Special Events
in and around Logan County

Upcoming events

• "Yesterday's Tomorrows" Smithsonian exhibit in Middletown
  June 23-July 28

• Lincoln's Dog Daze of Summer
  July 20

Recent events

• Explore Logan County

Archive files on annual festivals

• Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival
  From the Lincoln Daily News archives:

• 2001

• 2000

• Abraham Lincoln National Railsplitting Contest and Crafts Festival

• 2001

• 2000

• Festival of Trees

• 2001

• 2000

[JUNE 24, 2002]  Summer fun began in Middletown yesterday (June 23) with "Transportation Sunday." The day started with a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Knapp Library/Museum, 101 S. Clinton. The museum is currently featuring the Smithsonian exhibit entitled "Yesterday’s Tomorrows." A local set of historic items and artifacts is also on display in the south wing of the Knapp Library/Museum and at Village Hall. This display is entitled "Share Your Mementoes."

A parade wound its way through town and was followed by displays, food and entertainment at the Middletown Park pavilion. Special guests present for the afternoon included:

• Charles Lindbergh, portrayed by Zac Tibbs of Middletown

• Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Chuck Tibbs of Middletown

• "Our Texas hero," Richard Attora of Coppell, Texas

• Hot-air balloon pilot Becky Petrehn and her mother, Jackie Petrehn

• Dr. John E. Hallwas, historian, professor and archivist from Western Illinois University in Macomb, speaking on "Haunted by Visions: Americans and the Future"

• Peoria Barbershoppers in concert

The public is cordially invited to "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" and to the next five special Sunday afternoons in the park. Events will be at the covered Middletown Park pavilion.

[LDN]

[Click here for pictures from Sunday's parade.]

Middletown fires up for
six weekends of fun

Barbershop quartet featured Sunday

[JUNE 22, 2002]  The Peoria Barbershoppers will be in concert on Sunday, June 23, as Middletown celebrates the Smithsonian exhibits entitled "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" and the first opening to the public of the Knapp Library/Museum. Ribbon-cutting for the library building will be at 10 a.m., and a parade will start at 1:30 p.m.

"Let Me Call You Sweetheart"

Barbershoppers in concert

[Ken, Paul, Loren and Robin —
the Peoria Barbershoppers]

After the parade, festivities will begin at the Middletown Park pavilion (covered), and the Peoria Barbershoppers will render a special arrangement of "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Following the speaker of the day, John E. Hallwas of Western Illinois University, the Peoria Barbershoppers will be in concert.

The four harmonizers are members of the Tri-County Men’s Barbershop Singing. They say they share the greatest hobby in the world with 30 congenial men. They provide music education to youth, attend conventions, give to charity (organized as a philanthropic society) and have fun "ringing a cord."

Join the fun. Attend "Transportation Sunday" on at 1:30 in Middletown Park.

 [Click here for a schedule of events.]

June 23 is the first of six special Sundays for the "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" Smithsonian exhibits in Middletown, co-sponsored by the Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society and the Illinois Humanities Council.

"A dream unfolds..."

[Knapp Library/Museum, Middletown]

"A dream unfolds…" as members and friends of the Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society look forward to the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday for the official opening of the Knapp Library/Museum, 101 S. Clinton in Middletown.

Following the 10 a.m. ceremony at the green door, east facade, the public will view for the first time in this area the Smithsonian exhibits entitled "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" displayed on the first floor of the two-story wing. Middletown is one of the six sites in Illinois to receive the exhibits this year.

A local display of historic items and artifacts will be available for viewing in the the one-story south wing of the Knapp Museum and also at Village Hall. The display is entitled "Share Your Mementoes."

The public is cordially invited to "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" and to the six special Sunday afternoons in the park. Events will be at the covered Middletown Park pavilion. As seating is limited, everyone is urged to bring lawn chairs, etc.

Since 1991

The dream began July 29, 1991, when the Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society, Inc. was founded as a charitable and educational organization incorporated with the state of Illinois as a not-for-profit organization, IRS 501(C) 3, in order to (1) preserve and restore the oldest brick building built circa 1840 in Logan County, Corwin Township, Middletown, as a public library and museum; (2) preserve for posterity the genealogical and historical heritage of the area; and (3) promote tourism to the many historic sites of Middletown.

Since 1991, many obstacles and setbacks have been met.

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Since 1998

By 1998, many willing and hardworking folks had accumulated over 5,000 volunteer hours — worked on the building, collected books and historical data, received many memorials, published a cookbook called "Family Traditions," had fun — baked cakes, dished ice cream, served turkey, raffled quilts, cleaned bricks and displayed historic items.

Since 1998, the exterior has been tuck-pointed and repaired, and windows, doors and green shutters have been installed.

As for the interior, the original fireplace has been retained in the museum as well as the tons of concrete of the old Marbold Bank vault (1916-1929) at the end of the first floor north and in the basement. A new west addition houses two restrooms, a handicapped-accessible and a standard; a kitchenette; and storage area. Hardwood flooring and the stairway are of light oak. The second floor north comprises the storage and work area. Heating and cooling have been installed.

The dream in process

As the dream unfolds, after the Smithsonian exhibits, much work remains in moving the hundreds of books, bookcases, files and other items into the library.

Since 1991, many angels have appeared and many miracles have occurred to further the cause of a fine educational and cultural center.

"We go forward in faith," says Bill Post, president of the K/C/B Historical Society.

All are invited to come and share in the thanksgiving of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Sunday.

The pet of tomorrow

One of the questions we ask about tomorrow is: What will the pet of tomorrow be like?

Serena Lacegon compares Aibo with Fido in giving the pros and cons of owning a "flesh-and-blood" pet or a metal version like Sony’s best-selling $2,500 robot, Aibo:

Robot pet

•  While real dogs waste their time sleeping and staring out the window, watching for you to come home, robot dogs can finish your homework while you’re gone.

•  The boring game of fetch is replaced by the boring game of duplicate bridge.

•  Robot dogs accessorize well with an all-robot lifestyle.

•  There’s nothing better on a hot, muggy day than cuddling up to a cold, stainless-steel quadruped.

•  A $2,500 glorified Tamagotchi impresses people more than a free, scraggly mutt from the pound.

•  It’s more hygienic to clean up puddles of stray electrons.

Real pet

•  Teaching a dog to sit with a biscuit is much easier than paying for and downloading a six-gigabyte sit program.

•  You never have to worry about electrocution if a real dog follows you into the swimming pool.

•  No competition in the brain department.

•  After a hard day at school, being jumped on and licked by a happy dog is much nicer than hearing a robotic voice intone, "You’ve got mail!"

•  You never have to worry about a real dog overthrowing the governments of their flesh-and-blood masters.

•  A nice, warm pet beats just about anything, let alone a hunk of steel and computer chips.

A robotic dog may be seen at the Smithsonian exhibits "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" at the Knapp Library/Museum in Middletown from June 23 to July 28, but he is not as "glamorous" and talented as Sony’s Aibo.

 [K/C/B Historical Society news release]

Transportation Sunday

June 23, Middletown

10 a.m. — Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Knapp Library/Museum; north wing, east facade, green door

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. — "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" Smithsonian exhibits; first floor of two-story wing of Knapp Library/Museum (wheelchair entrance west of building)

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. — "Share Your Mementoes" display, Village Hall

11 a.m.-1 p.m. — Lunch, Middletown Presbyterian Church

1:30 p.m. — "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" parade, beginning at New Holland-Middletown Middle School

2:30 p.m. — Opening ceremonies at Middletown Park pavilion

William H. Post, president of Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society, emcee

Posting the colors: Middletown American Legion Post 672

Pledge of allegiance to the American flag: Mayor Kenneth Davison

"The Star-Spangled Banner": Peoria Barbershoppers

Prayer: Bill Post

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Introduction of special guests:

•  Charles Lindbergh, portrayed by Zac Tibbs of Middletown

•  Abraham Lincoln, portrayed by Chuck Tibbs of Middletown

•  "Our Texas hero," Richard Attora of Coppell, Texas

•  Hot-air balloon pilot Becky Petrehn and her mother, Jackie Petrehn, whose late husband, John, established five world records for hot-air balloons when he piloted the Flying Light Bulb to a Middletown landing on Jan. 18, 1986. The basket and tank of the balloon will be on display in the park. The Petrehns are from Overland Park, Kan.

Speaker: Dr. John E. Hallwas, historian, professor, archivist, from Western Illinois University in Macomb, speaking on "Haunted by Visions: Americans and the Future"

3:30 p.m. Peoria Barbershoppers in concert

Crafts and flea markets in Middletown Park

Yesterday’s Tomorrows time bits

[JUNE 21, 2002]  The Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society of Middletown is honored to present the Smithsonian exhibits entitled "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" to the public from June 23 through July 28 at the Knapp Library/Museum, 101 S. Clinton in Middletown. Co-sponsor of the exhibits is the Illinois Humanities Council. Six special Sunday observances also begin June 23.

"Yesterday’s Tomorrows" looks at the future as imagined by people of the 19th and 20th centuries and features ideas such as space robots, moon colonies, automobiles that convert into airplanes and utopian communities in space or under the sea.

Hours for the Smithsonian exhibits are Sundays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-6 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m.; and Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m. "Share Your Mementoes," a display of local memorabilia, is set for Sundays only in the Village Hall from 10 to noon and 4 to 6 p.m. Those wishing to share are invited to bring items from 9 to 10 a.m. each Sunday.

The Smithsonian exhibits are on the first floor of the north wing of the Knapp Library, the oldest brick building in Logan County, (built around 1840, according to Judge Lawrence Stringer’s "History of Logan County IL" (1911), now restored and open to the public for the first time for the exhibits.

The wheelchair entrance is located behind the building, near the southwest entrance.

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June 23 will be "Transportation Sunday." Scheduled events are:

10 a.m. — Ribbon-cutting ceremony, green door, Knapp Library

11 a.m.- 1 p.m. — Lunch, Middletown Presbyterian Church

1:30 p.m. — "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" parade; assemble at NH-M Middle School; (217) 445-2658 or 445-2546

2:30 p.m. — "Yesterday’s Tomorrows" opening ceremonies at Middletown Park pavilion (covered). Introduction of special guests: Charles Lindbergh and Abraham Lincoln impersonators, Colby Knapp Vernay and "our Texas hero," Richard Attora. Of special interest: Becky and Jackie Petrehn (daughter and widow of John Petrehn, who brought five world records to Middletown with his hot-air balloon, the Flying Lite Bulb). The tank and basket will be on display at the pavilion. Speaker for the opening ceremonies will be Dr. John Hallwas. His topic is "Haunted Visions: Americans and the Future."

3:30 p.m. — Peoria Barbershoppers in concert. Crafters and flea-marketeers will be on-site. As seating is limited, all are urged to bring lawn chairs.

All are invited to come join in the fun!

[News release]

[Related article: "Middletown hosts Smithsonian exhibit June 23-July 28"]

[JUNE 20, 2002]  The travel magazine Illinois Now! has recently selected the Lincoln College Museum as one of the 10 best Lincoln-related sites in Illinois. Curator Ron Keller said that photos and descriptions of the sites will appear in the fall issue of the magazine.

"We’re pretty excited about it," Keller told Wednesday night’s meeting of Looking for Lincoln. "When you think of how many Lincoln-related sites there are in Illinois, this is really a great honor." He cited the many statues and monuments located in the state.

Two to three months ago representatives of the year-old magazine came to the museum to gather information and take photographs. Keller also talked to an editor about the college and museum and surmises that both events were part of the selection process.

Two weeks ago Illinois Now photo editor Mike Smith called for further information. During the conversation he asked, "Do you know that you have been selected as one of the 10 best Lincoln-related sites in Illinois?" That was how Keller first learned of the honor.

He says he does not know the other nine sites on the list, although there are some obvious choices like the Lincoln home and gravesite. He described Illinois Now as "very comprehensive" in its treatment of topics and noted recent articles on the top 50 summer ideas in Illinois and the best things to do in Chicago.

The Lincoln Group of Illinois, an organization of amateur historians formerly headquartered at Illinois Benedictine College in Lisle, met at Lincoln College on June 15. The LC Museum is the new home base for the group, with at least two meetings a year to be held in Lincoln and nearby communities.

Keller said many school classes toured the LC Museum during May. Attendance for the month was the best since records have been kept.

Also at the Looking for Lincoln meeting, Postville Cluster chair Shirley Bartelmay reported that 551 people, including school groups and a Route 66 tour, visited the Postville Courthouse in May. For approximately a month the site is displaying David Williams’ award-winning Postville Courthouse project. Williams is a student of Steve Schumacher at Zion Lutheran School.

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Bartelmay noted that trees of species commonly planted in Abraham Lincoln’s time are being sought for the courthouse grounds. Trees cost $125 each, and donors’ names are recorded on a plaque.

Bartelmay hopes to find funding for a collection of CDs of dulcimer and other Lincoln-era music and a radio to play them on to provide background music at Postville Courthouse.

Jan Schumacher, president of Main Street Lincoln, said funding for the video of Abraham Lincoln’s activities in Logan County is moving through state channels. It is part of the budget for this fiscal year ending June 30, and she hopes to have the check at the July meeting or soon thereafter. Filming is to take place in the fall.

Signage for sites on the walking tour of Lincoln, another Looking for Lincoln project, is in line to receive Illinois FIRST funds.

Looking for Lincoln chair Paul Beaver said that historic exhibits in the county have improved noticeably in the last few years. He cited the Mount Pulaski history museum, the Atlanta Library, the Stagecoach Inn and Knapp Library/Museum in Middletown, and the Early Illinois Prairie exhibit being set up in Elkhart.

Beaver said the Lincoln statue in the Logan County Courthouse is a good one from the 1930s. He proposed commissioning a professional photograph to be used for publicity and possibly posters. The courthouse will be 100 years old in 2005, and Schumacher said the centennial would provide an opportunity to showcase such treasures as the statue and the murals on the third floor.

Thressia Usherwood reported that the Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of Logan County is hosting the Central Illinois Tourism Council on June 20.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

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

• Postville Courthouse  

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

• Mount Pulaski Courthouse

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

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.

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

• Enjoy Illinois  (Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Bureau of 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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