[December 10, 2016]      

From the front window to the rustic fireplace mantel, the Logan County Genealogical and Historical Society in Lincoln is all decked out for Christmas. On Saturday morning, the Society hosted a Christmas Open House inviting the public to drop in for cookies and holiday beverages, and a time to get to know more about the Society and what it does.

Guests were welcomed by LCG&HS members and urged to take advantage of the sweet treats all laid out at the front desk and then visited with the guests. Everyone was encouraged to look around, and special attention was given to the special “Lincoln Room” featuring many collectibles and memorabilia from the days when Abraham Lincoln was a frequent visitor to his namesake town.

Also featured for the day was the most recent historical publication from a local author. Bill Donath recently published his book “Generosity.” The book focuses on the role played by many Logan County residents during World War I, and includes photos and brief explanations of people who played a large part in supporting the war and supporting each other here at home during a difficult time for our nation.

Other books on hand included Gary Duane Blessman's “The Logan Regiment - the 106th Illinois Regiment,” and Bill Detmers "Be Careful Crossing the Hard Road.”

Donath’s book is just one of several penned by local authors and on sale at the society. These books would make wonderful Christmas gifts for the history buff, or just someone who enjoys a good read.

Also on sale are the left over Logan County Christmas Ornaments. Each ornament is dated and features a historical building or location in the county. For those who missed a year or two, and would like to fill in their collection, it would be good to check in with the Society. Not all years are available, but just maybe they have one or two of the ones you are missing.

Gold ornaments include the Logan County Courthouses, Lincoln City Hall, Lincoln Public Library, Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital, the Earl Hargrove Chapel and Lincoln Christian College and Seminary; Lincoln College - University Hall, The Arcade Building, Lincoln Rallies the People, and the 175th anniversary of Logan County. A silver ornament of the Knapp/Chestnut/Becker Library in Middletown is also available. Each boxed ornament comes with its own story.

The LCGHS Center is located at 114 N. Chicago Street, across from the Lincoln Depot, in Lincoln. The center is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday each week from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on the second and fourth Saturday's each month.

[Nila Smith]