Crimson Leaf Ball

Saturday, September 22, 2007 from 4-9 pm

Experience the Civil War era through dining and dancing at the inaugural Crimson Leaf Ball to benefit the Sugar Creek Historical Society Endowment campaign. The evening begins with a mini encampment and a wine & cheese reception at the Thorntown Heritage Museum from 4-5 pm. Museum staff will be in period dress and available to answer questions about the Society and its Museum.

Moving across Main Street to the Thorntown Christian Church, a short dance instruction will be available from caller Karen Dunnam of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and musical ensemble Hasty Pudding (formerly Bittersweet and Briars), Lafayette, Indiana. Silent auction items of antiques, art, services, and goods will be available for inspection and bidding. A period dinner by Country Garden Catering (Gene & Peggy Poe, Thorntown) will feature entrees of Beef Roast in Burgundy Sauce and Grilled Chicken Breast stuffed with Spinach and Cheese accompanied by all the trimmings. Each table of eight will host a Civil War re-enactor. Long-time SCHS member and supporter Dr. Robert L. Gillan will be honored for his active pursuit and collection of local history. Dancing, dessert, and auction results will follow dinner. Period dress is not required, but Costumes by Margie, Indianapolis, Indiana, is working closely with the Society to provide costumes for those not who do not own period clothing.

The Crimson Leaf Ball kicks off an endowment campaign to raise $30,000 to establish the Sugar Creek Historical Society Endowment. While the Society was generously given the Museum property by the late Mildred Spencer, operating costs have grown and current donations and revenue no longer cover maintenance and upgrade expenses. The long-term goal of the endowment is to grow the fund to provide operating funds for the Society's Thorntown Heritage Museum as well as supporting the programs and outreach of the organization from generated annual interest.

The Thorntown Heritage Museum holds icons of the community's history including the town curfew bell, the head of the original Mills fountain, several items from Anson Mills' military tenure, sports-related memorabilia, locally collected stone tools and points, and the Robert Gillan Fiddle Collection. Programs include Third Thursday Concert Series, Farmers' Market, History for Home Schools (beginning in late September), horticultural classes, and author book signings. The Society also periodically hosts Traces on the Road from the Indiana Historical Society.

Contact Pat Gillogly with questions or to learn more about giving options at 765-436-7966 or . Tickets are $30 each and are available at Randel's Pharmacy and Carol's Shake 'N Bake in Thorntown, or online at www.thorntownhistory.org.


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