Historical Society banquet program to feature portrayer of Civil War Gen. Sheridan

    Attendees at this year’s Chase County Historical Society banquet are in for some Civil War history as part of the evening program.
    This year’s banquet and program is set for Saturday, Oct. 8, when Wayne Mintling of Culbertson will provide the evening program as he portrays Civil War General Philip Henry Sheridan.
    Historical Society President Charley Colton said the public is invited to attend, and dinner reservations are now being taken.
    Mintling said his portrayal of Sheridan started more than 20 years ago when he played the part of the general at Hayes Center’s Grand Duke Alexis Rendezvous, an event that drew over 2,500 people at times in its 10-year history.
    “It helps if you look a lot like him,” Mintling said.
    Over the years, he’s added to the general’s costume and read more books about him. His portrayal at the Hayes Center Rendezvous event led to appearances as Sheridan throughout the country.
    Many may remember Mintling as he portrayed Sheridan  in 2019 at the NE Cattlemen’s Ball held in rural Wauneta.
    Attendees next weekend will get a full historical look at the 4-star general who was an important part of U.S. history.
    Dinner reservations are now being taken by calling Colton at 308-883-8584, or contacting other officers including Becky Carman, Diann Schilke, Manette Brown, Jeannine Cox, Vickie Beard or Kelen Fortkamp.
    Colton said RSVPs are necessary to get a meal count, and people can reserve a spot now up until Friday, Oct. 7.
    Doors at the Champion Community Center will open at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 8 with the dinner to start at 6 p.m. Mintling’s program will follow with a business meeting and election of officers to conclude the evening, Colton said.