Special Events
in and around Logan County

Coming events

• Calendar

• ‘Season’s Schedule’ of holiday events

• Festival of Trees activities and entertainment schedule

Links to postings on annual festivals

• Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest and Crafts Festival
  2001

• Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival
  Postings from the Lincoln Daily News archives

• 2001

• 2000

[NOV. 19, 2001]  An elegantly decorated dining table, gingerbread cookies and a special day for children are new features at the sixth annual Festival of Trees in downtown Lincoln. The festival opens at the Logan County Courthouse on Friday, Nov. 23 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 2. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

The candlelight dinner table will be displayed, along with a variety of large and small trees and wreaths. The items are sponsored and decorated by local businesses and organizations.

The new Kids Day will be Saturday, Dec. 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The activities will be on the second floor of the courthouse and will include making personalized potholders, visits with Santa, storytelling and a special shop where children can purchase gifts for their parents for $5 or less.

Gingerbread cookies will be available for purchase the 10 days of the festival. Christmas cards with a photo from last year’s festival will also be available for purchase. One of the Jaycees’ Angel Trees, with names of underprivileged children who need gifts, will also be located at the festival this year.

Music from local choirs and ensembles will enhance the festive spirit. The following groups will perform:

•  Monday, Nov. 26, 6 p.m. — Lincoln Community High School choir

•  Wednesday, Nov. 28, 6 p.m. — Heritage Ringers handbell choir from First United Methodist Church

•  Thursday, Nov. 29, 6 p.m. — St. John United Church of Christ adult chime choir

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•  Saturday, Dec. 1, 1-3 p.m. — Park Meadows Baptist Church children and young adult choirs

•  Saturday, Dec. 1, 5 p.m. — Faith Lutheran Church choir

•  Sunday, Dec. 2, 2 p.m. — Elkhart Grade School flute ensemble

•  Sunday, Dec. 2, 4 p.m. — First United Methodist Church Madrigal Choir

There is no admission fee for the festival, but those attending are urged to bring nonperishable food for the Logan County Food Pantry.

Items on display at the festival, with the exception of the Public Raffle Tree, will be auctioned at the Festival of Trees Gala on Saturday, Nov. 24. Proceeds from the auction will go toward the Rural Health Partnership of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital and the economic development projects of Main Street Lincoln.

The Festival of Trees is presented by Main Street Lincoln and the Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation. Premier sponsor is Lincoln Land Communications, an authorized Cingular wireless agent.

[News release]

Special Events Calendar

November 2001

Friday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Dec. 2
PREMIER SPONSOR: Lincoln Land Communications; presented by Main Street Lincoln and Abraham Lincoln Healthcare Foundation
WHO: Public
WHAT: Festival of Trees
WHERE: Logan County Courthouse
WHEN: Monday-Saturday, 9 am - 7 pm; Sunday, noon-6 pm; open till 8:30 pm Nov. 27 and 29

Saturday, Nov. 24-Wednesday, Dec. 26
SPONSOR: Michelle's Home and Garden
WHO: Public, by admission
WHAT: Winter Wonderland Walk
WHERE: 1014 N. Kickapoo
WHEN: Monday-Saturday, 11 am - 8 pm; Sundays 1-8 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 27
SPONSOR: Local Looking for Lincoln committees
WHO: Public
WHAT: Candlelight courthouse tour
WHERE: Logan County Courthouse
WHEN: 6-8 pm

Thursday, Nov. 29
SPONSOR: Oasis senior citizens center
WHO: Public; fee
WHAT: Chili supper and bake sale
WHERE: 501 Pulaski St.
WHEN: 4-7 pm

CO-SPONSORS: City of Lincoln and Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas parade
WHERE: Courthouse square in downtown Lincoln
WHEN: 7 pm

SPONSOR: Lincoln Christian College
WHO: Public; tickets sold in advance only
WHAT: "Christmas in the Chapel"
WHERE: Lincoln Christian College chapel
WHEN: 7:30 pm

Friday, Nov. 30
SPONSOR: Lincoln Christian College
WHO: Public; tickets sold in advance only
WHAT: "Christmas in the Chapel"
WHERE: Lincoln Christian College chapel
WHEN: 7:30 pm

December 2001

Saturday, Dec. 1
SPONSOR: First United Methodist Church
WHO: Public
WHAT: Cookie walk
WHERE: 302 Broadway
WHEN: 9 am - noon

SPONSOR: Lincoln Public Library
WHO: Children; reservations required
WHAT: Teddy bear picnic
WHERE: Library annex, 725 Pekin
WHEN: 9:30-11 am; program at 10 am

WHO: Children
WHAT: Kids Day at the Festival of Trees
WHERE: Logan County Courthouse
WHEN: 10 am - 3 pm

SPONSOR: Lincoln Christian College
WHO: Public; tickets sold in advance only
WHAT: "Christmas in the Chapel"
WHERE: Lincoln Christian College chapel
WHEN: 11 am, 3 pm, 7 pm

WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas open house
WHERE: Courthouse on the square, Mount Pulaski
WHEN: 2-8 pm

WHO: Public
WHAT: Lighting of the Atlanta Christmas tree
WHERE: Downtown Atlanta; refreshments at Atlanta Firehouse
WHEN: 5 pm

Sunday, Dec. 2
SPONSOR: Carroll Catholic School
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas breakfast buffet and bazaar
WHERE: 111 Fourth St.
WHEN: 7 am - 12:30 pm

SPONSOR: Lincoln Junior Woman's Club
WHO: Public
WHAT: Tour of homes; with tickets
WHEN: 1-5 pm

SPONSOR: Lincoln Christian College
WHO: Public; tickets sold in advance only
WHAT: "Christmas in the Chapel"
WHERE: Lincoln Christian College chapel
WHEN: 3 pm

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Monday, Dec. 3
SPONSOR: Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital Auxiliary
WHAT: Luncheon and card party; by advance tickets
WHERE: Elk's Country Club
WHEN: Noon

Saturday, Dec. 8
SPONSOR: Needs and Goals of Elkhart
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas Goodies Bake Sale
WHERE: Elkhart Fire Station
WHEN: Starting at 8 am

SPONSOR: Zion Lutheran Church youth group
WHO: Public
WHAT: Cookie walk
WHERE: 205 Pulaski
WHEN: 8-11 am

SPONSOR: Main Street Lincoln's Economic Restructuring Committee
WHO: Public; ticket fee
WHAT: "Tour of the Tops"
WHERE: Downtown Lincoln
WHEN: 1-4 pm

WHO: Public; by advance tickets
WHAT: Christmas candlelight services
WHERE: John Dean Gillett Memorial Chapel, Elkhart
WHEN: 4 pm, 5:30 pm, 8 pm

WHO: Public; by advance tickets
WHAT: Madrigal dinner
WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 320 Broadway
WHEN: 7 pm

Sunday, Dec. 9
WHO: Public; by advance tickets
WHAT: Madrigal dinner
WHERE: First United Methodist Church, 320 Broadway
WHEN: 5 pm

Tuesday, Dec. 11
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas concert by school bands and choirs
WHERE: Mount Pulaski High School
WHEN: 7 pm

Friday, Dec. 14
SPONSOR: Zion Lutheran Church
WHO: Public
WHAT: Live Nativity scene
WHERE: Zion Lutheran School, 1600 Woodlawn Road
WHEN: 6-8 pm

Saturday, Dec. 15
SPONSOR: Zion Lutheran Church
WHO: Public
WHAT: Live Nativity scene
WHERE: Zion Lutheran School, 1600 Woodlawn Road
WHEN: 6-8 pm

SPONSOR: Lincoln Area Music Society
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas concert -- chorale and orchestra
WHERE: Lincoln Community High School auditorium, 1000 Primm Road
WHEN: 7 pm

Sunday, Dec. 16
SPONSOR: Lincoln Area Music Society
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas concert -- chorale and orchestra
WHERE: Lincoln Community High School auditorium, 1000 Primm Road
WHEN: 2 pm

SPONSOR: Logan County Arts Association
WHO: Public
WHAT: Classical guitar concert presented by Christian Culleton
WHERE: Trinity Episcopal Church, 402 Pekin
WHEN: 2 pm

Tuesday, Dec. 18
SPONSOR: Lincoln Community High School
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas concert -- band and choir
WHERE: Lincoln Community High School auditorium
WHEN: 7 pm

Thursday, Dec. 20
SPONSOR: Main Street Lincoln and the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce
WHO: Public; ticket holders must be present to win
WHAT: Ho Ho Dough holiday cash giveaway
WHERE: North side of Logan County Courthouse
WHEN: 6 pm

Saturday, Dec. 22
SPONSOR: Lincoln Correctional Center employees
WHO: Public
WHAT: Christmas dinner for senior citizens and low-income families of our community; reservations required
WHERE: Eagles Lodge, 1621 N. Kickapoo
WHEN: 11 am - 2 pm

[Click here for more information on November and December events.]

Main Street Lincoln presents...

‘Season’s Schedule’ of holiday events

Sites to See

• ‘Walking on the Path of Abraham Lincoln’
  A walking tour of historic Lincoln, Ill.

• Logan County historical landmarks

• "Three projects, a dinner and a birthday party planned for J. H. Hawes Grain Elevator," posted April 6, 2001, in LDN

• "Elkhart prepares for Chautauqua guests," posted May 2, 2001, in LDN 

• "Lincoln Public Library keeps its history alive," posted May 26, 2000, in LDN

• "‘Crown jewel’ found in Lincoln — Lincoln’s well at Postville," posted May 19, 2001, in LDN

• "Middletown Stagecoach Inn dedicated," posted July 5, 2001, in LDN

• Mount Pulaski Courthouse

• "Mount Pulaski Courthouse at center of life in town," posted May 13, 2000, in LDN 

• Postville Courthouse  

• "Renovated Postville Courthouse sets Dec. 9 open house," posted Dec. 6, 2000, in LDN 

• Heritage In Flight Museum open on weekends

• "HIF fall open house a success," posted Oct. 12, 2001, in LDN

• "Logan County is host to a unique museum rich in special military stories and treasures," posted Feb. 15, 2001, in LDN

Note: The following material is from a brochure produced as a high school project by J.R. Glenn and Angie Couch for Main Street Lincoln. The Main Street Lincoln office and local tourist information center is on the second floor of Union Planter’s Bank at 303 S. Kickapoo.

[Click here for larger map]

1. Town christening site

Broadway and Chicago streets

In August 1853 the first sale of lots in the new town of Lincoln took place near this spot. Abraham Lincoln, in whose honor the town was named, was in attendance. When asked on the day of the land sale to officially "christen the town," Lincoln obliged. Lifting the cover off a pile of watermelons stacked on the ground by a local farmer, Lincoln picked up a melon and conducted a brief ceremony using its juice. Lincoln, Ill., is the only town named for Lincoln before he became president.

2. Lincoln railroad depot

101 N. Chicago St.

Abraham Lincoln frequented this city by train after its founding. As president-elect, Lincoln came hereon Nov. 21, 1860. He stopped near this spot to make a few remarks from the rear of his train. This was his last speech in Logan County and the last time Lincoln would visit his namesake city. His funeral train stopped here on May 3, 1865. The current depot was built several decades later, in 1911.

3. State Bank of Lincoln

111 N. Sangamon St.

Abraham Lincoln met sculptor Leonard Volk for the first time on the boardwalk in front of the Lincoln House Hotel. Volk asked Lincoln to pose for a bust and life mask of his face and hands. Signed copies of the life masks by Volk, as well as original artwork by Lloyd Ostendorf of Lincoln in Logan County, are on display in this bank building’s lobby.

4. Site of the Lincoln House Hotel

501 Broadway St.

The Lincoln House, one of the grandest hotels between St. Louis and Chicago, stood on this spot from 1854 to 1870. All the political luminaries of the day, including Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, David Davis and Richard Oglesby, crossed its threshold at one time or another The Lincoln House was a two-story frame structure that fronted the railroad tracks and featured a large veranda.

5. Robert Latham home site

400 N. Kickapoo St.

Robert B. Latham joined John D. Gillett and Virgil Hickox in founding the town of Lincoln in 1853. Abraham Lincoln, other lawyers and judges were often guests at his house.

6. Logan County Courthouse

When Lincoln became the county seat in 1853, a courthouse was built on this spot. A second courthouse was built in 1858 and remained in use until the early 20th century, when it was replaced with the current building. Abraham Lincoln practiced law and attended political functions in the first two courthouses built on the square. A statue of Lincoln stands in this courthouse. A Civil War monument and cannon sit on the north side of the courthouse grounds.

7. Lincoln lot site

523 Pulaski St.

A plaque located on the right-hand side of this store identifies the location as a lot Lincoln once owned. James Primm, in need of money, approached former Illinois Gov. Joel Matteson for a $400 advance. Matteson directed him to have Lincoln sign a note as Primm's guarantor. Lincoln co-signed the note. Later Primm defaulted and Lincoln had to pay the note. Eventually Primm deeded Lincoln this property in recompense.

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8. Rustic Inn

412 Pulaski St.

In 1876 members of a counterfeiting gang met here to hatch a plot to steal Lincoln's corpse from its burial vault in Springfield. The gang had planned to hide Lincoln's body in the Indiana sand dunes on the shore of Lake Michigan and negotiate with the governor of Illinois for $200,000 in cash and the release of Ben Boyd. The bartender at the Rustic Inn overheard the plot and reported it to the authorities. The Secret Service later apprehended the gang members. Robert Todd Lincoln had his father's coffin encased in several tons of cement to prevent future attempts to steal the body.

Other Lincoln sites in Lincoln

9. Stephen A. Douglas speech site

Comer of Fourth and Logan streets

Stephen Douglas visited this city during the famous 1858 Illinois senatorial campaign. Douglas paraded with all his supporters through the decorated streets to the tent that was pitched on this site. Lincoln, who was also in town, listened to his opponent from the back of the crowd. In the end, a majority of Logan County voters favored Lincoln, but Douglas won the 1858 election.

10. Postville Courthouse

914 Fifth St.

This state historic site is a replica of an 1840 courthouse where Lincoln argued, won and lost cases while he traveled the 8th Judicial Circuit.

11. Site of Deskins Tavern

915 Fifth St.

Lincoln often stayed at Deskins Tavern when he traveled to Postville. A well where he quenched his thirst is also at this site.

12. Postville Park

1300 Fifth St.

Abraham Lincoln was well-known for his athletic abilities, and he frequently joined in games of "town ball" at this village park.

13. Lincoln College and Museum

300 Keokuk St.

A nationally registered landmark, Lincoln College was founded and named for President Lincoln on Feb. 12, 1865. The museum houses an extensive collection of memorabilia on the life of Abraham Lincoln.

[Click here to read "Ed Madigan exhibit featured at Lincoln College Museum."]

Other sites of interest in downtown Lincoln 

Lincoln Public Library (a Carnegie building)

725 Pekin St.

Logan County Genealogical
& Historical Society

114 N. Chicago St.

Lincoln City Hall

700 Broadway St.

U.S. Post Office

102 S. McLean St.

Courthouse Square Historic District

including historic sites, restaurants and shops

[Click here for larger map]

Atlanta

J. H. Hawes wooden country elevator. Open Sunday afternoons June through August. Free.

Atlanta Public Library and Museum. On National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1908. Comer of Race and Arch. Phone (217) 648-2112. Free.

Chestnut

Monument proclaims the geographic center of the state of Illinois. Town was laid out in 1872.

Elkhart

Elkhart Cemetery. Richard J. Oglesby, who was elected governor of Illinois in 1864, 1872 and 1884, is buried here; also John Dean Gillett, known as the "Cattle King of the World," and Capt. Adam Bogardus, wing shot champion of the world. For tours of the cemetery and John Dean Gillett Chapel, please phone (217) 947-2238.

Emden

Bethel Church. Built in 1854. Three miles from Route 136 between Emden and Atlanta on County Road 20.

Lincoln

Site of Deskins Tavern. Across the street from Postville Courthouse, 915 Fifth St. Signage. Free.

Site of well Abraham Lincoln drank from. Across the street from Postville Courthouse, 915 Fifth St. Free.

Site of town christening by Abraham Lincoln on Aug. 27, 1853. Lincoln was the first community in the United States to be named for Abraham Lincoln before he became famous. Also, Lincoln's funeral train stopped here on May 3,1865. Located at the south side of the Lincoln Depot, Broadway and Chicago streets. Official Looking for Lincoln signage. Free.

Logan County Courthouse. Contains second-largest courtroom in Illinois. Built in 1905. Located on the courthouse square, downtown Lincoln. Open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturday until noon. Phone (217) 732-6400. Free.

Lincoln College Museum. Over 3,000 historic items. Lincoln College was founded and named for President Lincoln on Feb. 12, 1865. Keokuk and Ottawa streets. Summer hours: 9 to 4 Monday through Friday; 1 to 4 Saturday and Sunday; closed May 28 and July 4. Free. [Click here to read "Ed Madigan exhibit featured at Lincoln College Museum."]

Heritage In Flight Museum. Museum is filled with memorabilia from all U.S. military conflicts back to World War I. Located at the Logan County Airport. Phone ahead (217) 732-3333 to confirm hours. Free but donations accepted.

Lincoln Public Library. Original Carnegie library built in 1902. Tiffany-style glass inner dome. 725 Pekin St. Open Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday, 9 to 6; Saturday, 9 to 3. Phone (217) 732-8878. Free.

Postville Courthouse State Historic Site. Guided tours. 914 Fifth St. Noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Ph. (217) 732-8930 for additional information. Free but donations accepted.

Middletown

Stage Coach Inn. The inn was on the old stage route from Springfield to Peoria. Built mid 1800s. Village is also famous for its aeronautical history. Free.

Mount Pulaski

Mount Pulaski Courthouse. This building is one of only two original 8th Judicial Circuit courthouses in Illinois. On National Register of Historic Places. Was Logan County Courthouse from 1847 to 1855. Guided tours. Open 12 to 5 Tuesday through Saturday. Phone (217) 732-8930. Free.

[Link to historical information on communities in Logan County]

A little-known historical site full of large and small treasures sits on the outskirts of town on the Logan County Airport property. The Heritage In Flight Museum building itself is a part of history. It is a remnant of Camp Ellis, located west of Havana, which was the largest military training and prisoner-of-war camp in the United States during World War II. After the war the camp was closed and the buildings were sold. Logan County Airport is fortunate to have one of the few remaining structures from Camp Ellis.

A little-known historical site full of large and small treasures sits on the outskirts of town on the Logan County Airport property. The Heritage In Flight Museum building itself is a part of history. It is a remnant of Camp Ellis, located west of Havana, which was the largest military training and prisoner-of-war camp in the United States during World War II. After the war the camp was closed and the buildings were sold. Logan County Airport is fortunate to have one of the few remaining structures from Camp Ellis.

Several historic items are found outside at the airport, including the rotating beacon, the green-and-white light that identifies the airport location to pilots flying at night. Before being moved to Logan County Airport, it was part of the lighted airway system that the airmail pilots in the 1920s used to navigate at night. The one that now resides here was originally located between Lincoln and Atlanta and provided a bright signal for Charles Lindbergh when he flew the airmail route between St. Louis and Chicago.

While outside you can also view a number of aircraft that are on display from various time periods.

Moving to the inside, you find that the Heritage in Flight Museum is filled with items of aviation history from the military and civilian branches of flying and from the earliest days of open-cockpit biplanes to the latest jets. Veterans who reside in Logan County have donated much of what the museum has. Families from the community have donated items that belonged to our war heroes, revealing special sentiments, symbolism and forgotten practices that held a community together in war times. Other items offer a look at early technology such as the airplane and ship radios. Of the thousands of items in the museum, each can be said to teach us something about our past. Visitors can relive history through the numerous displays, mostly grouped in wartime periods, and gain a strong sense of patriotism while studying military displays throughout the building.

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A guided tour is recommended to get the most from these displays. The volunteers are both knowledgeable and passionate about their subject matter and will bring to light little-known nuances that make the displays fascinating.

The museum is always interested in adding items of aviation history. Its greatest need, however, is for more volunteers to help in the guardianship of this important gateway to Lincoln and Logan County.

The museum requires lots of care and maintenance. Members are always looking for interested people of all ages to help care for it, share their interests and preserve a bit of aviation history.

Heritage In Flight Museum is operated by an all-volunteer, non-profit organization: Heritage-In-Flight, Inc. You are invited to come meet the members and sit in on their meetings anytime. Meetings take place at 1 p.m. the first Saturday of each month in the terminal meeting room.

The museum is a great resource to educate our youth about our aeronautical and military past and shares the wealth of military traditions from a community and national perspective. Schools, youth groups and families are welcome.

Heritage in Flight Museum

1351 Airport Road, Lincoln

Open Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Phone: (217) 732-3333

Call the airport and leave a message to request a guided tour, schedule a time during the week or ask for more information.

[LDN]

You can read more about HIF from the archives of LDN. Go to: http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2001/Feb/15/comunity/business.shtml#Logan County is host to a unique museum rich in special military stories and treasures

Entertainment

• Lincoln Community Theatre

• Logan County Arts Association

Recreation

• Lincoln Park District, 732-8770

Parks

• Lincoln Park District, 732-8770

• Edward R. Madigan State Park

Dining

Transportation

• Amtrak

• Illinois Department of Transportation

Maps

• Logan County

• Townships in Logan County

• Lincoln

• Mount Pulaski

• RouteMAP Illinois

• "Getting Around in Illinois" -- Illinois Department of Transportation

Community Information

• Lincoln-Logan County Chamber of Commerce

• Main Street Lincoln

• Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County

Links to Other Tourism Sites in Illinois

• State of Illinois Tourism

• Bloomington-Normal Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

• Springfield, Illinois

• Springfield Illinois Convention and Visitors Bureau

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