Original Lincoln Home Cottage to be Reconstructed

[Joe Di Cola]

I meant to respond yesterday but was away at a funeral.
I agree completely with every point of the response and letter OPPOSING the bizarre idea of erecting a replica of the Dresser/Lincoln cottage. In recreating the Lincoln neighborhood, the NPS removed structures that were not present in 1861, restored extant structures to their 1861 appearance, and made other efforts to enhance visitor experiences to the neighborhood--including the restoration of the Lincoln home to its 1861 appearance. So why is there support for the proposed project?! The cottage was modified at least twice before the major construction that added a full second story. These changes made by the Lincolns are detailed in a document prepared by the Historic American Building Survey published by the NPS in 2015.
The Lincoln neighborhood should not be "Disneyized" with the proposed replica cottage. Walk down South Eighth Street some evening when there are fewer visitors about. When you pass the Lincoln home, you almost expect the front door of the home to open and to hear greetings from the Lincolns. The addition of the replica cottage will introduce fakery into the Lincoln neighborhood experience. What can the proposers and supporters be thinking?