Annual Civil War Ball Draws Enthusiasts Throughout Midwest

Posted on September 14, 2011

Lincoln-era ball gowns and stovepipe hats can be spotted at the historic Spencer County Courthouse later this month as the Friends of  Lincoln Pioneer Village & Museum  host the fourth annual Civil War Ball.

Connie Wachtveitl travels from Peoria, Illinois, with her husband and a group of friends who attend nearly 20 different period balls and re-enactments each year. She has been dancing since 2000 and has been a caller for balls since 2007. The Wachtveitls call for the 33rd Band out of Peoria.

"We love coming to the ball in Spencer County; the courthouse rotunda is gorgeous," says Connie. "It's an honor to call at a ball during the Civil War Sesquicentennial located in a place that was so important in Abraham Lincoln's life."

One of Connie's favorite dances is the Virginia Reel, because she and her husband have their own version of this typical period dance that is enjoyed by dancers old and new. Attendees will get the opportunity to learn traditional dances, mingle with fellow pioneers, and see the colorful Lincoln-era gowns sway with the melody.

The Civil War Ball will be held Saturday, September 24, at the Spencer County Courthouse in Rockport, Indiana. Check-in time is 6:00 pm CDT with the Grand March beginning at 6:30 pm. The dance will commence from 7:00 — 10:00 pm. Tickets are $20 per person and are limited. For tickets and more information, contact Nancy Kaiser at (812) 686-2553.

Spencer County is home to nationally known attractions such as Holiday World & Splashin' Safari, Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort, and Lincoln's Indiana Boyhood Home with national and state parks. The Visitors Bureau encourages guests to stay overnight and visit the many attractions, shops, and restaurants.

For more information about Spencer County as a year-round destination, call (888) 444-9252 or visit www.SantaClausInd.org and www.IndianasAbeLincoln.org. Also, find Santa Claus, Indiana, and Lincoln's Indiana Boyhood Home on the Visitor Bureau's free app for iPhones and Androids by searching "Holiday World & More!" and on any mobile device at http://m.SantaClausInd.org and http://m.IndianasAbeLincoln.org.

Editor: Photos and a brief video available upon request.