The Underground Railroad Committee of the Morgan County Historical Society has postponed plans to hold a benefit auction and dinner on Saturday, April 18, and will reschedule the event for later this year.

          Organizers said a later date will provide additional time to contact prospective bidders and assure greater participation in the event.

          “We have a marvelous list of superb antiques for sale, and we feel it makes sense to conduct the auction at a time when more people will have the opportunity to bid,” said Loreli Steuer, co-chairman of the not-for-profit group that operates historic Woodlawn Farm near Jacksonville.

          The group plans to proceed with a scheduled tour of Underground Railroad sites across the Jacksonville community on Sunday, April 19. Tickets for the tours cost $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 6-12. There is also a $25 ticket price for families. The tours will begin at Beecher Hall on the campus of Illinois College at noon and continue until approximately 3:30 p.m.

          Advance tickets are available at Festival Foods and All Occasions in Jacksonville, and will be sold at Beecher Hall prior to the start of the event. Additional information is available by contacting Jim Murphy of the Underground Railroad Committee at 473-9734.