The temple is closed for maintinance for two weeks and we are off traveling. Our first day took us to Springfield, Illinois, the state capitol. Our goal was to see all things "Lincoln." We found the Abraham Lincoln Museum and enjoyed the self-guided tour.
We watched two ten minute videos depicting the life of Abraham Lincoln and his family. They were very well done complete with special effects that made you feel you were present in what was happening.
We walked through a replica of the log cabin Abe grew up in, a one room cabin where many people ate, slept, and lived. It opened into rooms with artifacts of his life.
We were excited to get a picture with Abraham and Mary and three of their sons in front of the White House.
Inside the White House we saw a collection of dresses Mary would have worn while she lived there.
The Lincoln's at the Ford Theater.
We went to the Old State Capitol. It was here Lincoln defended cases for his clients and served in the state government.
A beautiful staircase occupies the center of the room.
Stairs go up both sides of the case. The stars in a circle denote the flag as a division battle flag of the Civil War.
Here in the Supreme Court room, Lincoln argued over 200 cases.
Representatives Hall. There is a piano over by the stove. Lincoln made his famous "House Divided" speech here.
It was in this room Lincoln's body lay in state following his death. All of the desks, chairs, tables, stand, and so forth were removed. The portrait of George Washington was the only thing left in the room in its position. In less than 24 hours 75,000 people viewed the body.
The Senate.
Lincoln walked and talked in these very rooms many times throughout his law and political careers.
Senate Gallery.
Union Station was opened in 1898 by the Illinois Central Railroad, costing $75,000. It is designed in the Romanesque Revival style with decorative stone and brick work, and strong geometric form with a soaring clock tower. The clock tower is 110 feet tall. It is 150 feet to the top of the flagpole.
Passengers stood at these windows to purchase tickets
Steven Spielberg, director of the movie, "Lincoln," was so taken with the man and his life that he and DreamWorks Studios have put the sets, costumes, and props from the movie on long-term loan here in Union Station.
Mary's room in the movie. This was a dress she wore. Sally Fields was approximately 65 when she played the part. She gained 20 pounds fit the character.
The office set is closely modeled on an exhibit in the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum. The "Lincoln" production team studied the presentation of the office in great detail before creating their version for the movie. The suit was worn by Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln.
The north side of Union Station. The station has been renovated two times since first being built. The current clocks were made by the Electric Time Company and keep time through Global Positioning Satellite technology. The four clock faces are eight feet, one inch in diameter and made of aluminum.
The day was ending so we found a Fairfield Inn for the night and a Longhorn restaurant for dinner. The meal was delicious and our evening was very enjoyable. Bob received reward points on his credit card a couple of months ago and they are taking care of hotels and evening meals. We call it an early anniversary celebration.
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