Thursday, April 7, 2016

THE FINAL RESTING PLACE FOR PRESIDENT LINCOLN

Tuesday, April 5 – With cold weather and even SNOW predicted for Ohio, we've extended our stay here at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield, IL. That also gives us some time to slow down and get some projects completed on the RV.

Paul replaced the sewer hose that had rotted from the sun. Luckily he found it falling apart BEFORE he dumped the sewer. He also checked all the tires and adjusted the air pressure considering the much colder temperatures. He had adjusted the tires in Houston when the temperature was 85*, today it is the low 40's. Surprisingly, they didn't need too much adjusting. He did find out his tire pressure gauge isn't reading correctly. He has one on the air compressor but will need to purchase another one in order to check the pressure when not using the compressor.

Today was the Cleveland Indians opener (postponed from yesterday due to inclement weather), so we shortened our sightseeing day to watch the game. Another good reason to extend our stay here in Springfield. Sadly, the Tribe lost Sad smile.

We did visit Lincoln's Tomb State Historical Site this morning. The 117-foot tall Lincoln Tomb is constructed of granite quarried at Quincy, Massachusetts. The names of the 37 states were inscribed in the terrace-level (not opened to the public) during construction; other state's names were included as they were created.

Lincoln's Tomb

At the corners of the shaft, large pedestals serve as bases for four bronze sculptures, each with a group of figures representing one of the four Civil War military services—infantry, artillery, cavalry, and navy. The military groups were cast in part with metal from sixty-fix cannons donated by the U.S. government.

Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb

When Marsha went to snap the next photo, a visitor landed on the finger of one of the men.
Lincoln Tomb

Lincoln Tomb

What a moving experience. We learned, due to his unexpected death, his body was moved three times before finally being entombed in the monument. The monument is very nice. The entire family's remains are buried here with the exception of the oldest son, Robert. He is the only Lincoln child to live to adulthood and is buried at Arlington Cemetery in Washington, DC.

Designed by famed sculptor, Larkin Mead completed in 1874, this beautiful landmark is nestled in Oak Ridge Cemetery and is surpassed only by Arlington as the most visited cemetery in the nation.

Lincoln's Tomb

At the entrance to the tomb is a bronze bust of Mr. Lincoln. Visitors from around the world have stopped to rub the nose of the statue for good luck, as evidenced by the shiny condition of the statue's nose.

Lincoln's Tomb

We learned that there are no more Lincoln’s in the ancestry line. Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith is the last.

Lincoln's Tomb

Lincoln’s remains rest in a concrete vault ten feet below the marble floor of the burial chamber.

Lincoln tomb

Crypts in the chamber’s south wall hold the remains of Mary, Edward, Willie and Tad Lincoln.

Lincoln's Tomb

Lincoln's Tomb

In the entrance way, is a replica done by the same artist, Daniel Chester French, who sculptured the Lincoln Memorial in Washing DC. The docent showed us some features that many people miss. One that really stood out to us was that President Lincoln is actually sitting on an American flag. The symbolism is that he would do anything to protect the United States.

Lincoln's Tomb

There are many, many other statues that represent Lincoln’s life.

Lincoln's Tomb

We also visited the two other burial sites that Lincoln's remains were entombed prior to the completion of his final resting place. Both are located just over the hill behind the current tomb.

Lincoln's Tomb

The past and the present.
Lincoln's Tomb

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!

Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Monday, April 4 continued – After our wonderful visit to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, we then walked about five blocks to Lincoln Home National Historic Site. With our parking pass, we should have driven, but we're never confident about getting a parking spot for the big truck. In hind sight.....drive. There is plenty of parking. One bonus of our walk was a stop we made at Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery. This is a microbrewery with some great beers and a very delicious soft pretzel. Actually, all the food we viewed being served look delicious....we must have been really hungry!

Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery

Obed & Isaac's Microbrewery

Marsha’s Obed’s House Cider; Paul’s Adeline’s Belgian TripleObed & Isaac's Microbrewery

Once we arrived at the Historic Site, we received a ticket for our house tour time. The house is open for guided tours, and the tour is free.While waiting  to take the tour, there are two movie theatres about Lincoln's Home where he lived for the seventeen years. The movies are excellent. The tour guide was very informative.

Lincoln Home

The backyard contained…what else but…an three-seater outhouse.

Lincoln Home

Lincoln Home

The house contains all original furnishing of the Lincoln’s. The tour really allowed us to feel Lincoln's life before becoming president. Although an amazing historical figure, in many ways he lived a pretty normal life before becoming president during the Civil War.

NOTE: As you look at the photos, keep a keen eye for the coordination…or shall we say…lack of coordination with the carpet and the wallpaper. Paul actually mentioned this to the tour guide. Everyone got a good laugh.

The front parlor. Original furnishings.
Lincoln House

“Whatnot” shelf where Mrs. Lincoln displayed her finest items.
Lincoln House

 One of President Lincoln’s many, many hats.
Lincoln House

Back parlor. Remember the carpet and wallpaper.
Lincoln House

Lincoln House

The guest bedroom.
Lincoln House

Lincoln House

Here is where Mr. Lincoln slept.
Lincoln House

His writing table where he spent hours and hours.Lincoln House

Lincoln House

Mrs. Lincoln’s bedroom. Can you guess what that brown box is?
Most of them today are white and porcelain.
Lincoln House

The boy’s room. The boys played with a these toys.Lincoln House

Hired girl’s room.
Lincoln House

Lincoln House

Lincoln House

The kitchen is very small.
DSC06989

Lincoln House

The entire neighborhood has been restored to what it was like during his time. Most of the other homes are open. We were welcomed to stroll through them at our leisure.

Lincoln House

We have plenty more to see here in Springfield, IL, so stop back so we can share “Everything Lincoln” with you. What did you think about the carpet and wallpaper…interesting for sure.

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!

Tuesday, April 5, 2016

ABE LINCOLN PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY & MUSEUM

Monday, April 4 – Don't miss this Presidential Library and Museum. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, IL, is a MUST see. It is for sure the best Presidential Library and Museum we've visited.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

We started our day at the Springfield Visitor's Center. We suggest this stop, if for no other reason, you can get a coupon for a discount at the Lincoln Library and Museum. $16 for both of us rather than the usual $24. Nice deal! We also received a free parking pass to use on a majority of the parking meters any where in Springfield during our visit. Along with numerous pamphlets and great visitor advice this was a bonus stop.

We then walked just up the street to the Presidential Library and Museum. We were greeted by a volunteer that explained the Library and suggested how best to see the five areas in the building. We started with the two movies which were amazing by themselves. We were also told where we could and could not take photos. No photos in the two movies is allowed.

The first movie, “Ghosts of the Library,” is a magical presentation explaining why it is important to “save all this stuff.” The historian in the movie is joined by ghosts of Civil War soldiers and even Abraham Lincoln to reveal why history matters. We don't want to be a “spoiler” so be sure to see this movie....the end will thrill you!

The second movie, “Lincoln's Eyes,” is a multi-screened presentation viewing the Civil War through Lincoln's eyes. Unexpected special effects will put you in the center of dramatic moments in history. Awesome!

We then visited the first area of the Library – the Log Cabin. This area informs visitors about Lincoln’s boyhood life where his dream began. It follows him along his path from store clerk, to husband and father, to lawyer, and to politician.
Remember…you can click on any photo to enlarge it.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

One-room cabin is where Lincoln grew up.Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Abe during his courting years with Mary.Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Mary's Blue Room explains how Mary Lincoln helped her husband's career and the glamour and challenge of life in the Executive Mansion. This scene also introduces you to the great crises that affected her and the nation: fighting a war, ending slavery, and unexpected deaths.

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

The War Gallery is the stirring events affecting Lincoln during the Civil War. Just to see how Abraham Lincoln aged during this time period explains the suffering this man endured during his presidency. This section is very moving and nearly brought us to tears!

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

When Lincoln presented the Emancipation Proclamation to his cabinet.
They were not very happy.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

You can see how much Mr. Lincoln aged over a very short time.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

John Wilkes Booth entering President Lincoln’s box at the Ford’s Theater.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

What it looked like when Mr. Lincoln was lying in state.
Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

The Treasure Gallery is a display of dozens of original artifacts of the Lincolns and their contemporaries. The softly lit, changing display included his stovepipe hat, Mary's letters and jewels, the Gettysburg Address, and more. We were delighted in viewing Lincoln's stovepipe hat, where we saw the hat was worn away by Lincoln's fingers as he tipped his hat to the ladies. Pretty amazing! No photos permitted.

We really enjoyed the Museum  and strongly urge you to visit if near Springfield, IL. Please allow at least three hours to see the Museum. You'll need every bit of that time and maybe more!

Guess we shouldn’t have smiled. No one else did. Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum

Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!