Birthday observance Saturday at Postville Courthouse

[February 04, 2010]  Period music, storytelling, a visit by Abraham and Mary Lincoln, a Civil War clothing program, Lincoln history programs, and Lincoln's favorite rocking chair await visitors to Abe Lincoln's birthday observance on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. at Postville Courthouse State Historic Site in Lincoln. The event is free and open to the public.

When Lincoln was riding the 8th Judicial Circuit between Springfield and Charleston, he often stayed with a friend, state Sen. Maldon Jones. When there, he always sat in the same rocking chair, and that chair will be displayed at Postville Courthouse, thanks to Jones' great-great-grandson Doug Mullikin and his wife.

Paul Beaver, Lincoln College professor emeritus and Lincoln scholar, will talk about the Logan County split between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas. His presentations will begin at 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. in the upstairs courtroom. Linda Cox and Dorothy Salenger from Girard will explain and demonstrate how ladies dressed for afternoon tea during the Civil War era.

Period music will be provided by the ever-popular Postville Express, who will perform all afternoon. Folk musician and storyteller Mike Anderson will provide entertainment. Abraham and Mary Lincoln impersonators Gary and Carol Simpkins will visit with guests. Postville Courthouse volunteers will conduct tours and serve birthday cake and punch.

Postville Courthouse State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, is a reproduction of the first Logan County Courthouse, which was in use from 1840 to 1847 and hosted Abraham Lincoln and others who traveled for court sessions in the 8th Judicial Circuit. The historic site, located at 914 Fifth St. in Lincoln, is open from noon to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

[Text from file received from the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency]