Springfield in July

[Donna McCreary]

(07-20-2013 03:55 AM)RJNorton Wrote:  

(07-15-2013 04:59 PM)Donna McCreary Wrote:  Hi everyone,
I just wanted to post that I am in Springfield, Illinois for the observance of the 131st anniversary of Mary Lincoln's death. Every year at 10 am, on July 16th, we gather at the Lincoln Tomb for a memorial and wreath laying ceremony. If you are anywhere near, please stop by.

Following the ceremony, I will remain in Springfield for a few days doing research. I am reading some of the diaries written by journalist during the Civil War. Fun!

How did everything go, Donna?

The memorial for Mary Lincoln was beautiful. Max Daniels (a famed Lincoln presenter) spoke as did others. There were more wreaths presented this year than ever before. We had a difficult time getting them all in one photograph!

I stayed for several days after the memorial to dig in the files at the ALPL and complete some research quests. What I saw was a dream come true -- letters written by Elizabeth Edwards -- lettes that were donated decades ago - filed - forgotten -- and misplaced. I had a blast! I also read a couple of period diaries written by Civil War journalist. It was a very productive trip.