‘The Original Great Communicator’ To Appear in Canton Saturday

In addition to his actions, Abraham Lincoln was known for his eloquent letters, speeches and stories. 

At 2 p.m. Saturday, April 30, area residents can hear passages from the “original great communicator,” such  as selections from the Lincoln/Douglas debates (1858), the Cooper Union Address (February 1860) and the reply to a Horace Greeley editorial (August 1862). Selections from the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1863) and  the Gettysburg Address (November 1863) will be featured, as well.

The performances will be provided by Canton resident Howard Wright, who presents “Simply Lincoln” in realistic re-enactments of the country’s 16th president. 

“It’s always great to portray such an honest, honorable man of such impeccable integrity,” said Wright, who is Dean of Students, Science Department Head and Master Calendar Coordinator at Renbrook School in West Hartford.

Since 2005, Wright has worked to replicate those historic speeches, masterful stories, letters and debate responses to audiences throughout Connecticut, with authentic dress, a slow, high tenor pitch and a replicated Kentucky accent.

And it doesn’t hurt that Wright is 6 feet 3 inches tall and has worn a beard since 1981.

Wright said he has always loved language and famous phrases and while at Renbrook, pursued an idea to present Lincoln. He began doing so for eighth-grade students at the school starting in 2005.

“I did a performance here, received a lot of compliments and decided to pursue it,” Wright said.

From there the word spread, and Wright read more about the president, had period-style clothing tailor-made and began performing for re-enactments, historical society events and elsewhere.

Today, he is the only Connecticut resident certified by the Association of Lincoln Presenters.

This year, with the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, which began on April 12, 1861, much attention has been placed on the era.

Wright’s performance will cap a month of themed events and talks at the Canton Public Library. A display case of Civil War era items will remain for May.

“We’ve had a very concentrated response to what we’re doing with the Civil War,” said Jane Hoben, who is in charge of publicity for the library.

Hoben said she is pleased about Saturday's opportunity to present the man “we remember now for his eloquence and his great skill in communicating with a country torn by seemingly insurmountable conflicts.”

Learn more about Wright’s performances at simplylincoln.com.