Well, it was kind of hard to see anyone’s shadow Saturday morning, with all the monsoons that moved across the area, but after the sun finally broke out around noon, I decided to go ahead and mosey on down to the Shadows of Lincoln Festival in downtown Decatur – not knowing if it had been canceled or not. Once I arrived downtown, I noticed that Central Park was bare and I sure didn’t see any horse drawn carriages! I decided to make a swing around Lincoln Square before I left, to see if anything was going on there, and I saw a large group of people on a walking tour, so I figured there must be some action going on somewhere. I drove by the Decatur Area Arts Council building and saw their doors were open and remembered that the Many Faces of Lincoln exhibit was going on, so I thought I might as well head in there so that the entire day wouldn’t be lost. Good thing I did because that’s where the Shadows of Lincoln Festival had moved to! Due to the rain, the activities had been moved indoors.
The Faces of Lincoln exhibit contains several different artistic impressions of Abraham Lincoln, from traditional oil and canvas paintings to painted washboards! It was interesting to see all the different styles and social statements, different artists had made, with Lincoln as the subject matter. The Shadows of Lincoln Festival artisans and storytellers, who were supposed to be in Central Park, were on the second and third floors of the building. We listened to stories about Lincoln’s life in Decatur and some other long yarns by a chap dressed in period clothing. I envy great storytellers because I’m simply awful at it! Lincoln was a master storyteller and jokester – that was a great talent to have in those days! It’s kind of a lost art today. I was disappointed the event was so sparsely attended but those that did attend were genuinely intrigued with the exhibits, artisans and storytellers.
After leaving the Decatur Area Arts Council building, the kids and I, decided to go over to the Ogelsby Mansion on William Street. I have to say, this was the most pleasurable part of the day’s events. My ten year old daughter, three-year old son and I were taken on a personal tour of the building by Betty Watkins, president of the mansion board. This was actually my first visit to the mansion, and I really feel like a heel for not going there before, because it’s certainly a historical treasure in Decatur. This is the home owned by Richard Oglesby, who was a three-time governor of the state of Illinois in the mid-1800′s. He was also a close friend of Abraham Lincoln and it was Oglesby who coined Lincoln, “The Railsplitter Candidate”, during the 1860 Republican State Convention that was held in Decatur. Oglesby remained a close friend of Lincoln through his presidency and was with Lincoln when Lincoln died.
Much of the original woodwork, fireplaces and chandeliers can still be found in the home, as well as period furniture, clothing and photos. There’s even an old-fashioned elevator, just to the left of the front entrance, that was installed by a later owner of the home. Fortunately, the house has only been owned by three different families over the past 130 years or so and is remarkably well preserved. When you get a chance, stop by! I’m sure you’ll be greeted by friendly volunteers eager to show you around and answer your questions. It’s open every Wendesyday and Saturday from 1:00 – 4:00 pm and the last Sunday of the month from 2:00 – 4:00 and is located at 421 W. William Street, just west of Downtown Decatur.
The Many Faces of Lincoln art exhibit runs through July 31st at the Decatur Area Arts Council building, so if you missed it Saturday, you still have time.
I hope that this year’s attendance, due to the lousy weather, doesn’t discourage organizers from holding the event next year. Every festival is at the mercy of Mother Nature! I sure did miss the horse carriage rides that I was looking forward too though, with today’s gas prices, I wanted to see how my future mode of transportation handled on Decatur’s roads!
