McCivil War

A new McDonald's restaurant near a Civil War landmark in Maryland will be decorated with artwork depicting the War Between the States, according to news reports. The company's original plans apparently called for 1950s rock 'n' roll era art.

The change came after residents of Urbana, an unincorporated town near Frederick, complained that a '50s-style restaurant wasn't appropriate for the area which is virtually the epi-center of the Civil War.

The new Mickey Dees is just across the street from Landon House (left), a mansion where Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart held the "Sabers and Roses Ball" just prior to the 1862 Battle of Antietam.

BTW--Tom and I spent one scary (and sleepless) night in the Landon House several years ago. More on that in a later blog.

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Mary and Her Dresses

First lady, Mary Todd Lincoln, was praised by some for her stylish wardrobe and criticized by others for its expense.

Donna McCreary, author of Fashionable First Lady: The Victorian Wardrobe of Mary Lincoln, will discuss the Lexington native at a luncheon hosted by the Mary Todd Lincoln House, Saturday, at Duncan Tavern Historic Center, 323 High Street in Paris, Kentucky. Lunch begins at 11:30 a.m., and the lecture is at 1 p.m.

Books will be available for purchase after the lecture. Tickets for the luncheon are $30 for the general public and $25 for members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and Kentucky Mansions Preservation Foundation. For reservations, call (859) 233-9999.