Lincoln Sites to Experience
by deecat
I'm going to combine 3 smaller sites for Abraham Lincoln into one tip.
LINCOLN FAMILY PEW
The Lincolns, like many of people in Springfield in the 1850's, maintained a "family pew" in their church. Surprisingly, they had to pay for this pew! To see this family pew, along with 7 lovely Tiffany windows, you need to visit the First Presbyterian Church at 321 South Seventh Street in Springfield. You are able to arrange Docent guided tours by calling (217 528-4311).
Free admission. (Photo #1)
LINCOLN-HERNDON LAW OFFICES
In the Old Capitol Plaza across from the Old Capitol, you are able to see where Abraham Lincoln served as a lawyer. (photographs #2 and 3) This is the only office, of the many he used, that still remains. You will be able to see the room where he practiced with Stephen T. Logan and then with William Herndon from 1843 until 1852. You may also visit the Springfield Post Office that was established here in 1841. At this post office citizens came to collect their mail and to socialize. There is also the Tinsley Gift Shop with one-of-a-king Lincoln Memorabilia.
ABRAHAM LINCOLN LEDGER
In the bank lobby of the JPMorgan Chase Bank at 6th and Washington Streets, Springfield, you are able to see the Lincoln ledger preserved in a custom-built case. The case is decorated with bas relief sculpture on 3 sides. It depicts Lincoln as his friends in central Illinois knew him...pioneer railsplitter; storekeeper and law student; and state representative.
This location was originally the Marine and Fire Insurance Company.
The ledger book is opened to the Lincoln account; his banker was Robert Irwin. After Lincoln's death, the account continued in the name of David Davis, the administrator of the Lincoln estate.
Viewing of the ledger at the bank: weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until noon. (photograph #4)
Great Candy, Nuts, and Ice Cream
by deecat
After visiting the new Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum complex, Mickey and I were starving; thus, we dicided to have a rich, enticing dessert...and what better place for that than one of the five Pease's Fine Candies/Salted Nuts Stores? This newest location [2004] is just across the street from the Library/Museum Complex, and it has a "show kitchen" where you are able to watch candy being made.
Of course, we both bought a few pieces of candy to take with us. I purchased two pieces of dark chocolate toffee, and Mickey purchased a dark chocolate with cream center Easter egg.
Pease's if famous for their Milk and dark chocolates in their "Assorted Chocolates box"; their "Raggedy Macs" [a mix of Milk Chocolate, their famous Caramel, and fresh roasted Macadamia Nuts]; Wrapped Vanilla Caramels [soft cream caramels made the "old fashioned way" for 4 generations]; and finally, "Lincoln Logs" [a crunchy pretzel rod dunked into famous caramel and then dipped into either milk or white choolate. You can just imagine how Lincoln's hometown loves these Lincoln Logs.
Since they also sell Ice Cream, Mickey and I decided to try some. I had a single cone, and Mickey had a single dip dish of Heath Candy Ice Cream, which was rich and delicious. See Mickey eating her ice cream in the photo #1.
Besides the location that we visited, they also have stores in these locations:
531 East Washington Street
1701 S. State Street
1871 Sangamon Avenue
3417 Freedom Drive
The Dana-Thomas House
by Sunshine64
Many people may not know that the most "complete" house designed by Frank Lloyd Wright is in Springfield, IL. Not only is this house huge (over 35 rooms), it also has most of the original furniture, which was also designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The guided tour is very interesting. During the busy, summer tourist season, reservations are recommended. The tour takes about an hour, and includes both the inside and outside of the house.
Descriptions cannot do the house justice. You have to see it for yourself. The link below to the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, however, does a great job.
I've been writing about all...
by brdwtchr
I've been writing about all the Lincoln Historical sites so far but I also visited the capital and the Illinois State Museum. I thought it was a fine museum. Springfield also has a botanical garden, Henson Robinson Zoo, a children's museum, and even a telephone museum I did not have time to see in the day I was there. Photo here was taken at the museum.
Tour Lincoln Memories
by BruceDunning
There are a number of things to do and see in the city, all related to Lincoln. His home where he lived is one of the best sites, but also the old State Capitol is magnificent inside and is a need to see site. Besides those, there is also the Executive mansion, current State Capitol, his law offices, and some other preserved homes in the area.
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Old State Capitol
Hilton Hotel in Springfield, Illinois
License Plates and Rt. 66 Sign
Inside the Lincoln League Museum Store
