Abe Lincoln to Play Town Ball at 6th Annual South Silver Spring Block Party

Abraham Lincoln will be playing town ball in Silver Spring again during the community's 6th Annual Block Party, set for Sept. 29.

An actor dressed as the 16th president will participate in the baseball-like game, just as the real president did back in the 1860s.

, president of the Silver Spring Historical Society, discovered that Lincoln played town ball while researching information on the estate of Silver Spring founder Francis Preston Blair, according to a Gazette report.

Town ball is considered a forerunner of modern-day baseball, except that there were no foul lines (every ball hit was considered in play) and you could score an out by hitting a runner with the ball.

“Abe the Racing President” is just one of the main features at this year’s South Silver Spring Block Party. The party hosted at 8040 Kennett St. will also include a beer and cocktail garden hosted by Fire Station 1 and Jackie’s Sidebar.

Party goers can expect over 50 vendors displaying paintings, flowers to candles and homemade bath products.

Other events will include:

• International food with vegan baked goods and Italian home cooking.

• Live music with flamenco, acoustic folk and hip hop.

• Raffle prizes.

• Pet adoptions.

• Music performances for kids.