Variety of events planned for the weekend
History to be revived at Napoleon

Beth Rumsey, Staff Writer

“It’s fun for all ages,” promises Carl Moore, Osgood, organizer for the Napoleon Living History Days set for September 6 and 7. The weekend will provide a variety of events, from a ladies high tea to an actual Civil War encampment, in and around the Napoleon Community Center on State Road 229.
Visitors to Napoleon will have the opportunity to meet Grubstake MacGregor, a prospector from Colorado. The 80-minute performance will entertain audiences with tall tales and music from the Old West. A variety of instruments are used by MacGregor, including banjo, squeezebox, autoharp, dulcimer, and the Indian flute.

Grubstake MacGregor is the creation of Fred Moore, a retired school teacher currently living in Florida. Moore, brother of Carl Moore, has always been active in the theater. Besides the old prospector, MacGregor performs as other characters including Martin Luther, John Wesley, Andrew Jackson, and Ernie Pyle. “He enjoys doing it,” said his brother.

The Grubstake MacGregor performances will be held on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. and Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at the Napoleon VFW.

Storytellers from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center will inspire visitors with stories and events from the Underground Railroad. According to Moore, Napoleon has three Underground Railroad locations. Maps and cassettes or CDs from the Ripley County Tourism will be available for those interested in this portion of Ripley County’s history.

Other events include a period fashion show and a ladies high tea. A fancy period dress ball will be held on Saturday night. And, those who cannot dance will have the opportunity to learn period dances.

Vendors featuring antiques and crafts will be open to the public. Visitors can explore the encampment, perhaps witness a skirmish or two!

All proceeds will go towards the restoration of the Central House, according to Moore. The Central House, located across from the public square, is an 1838 Federal style inn listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours will be offered periodically throughout the weekend.

Some of the events require a nominal fee. For more information, or to purchase tickets for the Grubstake MacGregor performances, call 812-689-4328 or 812-852-4818.