
Ticket includes a raffle entry for a door prize, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and tours of the mansion. Historical costumes are encouraged with a prize for the best costume.
There will be a silent auction and the proceeds will support the mansion’s preservation. Auction items will include 2 tickets to Toast at the Lincoln Square Theater, Avon Theater Movie Tickets, pottery pieces from Hedgerow Pottery in Monticello, a variety of Decatur and Macon County limited edition/print books and a private in-home wine sampling experience.
Historically, Richard J. Oglesby is recognized as Decatur’s most distinguished citizen. He served his country as a U.S. Senator, a Civil War Union General, and a three-time Governor of Illinois. He was a close friend and confidant of Abraham Lincoln who nominated Lincoln for the presidency in Decatur and ultimately accompanied his body back to Illinois after the assassination.
Oglesby Mansion Board President, Carol Pelz says, “All proceeds from this event will go to maintain the mansion. Our board is grateful for a good working relationship with the Macon County Conservation District which owns the physical structure. Our board maintains the contents. This is the only remaining home which Governor Oglesby lived in.”
For tickets, click HERE.
