Civil War re-enactor Fritz Klein portrayed President Abraham Lincoln at Northwood Elementary School April 3; a role in which he certainly looked and played the part. He was the highlight of a special living history event arranged by Sheri Carter and the other second grade teachers at Northwood and helped by the parents of the students. The second graders have been studying American history, especially the Civil War, and came in individual classes to attend a “Town Meeting,” dressed in appropriate clothing for the 1864-era event, some as famous personages from that time. In that format they were encouraged to ask President Lincoln questions relating to that time period and he supplied answers, based on historical information, along with comments which conveyed a message appropriate for today’s youngsters. “He answers the question and turns it into a life lesson so the children can understand it,” Carter said of the presentation. Above, Courtney Confer, portraying Clara Barton, asked the President where he was when the war started. He replied that he would have liked to been closer to the action but actually “was at his desk.”

April 8, 2007