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 During introductions Mr. Lincoln met a gentleman, Mr. Douglas,
who may or may not be related to incumbent Senator Stephen Douglas,
the Democratic Party candidate. Mrs. Lincoln received her guests and
took particular interest in a young man with a “Future President”
onesie. She encouraged the gentlemen to vote for her husband and the
women to reassure the men that Mr. Lincoln was, indeed, the best
candidate for President of the United States. Mrs. Lincoln, also,
reminded them that the young lad in the crowd would make a great
President someday in the future.
A very special visitor, central Illinois author Carla Mayernick,
read her book “Where is Abe?” The book, inspired by her son, Shawn,
asks a series of questions regarding the whereabouts of Abe:
- Is he at his old house looking for a mouse?
- Is he in the Old State Capitol reading a big law book?
- Is he at New Salem chasing a big fat toad?
Mrs. Mayernick’s daughter, Gigi, helped her with the
fantastic artwork and her husband published the book. It was a
true labor of love by the whole family. More about the book can
be found on the website
www.whereisabe.com.
After story time Mr. Lincoln, whose story telling became part of
his nature, shared a few stories of his own. Within the stories,
he offered a few of his famous quotes:
- Once when I was accused of being two-faced I replied,
“If I had two faces, would I be wearing this one?”
- Once when riding horseback in the woods, I stopped to
let a woman pass. Looking at me intently she said, “I do
believe you are the ugliest man I have ever seen.” I said,
“Madam, you are probably right but I can’t help it!” “No,”
she said, “you can’t help it, but you could have stayed at
home.”
The youngsters, at the party, had the opportunity to play
children’s games including marbles, jacks, and hoop and
stick. Mr. Lincoln, a jokester, played along showing the
company alternative ways to play with some of the toys. Also
available were art projects for the kids including color
pages with crayons and chalk for drawing on the sidewalk.
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Paper fans were available for the young ladies to decorate. Mrs.
Lincoln shared that fans were an appropriate fit to mark important
occasions in a woman’s life. She used a fan while being courted by
Abraham as an important fashion accessory, using it to communicate
with him:
- A half closed fan pressed to the lips: You may kiss me.
- Touching the tip of the fan with a finger: I wish to
speak to you.
- Carrying an open fan in the left hand: Come talk to me.
The visitors were welcome to write a letter to Mr. Lincoln
with advice on becoming the President of the United States. Many
letters, written by grade school children, already lined the
wall:
Dear Abraham
Lincoln,
Here is some campaign advice: You should listen to what the
people of America think. You are very honest and you should put
that to good use.”
Emma
Dear Lincoln,
When you become president, can you make schools have no homework
and make girls be able to vote?”
Jacob
Special music for the afternoon was provided by Josiah Keller
and Emma Nobbe. The music they played was a tremendous addition
to the activities that took place outside on a very hot day.
Before leaving, everyone was encouraged to enjoy a bowl of
Strawberry ice cream.
“The Lincoln Heritage Museum helps visitors appreciate the
incredible life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln.” For more
information about the museum visit: museum.lincolncollege.edu.
[Lisa Ramlow]
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