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 
.
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.
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.
When Marsha went to snap the next photo, a visitor landed on the finger of one of the men.
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.
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.
We learned that there are no more Lincoln’s in the ancestry line. Robert Todd Lincoln Beckwith is the last.
Lincoln’s remains rest in a concrete vault ten feet below the marble floor of the burial chamber.
Crypts in the chamber’s south wall hold the remains of Mary, Edward, Willie and Tad Lincoln.
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.
There are many, many other statues that represent Lincoln’s life.
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.
The past and the present.
Thanks for stopping by. Hope to see y’all back real soon. Have a great day!
