Sunday, May 5, 2013

Sunday, May 05, 2013
 We arrived in Springfield, IL yesterday and are camping at the State Fair Grounds.  Nothing pretty or fancy, just a paved parking lot but it is convenient to everything, and has water, sewer & electric.  They are full and have some large RV’s here and everything is friendly.

 It has rained both days here, but we still had a great visit because most things were inside and the few outside we did between showers when possible.  It’s also been chilly, low 40s at night and low 60s during the day.  We remember these kind days from when we lived in Indiana. 

The Lincoln Family
 
 I tried to convice John Wilkes Booth not to kill the President, but he wouldn't listen.
 
 The family grew while we were there
 
 Young Abe in front of a one room Log Cabin like what he grew up in.

Yesterday we visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.  It was educational and very well done and interesting.  In the movie called “Through his eyes”, you could feel the gunshots during the war and then when it got to the scene of his death, that gunshot stayed with you as you felt like you were in the theater.
 
After the Museum, we went to Oak Ridge Cemetery to Lincoln’s Tomb. It was very large and beautiful with long marble hallways and bronze sculptors of him. Pictures were allowed but it was very somber. It left an impression on our minds.

The first thing we did was touch Lincoln's golden nose.
We were told we should do that to get good luck.

 
 The front of the tomb
 
The front of the tomb
 
One of many sculpters inside
 

 The Grave
 
Surrounding beauty
 
Today, Sunday, we went to Lincoln’s home. It was the only house Lincoln ever owned. He and his family lived here from 1844 until they left for Washington in 1861. He was killed 4 years after becoming President. The home has his original Furniture and the same wallpaper and carpet it had when he was there. The U. S. National Park Service has restored the entire street. We had a nice tour of the home.

Touring the Street
 Lincoln's Home
 

  Lincoln's sitting room
 
We visited the Capitol and then headed home.
 
 
All of these historical sites are free. 
A Rainy Day, yes; but A Great Day!

3 comments:

Jon Waalewyn said...

Wow, Very nice.. Its like taking a stroll through History. I loved your comments about your day. We really appreciate the time and effort you've put into this blog. Thank You for taking us on this great trip with you!

Ton and Jeri said...

Thanks for your nice comments Jon. It makes us feel good to know you are enjoying it. Tell the family hi.
It's 6:30 p.m. Florida time and 77 degrees right now in Debuque, Iowa. Nice surprise
Love,
Mom & Dad

Betty Lee said...

OH, LOVED this day!!!! I hope you gave the gold nose of Lincoln an extra rub for me. Also, I have no doubt if my sis had more time she could have talked John Booth out of the killing. She can do anything she sets her mind to! Love you both...loving the trip.