(09-17-2015, 11:06 PM)Gene C Wrote: I think it's really because he had to many corn dogs and onion rings at his late night stops at the Cozy Dog Drive Inn.

Wish I could be there with you, Gene! Especially for the Cozy Dog Drive Inn.

Of course, as a kid, my favorite place was the local Dog 'n' Suds, so I'm rather used to fine dining. As long as I can order draft root beer in a stein, I'm good.

--Jim

Only a week to go, and the weather forecast is looking great, with sunny days and highs in the upper 70's and lows in the lower 50's.

One of the fun stops we always make is a well known book store in downtown Springfield, Prairie Archives. They have books on all kinds of different subjects, and they have one of the best selections of books about Lincoln and the Civil War that I have seen in any one place. Their web site doesn't do them justice. While I really love a bargain, and get most of my book purchases over the internet, it's nice to see what your getting, and thumb through a book to see if it's what you really want. And then there is nothing quite like the aroma of an old book store. There are other interesting stores downtown too. Maybe purchase a treasure or two to take home to enjoy and remember.

Then off to a nice dinner with pleasant companions and interesting conversations. Our love of history and Abraham Lincoln is the reason for it all. I can't quite explain it, but I also think it's the friends I've made, and the people I get to meet. It's just a special time. We hope a few more of you will come and enjoy this with us.

(09-25-2015, 09:43 AM)Gene C Wrote: Only a week to go, and the weather forecast is looking great, with sunny days and highs in the upper 70's and lows in the lower 50's.

The weather is still looking great. Enjoy!

Thanks Roger!

(10-01-2015, 06:03 AM)RJNorton Wrote:

(09-25-2015, 09:43 AM)Gene C Wrote: Only a week to go, and the weather forecast is looking great, with sunny days and highs in the upper 70's and lows in the lower 50's.

The weather is still looking great. Enjoy!

While we enjoy the same temperatures here in Frankfurt/Germany, I cannot but be jealous of this trip that you guys are planning! I would love to see Springfield again with all of you and the combined knowledge. Wish you all the greatest time!!!

I, too, would love to beam me over...Have a great time, and please, share photos!

Many thanks to Joe Di Cola for sending these photos from the trip this past weekend!

Along with the photos Joe adds, "We went to the Lincoln Heritage Museum located on the campus of Lincoln College. They had a terrific interactive journey through Lincoln’s life as imagined as his review of his own life through whatever consciousness might have remained between his being shot and his death around nine hours later. It was well done. Then, on the first floor was another journey through Lincoln’s life via artifacts. No photos allowed in the 2nd floor interactive journey through Lincoln’s life."

The Lincoln Heritage Museum did an interesting hands on exhibits per Joe's description. You walk into a room or scene, it has a dream like quality to the presentation. People Lincoln knew are quoted as the story of his life progresses as you walk from room to room. You frequently see shadowy images, some still - some moving, but never real clear in the scene of which they take place. For me, the most powerful scenes were when Lincoln gives his unprepared speech at the railway station in Springfield in the rain, as he leaves for Washington. The other were statements Elizabeth Keckley makes regarding Lincoln's grief when Willie dies. Not designed for young children, but a powerful, and well done presentation. Throughout the entire journey, you hear a ticking clock in the background, as time slips away.

Off the beaten path of Springfield, but well worth the visit.

I saw where it's been announced that the Illinois State Museum in Springfield is being closed to the public due to the state's ongoing budget problems.

Hope it's only temporary.
I met some IL school administrators at the motel this weekend. They indicated part of IL budget problems were that over the past 20+ years, the state was not matching or contributing anything to the teachers pension funds that they were supposed to. They owe millions $,$$$,$$$'s to the teachers pension plan. The current governor is trying to deal with the sins of the past and operate within a budget (novel idea) and not spending money they don't have, which means budget cuts and cuts in services, while the house and senate wants to kick the can down the road for someone else to deal with. Unfortunately Illinois is not alone in this problem.

http://www.museum.state.il.us/

Great pictures. Would love to get here someday.

Yes...Thanks for sharing these great photos!!! I am surprised to see the water melon monument looks WAY smaller here than I had thought!!!

Susan, we will do this again next year. I've been to Springfield a few times, some with family, with a boy scout group, and with friends from the forum. The forum friends trips have been more fun, I've learned more and seen more. We have a schedule, but if you want to go and do something different it works out fine.
That's what Scott (STS Lincolnite) did. He went to the Lincoln Colloquium and joined us and worked our trip around that schedule. He's also attended the Surratt Conference so he can comment on all three for you.

Hope to get my photos posted by tomorrow.

Really enjoyed the pictures and report. Again, I will keep my fingers crossed to be able to go next year.