|
 Simpkins is a Lincoln re-enactor who has visited
Logan County on many occasions in the persona of Lincoln in both his
pre- and post-election days.
The annual christening of the city of Lincoln re-enactment was
scheduled to take place in front of the Postville Courthouse at 3
p.m.
Leading up to that time, folklorist and musician Chris Vallillo was
entertaining the crowd in the front lawn. When “President Lincoln”
arrived, Vallillo gladly turned the microphone over to the
President, who wished to share some wisdom with the audience.
Speaking as Simpkins, the white haired gentleman in the stove pipe
hat said that he was very concerned about the days in which we live.
He has heard that our history is at risk and that even statues of
Abraham Lincoln, the great emancipator, are being removed from
public areas because it is “offensive” to sensitive people.
For him personally, it was incomprehensible that any race would be
offended by the actions of the 16th President. He urged everyone to
read their history and come to an understanding of the presidency of
Abraham Lincoln and the battles of the Civil War. He said that
destroying monuments could not destroy or change our history, but
understanding our history would enlighten us and give us a clearer
understanding of the actions of the President and the sacrifices of
all those who fought in the war.
Simpkins switched to his role as the 16th President-elect and
recited the speech that Abraham Lincoln gave as he departed Illinois
heading for Washington D.C. and his new role as President of the
United States.
My friends, no one, not in my situation,
can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place,
and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have
lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old
man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now
leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task
before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without
the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot
succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can
go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us
confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending
you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an
affectionate farewell.
Lincoln smoothly transitioned back to Simpkins who concluded his
time at the microphone with a few additional comments.
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“Let us see the day when we are no longer destroying
our history; [but] taking the time to study our history, good or
bad, rich or poor. We must learn from our history we know that
history repeats and we do not want another four years of war on
American soil. So then ladies and gentlemen, let it be an end to the
destruction of our monuments and the defacing of our Abraham Lincoln
monuments. Let it be a new birth of freedom and that government “of
the people, by the people and for the people shall not perish from
the face of the earth. Good bye my friends, good bye.”
Lincoln left the microphone area and Vallillo returned to
entertaining the crowd.
In addition to playing the part of Abraham Lincoln around the
country, Simpkins also has a museum in his hometown of Heyworth.
On Sunday he brought with him to the festival a couple of different
items from the museum to share with visitors.
The first was a print of a pencil drawing by Lloyd Ostendorf in 1970
entitled Mr. Lincoln christens his namesake city Lincoln, Illinois.
The reprint of the original was leveled as “Original commissioned by
Lincoln Savings and Loan Association.”
While that print is much loved in the community, it was the second
piece by Ostendorf dated in 1977 that received the most attention.
The drawing featured the likenesses of Charles (Charlie) Ott, Daris
Knauer and James T. Hickey standing at the foot of the “Lincoln the
Scholar” statue on the grounds of Lincoln College.
Ott was very well-known in Lincoln as our personal Abraham Lincoln.
He re-enacted that role on countless occasions throughout his
lifetime.
In addition, it was Ott, Knauer and Hickey who first devised a plan
to host a rail splitting festival in Lincoln and all three
participated in christening re-enactments at the festival for a
number of years.
Of the three, Knauer remains. On Sunday he was once again part of
that re-enactment much to the delight of all in attendance.
[Nila Smith] |
