October 10, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 11 Area Lincoln/McClellan debate coming to Wyckoff by John Koster Visit the Historic Brick House in Wyckoff on Oct. 18 as Abraham Lincoln (Robert Costello) debates George McClellan (Ken Hall) on the conduct of the Civil War. This event is part of the Lincoln Luncheon fundraiser being held for the Coalition of Northwest Bergen County Historical Organizations. Lincoln and McClellan faced off in New Jersey in 1864, when McClellan – who twice commanded the Army of the Potomac -- ran for president against Lincoln during what proved to be a bloodiest single year of the bloodiest war in American history. Lincoln won the 1864 election thanks in large part to William Tecumseh Sherman’s capture of Atlanta and to the federal soldiers’ vote, but McClellan won in New Jersey and two other states. Costello is famous in New Jersey and Pennsylvania for his portrayal of Lincoln, and his recent appearance at the Ridgewood coln.” John Clark, who studied with James McPherson at Princeton, also said that Costello’s impersonation is impressive. The fact that Costello and Lincoln shared the same six-foot-four-inch height adds credibility to the character Costello has absorbed through voluminous reading about Lincoln and many years as a military reenactor. McClellan, a flamboyant officer, was born in Philadelphia. He was a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and spoke half a dozen languages. He was a world traveler and an experienced mountain climber. Though defeated in his presidential bid, “Little Mac” was later elected governor of New Jersey and served Robert Costello as Abraham Lincoln from 1877 to 1881. He died of a heart attack in 1885. Hall has impersonated McClellan in many acclaimed events. The debate is being sponsored by historical organizations based in Allendale, Franklin Lakes, Ho-Ho-Kus, Mahwah, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Oakland, Upper Saddle River, and Wyckoff. These groups maintain historical homes or small museums to keep the past alive in Northwest Bergen County. The Lincoln Luncheon will begin with cocktails at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon. The Brick House is located at 179 Godwin Avenue in Wyckoff. Tickets to this event are $40. Call Jean Hildebrand at (201) 891-9409 or Kay Yeomans at (201) 327-2236. Library and Ridgewood Schoolhouse Museum was a memorable event. “Bob Costello is incredible,” said Ridgewood resident Joe Truglio of the Phil Kearny Civil War Roundtable. “You will feel like you are in the company of Lin-