Abe Lincoln reenactor delights crowd in Syracuse
By PHOEBE MUTHART
Staff Writer
Abe Lincoln reenactor Danny Russel brought Lincoln’s wonderful humor, honesty, love of learning, mastery of languages and empathy for his fellow man to life in a one-hour commentary of his life. The event took place Sunday, June 27, at Wawasee High School in Syracuse, instead of Oakwood, due to weather.
Russel is a professional actor who portrays famous Hoosiers such as Lincoln. He lives in Indianapolis. As a seven-time grant recipient honored by the Indiana Arts Commission, Russel tours the Midwest with his signature character.
A native of Maine, Russel pursued advanced training at Chicago Actors Studio and spent many years toiling in regional theater, as well as in commercials and industrial films.
During the late 1990s, his wife suggested Lincoln as a possible portrayal to augment piecemeal income.
He researched in Hodgenville, Ky. (Lincoln’s birthplace); southern Indiana (where he lived from age 7-21); Springfield, Ill., (where Lincoln lived and practiced law for nearly 25 years); Washington, D.C.; and Gettysburg, Pa. (where Lincoln delivered some of the most iconic words in American history).
Donned in Lincoln’s best attire, complete with Lincoln’s famous black hat, Russel shared nearly 50 minutes of Lincoln’s life as the former president himself. Emotions were often raw as Russel, as Lincoln, outlined the ups and downs of the former Hoosier resident.
In 1860, he said, he got a letter from an 11-year-old girl, who said he should grow a beard. “So, I did.”His mother was very instrumental in his life, often reading Scripture to Lincoln as a young boy. He lived in Spencer County in Indiana.
At 19, his sister died and his mother died afterward. He married Mary Todd Nov. 4, 1882. He and his wife, Mary, lost two children.
He had two businesses that failed, and he was a farmer and a blacksmith.
Lincoln attended a slave auction one time and was deeply disturbed. He discussed his feelings about slavery.
“I hate slavery!” shouted Lincoln, while on his knees. Lincoln noted Indiana didn’t have slavery at the time.
He told his cousin, John, one time, “I will do something about slavery,” and Lincoln did.
He signed the Emancipation Proclamation, therefore freeing slaves. Lincoln won the election for president and took oath as the 16th president.
The Patriot’s Day celebration was hosted by Chautauqua-Wawasee. Later that night, a patriotic pops concert was conducted by Wagon Wheel Symphony of the Lakes.