Special Events
in and around Logan County

 

Recent events

 

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Looking for Lincoln weekend

[NOV. 14, 2002]  SPRINGFIELD — The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Illinois Historic Presentation Agency will present "A Looking for Lincoln Weekend" in downtown Springfield on Nov. 16 and 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This living history festival will celebrate work and play in the Springfield of Mr. Lincoln’s time and is the prelude to the dedication ceremony of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library on Monday, Nov 18.

More than 250 costumed volunteers and interpreters from Abraham Lincoln historic sites around the state will help transform Springfield into a bustle of activities from mid-19th-century life. Trades people, roaming vendors, theatrical performers, musicians and first-person interpreters will bring to life a young prairie city that was just beginning to thrive. Activities will take place at Lincoln Home National Historic Site and neighborhood, State Journal-Register building, Old State Capitol and Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Lincoln Depot, Bank One, Old State Capitol Plaza, Lincoln Tomb and the city arts venue.

Each day will end with a stirring re-enactment of Mr. Lincoln’s Farewell Address at the Lincoln Depot, the original site from which he bade farewell to the city and the people he called his friends. Volunteer interpreters will gather crowds from each of the activity sites as they walk toward the depot. Everyone is invited to take part in the recreation of this moving event in which Fritz Klein portrays Lincoln. Klein has traveled the world portraying the 16th president.

 

Interpreters will offer many examples of the daily chores of 1850s life, as well as leisure activities, music of the era, and games and competitive contests that were a source of entertainment to participants and spectators alike. There will also be two tent shows, "Zeno’s Carnival of Culture" and "The Golden Jubilee."

Other highlights include a 19th-century fashion show, a military retreat ceremony and a concert of Civil War-era music played by the 33rd Illinois Regiment Band on authentic instruments. Visitors are likely to see surveyors working in the Lincoln Home area and perhaps a lady riding her Morgan horse in the sidesaddle fashion of the day. Additional exhibits include a quilting demonstration and show, plus plenty of hands-on children’s activities, such as skittles, checkers and hoop rolling. Children can also test their skill with a quill pen, tin punching or scherenschnitte.

Music groups performing throughout the weekend include The Threshers, Tater Patch and Prairie Chickens, playing old-time string music on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, harmonica, bones and spoons. Our American Cousins specialize in Civil War music using fiddle, guitar, penny whistle and concertina. The Baroque Folk play harpsichord, recorder and flute. There will also be performances by a hand bell choir, shape note singers and other traditional musicians.

The 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band will give a concert at Lincoln Tomb both afternoons, followed by a military retreat ceremony conducted by the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.

 

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Cities comprising the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition will offer a travel expo to help visitors expand their experiences and understanding of Abraham Lincoln beyond the Springfield perspective. Each community will have the opportunity to share its stories about Mr. Lincoln and to present a snapshot of community life during Lincoln’s time.

Free trolley transportation will be available among the downtown activity sites and Lincoln’s Tomb. However, visitors who don’t want to miss pioneer life in action are encouraged to walk among the downtown sites,

Other activities taking place during the weekend include the Illinois Authors Book Fair on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., showcasing the talents of Illinois writers.

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra will present a concert Saturday evening at Illinois State Capitol with selections chosen around the theme "American Heritage: Lincoln’s Legacy."

The U.S. Postal Service will offer a first-day cancellation at the Old State Capitol on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and on Monday from noon to 4 p.m. The cancellation is a line drawing of the presidential library.

The First Presbyterian Church at Seventh and Capitol will honor Abraham Lincoln with a special service at 10 a.m. "Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln" will greet parishioners at the door before the service.

A Children’s Symposium at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Lincoln Public Library, will feature writers of children’s books about Lincoln.

On Monday at 1 p.m., a Lincoln Symposium at the Old State Capitol will focus on the latest in Lincoln research, writing and collecting and will feature some of the most noted individuals in the field, including David Herbert Donald, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Louise Taper and Robert Eckley.

 

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library dedication ceremony will begin at 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, outside the library at the corner of Jefferson and Sixth streets. The public is invited to attend. Walk-through tours in selected areas of the library will be available from 7 to 10 p.m.

"Looking for Lincoln Weekend" is presented by the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition in cooperation with the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The weekend program is funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Bureau of Tourism and is designed to provide a free Lincoln-themed event that is educational, family-oriented and complements the presidential library dedication

[News release]

[See weekend schedule below]

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Schedule of events

"A Looking for Lincoln Weekend"

Saturday, Nov. 16, and Sunday, Nov. 17

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Downtown Springfield

Presented by:  Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency

Sponsors:  Bank One, Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, The State Journal-Register

Supporters:  Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Taylorville Tourism Council

IHPA participating sites:  David Davis Mansion, Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices, Old State Capitol, Lincoln Tomb, Lincoln’s New Salem, Lincoln Log Cabin, Vandalia Statehouse.

Events, locations, times

(All events are Saturday and Sunday unless otherwise noted.)

Lincoln Home neighborhood

Lincoln Home Visitor Center theatre

10 a.m. — "A Public Interview with President Lincoln," Fritz Klein

Noon — Traditional music

1 p.m. — "A Public Interview with President Lincoln," Fritz Klein

3 p.m. — Traditional music

Lincoln Home Visitor Center lobby

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Fiber artists

Tent show

10:30 a.m. — Our American Cousins, traditional music

11:30 a.m. — "Golden Days Jubilee," 19th-century family entertainment: juggling, illusions, comedy

12:30 p.m. — 19th-century fashions

1:30 p.m. — Our American Cousins

2:30 p.m. — "Golden Days Jubilee"

Arnold House

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — 1830s blab school (on the hour and half hour, excluding noon-1 p.m.)

Lincoln Home neighborhood

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Tradesmen and craftsmen, New Salem Militia, surveyors, Morgan horses

Lincoln Depot

10th and Monroe streets

4:30 p.m. — Re-creation of Lincoln’s Farewell Address

Lincoln Tomb

2 p.m. — Band concert, 33rd Illinois Volunteer Regiment Band

3 p.m. — Retreat ceremony, 114th Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry

City arts venue

221 S. Sixth St.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Looking for Lincoln travel expo and scarecrows; Prairie Aires, traditional music

Bank One

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Quilt display

Old State Capitol, House of Representatives chamber

Saturday

10 a.m. — The Prairie Chickens, traditional music

11 a.m. — David Davis Mansion State Historic Site program

Noon — The Threshers, traditional music

12:30 p.m. — "Tad Lincoln’s Father," Linda Schneider

1 p.m. — "He Knew Lincoln," Don Russell

2 p.m. — "Letters from a Civil War Wife," Cynda Wrightsman, Karl Brosckmeier, Steve Staley

3 p.m. — Tracie Shaw, singer

Sunday

10 a.m. — The Prairie Chickens, traditional music

11 a.m. — Steve Staley and Dale Evens, traditional music

Noon — David Davis Mansion State Historic Site program

1 p.m. — "Tad Lincoln’s Father," Linda Schneider

2 p.m. — "He Knew Lincoln," Don Russell

3 p.m. — "Bells in Motion," handbell choir

 

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Post office

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., and Monday, noon-4 p.m. — The post office will offer a special first-day cancellation of stamped envelopes featuring a line drawing of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.

Old State Capitol Plaza

Tent show

10 a.m. — "Zeno’s Carnival of Culture," 19th-century family entertainment, medicine show, puppets, comedy

10:30 a.m. — Tater Patch, traditional music

11 a.m. — Dianne Moran, storyteller

Noon — Tater Patch, traditional music

1 p.m. — "Zeno’s Carnival of Culture"

2 p.m. — Dianne Moran

3 p.m. — "Zeno’s Carnival of Culture"

3:30 p.m. — Tater Patch, traditional music

Lincoln-Herndon Law Offices

12:30 and 2:30 p.m. — Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 5, 1858

10 a.m.-3 p.m. — Gibson Harris, Lincoln and Herndon’s first law clerk

The State Journal-Register building

313 S. Sixth St.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — Children’s activities

10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m., 3:30 p.m. — Baroque Folk, traditional music "Baroque Folk"- traditional music

10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. — Theatrical epitaphs from the Vandalia Cemetery Walk Theatrical Epitaphs from the Vandalia Cemetery Walk.

10 a.m.-4 p.m. — New Salem Shape Note Singers

Other noteworthy activities

Illinois Symphony Orchestra public concert — Illinois State Capitol Building, Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Concert is free but tickets are required.

Illinois Authors Book Fair — Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Illinois State Library

Children’s Book Symposium — Sunday, 2 p.m., Lincoln Public Library

First Presbyterian Church service — Sunday, 10 a.m. The church will offer a special service with music honoring Abraham Lincoln. "Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln" will greet parishioners at the door before the service.

Lincoln Symposium — Monday, 1 p.m., Old State Capitol

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library dedication ceremony will begin at 4:45 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18, outside the library at the comer of Jefferson and Sixth streets. The public is invited to attend. Walk-through tours of selected areas of the library will be available from 7 to 10 p.m.

[News release]

Sites to See

‘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.


[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.

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.

 

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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.

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.

[See "LC Museum named one of 10 best Lincoln-related sites in Illinois"]

 

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


[Click here for larger map]

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

Stagecoach 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]

Heritage In Flight Museum open Wednesday-Sunday

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.

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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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, nonprofit 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 Wednesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 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.

Also visit www.heritageinflight.org.

[LDN]

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

Entertainment

Recreation

  • Lincoln Park District, 732-8770

Parks

Dining

Blue Dog Inn
111 S. Sangamon
Lincoln
735-1743
 Monday 11-2
Tuesday-Thursday 11-10
Friday & Saturday 11-11

Wendy’s
2815 Woodlawn Road
Lincoln
735-1011

 

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