Springfield Tour

[Gene C]

Here are my photos. I tried not to duplicate those from previous visits

A few brief notes.........

https://www.flickr.com/photos/105898294@...7241969323

We started our visit with a trip to Lincoln, IL to visit the Lincoln Heritage Museum. They requested we not take photo's of the exhibits. While they may have fewer Lincoln artifacts than the Lincoln Museum in Springfield, they did a very nice job of presenting Lincoln's life story in a unique and interesting way. Well worth the effort to visit this museum.

A visit to the rebuilt Potsville Courthouse (closed) and then lunch at the Blue Dog Café (Fido would have been pleased) Our next stop, The State Bank of Lincoln, a pleasant and unexpected surprise. They have a statue of Lincoln in the middle of the bank. We asked the bank manager, Karen Coatts for permission to take pictures. She was very kind. I was surprised to see 6 original Lloyd Ostendorf paintings and life masks of Lincoln by Leonard Volk made from, I believe, the original molds. Then a few stops around the town, all within a few blocks.

Our next stop was the Mt. Pulaski Courthouse, one of the two still standing original courthouses where Lincoln practiced law. Our guide, a nice senior citizen, was excited with our group of four and three other visitors, as it was the largest tour group she had ever had. It was humbling to stand in the very spot where Lincoln had tried legal cases. In honor of the occasion, our guide gave Joe and me (Scott had to leave early to attend the Lincoln Colloquium) a nice print and a small cardboard replica of the 175th anniversary of the courthouse. (Last three pictures)

Then back to Springfield. The next morning a tour of the Lincoln Museum and a visit to Prairie Archives Book Store. After lunch, a tour of the Lincoln Home and a walk down the street where he lived. A short rest and then the much anticipated dinner with Scott (STS Lincolnite) at the Cozy Dog Drive In. A memorable experience. Then off to New Salem for the candle light tour. They only offer this once a year for three days. It was very crowded, with lines of people waiting to see each building. Due to the crowds and candle light it was almost impossible to get any good photo's. Afterword, some time to visit and relax. We said our goodbye's and the next morning we headed home. Good memories made with new friends, I look forward to doing this again.

I met with some disappointment as I presented my home coming gift. (last photo) Fortunately we had a few pumpkin apple muffins leftover. They were cheerfully accepted and enjoyed, so all is well.