If You Miss Downton Abbey, Visit the David Davis Mansion March 14th 

Fans of the behind-the-scenes intrigue of the television show “Downton Abbey” will want to visit the David Davis Mansion State Historic Site in Bloomington on Saturday, March 14th for a look at the lives of servants and their employers.

Costumed storytellers will portray Irish servants who worked for the Davis family at their Victorian mansion during the 19th century. Visitors will have a chance to talk with staff and volunteers portraying servants rushing to complete their chores as well as members of the Davis family.

The free, family-friendly “Upstairs/Downstairs at Bloomington’s Downton Abbey” event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on March 14th.

Visitors will meet characters including Bridget, the cook who occupies a special position in the household because she’s an expert with the Magee Range. She regularly gives the stove a workout preparing meals for the Davises and will describe how she prepares food and determines how many pieces of coal it takes to bake a cake.

The David Davis Mansion was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis and his wife Sarah. Davis who also served in the U.S. Senate was a friend and political ally of Abraham Lincoln. 

The mansion is open each Wednesday through Saturday for free public tours and is located at 1000 Monroe Drive in Bloomington. For more information, call 309-828-1084 or visit www.daviddavismansion.org.

The site is operated by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. IDNR protects the state’s historic resources, which contribute to education, culture and the economy.