We left Jacksonville, MO around 11 am and set course for Beardstown, IL, made famous by the Beardstown Ladies Investment Club. Our visit had nothing to do with investing. We visited friends, Carla and Rick Simmert. Carla is a blessing as she is the person God had in place to take over Mary's web site, SafeHaven, when Mary no longer had the time to give it the attention it needed. We spent a couple hours with the Simmert's and their children, enjoying great conversation over a Pizza Hut lunch.
We bid adieu to the Simmerts and made our way to Springfield, IL, the State Capitol. Our first stop was the only home that Abraham Lincoln owned in his entire life. Most of the artifacts were not originals from the house, but were from the same era. However, it was fascinating to see the desk that Lincoln actually used, perhaps to compose State of the Union addresses. As we toured the modest two-story home, I felt a connection with this great President, imagining what it may have been like to have spoken with him. I sensed that he was truly the People's President, and would have been very approachable and kind.
We then toured the Old Capitol Building, visiting the original State Senate chamber, House of Representatives, Supreme Court and other government offices. The tour guide was from Oklahoma, and she did an excellent job of bringing life to the old building, peppering the tour with anecdotes of Lincoln and others who spent their time serving the public at that location. I was particularly impressed with a story she told of Stephen A. Douglas, the man who ran against Lincoln for the President. She recounted the time that Lincoln came forth to accept the victory he had been handed by the American people, and he took his hat off, handing it to the person in closest proximity. That person just happened to be Douglas! And in a classy manner unknown to most politicians today, Douglas humbly and graciously held Lincoln's hat. When asked about the incident later, Douglas said something to this effect. "If I can't be President, I can at least hold the President's hat".
Next, we went to Lincoln's tomb, which I found to be both a solemn and inspiring experience. The monument entombing The Great Emancipator was enormous. You just can't miss it as you enter the cemetary. From the statues surrounding each corner to the names of each state engraved in the foundation to the larger-than-life statue of the man himself, it was a stunning testimony to the profound affect Lincoln had on our nation.
We entered the monument, lined with beautiful marble, and navigated our way to the rear, where Lincoln was laid to rest. Standing at the tomb was a moving experience for me. I pondered the Lincoln's rise from uneducated country boy to leader of the free world. I considered how well-liked he was by the people and many of his contemporaries. And I thought of the profound effect his decisions have had on the current state of our nation. Perhaps no President is better loved and revered than Mr. Lincoln. I must admit that I got a bit misty standing in his presence, even though he is not really there, and though he was still just a man. He was a man that God choose to use in an incredibly significant way, and Lincoln stood to answer the call. Oh, that each of us would rise to the calling for our lives. His devotion to God was apparant in his writings, his speeches and his life. I was blessed to have had this brush with greatness.
After learning a great deal about President Lincoln, we jumped back in the minivan and drove to Champaign, IL, my old college stomping grounds. We took a brief drive through town, but it was already dark and it was getting late. Checking into the local La Quinta Inn, the assistant manager, Michael, set us up with a great suite at a great price. If you ever head this way, tell him the Mayor of WorldVillage.com sent ya!
When you get to Massachusetts, be SURE to visit Plimouth Plantation in Plymouth. This is the very best way to learn history painlessly.
The Plantation consists of one lane with log cabins on either side. It has been authentically researched and reproduced. It is the only historic facility that I have ever seen which is 100% staffed by 1st person (not just costumed) interpreters. They even speak with the accents of the parts of England from which they came.
The time frame is 1624, from which you can not shake any of the wonderful actors. It is the most appealing, informative, interesting place I have ever visited. Just be prepared to ask questions. Otherwise all you'll see is Pilgrims from 1624 acting out their daily lives. You can go through there in 15 minutes and come out very disappointed, or you can speak up and stay for hours learning and experiencing life as it really was back then.