Ferryville to host evening bonfire, storytelling with Civil War historian

The Ferryville Tourism Council will be sponsoring an evening of family fun  Wednesday, July 1 near the south pavilion at Ferryville’s Sugar Creek Park, located on Highway 35. A bonfire and an evening of story telling around the fire will be held from 8-9:30 p.m.
The guest storyteller will be Civil War historian and author Bob O’Connor of Charles Town, WV.  O’Connor is the older brother of Ferryville resident Joanne White and he will be visiting Ferryville during that week. He is the author of 10 published books, including six novels and four non-fiction works. He has been a finalist four times in the National Book Awards competition.  He is also an artist in residence for schools and public libraries in West Virginia.
His presentation around the bonfire will be a first-person historical impersonation of Ward Hill Lamon, Abraham Lincoln’s bodyguard.  This year is the 150th anniversary of the assassination of Lincoln. For those who have been wondering why his bodyguard was not at Ford’s Theater to protect him, this talk will answer those questions. Lamon moved to Danville, IL at the age of 18 and became Lincoln’s law partner for the years 1852 through 1856.  He was one of three men who accompanied Lincoln to Washington D.C.  O’Connor will tell tales of Lamon’s friendship with Lincoln and why he was not with Lincoln when the President needed him the most.  
The program will last approximately 45 minutes and there will be time for questions and answers.
The Tourism Council will provide s’mores for everyone. Those planning to attend are advised to bring a lawn chair and insect repellent. For more information, “like” Ferryville on Facebook (facebook.com/ferryvillewi) or call Joanne White at 608-634-9018.