"Six Degrees of Lincoln" Presentation Winners, too!

While in Belvidere for the Autumn Pioneer Festival, Kate gave a presentation at the Keen Age Center on Friday afternoon. Audience members went on a a virtual tour of northern Illinois during the "Six Degrees of Abraham Lincoln" to find local connections to our sixteenth President.

A drawing was held at that event as well. Congratulations to Margaret and Bill, our winners!

"Scary Prairie" Author Event Happens in Forest Park

Kate will be co-hosting a Halloween Author Event in Forest Park on Sunday, October 18 at 2:00 pm. Norm Cowie is launching his latest book "Fang Face," a humorous tale of a teen-aged vampire while Kate talks about her ghost story book "Haunted by History; Spectres in a Small Town."

"Haunted by History" looks at historic buildings in the mid-western town of Naperville, Illinois, and the people who used to live in them. Written for kids ten and older, this collection of short stories delivers facts about local history disguised as ghost stories.

After much careful research, Kate imagines ghostly situations and crafts a chilling tale out of the actual facts to foster an enthusiasm for history in younger readers. As she likes to say to parents and teachers: "They'll learn so much history, it's scary!"

In addition to discussing their books, Kate, dressed in pioneer calico, and Norm, in a black cape, will be offering snacks, crafts and prizes. Kate and Norm encourage kids to attend in their Halloween costumes so the authors won't be the only ones who look odd.

The fun will take place at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore, a favorite hang-out for readers of mystery and history. For more information, see the store's website or go to Kate's site at www.KateGingold.com.

You can learn more about "Haunted by History" at the book's website, www.HauntedByHistory.com and read a few preview pages there as well.

Bring the kids or grandkids out for this "Scary Prairie" event. We look forward to seeing you!

Where History Is Happening

Links to some upcoming events:

St. Charles Scarecrow Fest

October 9 - 11

View the hotel and home Mary Todd Lincoln reportedly visited while attending this free downtown event. Hundreds of hand-crafted scarecrows, carnival rides, musical entertainment, and more.

Grave Reminders Cemetery Walk

October 10

Learn about some of the interesting characters from St. Charles' past as you visit their final resting places at the North Cemetery .

St. Charles Historic Ghost Tours

October 10 &11

Begins at the Arcada Theatre, a Vaudeville Theatre built in 1926.

Author Event and Book Signing

October 18
2:00 pm

Author Kate Gingold will be at Centuries and Sleuths Bookstore, 7419 W. Madison Street in Forest Park with author Norm Cowie for a Halloween-themed book event.