A historic theme dinner followed by a barn dance is held monthly at Norlands.
LIVERMORE – As part of the ongoing monthly theme dinners, and in honor of Samuel Benjamin Washburn, sixth son of Israel Washburn Sr., the Washburn Norlands Living History Center will serve a seafood dinner on Saturday, April 24.

Sam shipped out at age 18 on the bark Huntress. His family thought he’d soon tire of the life of a seaman but Sam went on to be the master of a sailing ship that traveled between Boston, Liverpool, England, and New Orleans.

When the Civil War broke out Sam was offered a commission as acting master in the U.S. Navy. He was an officer on the gunboat Galena when he received the hip wound that left him lame for the remainder of his life. At the rank of acting volunteer lieutenant Sam was given command of a division of the gulf squadron under Admiral Farragut. Other ships in his command were the Carrabasset, the Glide and the Granite City.

The menu for the April dinner will include lemon cilantro salsa on toastpoints, kale with almonds, Mediterranean paella (lobster, crab, shrimp, mussels, clams, chorico and whitefish form the base of the dish from the Iberian Peninsula) and a cheesecake with fruit compote for dessert.

The historic theme dinner followed by a barn dance is held the fourth Saturday of the month. Dinner, including admission to the barn dance, is $20. For those who wish to attend only the barn dance the cost is $5. A short talk will begin at 5 p.m., dinner is at 5:30 and the dance at 7.

Seating will be by reservation only. Call 897-4366 or e-mail [email protected].