+- Lincoln Discussion Symposium (https://rogerjnorton.com/LincolnDiscussionSymposium)
+-- Forum: Lincoln Discussion Symposium (https://rogerjnorton.com/LincolnDiscussionSymposium/forum-1.html)
+--- Forum: Assassination (https://rogerjnorton.com/LincolnDiscussionSymposium/forum-5.html)
+--- Thread: Interesting piece on the rocking chair (/thread-5187.html)
Interesting piece on the rocking chair - J. Beckert - 08-29-2026
https://www.thehenryford.org/collections/explore/popular-research-topics/the-lincoln-chair
RE: Interesting piece on the rocking chair - RJNorton - 08-30-2026
Fascinating article, Joe!
RE: Interesting piece on the rocking chair - Juan Marrero - 08-30-2026
(08-29-2026, 09:29 PM)J. Beckert Wrote: https://www.thehenryford.org/collections/explore/popular-research-topics/the-lincoln-chair
That is very interesting. Last year, my daughter visited the Ford Museum and photographed the chair. Prudently, she chose not to pose in front of it. It would be a bit jarring to pose with a smile. Yet staring blankly or appearing morose might be a bit off too. Indeed, still too soon.
Similarly, tourists visiting Auschwitz are subtly encouraged not to smile in their selfies. I once saw on-line photos of happy looking people standing in front of the "Arbeit Macht Frei" sign. That is way too soon.
Speaking of relics, from what I've read, the box was destroyed without preservation of materials. Apparently, only the door with the peep hole survives. I wonder if any of the gas fixtures proximate to the box still exist.
RE: Interesting piece on the rocking chair - J. Beckert - 08-30-2026
From what I understand, the complete interior of Fords was gutted within a year. The original engraving of Washington that hung on the box that night and may bear evidence of a kick from Booth's spur, hung there until sometime ago when it was replaced with a replica.
RE: Interesting piece on the rocking chair - Juan Marrero - 08-30-2026
(08-30-2026, 03:31 PM)J. Beckert Wrote: From what I understand, the complete interior of Fords was gutted within a year. The original engraving of Washington that hung on the box that night and may bear evidence of a kick from Booth's spur, hung there until sometime ago when it was replaced with a replica.
Perhaps, by "disappearing" the presidential box, the government sought to promote closure for all those traumatized by the event. Yet wouldn't it be something if a demolition worker took home part of the railing or floor home to be discovered 161 years later. Nah, won't happen.
Many important items were destroyed or suppressed--e.g., Booth's autopsy picture, Miss Harris' dress. Fortunately, on balance, some unlikely items, such as the last cup and saucer used by the president before going to the theater, were preserved.