Crockett, Texas is hosting the annual Houston County Heritage Days, October 21-23, 2005. This year’s event will present President Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Fritz Klein, as a special guest to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the ending of the American Civil War.Houston County Heritage Days, sponsored by the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce is a living history event and Civil War reenactment to celebrate the history of the oldest county in Texas. A civil war encampment will demonstrate the daily lives of “Johnny Reb” and “Billy Yank.” A full-scale battle reenactment, with cannons, cavalry, and infantry will take the field both Saturday and Sunday. Living historians will be presenting pioneer tasks such as soap making, sewing, and butter-making. President Abraham Lincoln, recreated by Fritz Klein, will talk with school children on Friday and visit with the troops and public on Saturday. He will engage in a review of the troops, visit the military hospital, and lead the dance with his wife, Mary Todd Lincoln, portrayed by Barbara Corry. Fritz Klein has been portraying Abraham Lincoln since 1976. His performances have been seen in several films and television programs on The History Channel, the Discovery Channel, and C-Span. He makes Lincoln and his time period come to life. Historian Jeff Schultz, director of the Wade House in Greenbush, Wisconsin, commented, “Fritz Klein IS Abraham Lincoln. He exhibits all the complexity, wisdom, and great country humor that Lincoln possessed. We could not imagine a better Lincoln impersonator. Our audiences spoke in raving terms about his appearance at our recent Civil War reenactment.”The reenactment takes place next to the Crockett Civic Center SE Loop 304.
Friday October 20th 10a.m. to 2:30p.m. School Day DemonstrationsSaturday October 21st 9a.m. to 5p.m. Camps and Demonstrations open to the public 2p.m. Battle featuring Special Effects ExplosivesSunday October 22nd 9a.m. to 2:30p.m. Camps open 10a.m. Old Time Church Service 1p.m. Battle featuring Special Effects Explosives
Admission is $2.00. Children under 5 are free.For futher information, see http://www.geocities.com/houstoncountyheritage, or contact the Crockett Area Chamber of Commerce at (888) 269-2359.