Lincoln, McClellan Debate at Luncheon

The following press release was issued by the Ridgewood Historical Society.

What if Lincoln and McClellan had debated? Come find out what they might have said at a Lincoln Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 18 at the historic Brick House in Wyckoff. It is sponsored by the Coalition of NW Bergen Historical Organizations.

150 years ago, in the fall of 1862, the course of the Civil War changed.The Battle of Antietam was a tactical victory for the Union and it gave Lincoln the edge to announce the Emancipation Proclamation that would become law on Jan. 1, 1863. And when McClellan failed to pursue Lee’s army after Antietam, Lincoln finally relieved General McClellan of command. McClellan, a Princeton graduate, moved to Orange, New Jersey. In 1864 he became the Democratic candidate for President. He was a favorite son in New Jersey and carried the state – and Bergen County – easily. McClellan later became Governor of New Jersey.

In the historic setting of the 1851 Brick House, actors Bob Costello as Lincoln and Ken Hall as McClellan will hold forth on the issues of the day while guests enjoy a delicious lunch. Joe Truglio of the Phil Kearny Civil War Roundtable has said, “Bob Costello is incredible … you will feel like you are in the company of Lincoln.”

For information and reservations, call Jean Hildebrandt, 201-891-9409 or Kay Yeomans, 201-327-2236. Flyers and reservation forms are also available at The Schoolhouse Museum, The Mahwah Museum, The Hermitage and Abma’s Farm.