Step back into the era when free black barber and diarist William Johnson chronicled daily events in Natchez. Listen to him as you view the giant campaign ball reproduced from his 1840-era description by National Park Service craftsmen.

Move on then to the volatile pre-Civil War era and hear predictions from a prominent Natchez citizen of dark days ahead. Then listen as the diarist’s daughter tells of the 1870s challenges in Natchez and the nation.

&uot;Natchez people were very involved in the election of 1840,&uot; said Park Service interpreter Angela Lurz, who will be one of three actors to portray historical characters during a living history program, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Melrose Saturday and Sunday. Performances will be at 10 a.m. and 1 and 3 p.m. and children’s games at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. All programs are free both days.

&uot;Natchez in November: Politics on Parade&uot; is the theme of the program, which, in addition to the actors’ performances, will include recreations of campaign rallies, refreshments and political badge and ribbon making, all based on campaign practices of the 19th century, said Jim Heany, chief ranger for the Natchez National Historical Park.

Styled for adults and children, the living history program will give young people an opportunity to visit the campaign tent, where they can take part in button making and play games based on old-time politics, especially the &uot;Tippecanoe and Tyler, too&uot; campaign of 1840.

&uot;This was the beginning of modern politics, a very influential election &045;&045; for a man who served only 28 days,&uot; Heany said.

The campaign ball is an oddity described by William Johnson, who tells of the Natchez Whigs following what he calls the &uot;humbug ball&uot; in the street.

The ball was a gimmick used in many cities to attract attention to the candidates. Janice Turnage, Park Service ranger who contributed to the living history scripts, said the ball was used to attract a crowd and get them to the campaign headquarters.

Natchez Whigs set up a huge tent on the bluff and even a log cabin with coonskins and cider, Turnage said.

Johnson in his diary describes the big ball rolling over the bluff and into the river, adding that &uot;some man who had more sense than the folks who built it&uot; pushed it over the precipice.

The three characters in the program are Alice Austin of Baltimore, Md., who married John McMurran of Melrose and describes her arrival there and impressions of that era; Adam Bingaman, a wealthy land holder and plantation owner known both as an influential political figure and an avid horse breeder and racer; and Catherine Johnson, daughter of diarist William Johnson, who also kept a diary of her own life.

Ranger Linda Rosenblum has participated in the research for the program and will act as the guide, taking visitors from the front porch at Melrose, where Alice will speak; to the rear garden, where the group will meet Bingaman and hear his delivery; and finally to another garden spot to hear Catherine Johnson.

Rosenblum will answer questions and make introductions, allowing the actors, who will be in period costumes, to remain in character.

Lurz will portray Alice Austin McMurran. Heany will play the part of Adam Bingaman. And Carolyn Tyler will portray Catherine Johnson.