Organizations,  Events,  Milestones,

Good Neighbors,  Fund-raisers,  A Day in the Life...,

Diaspora,  Family and Friends in the Armed Forces,  

Reunions,  Reminiscence

February 2002

Thursday, Feb. 14
SPONSOR: Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHO: Public
WHAT: Love Your Heart seminar; event is free of charge
WHERE: ALMH -- lower level 
WHEN: Open from 7:30 am to 1 pm

SPONSOR: Logan County Arts Association
WHO: Public
WHAT: Classic Film Night showing of "It Happened One Night"
WHERE: Lincoln Cinemas

Friday, Feb. 15
SPONSOR: Lincoln Church of God Youth
WHO: Public
WHAT: Italian Fest; fund-raiser to help youth attend summer camp
WHERE: Lincoln Church of God, 1415 Fourth St.
WHEN: 5:30 pm

Saturday, Feb. 16
SPONSOR: Lincoln Public Library
WHO: Public, high school age through adult
WHAT: Board Games Rodeo
WHERE: Lincoln Public Library, Pegram Community Room
WHEN: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

WHO: Public
WHAT: Civil War ball, with The Prairie Aires
WHERE: Old gym at the corner of Pearl and Market streets in Havana
WHEN: 7:30 pm

Wednesday, Feb. 20
SPONSOR: A.G. Edwards & Sons, Inc.
WHO: Public
WHAT: American Red Cross blood drive
WHERE: Lincoln Sports Complex
WHEN: Noon to 6 pm

Friday, Feb. 22
SPONSOR: Lincoln Church of God
WHO: Teens; call the church, 732-8989, if you plan to attend
WHAT: Teen Taco Bash; free food, fun, games, activities, prizes
WHERE: Lincoln Church of God, 1415 Fourth St.

Saturday, Feb. 23
SPONSOR: Lincoln Public Library
WHO: Public, high school age through adult
WHAT: Board Games Rodeo
WHERE: Lincoln Public Library, Pegram Community Room
WHEN: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm

Tuesday, Feb. 26
SPONSOR: American Red Cross
WHO: By preregistration; call 732-2134 noon-4 pm weekdays or (217) 522-3357 at other times
WHAT: Class covering adult CPR, infant and child CPR, and first aid (first of two sessions required)
WHERE: 125 S. Kickapoo St.
WHEN: 6-10 pm

Thursday, Feb. 28
SPONSOR: American Red Cross
WHO: By preregistration; call 732-2134 noon-4 pm weekdays or (217) 522-3357 at other times
WHAT: Class covering adult CPR, infant and child CPR, and first aid (second of two sessions)
WHERE: 125 S. Kickapoo St.
WHEN: 5-10 pm

SPECIAL EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Mostaccioli, spaghetti olio e aglio, spaghetti Feb. 15,  YMCA art program reaches out to youth,  Civil War ball planned for Feb. 16 in Havana,  Remote control racing meeting,  YMCA has Fun Days when school is out,  Rotary gains new members,  Voter registration for disabled,  Time to register to vote

REGULAR POSTINGS FOR ORGANIZATIONS:  Girl Scouts,  Oasis,  U of I Extension

Mostaccioli, spaghetti olio e aglio, spaghetti Feb. 15

Lincoln Church of God, 1415 Fourth St., has special events planned for the next two Friday evenings.

•  The first, Italian Fest, is on Feb. 15, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The menu includes salad, rolls, baked mostaccioli, spaghetti olio e aglio, spaghetti, dessert and drink. Carryouts will be available.

The cost is $5 for adults and $2 for children 10 and younger. All funds will help the church youth attend summer camp. Please call 732-8989 for advance tickets or see a church member to purchase before Feb. 13.

•  On Friday, Feb. 22, the church will host their Teen Taco Bash, with free food, fun, games, activities and prizes. All teens are welcome. Please call the church, 732-8989, if you plan to attend.

YMCA art program reaches out to youth

The YMCA Art Outreach program is designed to reach youth of junior and senior high ages, giving them a positive outlet to express themselves and to keep them off the streets during the hours when they seem to get into the most trouble — after school.

The YMCA accepts referrals from schools, churches and the court system for any at-risk youth that might benefit from the organization’s programs. The Y sets up contracts with area youth, addressing where they are having problems. The youth must maintain the contracts in order to continue in the program at no charge.

Five AmeriCorps volunteers who are experienced in several areas of the arts have helped with the program this year and have been great assets.

Regular classes have been offered since last September. The program began with a six-week mosaic tile class. At first the class met in Mrs. Sisk’s art room at Lincoln Junior High School, which was convenient for the junior high youth to attend right after school, but it wasn’t long before the program outgrew the art room.

The group needed a place for classes and space for studio work — a place to call their own. The YMCA found that place at the old Odd Fellows Gym. At first the group used the girls’ dressing room upstairs at the entrance of the gym. The walls were lined with shelves to the ceiling in order to hold art supplies that have been bought, donated and pulled out of the trash. (Yes, trash beside the road or in a dumpster is picked up if it might have potential for being turned into artwork.) So the class outgrew the new space rapidly and soon started occupying the boys’ dressing room.

Now the program has one room for storage of all the supplies and a small work area, potentially to house a small printmaking press for etching and a mat cutter. The youth will be taught how to mat and frame their own artwork. The other room is used as a working studio.

Since September, the art program has offered five other classes: cartoon animation, painting, mixed media, papermaking and photography. Prospective spring classes are on ceramics and printmaking.

A photography class is on hold until a program sponsor and a darkroom can be found so that the class can move on to the next level. The YMCA would be grateful to anyone who has any old 35 mm SLR cameras, tripods, filters or lenses to donate to the program.

The program is always looking for any useful donations — the possibilities are endless. Even though you think it might be trash, you might want to think again and call Shanda at the YMCA, 735-3915. It just might be a treasure to the art program.

And if you see a woman in a blue van pulling things out of the trash, just remember it is for a good cause.

[Provided by the YMCA]

Havana has plans in the works for their first Civil War ball, on Saturday, Feb. 16. Everyone is welcome to come and experience the music and dancing from the 1860s. The event will be at the old gym, located at the corner of Pearl and Market streets.

The Prairie Aires, a group that plays traditional music, will provide the music for the evening.

Doors will open at 7:30, and dancing will continue for two hours.

There will be a small fee. Light refreshments will be served.

Come as you are. Period dress is optional.

[Bonnie Knieriem]

Remote control racing meeting

From Mike Geriets

An informational meeting on Feb. 7 at the Lincoln Park District was set up to explore the possibilities of having a remote control race league. This is how it came about...

I received a remote control truck for Christmas and was totally surprised to see how many kids and adults in this community have remote control vehicles. Not only that, but it was one of the hot Christmas items bought this past year. I know I have really enjoyed toying around with mine. I then bought my fianceé one as well. It seems a lot of my friends have them, and some have been tucked away in storage for many years. I have seen them get out the old dusty boxes, charge their batteries and get back to the sport.

What surprised me is that there is no structure to racing with friends, and it ends up being a free-for-all wherever you are racing. I then started seeing and hearing about actual competitive racing all over the nation. I did find out that the closest racetrack to Lincoln is in Jacksonville, Ill. With that in mind I approached friends of mine, Marcia Greenslate, director of the Lincoln Park District, and Roy Logan, program director. I expressed interest in possibly starting a league. Roy stated that Steve Klemm of Picture This Photography is also a fan of R/C vehicles and bought one for himself and his son. Steve, Roy and I met and scheduled the public interest meeting.

Remote control racing would help get youth involved in some type of a structured activity. It is a good way of promoting something positive in this community, along with having something that could be great for the entire family. It doesn’t take a lot of money. You can purchase vehicles for less than $50 and still have fun This is a great way to teach our youth and adults some fundamentals of racing while having structure, along with providing a certain level of competition as well.

If there is a strong show of support, the Lincoln Park District may assist in forming a league and provide a track for racing as well.

[Submitted by Mike Geriets]

"School’s Out Fun Days," offered by the local YMCA, are just the right answer for both parents and their children ages kindergarten through sixth grade. Parents can preregister their children to attend these special days and go to work knowing that the children will be kept busy and safe on days when school is not in session.

Kids especially enjoy their day off from school, as they have lots of opportunity to socialize and play games with their school friends. Youngsters will also enjoy the benefits of a variety of planned special activities and lessons at each Fun Day. Some of the special activities are singing fun songs, enjoying story time, experiencing science lessons, art activities and lots of fun large-motor play. Various guest speakers visit from time to time to share healthy nutrition programs and other interesting information with the children.

All of the School’s Out Fun Days are at the YMCA activity center, 721 Wyatt Ave.

Here are the Fun Day themes for the rest of the school year (along with the elementary districts where school is out on those days):

Tuesday, Feb. 12 — "Valentines Galore" (Chester-East Lincoln, West Lincoln-Broadwell)

Monday, Feb. 18 — "American Presidents" (District 27)

Monday, March 4 — "Creatures That Crawl" (C-EL, WL-B)

Friday, March 15 — "Creatures That Climb" (WL-B)

Monday, March 25 — "Creatures That Fly" (District 27)

Tuesday, March 26 — "Colors of Spring" (District 27)

Wednesday, March 27 — "Geometric Shapes" (District 27, C-EL, WL-B)

Thursday, March 28 — "Crazy About Fractions" (District 27, C-EL, WL-B)

Friday, March 29 — "Easter Fun" (District 27, C-EL, WL-B)

Monday, April 1 — "April Fool’s Fun" (C-EL, WL-B)

Friday, April 12 — "Flower Power" (District 27)

Wednesday, May 29 — "Sports Fun" (C-EL)

Thursday, May 30 — "Community Helpers" (District 27, C-EL, WL-B)

Friday, May 31 — "Summertime Fun" (District 27, C-EL, WL-B)

On Jan. 30 the Lincoln Rotary club made its biggest stride in membership history by inducting 10 new members. The ceremony was handled by longtime Rotarian Bob Albert. Sponsors of the new Rotarians were also recognized for their efforts.

President Marty Ahrends has made a commitment to Rotary International to increase the size of the Lincoln club by 24 members during her year in office. She has challenged all members to bring one new member into the club before April 1.

The Lincoln Rotary club meets at noon on Wednesday at the Lincoln Depot Restaurant.

New Rotarians, from left to right:  Jim Coop, Mary Bruns, Jim Ash, Cynthia Kelly, Guy Burke, Dayle Eldredge, Frank Adubato, Georgina Tisdale and Darren Humphries. Also inducted into membership was Bill Gossett.

Citizens who are not registered to vote and cannot leave their home, hospital, nursing home or other institution because of a permanent physical disability can arrange for voter registration by contacting a deputy registrar or the county clerk’s office.

Voter registration will close on Feb. 19 for the March 19 general primary election.

If you are physically able, you may register to vote by going to the county clerk’s office, Room 20 in the Logan County Courthouse, 601 Broadway in Lincoln. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. You will need to show two forms of identification, one with your current address on it.

For people with physical disabilities and the elderly, election judges will be available at the polling place on election day to assist voters when a friend or relative is unable to help. Handicapped-voter booths will be available for your convenience. Physically impaired or elderly persons may be eligible to vote absentee. Please contact the Logan County clerk’s office for information.

For any information concerning voter registration or voting for the elderly or disabled, please call the Logan County clerk’s office at (217) 732-4148.

[Sally J. Litterly, Logan County clerk]

Are you registered to vote?

The March 19 primary is rapidly approaching. The close of registration is Feb. 19. If you have moved, or if you have married and changed your name, it is necessary that you change your voter registration with our office in order to cast your vote in the election.

If you have questions about your voting eligibility, please contact our office at (217) 732-4148.

{Sally J. Litterly, Logan County Clerk]

The Oasis, Logan County’s senior citizen center, at 501 Pulaski St. in Lincoln, is open weekdays (except holidays) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center also is open on Friday and Sunday nights for table games. Dominic Dalpoas is the executive director. Activities are open to all Logan County senior citizens, regardless of membership.

The monthly potluck luncheon will feature roast beef and gravy. Bring a dish to pass and join us at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, for a "Happy Valentine’s Day" party. Closet Classics will again sponsor the raffle for a gift certificate.

The Oasis will sponsor the weekly bingo games, starting at 1 p.m. Prizes and good companionship are offered for your enjoyment.

The Social Security representative will be at The Oasis on Feb. 14 by appointment, starting at 10 a.m. Walk-ins will be seen after the scheduled appointments. The representative does not remain on site after meeting with those waiting.

Oasis closed for holiday

The senior center will be closed Feb. 18 for Washington’s Birthday.

Tuesday, Feb. 19, a representative from Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital will be at The Oasis from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to provide and discuss information from the American Heart Association for "Healthy Heart Eating."

Lincoln appointment times are available March 4 for people who need help completing their Circuit Breaker forms.

The following trips scheduled for March still have several seats available. Call for a reservation.

•  Shopping in Springfield, March 14. Cost: $7.

•  Nashville North in Taylorville to see Billy Gilman, March 16. Cost: $30

•  Barn II in Goodfield to see "Forever Plaid," March 17. Cost $32.

Second annual auction

Mark this date on your calendars: Saturday, March 16. Join us at The Oasis at 10 a.m. for the auction featuring merchant donations and gently used items. Mike Maske will be the auctioneer. Lunch will be available for a nominal donation.

The committee is now accepting those "gently used items" to be auctioned. Thank you in advance for your support.

The weekday pinochle winner for Feb. 1 was Easter Behrends. Grace McCrae won on Feb. 4. Weekend games winners for Feb. 1 were Esther Will for pinochle and Henry Warnisher and Jan Van Bibber for 5 in 1.

Friends of The Oasis members receive bimonthly newsletters by mail. For more information, people can call the Oasis at 732-6132 or 732-5844.

The local office of the University of Illinois Extension is hosting a series of educational presentations. Anyone and everyone is welcome. Programs will be at the Extension office at the northwest corner of the fairgrounds, 980 N. Postville Drive.

Milestones

[Click here to see and print the wedding announcement form]

[Click here to see and print the anniversary announcement form]

[Click here to see and print the engagement announcement form]

Marilyn Derrickson Taylor

and Donald Weindorf

Marilyn Derrickson Taylor and Donald Weindorf have planned their wedding for Feb. 14 at Weeping Water, Neb.

Lincoln is their hometown. Marilyn is the daughter of Floyd and Gertrude Derrickson. Donald is the son of Desmond and Mary Weindorf.

Marilyn has an associate of arts degree and is employed by the Illinois State Patrol.

Donald Weindorf, who holds Ph.D. and D.D. degrees, is owner of Nebraska Boys Home in Weeping Water, Neb.

 The Rev. Andrea Castrolane will officiate at the wedding ceremony. Attendants will be Jennifer and Megann Zierott and Donald Winkler.

The couple will go on a Caribbean cruise for their honeymoon.

[JAN. 31, 2002]  In the first ceremony of its kind in the state, Lincoln area resident Iona Boyd received the Purple Heart medal awarded to her first husband, Pvt. Paul W. Kodatt, a medic who was killed in the Philippines during World War II.

[Click here to view picture page.]

Illinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka presented the medal in a ceremony at 10 a.m. Wednesday at The Oasis. She also gave Boyd other contents of the abandoned safe deposit box where the medal was found: a Pacific campaign service medal, a small three-blade pocketknife, a rifle bayonet with scabbard and a pocket Bible.
 

[llinois State Treasurer Judy Baar Topinka
presents medal to Iona Boyd.]

Boyd said the items brought back memories. "I know he served his country well," she said of Kodatt, a medical corps medic. "I was left with three small sons," Boyd recalled, expressing pride in her sons. Colleen Cavit, Boyd’s daughter by her second husband, also attended the ceremony.

"We’re here to preserve the honor of the veterans of the past (who) made the world free for democracy," Topinka said, adding that the presentation was especially appropriate in a time of renewed patriotism. The more than 50 people present for the ceremony included representatives of city and county government, the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of Commerce and the Oasis board.

The medal presentation was part of the Illinois Treasurer’s Operation Search and Restore, which locates owners of medals found in abandoned safe deposit boxes. "Our goal is to reunite these medals with veterans and their families," Topinka said. "It would be unpatriotic to auction them off, as we do when we can’t find the owners of items left abandoned in safe deposit boxes. If we can’t find the owners, we’ll look into donating the medals to a military museum, but our preference is to get the medals back to the rightful owners."

Boyd received a check for $399.50, the value of other contents of the safe deposit box that were auctioned before she was located. Topinka also presented her with a certificate signed by Gen. John Johnston, director of the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Two other rightful medal owners have been located, according to Sam Collins, administrator of safe deposit box compliance in Topinka’s office.

[to top of second column in this article]

A display of about 40 of the medals, many with recipient’s names, is available for use by organizations in the hope of finding more owners. Shown at the 2001 Illinois State Fair in August, it includes a National Defense Service Medal and ribbon, Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star, a Silver Star, an Army Distinguished Service Medal and a Navy Cross. To have the display brought to your organization, call Jason Winnett at (217) 558-6999 or visit the website www.cashdash.net/searchandrestore.htm.

Oasis Executive Director Dom Dalpoas said the senior center was selected as the presentation site because of its partnership with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs. Mark Patterson of the department outlined the history of the Purple Heart. The medal, then called the Badge of Military Merit, was designed by George Washington to reward meritorious action by enlisted soldiers. Washington said, "The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus open to all." Only three badges were presented during the Revolution, and the recipients were permitted to pass sentries and guards without challenge.

[Oasis Executive Director Dom Dalpoas
introduces Judy Baar Topinka.]

In 1932 the Purple Heart was revived at the instigation of Gen. Douglas MacArthur. In 1941 it was extended to members of the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. President John F. Kennedy further extended it to civilians wounded while working with the armed forces, and President Ronald Reagan to those wounded in terrorist attacks.

[Lynn Shearer Spellman]

Lincoln Area YMCA’s mentor-HERO program

[JAN. 31, 2002]  The Lincoln Area YMCA’s mentor/HERO program is one that provides a volunteer mentor to a youngster in need of quality one-on-one time with a positive adult role model. Mentors serve as a guide and in many instances as a tutor.

Each mentor and youngster meet for at least 30 minutes per week. In addition, monthly social events are planned for all mentors and children to spend time doing something fun and maybe new together.

Young people from kindergarten through eighth grade are eligible to be in the program. Teachers, parents, principals, anyone can refer a child to the mentor/HERO program. Mentors and children meet in a variety of places, but primarily they meet at the child’s school after school or at the Lincoln Public Library.

Mentors are trained on how to be the best mentor they can be and also in the YMCA’s child abuse and prevention program, the Child Abuse and Neglect Tracking System. Background check is performed on each volunteer mentor. Additionally, mentors complete an application stating why they would like to become a mentor and are required to list three people as character references.

[to top of second column in this article]

The Lincoln Area YMCA has been offering this program to families for the past four years. Several of the mentors have been with the program for two to three years. These mentors have developed very close relationships with the children they mentor — relationships that will likely last for years after they leave the program. There are children waiting and mentors are needed right now.

If you have a child who is in need of a mentor or if you would like to become a mentor, please contact Sarah at 735-3915.

[YMCA news release]

Fund-raisers

People all across this country and, in fact, around the world, claim roots in Logan County. They have very interesting stories to tell, and some of them like to connect with those of us who stayed at home. Logan County Diaspora publishes the stories of former Logan County residents. With their permission, we also include their e-mail addresses so that old friends might be reunited.  If you wish to be part of the Logan County Diaspora, e-mail ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com.  

Diaspora correspondents

Click on names to see letters and stories.

v Indicates LDN sponsors

• Wanda Whitson Aue

• Brad Boss

• Charles Brainard

• James 'Doc' Chandler

• Brad Dye

• Wayne and Nancy (Hatfield) Eichelberger

• Wayne Franz

• Philip Gehlbach

• Leigh Henson  v

• Bill Horn  v

• Dale A. Lowe

• George A. McKinney

• Len and Rita Remmert

• Tom Renner

• Tom Rippon

• Traycee Ritchhart-Pirkle

• Greg Schriber

• Stan Stringer

• Donald Weindorf  v

• Denise Radcliffe Wood

• Tom and Kristy (Smith) Yarcho

Letter from Donald Weindorf

Dear Folks,

I thought it was time to update my last entry into the realm of Diaspora.

Since I left Lincoln 50 years ago, like most of us, many things have happened. I received my Ph.D. in social work from Northwestern and my D.D. from the Eastern Catholic Church. I have six children and have been alone for 10 years. I own and operate a home in Weeping Water, Neb. (19 miles south of Omaha) for "at risk" boys.

The biggest news is that on Valentine’s Day this month, Marilyn (Derrickson) Taylor and I will be married. Marilyn was my first sweetheart in Lincoln when she was 15 and I was 17. When I went into the Marine Corps we lost touch for 50 years. Last year, thanks to my old friend Jerry "Loop" Alberts, we were reunited.

We can remember dancing until we dropped at the old Rec Center, of meeting after school at Marcucci’s or the Arcade or Tibbs’ and on weekends at Lincoln Lakes.  Guzzardo’s was a pizza parlor on the first floor. You could get Wiener schnitzels at the Old Mill and maple pralines a block from the courthouse. Those were the days.

I miss Lincoln, even though I get back now every couple of months. It will always be close to my heart and always MY HOME TOWN!

Sincerely,

Don Weindorf

Every day at 1 p.m. I read my daily paper, the Lincoln Daily News.

(2-7-02)

Family and Friends in the Armed Forces

Friends and relatives serving in the armed forces are listed here so we might all hold them in our thoughts, prayers and well wishes. If you know of other friends and relatives serving (they need not be from Logan County), please send the information to ldneditor@lincolndailynews.com. Along with the name, you are invited to include the branch of service, current location of service, postal address, e-mail address and relationship to the person providing the information (optional).

U.S. Air Force

At Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

Postal address: 5805 Mountain Home St.

Unit J-13

Nellis AFB, NV 89191

E-mail: ja_af_82@hotmail.com

Class of '00

U.S. Army-1AD-HHC

Weisbaden, Germany

E-mail: spot2sweetpea@yahoo.com or susan12652000@yahoo.com

West Point, N.Y.

Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

Korea

U.S. Navy

Will be deployed in mid-January

(Address not available yet)

E-mail: imjustin@hotmail.com

CDR Jim Cravens

(Rector of Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln)

U.S. Navy

At Atlantic Fleet Headquarters, Norfolk, Va.

Postal address: CDR James O. Cravens, N02GR

1562 Mitscher Ave. Suite 250

Norfolk, VA, 23551-2487-2487

E-mail: cravensjo@clf.navy.mil  or

chcusnr@ccaonline.com 

Staff Sgt. Evan Jay Downey, Karen and Ethan

U.S. Air Force

Mildenhall Air Force Base, England

1988 graduate of LCHS

Son of Lucky Eichner

[to top of second column in this section]

U.S. Air Force

At Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana

Postal address: 8525 Chalmette Drive

Shreveport, LA 71115

E-mail: charles.lindstrom@barksdale.af.mil

Class of ’81 LCHS

Airman Chad M. Maxheimer
U.S. Air Force

Postal address: 9AEW JSOAC-S

Unit 10

APO AE 09351

E-mail: spring_loaded@yahoo.com

Son of Mike and Suzie Maxheimer of Chestnut and Michelle Lowe of Mount Pulaski

2000 graduate of Mount Pulaski High School

Kevin McGinnis

Egypt

Michelle K. Ramlow

Navy

At Pentagon

Postal address: 5409-B Steeplechase Drive

Fredericksburg, VA 22407

E-mail: ramlow.michelle@hq.navy.mil 

Maj. James E. Reineke,
Deborah, Nathan, Emily

Air Force

Misawa Air Base, Japan

E-mail: REIN4RUN@aol.com 

Pvt. Christian B. Skelton

U.S. Army

Scheduled to graduate from AIT in late March.

He and his wife will go to Germany in April.

Postal address: A CO 1-19th INF ITB

4th Platoon

Fort Benning, GA 31905-5630

E-mail: skelton820@hotmail.com

2001 graduate of LCHS

Husband of Nahani Lynn Skelton

Robby, Ami-Jo and Angela Spickard

National Guard medical support

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Yarcho

U.S. Air Force

At Ramstein Air Base, Germany

E-mail: thomas.yarcho@ramstein.af.mil

Class of ’82

Reunions

Ongoing class reunion in cyberspace for 1960 graduates of LCHS

http://www.geocities.com/lincolnhigh1960/

Reminiscence

• The Postville Courthouse revisited, by Stan Stringer, posted Feb. 12, 2002, in LDN

• Lincoln Lakes beach, by Stan Stringer, posted July 10, 2001

• Stan Stringer tells story of Mark Holland’s buzzing of Lincoln, posted May 11, 2001

• Leigh Henson, now a college teacher in Missouri, remembers Miss Jones, Jefferson School principal, posted March 29, 2001

• Foreign Service officer recalls infamous Valentine's Day '79 in Tehran, by George McKinney, posted Feb. 15, 2001

[FEB. 12, 2002]  Preceding the millennium year 2000, the Springfield State Journal-Register published a series of stories on events in Illinois during the preceding century. The stories were good, and the Jan. 9, 1999, story revisited Lincoln’s loss of the Postville Courthouse to Henry Ford’s Dearborn Village. Regrettably, the headline seemed a bit pejorative — "Ford wanted Lincoln landmark more than Lincoln’s people did" — and I felt there was some injustice in this.

While the story makes clear that Lincoln had an opportunity to preserve the building and Logan County Judge Lawrence Stringer (no relation to the writer) sought to create interest in this, no one came forward. In 1929 Henry Ford purchased the courthouse for inclusion in Dearborn Village. His conservationist hired my father, Charles M. Stringer, to photograph the disassembly of the courthouse.

As my father told me, when Ford bought the courthouse, it was rented to a poor family. Ford generously brought the family to Detroit, and Ford Motor Company hired the father at the wage of $5 a day. While this now seems pitifully small, in 1929 and during the Depression it was top dollar for factory workers.

As the courthouse was disassembled, each board and timber was marked with a number so that each piece would be in its same place when reassembled at Dearborn Village. The conservation effort went so far as to save the original plaster, which was ground and heat-treated for reuse in plastering the interior. In short, the courthouse was an almost prefect representation of itself when erected in Dearborn Village, and this is where the problem began.

The courthouse was not just a courtroom. The single entrance on the first floor opened on a tavern where lawyers and clients could talk, buy a drink and food while waiting for the proceedings to begin. There was a narrow stairway to the second floor. The second floor included a room for use of the clerk and lawyers as well as the courtroom.

In October 1961 my father and his second wife visited my wife, daughter and me in Detroit, and I took this photograph of the Postville Courthouse. When we entered the courthouse, we found the courtroom on the first floor and a doorway cut through the center of the rear wall.

[to top of second column in this article]

The docent (a college girl in her second or third year of college) approached us, and she explained the construction changes. The courthouse’s original layout was not meant for visiting crowds. Consequently, the first floor became the courtroom and clerk’s office, and the rear door became an egress for visitors. At this point she started to explain how the courthouse was disassembled, but Dad, to her surprise, interrupted to tell his role in the courthouse’s disassembly.

Perhaps Ford’s alteration of the Postville courthouse should not surprise us. The May 25, 1916, Chicago Tribune quoted Henry Ford as saying, "History is more or less bunk." It is said that he was referring to history as traditionally taught by academics as being fairly useless. The Tribune further quoted Ford as saying, "We want to live in the present, and the only history that is worth a tinker’s damn is the history we make today."

Notwithstanding Ford’s dim view of academic history, the docent at Greenfield Village was truthful about the alterations to the Postville Courthouse.

As a postscript, Dad later told me the family that Ford moved to Detroit returned to Lincoln a few years later. They missed the rest of their extended family in Lincoln, and $5 a day was just not reason enough for continuing the separation.

[Stan Stringer]

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