Shared Illusions

I’m looking forward to Charlie’s post! What a way to start mine. That’s the space I’m in.

How many days ago were we in Springfield OH? Sheesh. It was just this past Monday the 13th. We toured Lincoln’s home which is pretty much as it was left when the family left for DC. He expected to return and continue his law practice with his partner.

There wasn’t much info regarding his younger days, living in a log cabin, though it was referenced. He didn’t have much in the way of formal education. Those were the days when you could enter a profession if you did right by your book learnin’. Think of the discipline required to teach yourself how to be a lawyer. Think of the reading, writing, and the ability to be clear speaking and eloquent. He gained his reputation through diligence and competence. I’m now inclined to read a biography. There must be one.

The house was initially a one story cottage. As the family and his popularity grew, so did the house, to the two story home given to the city of Springfield to be kept as a museum. Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd Lincoln (the only child to reach adulthood) donated the family home to the State of Illinois in 1887 under the condition that it would forever be well maintained and open to the public at no charge. State forest rangers now provide the guided tour. Ours was most enthusiastic and provided scintillating detail which you’ll have to acquire by attending your own guided tour.

We quite liked this area which included act block radius of other local homes and the inhabitants therein.

In addition, that neighborhood hosts beautiful old buildings that now house restaurants and coffee houses, which would have been delightful to visit, but time marches on.

On the way to the statehouse we walked through a bicentennial park which paid homage to a variety of local black personages who made good for themselves while also elevating the local population. For example, one man, a builder constructed hones for black families at a reasonable rate. At the time local white devils would charge inordinate amounts in rent to black folk. This man, and I apologize for not knowing his name, helped many a family by providing quality homes at affordable prices.

The state house was a worthwhile visit. Beautiful, stately building. Photos follow

From Springfield IL we headed to Springfield OH. A long and arduous journey and part of the reason these posts are delayed. Such is life on the road.