Illinois 2012

July 11, 2012

Saw an amazing Presidential Museum today.   If you ever get to Springfield, IL make sure you see Lincoln's.   It's excellent!  We then decided to tour the old courthouse, it's truly magnificent.   The grand staircase is something out of Gone with the Wind.  We then went to a local farmers market in downtown...I bought a cantaloupe for a $1.00.   What a deal.   Then went home for lunch.

Returned to downtown around 1:00, got a ticket to tour Lincoln Home at 1:30, so looked at some of the homes in the area.   They all date back to 1860.  Most of Lincoln's neighbors were his supporters and helped get him elected.  The home is much larger than I anticipated.   It's a two story home and cost $1,500 back in 1860.   It reminded me of my grandmothers home.  

We then headed to the Dana-Thomas house....it was built by Frank Lloyd Wright.   It certainly was a home before it's time.   It's very unique, as is all of his projects.   This is Bobby's first for this architecture, so he was very impressed.  I'm seen 2 of this other projects.  

Headed back to Lincoln's home, as President Lincoln (local actor) was giving the visitors his farewell speech at Old Depot.   It was very moving.....the actor did a great job of portraying Lincoln.   We then head to home....will leave for Indianapolis in the morning.

July 10, 2012

Lincoln's Library - Springfield, IL

Left St Louis around 7:30, took a different route, went out and around St Louis (via hwy 270), not as scenic but less traffic.   We arrived in Springfield at the fairgrounds campgrounds around 11, then headed into downtown.   It's about 3 miles, headed for the Lincoln Library.   Decided to see it tomorrow, as they informed us it would take 4 hrs and I wanted to get to the visitors center and see a few sites.   They did inform us that they are having a flag ceramony at Lincoln's tomb tonight, so we'll go out there later.

Capital Bldg in Springfield, IL

Went to the visitors center, picked up my nightly reading material, then headed to Lincoln's home.  We got my National Park stamp, then watched the movie about his life prior to being elected president.  After this, we decided to go have lunch.   We'll tour the house tomorrow.  Went out to the Elks Lodge, it's about 8 miles from downtown....they don't have electric or water, so we'll stay at the fairgrounds for our entire stay.   Had lunch....drinks and our sandwiches cost $13....what a bargain.

Came back into downtown, went to the Frank Lloyd Wright home "Dana Thomas House" but it's closed on Tuesday's.   Then headed for the Capital Building...it's beautiful.  Took the self-guided tour, it was very interesting to see the senate, congress and Supreme Court sections.   The art and woodwork are so impressive. 


Afterwards we head for home....will check on Max prior to our going to Lincoln's tomb.