Special Events
in and around Logan County

Upcoming events

Past events

Annual celebrations

Pig Hip doors open wide
with new/old welcome

[JUNE 7, 2003]  The Pig Hip Museum on Frontage Road in Broadwell opened on Friday with a cake and coffee celebration but none of its namesake sandwiches.

About 30 family members, friends, Route 66 fans and representatives of the news media gathered with owner Ernie Edwards and his wife, Frances, to open the facility, which pays tribute to the days when the Pig Hip restaurant was a well-known stop on the Mother Road. A larger group is expected at 9:30 Sunday, when the Pig Hip Museum plays host to the annual Route 66 Association of Illinois road tour.

Items on display in the new museum include memorabilia from the restaurant such as photos, menus, signs and china. News articles trace the establishment's fame and the people who have stopped there. Other exhibits highlight local history and Edwards himself. Books and photos on loan from Leola Eisiminger of Broadwell document county towns and buildings from the first decade of the 20th century.

 

The museum, carved from a 25- by 30-foot corner of the Pig Hip, is approximately the size of the original 1936 restaurant, which according to Edwards contained only three tables with chairs, a small counter, a Coca-Cola cooler and three slot machines from Coon Hound Johnny's.

Within the museum is a section mimicking that original restaurant, called Harbor Inn for the first two years until the Pig Hip sandwich was invented. This section contains a mix of new and old. The tables are originals, given to the VFW in 1947 and retrieved this Thursday. They are set with Pig Hip placemats, menus and china, but the captain's chairs came from Friendship Manor this week. Another recent addition is the pair of pinup lamps Edwards constructed to imitate originals.

 

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The Pig Hip is the first and last of four restaurants Edwards has operated in the area. The other three were in Lincoln -- on Washington Street in 1938, at the intersection of Fifth and the beltline in 1941, and at 110 Chicago after he returned from the war in 1947. All were called the Tizit.

Meanwhile his mother, Naomi Edwards, was operating the Pig Hip. When she became ill in 1949 Edwards left Lincoln and returned to his home base, where he continued open until 1991. Several expansions enabled him eventually to seat 75.

 

Edwards plans to tear down his service station and build a replica of its predecessor. At first the restaurant had no station, so he constructed a 6- by 14-foot building to serve the purpose. He started with Mobil Oil for two or three years, then pumped City Service for 25 years, Gulf for six and Phillips 66 the last 19 years.

Edwards said he got into museum construction and operation "just through silly talk." He told a company making ceramic miniatures of the Pig Hip that he would use his profit to open a museum. They gave him the first 50 free, and he was committed.

[Lynn Spellman]

For information on the weekend motor tour and its itinerary, go to http://www.il66assoc.org/.

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Dog Daze of Summer returns
to downtown Lincoln

[JUNE 6, 2003]  Cindy McLaughlin, Main Street Lincoln executive director, says that last year's Dog Daze of Summer will return to downtown Lincoln on Saturday, June 21. "Dog Daze was so successful last year that the Main Street Lincoln Promotions Committee decided to make it an annual event," said McLaughlin. For those who don't know, Dog Daze of Lincoln is in honor of Fido, Abraham Lincoln's dog. Dog owners and dog lovers alike are invited to downtown Lincoln to celebrate our four-legged friends.

The event will be sponsored again this year by Big R, Best Friends Animal Hospital and Lincoln Animal Hospital. There are several activities planned for the day, starting at 9:30 a.m. with a community dog walk that will begin at the Blue Dog Inn and conclude at the Logan County Courthouse. Participants can also look forward to contests including smallest dog, largest dog, fluffiest dog, longest tongue, best dressed dog, dog-owner look-alike and best pet trick. An Abraham Lincoln look-alike will be leading the community dog walk and will pick an "Abe's Choice" winner as well.

Pet owners can also bring their pet or a photograph of their pet to be read by a pet psychic. Logan County Animal Control is supporting the event by bringing local dogs that are available for adoption. Puritan Springs Water will provide the furry participants with wading pools for a little cooling off and refreshment throughout the event. In addition to the contests, participants and spectators will be able to watch demonstrations until noon.

 

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"We encourage families to visit downtown Lincoln on June 21 to watch the event, said Angie Stoltzenburg, promotions chair for Main Street Lincoln. "This event is fun for both participants and spectators."

"Main Street Lincoln's ‘Who Let the Dogs Out' art will also be unveiled on June 21," said McLaughlin. "We encourage residents and Lincoln guests to visit the downtown businesses as they hold special Dog Daze promotions and host the fiberglass dog art in their stores throughout the summer."

On-site registration, $8 per dog, will begin at 8:30 a.m. in front of the Blue Dog Inn on Sangamon Street. Preregistration is available for $6 per dog by calling McLaughlin at (217) 732-2929.

[Main Street Lincoln press release]

BIG, finalized Lincoln Sesquicentennial and
Art and Balloon Festival schedule released

[JUNE 5, 2003]  New Lincoln Sesquicentennial and Art and Balloon Festival brochures are out this week. They can be found in key locations all around town.

The brochures detail the completed lineup of activities planned, as well as maps, for Lincoln's BIG, BIG, BIG, 10-day celebration Aug. 22-31. Events are listed below.

Sesquicentennial events


Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival
Aug. 21-24

Lincoln Sesquicentennial
Aug. 21-31

Thursday, Aug. 21

3 p.m. -- Grand opening ceremony for the Lincoln Art & Balloon Festival and Lincoln Sesquicentennial, with unveiling of the traveling Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Lincoln Christian College

8 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- Civil War and Underground Railroad quilt show in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda, with a program at 6:30 p.m.

Underground Railroad display through Sept. 6 at Layman Gallery at Lincoln College

5:30 p.m. -- Festival kickoff party with free food and entertainment at Maple Ridge Care Centre, 2202 N. Kickapoo St.

6:30 pm. -- Sneak preview flight for media representatives

Friday, Aug. 22

6:30 a.m. -- Landowners flight

8 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- Civil War and Underground Railroad quilt show in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda

3-6 p.m. -- Flea market, antiques and collectibles in Scully Park, downtown Lincoln

4-10 p.m. -- Big "M" Amusements carnival, food concessions, petting zoo and Lions Club craft show at the Logan County Fairgrounds

5-6 p.m. -- The Modern Cowboyz at the Logan County Fairgrounds

6 p.m. -- Hot-air balloon launch at the Logan County Fairgrounds

Dusk -- Balloon night glow at the Logan County Fairgrounds

6-11 p.m. -- Beer garden and DJ music at Logan County Fairgrounds

Saturday, Aug. 23

6:30 a.m. -- Balloon launch at the Logan County Fairgrounds

8 a.m. -- Cross country run, sponsored by Lincoln Park District, starting at Memorial Park

9 a.m. -- Lincoln Soap Box Downhillers event on South Kickapoo Street, four blocks south of the courthouse

9 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Used book sale at Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St.

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- 30th annual Lincoln Art Fair in Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Kids AdventureZone, Kickapoo at Pekin Street

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Flea market, antiques and collectibles in Scully Park, downtown

10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Civil War and Underground Railroad quilt show in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda

11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. -- "The Art of Wine," downtown Lincoln

Noon -10 p.m. -- Big "M" Amusements carnival, food concessions, petting zoo and Lions Club Craft Show at the Logan County Fairgrounds

5-6 p.m. -- U.S. Navy Band (has been invited), Logan County Fairgrounds

6 p.m. -- Hot-air balloon launch at the Logan County Fairgrounds

Dusk -- Balloon night glow and fireworks at the Logan County Fairgrounds

6-11 p.m. -- Beer garden and DJ music at Logan County Fairgrounds

Sunday, Aug. 24

“Where It All Began” Day

6:45 a.m. -- Balloon fly-in competition at Logan County Fairgrounds

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. -- Used book sale at Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin St.

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- 30th annual Lincoln Art Fair in Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Flea market, antiques and collectibles in Scully Park, downtown

10 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- 1800s craft fair at Postville Courthouse, Fifth Street

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Kids AdventureZone, Kickapoo at Pekin Street

11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- "The Art of Wine," downtown Lincoln

1-4 p.m. -- Civil War and Underground Railroad quilt show in the Logan County Courthouse rotunda

1-4 p.m. -- Classic car cruise-in on the square in downtown Lincoln

4:30-8:30 p.m. -- 1830-1850s music at Postville Park

5 p.m. -- Dedication of the Abraham Lincoln well across from Postville Courthouse on Fifth Street

5:30 pm. -- Sesquicentennial queen coronation at Postville Park, Fifth Street

6-9 p.m. -- Ice cream social at Postville Park, Fifth Street

Monday, Aug. 25

Lincoln Heritage Day

7-8:30 p.m. -- "Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln, Illinois," a talk by Paul Beaver followed by a panel of historians, at Lincoln College Johnston Center

Tuesday, Aug. 26

Business and Industry Day

All day -- Spotlight on business, with tours, promotions, open houses

6 p.m. -- 1860s baseball game, Ground Squirrels versus local sports standouts, at Lincoln Junior High School ball diamond

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Lincoln Founders Day

10 a.m. -- Town christening re-enactment and speeches, outside the train depot, downtown Lincoln

7 p.m. -- Encore presentation of town christening re-enactment and speeches, outside the train depot, downtown Lincoln

7:30-9 p.m. -- 1850s-1860s music at Latham Park

7:30-9 p.m. -- Free watermelon feed at Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

Thursday, Aug. 28

Agriculture Day

7 a.m. - noon -- Farmer's market at Latham Park

5:30-7 p.m. -- Pork chop sandwich dinner, $5 per person, at Latham Park

6-7 p.m. -- Remote control car races in city parking lot across from Latham Park

7-9 p.m. -- New Salem Country Opry performance from the Latham Park bandstand

Friday, Aug. 29

Education Day

8 a.m. - 5 p.m. -- Campus and school tours

3-4 p.m. -- 33rd Infantry Band concert at Postville Park

5-11 p.m. -- Lincoln Ethnic Festival and storytelling by Brian Ellis at Scully Park

5 p.m. - 1 a.m. -- Musical entertainment

5 p.m. -- King Karaoke, Karaoke Stage on Kickapoo south of the square

5-7:45 p.m. -- Stone County Ramblers playing bluegrass, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

5:30-7:30 p.m. -- Don Smith Orchestra playing swing and big band music, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

7:30-8:30 p.m. -- American English in a Beatles tribute, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

8:30-9:30 p.m. -- Don Smith Orchestra playing swing and big band music, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

8:30-9:45 p.m. -- Poprocks playing '70s-'90s pop rock, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski

8:45-9:45 p.m. -- Hairbanger's Ball in an '80s Hairbands tribute, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway

9 p.m.-midnight -- Rockus with classic rock, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

9:45-11 p.m. -- American English in a Beatles tribute, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

11 p.m.-1 a.m. -- Poprocks playing '70s-'90s pop rock, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski

11:15 p.m.-12:45 a.m. -- Hairbanger's Ball in an '80s Hairbands tribute, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway

Saturday, Aug. 30

Homecoming Day

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. -- Sesquicentennial parade: “Pride in Our Past -- Faith in Our Future”; route from Postville Park on Fifth Street to downtown Lincoln

1 p.m. -- Community photograph in downtown Lincoln

2 p.m. -- Abraham Lincoln  and Mary Todd Lincoln look-alike contests at Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

2 p.m. -- Brothers of the Brush and Sisters of the Swish contest winners at Latham Park, downtown Lincoln

3-5 p.m. -- Union demonstration by 33rd Regimental Infantry Regiment, along with a Civil War encampment at Postville Park on Fifth Street

5-11 p.m. -- Lincoln Ethnic Festival and storytelling by Brian Ellis at Scully Park

6-9 p.m. -- Meet local celebrities in Latham Park

8 p.m. -- Civil War grand ball with music by the 33rd Infantry Band at the Elk's Lodge
(See related article, "Don't miss this fun opportunity.")

5 p.m. - 1 a.m. -- Musical entertainment

5 p.m. -- King Karaoke, Karaoke Stage on Kickapoo south of the square

5-7 p.m. -- Bobby Remack Band with swing and big bands, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

5-7:45 p.m. -- Rockus doing '50s and '60s songs, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

7-8:15 p.m. -- Creagles with Credence Clearwater and Eagles tributes, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

8:15-9:30 p.m. -- Bobby Remack Band with swing and big bands, Dance and Swing Stage, McLean and Broadway

8:15-9:30 p.m. -- Debbie Ross Band playing blues, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway

8:15-9:30 p.m. -- Imagine That with '60s-'90s Top 40 music, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski

9 p.m.-midnight -- Greg Glick Band with blues rock, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

9:30-11 p.m. -- Creagles with Credence Clearwater and Eagles tributes, Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

11 p.m.-1 a.m. -- Debbie Ross Band playing blues, Partytown Stage, Sangamon and Broadway

11 p.m.-1 a.m. -- Imagine That with '60s-'90s Top 40 music, Rock Till Ya Drop Stage, Chicago and Pulaski

Sunday, Aug. 31

Religious Day

11 a.m. - 3 p.m. -- Fried chicken dinner at Lincoln Knights of Columbus Hall

2-9 p.m. -- Musical entertainment

2-4 p.m. -- Illinois Brass Works, a variety brass band, Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

4:15-5:45 p.m. -- Slingshot 57 doing Christian rock at Christian Stage, McLean and Pulaski

6-7:30 p.m. -- Petra performing Christian rock at Main Stage, Broadway and Kickapoo

6-9 p.m. -- Country Thunder performing country at Hometown Stage, McLean and Clinton

3 p.m. -- Community church service at Latham Park  (or, in case of rain, at Lincoln Christian Church)

7-8:30 p.m. -- Illinois Symphony Orchestra performance, McLean Street north of the square (or, in case of rain, at the Earl C Hargrove Chapel at Lincoln Christian College)

Ongoing displays and activities

Aug. 21-24, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- Heritage in Flight Museum open at Logan County Airport; flying demonstrations on Aug. 23

Aug. 21-24, open 24 hours -- Replica of Vietnam Memorial at Lincoln Christian College and Seminary

Aug. 21-31 -- Underground Railroad display in the Logan County Courthouse

Aug. 21-31 -- Sesquicentennial displays in store windows downtown

Aug. 21-31 -- Sesquicentennial headquarters and temporary museum at 121 Sangamon St. (State Bank of Lincoln branch location)

Aug. 21-31 -- "Who Let The Dogs Out" display in downtown Lincoln

Aug. 21-31 -- Children's activities, including the YMCA's AdventureZone

Aug. 26-31, 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. -- Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society open house at 1114 N. Chicago St.

Links

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]

To read more about HIF, 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

 

Transportation

Maps

Community Information

Links to Other Tourism Sites in Illinois

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