Postville Courthouse honors our 16th president with a belated birthday open house

 

[February 17, 2025] 

Postville Courthouse in Lincoln celebrated Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on Saturday, February 15th with an open house.

Mike Anderson, the Dulcimer Guy was on hand to entertain guests with his 1800’s era musical instrument and songs that might have been sung in the days of the 16th president.

Guests were encouraged to enjoy cupcakes, cookies and punch while checking out the many displays in the two rooms. Guests were also encouraged to visit the second floor courtroom where Abraham Lincoln would have served as a circuit attorney, representing local residents in cases against the state, or settling disputes between citizens.

Among the displays at the courthouse is a wall of photos of Lincoln from the 1840’s through what may very well be the last photo taken of the president prior to his assignation.

The wall display is very telling as one can see in the faces of Lincoln the pressures that he endured and how that it aged him during the time of his presidency.

Abraham Lincoln in 1846

Abraham Lincoln in 1860

Abraham Lincoln in 1865

The downstairs displays feature the history of the circuit attorneys and judges, and include some interesting quotes from people like Judge David Davis.

“I had a hard ride on Sunday and did not reach Pulaski until after night – the tavern in Pulaski is perhaps the hardest place you ever saw. A new landlord by the name of Cass. Just married – everything dirty. And the eating horrible. The old woman looked as we would suppose the witch of Andor looked. She had a grown daughter who waited on the table. Table greasy, table cloth greasy, floor greasy and everything else ditto. Think of it. I wonder if she *(the daughter) every washed herself.” Judge David Davis, April 24, 1851

“Each county of course, had a somewhat different population; and each recurring week brought with it a new and different class of clients to treat with – new and diverse juries to entertain, cajole or convince.” – Henry C. Whitney, Circuit Lawyer.

Judge Davis also provided another quote that spoke to the atmosphere of court days on the circuit. With local entertainment being quite limited in the rural communities of central Illinois, court day was as big a deal as any circus coming to town.

“Everybody, with or without business, generally attends the first day of court.” Judge David Davis

In addition to enjoying the many displays and the Dulcimer Guys story telling talents as well as his music, guests could peruse through the many items offered for sale.

The courthouse gift shop area features everything from 1800s era toys and games to coloring books, children’s story books, and Lincoln history.

[Nila Smith]