While
visiting in
Logan County:
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Special
Events
in and around
Logan County
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Upcoming
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files on annual festivals
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Military
re-enactors
bring history to Postville
[MAY
20, 2002]
Military re-enactors are a hardy lot.
Like the soldiers they represent, they travel far and wide in all
kinds of weather to do their job, presenting military history to
audiences all over the country.
[Click here to view
more photos]
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On
Saturday and Sunday re-enactors came to the Postville Courthouse
State Historic Site in Lincoln, where they set up tents and
demonstrated the use of their equipment in spite of an unusually
cool May weekend. Some — for example the World War I and Spanish
American re-enactors, who wore heavy woolen uniforms — were happy
for the cool weather.
Most of the re-enactors at Postville came from Illinois, but several
came from nearby states. Perhaps because of the cool weather, there
wasn’t a large audience to see the display of uniforms and equipment
of Illinois soldiers from the time of the Black Hawk War though
Desert Storm. Those who didn’t come missed a good show.
The re-enactors not only brought military history to life; they also
provided some interesting insights into the everyday life of the
period.
![](../images/052002pics/03art.jpg)
[Photos by Joan Crabb]
[Shawn McLane, Civil War re-enactor, carries
an 1840 Springfield rifle.]
The soldiers of the Black Hawk War, for example, didn’t have
uniforms but wore their everyday clothing and, for the most part,
carried their own personal weapons. Able-bodied men from 18 to 44
were expected to help drive Black Hawk’s Native Americans out of
Illinois, but many chose to pay their 25 cents and not join the
militia.
They smoked pipes made of clay, with reed stems. The stems had to be
long because the pipes got very hot.
During the Civil War, soldiers carrying the 1840 Springfield musket
were lucky to get off three shots a minute. The ball and powder had
to be put in the rifle, tamped down, and a firing cap had to be
inserted into the hammer mechanism before the gun could be fired.
Only the most experienced soldiers could get off four or more shots
a minute.
![](../images/052002pics/18art.jpg)
[Greg Bergschneider, Rob Roper of Havana and Sam
Pruitt pass the time in the tent for Black Hawk War re-enactors.]
Fifes and drums still led soldiers to war in 1861, with tunes like "Gerryowen"
(an old Irish tavern tune), "Chester" and "Yankee Doodle."
Illinois soldiers made up the main part of the 33rd
Prairie State Division in World War I. These soldiers had some of
the most modern uniforms of the time, and they quickly learned to
use steel helmets and gas masks in the trenches of Europe. Their
Springfield rifles were bolt action; they carried extra cartridges
in their belts, along with modern-looking canteens, first aid packs,
blankets and eating utensils.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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![](../images/ads/maple/maple_ridge_4_01.jpg)
World War II brought about big changes in military equipment.
Automatic rifles replaced the old bolt-action rifles; the Browning
could fire 20 rounds and the Thompson 30 rounds.
"We started World War II with biplanes and ended with jet planes and
rockets," one re-enactor said.
Uniforms, which started out looking like World War I uniforms,
became more varied and more comfortable. Most were olive-drab cotton
twill, comfortable and with lots of pockets. In the Pacific theater,
where it was hot, they were herringbone twill, which was cooler.
Equipment for jungle climates included first-aid kits, because a
solider had to take care of a cut immediately or it would become
infected. Camouflage hats and tents became basic equipment, along
with shovels that could also be used as picks.
Korean veterans wore caps with heavy wool flaps to protect against
the cold weather. Veterans of Desert Storm had to carry gas masks
and special suits in case of chemical warfare. These suits would
have made their cotton camouflage uniforms even hotter in the desert
climate, where temperatures could climb to 115 degrees at midday.
Packs could weigh as much as 100 pounds. The new Kevlar helmets had
a removable liner and could be used to carry water, dig a hole or
for a number of other functions.
![](../images/ads/ALMH/hearing.gif)
Mike Hede of Woodridge, a real Desert Storm veteran, said that after
he had spent four months in the desert, he was asked where he wanted
to be reassigned. His answer was immediate: Alaska. He was stationed
near Anchorage for the next 2½ years.
Re-enactors often wear
more than one helmet. Some like to collect uniforms and
paraphernalia and can dress as a soldier from World War I, the Civil
War or even the Vietnam War. They find treasures in flea markets and
antique stores and even on the Internet. And they aren’t hard to buy
for at Christmas: A reproduction of a World War II paratrooper’s
uniform would be just the thing.
[Joan
Crabb]
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Looking
for Lincoln promotes
Postville Courthouse event
[MAY
17, 2002] Looking
for Lincoln committee members left Wednesday night’s meeting
carrying posters for "Illinois Soldiers at War
1832-Present," an event to be held at Postville Courthouse
Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Thressia
Usherwood, executive director of Abraham Lincoln Tourism Bureau of
Logan County, said the event will feature demonstrations of period
weapons ranging from the Black Hawk War of 1832, in which Abraham
Lincoln fought, to the present day. Re-enactment of a small battle
is also on the agenda. Usherwood emphasized the importance of
attendance figures in continued funding for Postville Courthouse
events.
In
view of the state budget crunch, Ron Keller, curator of the Lincoln
College museum, asked whether Looking for Lincoln funds could be
used to keep Postville Courthouse special events such as this one
alive if the state cuts funding. Jan Schumacher, who conducted the
meeting in chair Paul Beaver’s absence, said she would bring
budget information to the June 19 meeting.
Otherwise,
the local Looking for Lincoln group focused on a new publication,
Lincoln materials scanned in for state availability and several
projects on hold.
Schumacher,
Main Street Lincoln board president, displayed the newly published
travel planner "Historic Main Streets of Illinois."
Tourism attractions in Lincoln are featured on one page as well as
incorporated into Route 66 and Land of Lincoln tours. The Main
Street Lincoln office plans to follow up on inquiries generated by
the travel planner with a county brochure and quarterly listings of
events and accommodations.
Keller
said Lincoln materials from the Lincoln College museum have recently
been scanned by the Illinois State Historical Library as part of a
project to microfilm all materials in the state bearing Lincoln’s
signature and all letters to him. Among the latter is the 1865
letter from Robert Latham informing Lincoln of the progress in
building Lincoln University, now Lincoln College.
[to top of second column in
this article]
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One
long-planned Looking for Lincoln project, a video depicting Logan
County events from Abraham Lincoln’s life, is still on hold.
County Board Chairman Dick Logan is contacting Rep. Jonathan Wright
regarding the status of the budgeted funding for the video. Shooting
of the scenes has been moved from spring to late summer or early
fall, with Oct. 15 being the latest feasible date this year.
Similarly,
Mayor Beth Davis said she is hoping to dedicate the Lincoln well
near VFW Post 1756 on Aug. 27 of this year, but the state funds to
restore it are also missing. "The grant has gone out," she
said, but it has not been received. Dedication or rededication of
the well is also scheduled for Aug. 24, 2003, as part of
sesquicentennial "Salute to Postville" activities.
In
another delay, interstate signage designating Lincoln as a Looking
for Lincoln community is still "a ways off," Schumacher
quoted, and she is trying to find out why.
Usherwood,
who sits on the regional Looking for Lincoln steering committee,
reported that the larger group is seeking a new executive director.
Eleven Illinois counties are involved in the four-year-old Looking
for Lincoln project. Darrell Knauer, now in charge of promoting
tourism in Mount Pulaski, including Looking for Lincoln, has
expressed a desire to work with the Lincoln-based group.
[Lynn
Shearer Spellman]
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‘Illinois
Soldiers at War’
May
18-19 at Postville Courthouse
[MAY
16, 2002] Illinois
military units from the Black Hawk War through the present will be
featured during a special event May 18 and 19 at the Postville
Courthouse State Historic Site. The theme is "Illinois Soldiers
at War, 1832-Present," and activities will be from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. at 914 Fifth St. in Lincoln.
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Re-enactors
wearing authentic uniforms and using period weapons and supplies
will participate in drills and demonstrations throughout the event.
A comparison firing demonstration will be at 3 p.m. Flag-raising
ceremonies open the event at 10 a.m., and a flag-lowering ceremony
with all units will close the event at 4 p.m. Members of local
veterans groups will participate in both daily ceremonies.
Refreshments will be sold on-site by members of CIEDC. The event is
free and open to the public.
Members
of the Sangamon County Militia, who participate in activities at
Lincoln’s New Salem, will set up several tents and explain the
life of a volunteer during the Black Hawk War of 1832. These men
generally wore civilian clothes rather than uniforms and carried a
variety of weapons, both military and civilian. They will give a
presentation each day at 10:30 a.m.
Representing
Illinois’ involvement in the Civil War will be a few members of
the114th Regiment, Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Members will be
dressed in several versions of government issue, or GI, blue
uniforms and carry government issue muzzle-loading weapons. Their
drill and explanations take place at 11 a.m.
Illinois’
brief involvement in the Spanish-American War of 1898 will be
represented at 11:30 a.m. Re-enactors will be in different styles of
uniforms and fire both black powder "trapdoor" and
smokeless powder Krag rifles.
The
"Doughboy" of the Great War 1917-1918 will be shown by
several re-enactors representing Illinois’ 33rd Division. These
men will wear olive drab uniforms with khaki equipment and the first
steel helmets as worn in the trenches "Over There." The
men will explain their uniforms and blank-fire their weapons at 1:30
p.m.
Members
of the 82nd Airborne, H.R.S. and others will reflect Illinois’
commitment in World War II. Though an elite unit, the airborne
troops used the same equipment and had similar experiences as the
regular GI. Their drill and demonstration will be at 2 p.m.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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Weapons
and uniforms for the Korean War, 1951-1953, were similar to what was
used in World War II but had evolved to meet the new demands of war
in Korea. At 2:30 p.m. several independent re-enactors will explain
the weapons and equipment used during the "Forgotten War"
50 years ago.
Illinois’
present military tradition will be represented by a unit of the
Illinois Army National Guard. Members will be in service uniform and
camouflage BDUs with equipment for the field. A vehicle, possibly a
Humvee, will be part of their display.
During
each period’s drill and demonstration, unit members will explain
their uniforms, weapons and equipment, and then do some drilling and
give a blank firing demonstration. During the comparison firing
demonstration at 3 p.m., one member from each period will load and
fire three blank rounds at the same time, allowing the public to see
the advancements made in loading and firing weapons.
The
Illinois State Military Museum will have a display inside Postville
Courthouse that tells of Illinois’ long tradition of military
service.
Postville
Courthouse State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency, is a reproduction of the first Logan
County Courthouse, which was used from 1840 to 1847. Abraham Lincoln
practiced law in the original building when he traveled the 8th
Judicial Circuit as an attorney. Postville Courthouse, located at
914 Fifth St. in Lincoln, is open from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday
through Saturday through the efforts of local volunteers.
[Illinois
Historic Preservation Agency news release]
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‘Preserving
the Spirit of Place’
Antique
Roadshow highlights Lincoln
Historic Preservation Week activities
[MAY
10, 2002] Citizens
in Lincoln will join thousands of people around the country as part
of the National Trust’s Historic Preservation Week celebration.
This year marks the 31st annual event, running from Sunday, May 12,
through Saturday, May 18. Local activities are sponsored by Main
Street Lincoln, Blue Dog Inn, Beans and Such, and Mayor Beth Davis.
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"Preserving
the Spirit of Place" is the theme of the weeklong celebration.
Every community has a spirit of place that is identified as special
and or unique. "Despite its importance in the social, cultural
and economic life of the community, the spirit of place is easily
destroyed," said National Trust President Richard Moe.
"Preservation Week 2002 calls on us to do all we can to
recognize, save and enhance the irreplaceable features that give
each community its distinctive character."
The
2002 Historic Preservation Week poster will feature the Lincoln
Theater, which represents a spirit of place for the city of Lincoln,
with most residents having attended entertainment events there. The
theater opened on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday in 1923. Billed as
"one of the finest theaters in the downstate," the
facility was built for $150,000. The original theater boasted an
elegantly decorated 1,000-seat auditorium with an orchestra pit. The
interior has been remodeled over the years to follow the trend of
multiplex theaters, but the exterior has remained its historic look.
After
much success last year, the Main Street Antiques Roadshow is back.
The event will be from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, at 101
S. Kickapoo St. Appraisals are available for $5 per item and are set
in a number of divisions including toys and dolls, fine antiques,
jewelry, clocks and watches, crystal and china, coins, cards and
other collectibles, books, and general antiques. Residents are
encouraged to open their china cabinets and scour their attics for
their most unusual treasures and bring them to the show.
"Everyone
had such a great time last year discovering their own buried
treasures," said Cindy McLaughlin, program manager for Main
Street Lincoln.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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The
Mayor’s Annual Awards for Historic Preservation will be announced
following the show. Awards are available in both residential and
nonresidential categories for preservation, exterior rehabilitation
and sympathetic addition.
Twenty-five
buildings have been recognized since the awards were first given in
1993 and are permanently recorded in photographs that hang in the
Lincoln City Council Chambers. Property owners also receive a framed
photograph with inscribed brass plate.
Nomination
forms are currently being distributed at City Hall, Main Street,
Beans and Such, and Blue Dog Inn. For more information or to make a
nomination, call the Main Street Lincoln office at (217) 732-2929.
Downtown
will be dressed for the week in its best historical finery. Many
businesses will include a historical display in their windows.
Displays will include history fair projects from Zion Lutheran
School. These projects have progressed from the school’s history
fair to the regional and now on to the state competition. Some of
their themes include "Wrigley Field’s History,"
"Underground Railroad Quilts" and the "Scully
Estates."
For
more information on Historic Preservation Week activities, contact
Main Street Lincoln.
The
Main Street program was developed by the National Trust for Historic
Preservation in 1980 to redevelop and revitalize America’s
downtowns. Lincoln has been a designated Main Street community since
1994.
[Main
Street Lincoln press release]
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Middletown
hosts Smithsonian exhibit
June 23-July
28
[APRIL
27, 2002] MIDDLETOWN
— 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
library-museum in Middletown. Co-sponsor of the exhibits is the
Illinois Humanities Council.
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"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.
Comments,
questions and volunteers are welcomed as planning proceeds and
details of activities are added later.
Share your mementoes
While
the Smithsonian exhibits will be housed in the library-museum, local
historians and collectors are invited to share their photos,
newspaper clippings and diaries in a special showing and exhibit at
Middletown Village Hall. Also, Lee Gurga is collecting such items
for a manuscript department for the library. His mailing address is
626 1200th St., Middletown, IL 62666.
Meet our ancestors
"Our
ancestors" are invited to come be a part of the "big
bash" in Middletown by appearing in the parade and by being
introduced on Sunday afternoons.
Search
attics and cubbyholes for costumes and clues as to the identity of
those most important figures on your family tree and join in the fun
by portraying your ancestor!
Yesterday’s Tomorrows parade
To
celebrate yesteryear and tomorrow, come join the parade on
Transportation Sunday, June 23, at 1:30 p.m. All are invited to
participate — individuals, duos, groups, clubs. Do register with
either Ken Davison at (217) 445-2658 or Dave Deters at (217)
445-2546.
Six special Sundays
June
23: Transportation Sunday
Brunch
at Middletown Presbyterian Church, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Yesterday’s
Tomorrows parade, 1:30 p.m. with Lindbergh, Cal Rodgers (Jim Lloyd)
of Vin Fiz, John Petrehn (Petrehn family), hot-air balloonist and
Abe Lincoln (all of whom figure in Middletown’s history).
Opening
ceremonies 2:30 p.m., Middletown Park Pavilion. Dr. John Hillwas,
speaker. Special music.
June
30: Home and Country Sunday
Lunch
at Middletown United Methodist Church, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
K/C/B
Ice Cream Social, 2 p.m. Village Voice: Jim Wilhelm. Boy Scouts and
NSDAR. Presentation of the 1876 American flag, gift of Margaret
Lufkin. Abe and Mary Lincoln. Concert by the 33rd Illinois Volunteer
Regimental Band.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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July
7: Technology Sunday
Lunch
at American Legion and Auxiliary Hall, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Village
Voice: Jim Wilhelm.
2
p.m.: Focus on local farmers, with Gus Otto, and computers, by
Caterpillar. Dr. Peter Johnson, head of the USDA Ag Research Center
in Peoria, reporting progress on Dr. Moses Knapp’s interest in
research on deriving sugar from maize (corn) in 1842. Concert and
lecture on electro-acoustical music, by Paul Oehlers from the Music
Department of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.
July
14: Culture Sunday
2
to 4 p.m., Middletown Park Pavilion. Village Voice: Jim Wilhelm.
"Visit with a Southern Teacher" (American Revolutionary
War). Lee Gurga, editor of Modern Haiku, with children. Jessie
Young, "Young in Poetry." Unveiling, dedication and
presentation to community of a mural, a replica of Lloyd Ostendorf’s
print of Abe Lincoln as surveyor (surveyed through Middletown June
1834). International folk dancers. Prairie Aires in concert. On-site
genealogists and food vendors.
July
21: Health Sunday
2
to 4 p.m., Middletown Park Pavilion. Village Voice: Jim Wilhelm.
Barbara Mason, curator, Pearson Medical Museum, SIU School of
Medicine. "Doctors of Yesteryear": Drs. Guttery, Schall
and Means. Presentation to the community and library of two volumes
of history of the Thomas Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia,
Pa., in honor of Dr. Moses L. Knapp, 1826 graduate, considered a
founder or co-founder of medical schools in Iowa, Wisconsin and
Indiana. Dramatic skit: "Sasparilly Capers." Possum Holler
Pickers.
July
28: Spiritual Sunday
2
to 4 p.m., Middletown Park Pavilion. Village Voice: Jim Wilhelm.
Local missionaries. Special music. Presentation to community and
library of walnut lectern and a large-print Bible. Specific details
later.
[Provided
by Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society representative W. Golden]
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Special
Events Calendar
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June
2002
Every
Sunday in June and July
WHO: Public
WHAT:
Concert in the Park series
WHERE:
Latham Park, downtown Lincoln
WHEN:
7 pm
Every
Sunday in June, July and August
WHO: Public
WHAT:
Free tours of J.H. Hawes Elevator Museum
WHERE:
First Street, downtown Atlanta
WHEN:
1-3 pm
SPONSOR:
Lincoln Public Library
WHO: Families
WHAT:
"Reading
Rocks" kickoff for summer reading program, with traveling museum
WHERE:
Lincoln Rec Center
WHEN:
9 am - noon
Saturday,
June 8
WHO: Public
WHAT:
Beason townwide garage sales
WHERE:
Beason
WHEN:
8 am - 1 pm
Sunday,
June 9
WHO: Public
WHAT:
98th birthday celebration of the J.H.
Hawes Grain Elevator Museum
WHERE:
First Street, downtown Atlanta
WHEN:
2 pm
Friday
and Saturday, June 14-15
WHO: Public
WHAT:
Mount Pulaski Heritage Days and Bluegrass Festival
WHERE:
Mount Pulaski Historical Museum
June
14-16 and 18-22
SPONSOR:
Lincoln
Community Theatre
WHO: Public
WHAT:
"Hello, Dolly!"
WHERE:
Johnston Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln College campus
WHEN:
8 pm performances Tuesday through Saturday; 2 pm performance on
Sundays
Saturday
and Sunday, June 15-16
WHO: Public
WHAT:
"Explore Logan County"; countywide festivals; flea
markets, displays of antiques and collectibles, festivals in Mount
Pulaski and Hartsburg, Elkhart Homecoming, all-church musical
WHERE:
Around the county
Sunday,
June 23
SPONSOR:
Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society
WHO: Public; no admission fee
WHAT:
Opening day of the Smithsonian Institute exhibit "Yesterday's
Tomorrows"; theme for the day: "Transportation
Sunday"
WHERE:
Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Library and Museum, Middletown
WHEN:
10 am - 4 pm; parade at 1:30 pm; special events in park pavilion
2:30-4:30 pm
Sunday,
June 30
SPONSOR:
Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Historical Society
WHO: Public; no admission fee
WHAT:
Smithsonian Institute exhibit "Yesterday's Tomorrows";
theme for the day: "Home & Country Sunday"
WHERE:
Knapp/Chesnut/Becker Library and Museum, Middletown
WHEN:
10 am - 4 pm; ice cream social in park pavilion beginning at 1 pm
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Click
for future events:
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Sites
to See
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-
"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
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‘Walking
on the Path of Abraham Lincoln’
A
walking tour of historic Lincoln, Ill.
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.
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![](../images/081001pics/lincoln%20map%20small.gif)
[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.
![](../images/081001pics/Lincoln%20on%20horseback.jpg)
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.
[to top of second column in
this section]
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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.
![](../images/081001pics/Men%20in%20inn.gif)
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
![](../images/081001pics/lincoln%20map2%20small.gif)
[Click here for larger map]
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Logan
County historical landmarks
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]
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Heritage
In Flight Museum open on weekends
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.
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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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this article]
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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]
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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
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Entertainment
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Recreation
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Parks
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Dining
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Blue Dog Inn
111 S. Sangamon
Lincoln
735-1743
Monday 11-2
Tuesday-Thursday 11-10
Friday & Saturday 11-11
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Wendy’s
2815 Woodlawn Road
Lincoln
735-1011
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Transportation
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Maps
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Community
Information
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Links
to Other Tourism Sites in Illinois
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