1860 photo taken 4 days after Mr.
Lincoln visited Lincoln, Illinois, for the last time. Info at 3 below.
This President
grew;
His town does too.
Link to Lincoln:
Lincoln & Logan County Development Partnership
Site
Map
Testimonials
Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission of Lincoln, IL
1.
Abraham Lincoln and the Historic Postville
Courthouse,
including a William Maxwell connection to the Postville Courthouse
2.
About Henry Ford and the Postville Courthouse, the
Story of the Postville Courthouse Replica,
Tantivy, & the Postville Park
Neighborhood in the
Route 66 Era
3.
The Rise of Abraham Lincoln and the Founding of Lincoln, Illinois,
also the founding of Lincoln College, the plot to steal Lincoln's
body, and memories of Lincoln College and the Rustic Tavern-Inn
4.
Introduction to the Social & Economic History of
Lincoln, Illinois, including poetry by William Childress
& commentary by Federal Judge Bob Goebel & Illinois Appellate Court
Judge Jim Knecht
5.
"Social Consciousness in William Maxwell's
Writings Based on Lincoln, Illinois" (an article published in the
Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society, winter 2005-06)
5.a.
Peeking Behind the Wizard's Screen: William
Maxwell's Literary Art as Revealed by a Study of the Black Characters in
Billie Dyer and Other Stories
6.
Introduction to the Railroad & Route 66 Heritage
of Lincoln, Illinois
7.
The Living Railroad Heritage of Lincoln, Illinois:
on Track as a Symbol of the "Usable Past"
8.
Route 66 Overview Map of Lincoln with 42 Sites,
Descriptions, & Photos
9.
The Hensons of Business Route 66
10.
The Wilsons of Business
Route 66,
including the Wilson Grocery & Shell Station
11.
Route 66 Map & Photos Showing Lincoln Memorial
Park
(former Chautauqua site),
the Historic Cemeteries, & Nearby Sites
12.
Route 66 Map & Photos Showing Salt Creek &
Cemetery Hill,
including
the highway bridges, GM&O bridge, Madigan State Park, the old dam (with
photos & Leigh's memoir of "shooting the rapids" over the old dam), &
the Ernie Edwards' Pig-Hip Restaurant Museum in Broadwell
13.
The Historic Logan County Courthouse, Past &
Present
14.
Route 66 Map
with 51 Sites in the Business & Courthouse Square Historic District,
including locations of historical markers
(on the National Register of Historic Places)
15.
Vintage Scenes of the Business & Courthouse Square
Historic District
16.
The Foley House: A
Monument to Civic Leadership
(on the National Register of
Historic Places)
17.
Agriculture in
the Route 66 Era
18.
Arts & Entertainment Heritage,
including
the Lincoln Theatre Roy Rogers' Riders Club of the
1950s
19.
Business Heritage
20.
Cars, Trucks & Gas Stations of the Route 66 Era
21.
Churches, including the hometown
churches of Author William Maxwell & Theologian Reinhold Niebuhr
22.
Factories, Past and Present
23.
Food Stores of
the Route 66 Era
24.
Government
25.
Hospitals, Past and Present
26.
Hotels & Restaurants of the Railroad & Route 66
Eras
27.
Lincoln Developmental Center
(Lincoln State School & Colony in
the Route 66 era), plus
debunking the myth of
Lincoln, Illinois, choosing the Asylum over the University of Illinois
28.
Mining Coal, Limestone, & Sand & Gravel; Lincoln Lakes; & Utilities
29.
Museums & Parks, including the Lincoln College
Museum and its Abraham Lincoln Collection, plus the Heritage-in-Flight
Museum
30.
Neighborhoods
with Distinction
31.
News Media in the Route 66 Era
32.
The Odd
Fellows' Children's Home
33.
Schools
34.
Memories of the 1900 Lincoln Community High School,
including Fred Blanford's dramatic account of the lost marble
fountain of youth
35.
A Tribute to the Historians and Advocates of
Lincoln, Illinois
36.
Watering Holes of the Route 66 Era
37.
The Historic 1953 Centennial Celebration of
Lincoln, Illinois
38.
The Festive 2003 Sesqui-centennial Celebration of
Lincoln, Illinois, including photos of LCHS Class of 1960
dignitaries & the Blanfords
39.
Why Did the State Police Raid Lincoln, Illinois,
on October 11, 1950?
40.
The Gambling Raids in Lincoln and Logan County,
Illinois,
During the Late Route 66 Era (1950-1960)
_______
Pages
in this section tell about Leigh Henson's Lincoln years, moving away,
revisits, and career:
About Lincoln, Illinois;
This
Web Site; & Me
A Tribute to Lincolnite Edward Darold
Henson: World War II U.S. Army Veteran of the Battles for Normandy and
the Hedgerows; Brittany and Brest; and the Ardennes (Battle of the
Bulge)
For Remembrance, Understanding, & Fun: Lincoln
Community High School Mid-20th-Century Alums' Internet Community
(a Web site and
email exchange devoted to collaborative memoir and the sharing of photos
related to Lincoln, Illinois)
Directory of Email Addresses of 168 Mid-20th
Century LCHS Alums
Leigh Henson's Pilgrimage to Lincoln, Illinois, on
July 12, 2001
Leigh Henson's
Review of Dr. Burkhardt's William Maxwell Biography
Leigh Henson's Review of Ernie Edwards' biography,
Pig-Hips on Route 66, by William Kaszynski
Teach Local Authors: Considering the Literature of
Lincoln, Illinois
Web Site About
Leigh Henson's Professional Life
__________
Pages
in this section are about the writing, memorabilia, and Web sites of
other Lincolnites:
A Tribute to Bill and Phyllis Stigall:
Exemplary Faculty of Lincoln College at Mid-Twentieth Century
A Tribute to the Krotzes of Lincoln, Illinois
A Tribute to Robert Wilson (LCHS '46): Author of
Young in Illinois, Movies Editor of December Magazine,
Friend and Colleague of December Press Publisher Curt Johnson, and
Correspondent with William Maxwell i
Brad Dye (LCHS '60): His Lincoln, Illinois, Web
Site,
including photos of many churches
Dave Armbrust's Memorabilia of Lincoln, Illinois
Leigh Henson's
Review of Dr. Barabara Burkhardt's William Maxwell Biography
Leigh Henson's Review of Ernie Edwards' biography,
Pig-Hips on Route 66, by William Kaszynski
Leigh Henson's Review of Jan Schumacher's
Glimpses of Lincoln, Illinois
J. Richard
(JR) Fikuart
(LCHS '65):
The
Fikuarts of Lincoln, Illinois, including their
connections to the William Maxwell family and three generations of
family fun at Lincoln Lakes
Jerry Gibson (LCHS '60): Lincoln, Illinois,
Memoirs & Other Stories
Dave Johnson (LCHS '56): His Web Site for the
Lincoln Community High School Class of 1956
Sportswriter David Kindred: Memoir of His
Grandmother Lena & Her West Side Tavern on Sangamon Street in the Route
66 Era
Judge Jim Knecht
(LCHS '62): Memoir and Short Story, "Other People's Money," Set in
Hickey's Billiards on Chicago Street in the Route 66 Era
William A. "Bill" Krueger (LCHS '52): Information
for His Books About Murders in Lincoln
Norm Schroeder (LCHS '60): Short Stories
Stan Stringer Writes About His Family, Mark
Holland, and Lincoln, Illinois
Thomas Walsh: Anecdotes Relating to This Legendary
Attorney from Lincoln by Attorney Fred Blanford & Judge Jim Knecht
A Tribute to Robert Wilson (LCHS '46): Author of
Young in Illinois, Movies Editor of December Magazine,
Friend and Colleague of December Press Publisher Curt Johnson, and
Correspondent with William Maxwell, including excerpts
from Young in Illinois and from Maxwell's letters to Robert;
family photos and information from Robert's only child, Sue Young
Wilson; commentary from Literary Critic Lee Walleck; and memoir by Curt
Johnson
Leon Zeter (LCHS '53): His Web Site for the
Lincoln Community High School Class of 1953,
including announcements of LCHS class reunions
(Post yours there.)
__________
|
Highway Sign of
the Times:
1926-1960
The Route 66
Association of Illinois
The Illinois
State Historical Society
Illinois
Tourism Site:
Enjoy Illinois
|
| |
Marquee Lights of the Lincoln Theatre, est. 1923, Lincoln, Illinois |
Testimonials
and More Memories of Lincoln, IL
Newspaper Feature Stories About this
Web Site
Lincoln Courier's
Capturing Lincoln on
the Web
by Nancy Rollings Saul
Lincoln Daily News.com's
Websites: Gateway to the World by Jan
Youngquist
Peoria Journal Star's
"Lincoln
online" by John O'Connell
Mailed and Emailed Complimentary Messages
(scroll to near bottom for most recent)
"Dear Leigh, to paraphrase A.E. Housman a bit, 'Terence, this is splendid
stuff.' You don't have to be a history buff -- which I am -- to enjoy the
smooth flow and fascinating tidbits you've come up with . . . . And
just so you know I'm not stretching any truths, I am known as a cold-hearted S.O.B. when it comes to literary stuff. Which is why I loathe anything
having to do with that sappy crap .
. . ."
-- Unsolicited testimonial for this Web site from William Childress, retired
columnist of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, author of three
books, 30+ stories, 200+ published poems, and freelance
writer (from email correspondence, March, 2003). He was nominated for
the Pulitzer Prize in 1985 and 1986 (dust jacket of Out of the Ozarks).
"A marvelous job--well written, thoughtful, telling. I will be
re-reading and re-reading it. Other towns should be so lucky. Very
impressive!"
-- Unsolicited testimonial from Curt Johnson, friend and colleague of Lincolnite Author Robert Wilson (LCHS Class of 1946),
editor and publisher of December magazine and December Press since 1962, novelist (Song for Three
Voices), nonfiction writer (Wicked City Chicago), and editor of
milestone literary publications, including Green Isle in the Sea: An
Informal History of the Alternative Press, 1960-85 (from letters to
Leigh Henson,
November and December, 2003).
-----
Sent: Tuesday, July 08, 2003 3:06 PM
Subject: Re: New Web site about Lincoln, IL
Dear Leigh,
You are absolutely correct to point out
that your website supports the mission of the Chamber. Thank you for
providing positive, informative stories and terrific historic photos about
our great community! I have a modest collection of historic postcards
myself, so it was fun to see others.
Stop in and see us when you're here on
a visit! Again, thanks for sharing your e-scrapbook.
Sincerely,
Bobbi Abbott
>===== Original Message From "Richard Sumrall"
< [email protected]> =====
>Dr. Henson,
>
>My apologies for not contacting you sooner.
>
>I want to congratulate you on the outstanding web site, Mr. Lincoln,
Route 66, & Other Highlights of Lincoln, Illinois. This is going to
give our library a tremendous advantage when working with out of town
visitors and requests for information. Our intent is to add a link
to your web site on our web site, www.lincolnpubliclibrary.org , and
spread the word about Lincoln, Illinois. I had hoped to contact you
with the news that this link has been completed but I'm still working with
our web site host. When this link is established I will contact you
immediately. In the meantime, congratulations again and thank you
from all of us in Lincoln for your hard work on behalf of our community.
>
>Richard
>
>Richard Sumrall, Library Director
>Lincoln Public Library District
>725 Pekin Street
>Lincoln, Illinois 62656
>
>217-732-8878
>217-732-6273 (fax)
>
>www.lincolnpubliclibrary.org
>[email protected]
Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 11:43 AM
Subject: Re: [route66] New IL Route 66 Web site
Leigh-
Now that is a major and exceptional undertaking. I'm going to print it out
and read every page.
Congratulations.
David Knudson, Executive Director
National Historic Route 66 Federation
P.O. Box 1848 / Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
Phone 909-336-6131 / Fax 909-336-1039
E-Mail
[email protected]
Web Site http://www.national66.org
Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, September 17, 2004 12:22 PM
Subject: Wow! What a site!
Hello!
All I was doing was looking for a place to bring my tour groups to for
lunch in Lincoln and found your site! It is so perfect so now I want to
know more because we are coming from OKC where we will be visiting some
Route 66 sites.
Where can we stop for lunch for 47 people? And is there anyway we can
spend a little time to tour past some sites?
Lois
Steliga, President
Travel America
8719 W. Greenfield Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53214
PH: 414-258-4886
EFAX: 262-364-2267
FAX: 414-258-2945
Website:
www.travelamericatours.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, November 22, 2004 4:12 PM
Subject: lincoln visit
Greetings,
This website was useful in the planning of our trip. We will take route
66 down to Springfield and this looks like a town I want to visit. I am
originally from WA state (moved to Chicago) and know nothing about the
midwest- this will help add to my midwest flavor for sure. Taryn
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2003 6:38 PM
Subject: Email address
Dr. Henson,
I
appreciate the time you've spent on this project. I think it will be a
great resource for all current and former Lincoln residents. Please add
my email address to your list. Could it be ordered more or less by
graduating class?
I haven't
viewed the entire site as yet. Is there an area where photos could be
uploaded or shall we send them to you to upload? I'm sure I have
memorabilia at my parent's home in Lincoln that might be of interest.
Thanks
again,
J Richard
Fikuart
Brighton,
Iowa
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, July 12, 2003 6:33 AM
Subject: Good Morning
Hope you've had a good week. Just wanted to let you know several at
work brought in the article that was in the paper [Courier] to work last
week. Someone put it on the board since there are so many that went to
LCHS that work at MII. Some of the younger ones had a million questions.
Seems we must
have had many more good high school memories than some of them had. My
kids were all involved in sports etc. and daughter in cheerleading so they
did have some good times. Times sure have changed. In talking with the
younger ones, they found it hard to believe that we had the open lunch
hour at the old high school. Had a lot of fun in that hour.
|
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 2:07 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 7-4-03
Hi Leigh!
I'm so impressed with this web site. It's
like reading about my childhood. And seeing Washington School again was
such a treat. I felt so sad then it was torn down and turned into a
parking lot. Just like that old song back in the 60's - 70's "Paved
Paradise, Put Up A Parking Lot." Although Washington School wasn't
Paradise, it was 'home' for a lot of us. I flew up from a Blue
Bird to a Brownie on those old cracked steps.
Your picture is so very professorial! I love
it! Thanks for all your work that you do for us (and I'm sure for
yourself as well).
jg
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 3:00 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 7-4-03
A truly remarkable accomplishment--a rich
trove of memory and history--thank you for the hours of pleasure I look
forward to--a great web site. JIM KNECHT
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 7-4-03
Leigh...thanks for posting the schools in
Lincoln. I think you are right about Monroe....I lived just a couple of
blocks from Monroe and attended that school through 6th grade. Funny...
I don't remember it looking as big as the picture portrays it. A nice
look back....Nancy Bauer Ireland '58
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, July 04, 2003 8:57 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 7-4-03
> THANK YOU, LEIGH, SEEMS INADEQUATE, BUT I'LL SAY IT AGAIN...THANK
YOU!!!
>
> SEEING THE PICTURE OF MONROE SCHOOL BRINGS BACK A FLOOD OF MEMORIES TO
ME. WE LIVED ACROSS THE STREET FROM LATHAM PARK UNTIL I WAS 8 YEARS OLD, IN
#3 LATHAM PLACE, #2 LATHAM PLACE AND THEN IN THE APARTMENT BUILDING BEFORE
MOVING TO THE HOUSE MY FOLKS HAD BUILT, WHICH WAS DIAGONALLY ACROSS FROM THE
KERRIGAN FUNERAL HOME.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, July 05, 2003 1:37 PM
Subject: Lincoln Courier
> Leigh,
>
> Congratulations regarding coverage and location of your web site , your
photo and some information regarding the contents of the web site. This
article appeared on the front page of today's Lincoln Courier.
>
> I want to thank you again for your tireless effort in providing updates to
the LCHS alumni that have signed on to your site. I never take such work or
action for granted, instead I feel honored to have access to the timely
information.
>
> Please keep on, keeping on.
>
>Les Van Bibber
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2003 5:01 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 7-4-03
Dear Leigh:
I've been visiting your new website, and its
great!!! Thanks for the acknowledgement.
Kindest regards,
Stan
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 06, 2003 7:39 PM
Subject: Lincoln postcards
Just received your email. Enjoy your web
site......Great Job! I have been collecting Lincoln post cards
for about 30 years and have approximately
190. Some date back to 1906. Some are of street scenes, schools,
buildings, parks, college, state school, and etc. Would you be
interested in putting some of these on your web site? I will be in
Lincoln the last weekend of August.
Ron Lessen
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, July 07, 2003 4:33 PM
Subject: Your new "site"
Leigh,
Just got my first gander at your
new labor of love. I'm sure you're getting a lot of congratulatory mail
so I'll keep this short and get back to you later. You are to be
congratulated for such a hearty effort! I haven't had but a moment to
look around, but I can see many tell-tale signs of the staggering amount
of effort you have put into this site; so many things to "see and do". I
want to start at the beginning, but can't help but jump around. Thanks,
Leigh, for your talent, for our common interests, and for your Spartan
work ethic.
Appreciatively, Bob
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 10, 2003 1:01 PM
Subject: Re: New Lincoln Web site
(under Lincoln Links).
The site looks terrific!
Congratulations on a job well done.
Best,
Roger Norton
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 11:00 AM
Subject: NEW E-MAIL ADDRESS
Leigh,
Since you have included me in the periodic e-mailings of Lincolnian
things, I have been enjoying the stories and pictures very much. I do get
back to Lincoln about twice a year as I still have relatives there. But,
alas it has changed, as we all have, and the new Web Site is a tremendous
leap forward.
Congratulations on a job well done, and thanks so much for all the hard
work and time you have invested to make it what is.
Again, my new address is [email protected]
Thanks again.
Hal Loomis, Class of '58
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 13, 2003 1:11 PM
Subject: better late than never
Leigh,
I looked at the web site the day it arrived and jotted down a message
put it in the draft folder and did not send it. I'm sorry I did not give
you more immediate feed back. I've been back to site several times and I
not sure when I'll get through it all. I seem to get stuck enjoying
various sections.
I have just finished my first “glimpse” at your new web site. I had
to jot down some words which describe what I was feeling when I exited the
site the first time. I think blown away, consumed, proud, inspired,
impressed, and just a little emotional would be good for starters.
I did not expect the breadth and depth of your research. You
mentioned there were many contributors, but only those of us who have
“played” with the development of web pages can truly appreciate the
personal involvement of this undertaking.
The City of Lincoln will soon celebrate a birthday. I’m sure there
will be a special effort by some of us to “come home" after the
resurrection of so many memories.. I would like to propose that we find a
time and a location for “Leigh’s Legion” of e-mailers to meet and greet
sometime during the festivities. Many of us have enjoyed the electronic
interaction the past couple of years and I believe such a gathering would
also be enjoyable.
I want you to know that I very much appreciate the personal
acknowledgments mentioned in the site.
Congratulations and thanks again,
Dave Johnson
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 1:12 PM
Subject: [route66] Re: New IL Route 66 Web site
This site is INCREDIBLE!!
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 15, 2003 2:19 PM
Subject: your site..!
> Hi..
> Thank you for the wonderful web tour. What detail and how easy to
navigate and find more info. I will link to this at my resource page if >
you don't mind?
> <http://route66clicks.com/8states.html>
> hugs..
> Cheryl
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 12:01 PM
Subject: Re: Lincoln, IL
Leigh
Thanks for the email--thanks for your efforts
on Lincoln web page & adding me to your contacts--
Tom
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2003 12:24 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 7-19-03
Leigh,
Once again, you have put out a winner... I have learned so much and so
many memories have been awakened through your untiring and accurate
writing about Lincoln and Lincolnites...... I am one, most likely of
many, whom think that anything written by you, book or otherwise, would
be a bestseller....
With much admiration,
G. McKinney (former Marine, Diplomat, hostage and kidnapped) (now
retired in South Texas on the Mexican border) class of 59....
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, July 21, 2003 7:55 AM
Subject: RE: LCHS, 7-19-03
Leigh - Thanks for the
update. Your project is awesome, and with the synergy it has created,
can become truly phenomenal!
-Nancy Saul
-----
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2003 1:48 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 7-19-03
Leigh,
I've been meaning to write--Congrats the site
is excellent.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, July 24, 2003 5:19 AM
Subject: site
> Have been watching the "counter" (in case it does what I think it does)
and am pleased with the "increase." I did take the time to forward a link
to a few dozen folks in my address book that I do not ordinarily correspond
with--but ones I thought might be interested in the link. Three took the
time to send what I considered to be sincere positive responses. While it
might be my imagination--it seems to have worked a little extra bump on the
counter--and that may have even been disproportionate to the number
contacted--except to the extent they may have forwarded it on to other
Lincolnites in their address books. No wish to "steal your thunder" as I am
assuming many that you have already contacted have been forwarding >
similarly.
>
> I believe interest will continue to grow. Kudos on a job well >
done. fred
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2003 7:07 AM
Subject: opus
> Hi Leigh,
>
> First, I wanted to say congrats on your "magnum opus" - I am impressed,
it's quite a site to see.(excuse the bad language)
>
> Anyway, I promised my sister Mary I would scan this pic and send it... you
may recognize the 'players' unposed and unassuming as they are.
>
> Also, I'm attaching something I saw in the paper the other day, small
world....
>
> regards,
> Vic
Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, August 12, 2003 9:11 AM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 8-11-03: Fw: ...and our walls (and halls) came
tumbling down!
Leigh
You've done a fantastic job with this website. I thoroughly enjoy reading
the historical materials especially. There is so much to be found on this
site, that it will take some time to get through it all! I have also
shared the one email with a co-worker who graduated from Lincoln College.
He fell in love with Lincoln while attending there.
Keep the good "stuff" coming, Leigh.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, August 14, 2003 9:09 PM
Subject: Re: [Illinois-Route66] New Web Site Covering Rte. 66 at
Lincoln, IL
Leigh,
That is a great site! you could have provided the complete URL in the
original message. I did go to this group's home page and saw that you put
the URL in the Subject line.
As an educated person who has done lots of research and one who believes in
properly footnoting sources with correct citations, I think you are doing a
fantastic jobs.
I find Abraham Lincoln and his complete life story fascinating. I look at
some of his life a little differently than the average person does; but, I
won't say exactly why here. But, it has to do with his personality, his
friendships, his relationships, and the psychological aspects of it and some
things that I have read in various sources at the local public library.
Keep up the good work. Oh, I used to be an educator, too. But, that was in
languages and in art.
Peace,
Joe Allen Doty
Oh, I do have some Illinois roots. My grandfather, Lewis Doty, was born in
Peoria. Never did get to go there, maybe someday before I get too old I
will. He came to Indian Territory before Oklahoma was a state. He lived to
be 88 and I am almost 61. Hope to live that long, too.
Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, September 02, 2003 11:49 AM
Subject: LINCOLN WEB "BOOK"
Hi Leigh,
Please add my email address to the list of
LCHS graduates. I attended the school from 1953 to 1957 and graduated, I
believe, in the last class from the so-called "old building." My father,
George Kriviskey, was principal from 1953 through 1958 and was
instrumental in the bringing the then "new" high school to fruition.
Your "web" book is delightfully done and a
treat to read. Any thoughts of publishing this, or something like it, in
an old-fashioned, 20th century print format?
Bruce Kriviskey, LCHS Class of 1957
Falls Church, Virginia
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, September 09, 2003 11:50 PM
Subject: (no subject)
Leigh i want
you to know i graduated in 1959 from lincoln community high school in
lincoln illinois my name is robert hoffman my email address is
[email protected]. the website is
awesome brings back memories of lincoln illinois and the city .i like
the website very much . bob hoffman
Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, October 19, 2003 2:00 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 10-18-03 (Literary Lincoln, IL)
Leigh,
You do a swell job with your website!!!
Rhoda Holland
Original Message From John Thudium <[email protected]> =====
Dear Dr. Henson,
My name is John Thudium and I am Jim Thudium's nephew, and Vic and Gerry's
grandson; my father was Dave Thudium (Jim's older brother) who unfortunately
passed away in 1988 from lung cancer. I just wanted to tell you how much I
enjoyed stumbling across your website ("Mr. Lincoln, Route 66, & Other
Highlights of Lincoln, Illinois"), and how much I appreciated your thorough
and -- obviously -- painstakingly compiled history of Lincoln. I never
actually lived in Lincoln (I grew up in Connecticut, where I still live
today), but we visited regularly throughout my childhood and that warm
little midwestern community -- and all of the folks there who knew my dad's
family -- have always had a special place in my family's hearts. It's
obvious from your efforts and the memories you share that you too have a
particular fondness for the town, and the years you spent growing up there.
I really enjoyed your mix of historical facts, past and present photos, and
your own personal experiences growing up there. Living in the northeast, my
dad always looked back on his memories of growing up in
Lincoln with great fondness, and truly missed living there; he always had
stories similar to yours about what it was like there back then, with a
similar cast of characters that included guys like Gene Leisman,
Brewster Parker, Paul Dooley, Jerry Alberts, etc. He was about six years
older than my uncle Jim (and I assume you as well), so you may or may not
recognize the names.
I especially appreciated your anecdotes that included memories of my uncle
as a young -- let's say -- colorful character in Lincoln's history, and your
own past. You definitely captured his spirit, and I
laughed out loud when I read those stories. He currently lives in
Springfield with his (third) wife Marje, and has two daughters and a son in
various parts of the country. . . . He is the only living member of my
dad's family, as my grandparents have been gone for many years (my
grandmother died in 1975 and my grandfather died in 1985) as has my dad, and
I think he would have really enjoyed being mentioned in your memoirs. I look
forward to sharing them with his kids.
I also appreciated the several references to my grandparents and Lincoln
Office. Unfortunately we were forced to sell the company immediately
following my father's passing, but it continues to thrive under it's current
ownership; unfortunately it's ties to Lincoln and the people from Lincoln
who helped create and build the business are merely a nod in it's history.
Regardless, it's nice that you remembered my grandparents and their place in
Lincoln's past. You also mentioned some of my favorite spots in Lincoln that
I too have fond memories of, like The Tropics, and The Court Yard
(ex-Blu-Inn; I remember it as The Heritage Inn); incidentally my grandfather
co-owned these properties with a business partner along with a few other
places, most of which have since been sold off. But among the few remaining
properties still co-owned under my grandfather's estate is the "Court Yard"
property. . . .
Anyway, you did a wonderful job in creating an intimate look at Lincoln's
history and how the town affected your life. Thanks again for including my
uncle and grandparents and for sharing your experiences. Your site has
allowed me the opportunity to share my own memories of Lincoln and my dad's
family with my wife, and to be able to show her photos of some of the places
that are significant in my own family history. I plan to capture some of the
pages so I can share them with my 11 month old daughter when she gets older.
I'd love to hear any other memories of my uncle you might have, and of any
other folks from Lincoln we may have in common if you ever have some time to
share them. Feel free to drop me a line at this e-mail
address any time.
Best Regards,
John Thudium
Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, December 17, 2003 4:04 PM
Subject: Re: Voice(s) from your past
Hi Leigh,
I have seen your web site and
commend you for all your work, it is very well done and certainly brings
back a lot of memories for all who see it.
Best Wishes to you and your
family. Jack
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 5:29 AM
Subject: Re: Route 66 at Lincoln, IL
Leigh,
>
Thank you very much for a FABULOUS resource. I and others will look forward
to more of your work.
>
> Best Regards,
>
> Tom Flasch
> Naperville, Il
> Illinois Route 66 Association
Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: "About Lincoln, Illinois; This Web Site; and Me"
Dear Leigh:
Thanks so much for your reply.
Yes, the "first" Griesheim Building was purchased from the Gillett-Oglesby
heirs by Meyer Griesheim. At one time is was apparently known as "The
Kresge Corner". A men's clothing store was operated on the premises until
a fire destroyed the 64 year old structure in 1932. Two people also
tragically died in that fire...occupants seemingly trapped in a third
floor apartment.
In 1932 the building was rebuilt by Meyer Griesheim's son-in-law, Henry
Edelmuth of NYC. He did the job right! Extensive use of Italian marble...
classic era iron work...and terra cotta above the second story windows,
The building was built in the Art Deco style and remains in that classic
tradition through the present day. The Griesheim Building is listed on the
National Register of Historic Places.
I haven't been to Lincoln since I was 15 so it's been almost 40 years!
Once our renovations are completed I intend to take my 85 year old father
back to see it once again!
Thank you for all of your very interesting and most informative work on
the history of Lincoln.
Best regards,
Bill J. Livingston
Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 2:59 PM
Subject: Lincoln
Thanks for your prompt reply.
Please feel free to use my Martha Anderson offering
any way you wish.
Even though I have been away from Lincoln for more
than fifty years, I still feel it is my home town and try to maintain
contact with my high school friends. Last week Bob Krotz and Jo
(Pokorski) Pluth and Ed Pluth came over and the four of us had lunch
together. I see others whenever possible and look forward to every class
reunion or birthday party our group has.
About Pekin, I don't know if you could call me a
public figure or not but I have been involved in politics for many years.
I served six years on the county board and six as Circuit Clerk but still
count my time spent being a mother as the most gratifying of my life.
Your description of Tom is correct so you must have
had him in one of your classes. He spent many, many, years getting his
PHD all the while being a husband and father.
I have enjoyed reading your various web sites. Keep
up the good work.
Dorothy Duncanson
Message -----
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2004 7:16 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS 1-25 -04
Dear Leigh,
I don't know you personally, but I appreciate all
the attention that you give to Lincoln's history. When you send something
to all of us, I think it makes the day more interesting and stirs our
memories. Thanks very much. Marilyn Hale Meadows, LCHS 1953
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 2:59 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS 2-15-04
Leigh: I just wanted to let you know that I
spent several hours with your website this morning and thoroughly enjoyed
it!
I have only been back to Lincoln once since I
left in 1962 after college graduation, so my memory of streets and
landmarks is fuzzy at best. Spending time with the maps and landmark call
outs got me re-acclimated and then enjoying the site so much more.
My Mom and Dad moved to Lincoln in about 1932
with my dad going to work for Central Illinois and Gas after loosing his
farm in the depression years. They initially lived in the apartments
across the street from the light office and then on Hudson street, near
the college. Our final home was on N. College street along with the
Malerich's, Cadwalders, Kolf's and Werth's, with Mr. and Mrs. Leonards
stable and farm right across the street. (They were LaVara Moores parents:
a favorite teacher of mine).
Anyway, I used to often walk from Central
School down to the light office to hang around until time for Dad to go
home. As such, I enjoyed many of the establishments around that area such
as the Ace Novelty (does anyone remember itching powder?), Brown's
grocery, Fegle's barber shop, and of course, Henry Birche's. My pool days
were not at Hickey's, but around the corner in Pulaski street. Jim's story
was quite interesting and illustrative and fun to read.
And the County Fair writings almost make my
mouth water! I do remember the lemon shakes, corn dogs, and of course the
grilled onions and burgers that I think Fred talked about earlier. One
year, the Boy Scouts has some display which I helped man, and got to spend
many hours on the "midway". They had a ride called the "Rocko Plane" I
think, and I loved it. In one evening, I rode it 28 times, never once
loosing my "supper" but lots of other things fell out of my pockets. The
ground under the "Rocko Plane" was a rich area for pocket change and other
goodies.
Anyway, thank you for a wonderful web site,
and the experience of exploring it! I can tell that it was a labor of
love, but it is also an extremely valuable resource for those of us who
were there, and those that will follow.
Thank You Leigh
Jerry Crum
PS: I have some old Rail Splitters from around
1956-1958. If interested, I will scan some of the more interesting
articles to send to you. Just let me know.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 4:10 PM
Subject: history & present
Afternoon Leigh - you will not remember
me, since I am a contemporary of your Dad, whom I see nearly every
morning @ Melo-Cream. "Doodles" is one fine man and you can be proud
of him. Wish there were pics of him shooting his two-handed chest
shot. You are doing a great job with your journey into our past. Best
regards - bill gossett
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 10:20 AM
Subject: GREAT
Hello,
I do not know you nor have I heard tell of
you! Your article to LDN is absolutely a breath of fresh air! I
visited your link that you made available at the end of your article.
It is absolutely amazing and ever so interesting. I am not a Lincolnite
as such, but have "settled" here for the past 29+ years....more than
half my life! I just skimmed through the site & can't wait to spend
some leisure time to view the different sections in depth.
It is so reassuring to view some positive
things about this centrally located, blue collared, eager to prosper and
grow community; called Lincoln Illinois!
Sincerely,
Bonnie
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 08, 2004 11:27 AM
Subject: a stop in Lincoln
> We will passing through, spending the night, in Lincoln next Saturday.
We are from Williamson County, Texas(Austin is the big city).
>
> We are more Civil War buffs rather that Abe buffs, but we would enjoy any
sites related to either.
>
> I am particularly interested in any copies of the Address on display.
Having spent some time as a lay
> Gettysburg "historian", this would be of great interest.
>
> We also have a 12 year old daughter who could use some interesting time.
We will probably have just a few hours before moving north to Green Bay.
>
> Thank you, Larry Janes
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, March 12, 2004 7:47 PM
Subject: web site
> I just have to tell you how much I have enjoyed reading the web site.
Thanks to cyber space I received this information from a classmate of 1946
of Lincoln HS. Her son found this web sight and emailed it to his > Mother
who lives in Florida. That is Jeanette Weaver Stevens . Jeanette's
father was part owner of McGrath sand and gravel and Lincoln Lakes.
Janette went to Wesleyan and I went to ISU , graduated from there in 1950,
got married to Cal Broughton and went to northern Illinois to teach school.
Cal's brothers were Dale, who died 2 years ago with West Nile and lived near
Effingham with his second wife. Dale was Business Manager of the
Shellbyville school district. Dean is in Petersburg and was superintendent
in that school district. I think Bob Wilson lived near the Broughtons and
went to school with us. My brother graduated in 1947 from HS and my sister
Judy Anderson in 1956. My folks both taught at Lincoln College and my
brother and sister went to school there. My father N.H.Anderson was also a
Farm Adviser in Logan County. Now you can see why I really enjoyed reading
this web sight and so appreciative of all the info. We have printed it out
so to read and enjoy . I have printed an extra copy for my bother as he is
a CPA in Belleville but doesn't do the computer. Thank you again and I
could tie in to so many names and places. I went with my father when he
went out to visit the farmers and knew the Mays and many others as well as
the Logan Co fair when he was involved and I knew many of the 4-H kids.
> Mary H. Broughton
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, March 17, 2004 8:37 PM
Subject: 1962 graduate
What a treat to find your
website. It brings back LOTS of memories. I loved reading about
different class members. Please add me to the other year directory.
Nancy Tague Adkisson - !962 -
[email protected] I'm married to a Methodist pastor and live in
Blackwell, OK. Wish we could get set up for a 1962 site....
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2004 3:22 AM
Subject: Mr Lincoln., Route 66, and other highlights of Lincoln
Illinois
Hello Mr. Henson. I just wanted to commend
you on this Great site! I just stumbled upon it cruising the internet. I
was born (1956) and raised in Lincoln till I moved to California in
1983. I have been reading and checking out pictures that bring back a
LOT of memories of Lincoln for about 5 hours now. I will be visiting
this site regularly , as there are a lot of items I have not had the
chance to check out yet. Thanks Again, your effort is greatly
appreciated by this former linconite !...........Jay Burger
Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, March 23, 2004 12:20 PM
Subject: Lincoln State School
Hello - so glad we found this web site. What
is the current status of Lincoln School? Where can one obtain information
about residents, especially looking for information about children's
ability to care for self, etc, etc. Thank you. Wendell R. Anderson
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, March 26, 2004 2:11 PM
Subject: Lincoln, IL
> Your website is absolutely amazing. I first found it perhaps a month
ago. I was amazed! There's another human being on the planet who is as
fascinated with Lincoln as I am! It's mazing, and a little eerie that you
have photographs of some of the places that I think of as almost sacred
ground. My now ex-wife and I spent the first year of our marriage in a
little one bedroom apartment on the west side of Stringer Avenue, just
about half a block south of the Old Mill Tavern. We met and courted while
attending Lincoln Christian College. I will write some more later if you
don't mind.
>
> Thanks again,
Lee Walker
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, April 23, 2004 9:54 PM
Subject: Lincoln, IL
> I would like to thank you for the many different articles on
Lincoln that you have put together. My finacee goes to school (LCCS) and
so I have made several trips up there to visit her. Soon I will be living
there. I came across your website while searching for information on
Lincoln Developmental
Center (LDC) that closed in 2001 or so. We drove by it, on the way to the
YMCA, and it was just a beautiful campus a few years after it has been
closed. Ideas have been racing in my mind about the campus, and some
business ventures. Your site has been very informational on LDC. However,
comments of reopening have been talked about, but from the research that I
have done, nothing seems to be sticking to that situation. So, if it
reopens or not, I wont know till I get to talk to some officials in
Lincoln.
>
> Again thank you for a very informational site.
>
> John Mathews
> Belleville Illinois
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 8:44 AM
Subject: Lincoln IL Website
Thank you so much for creating this
website! I'm a Lincolnite in exile, have been an avid reader of Nancy
Gehlbach's historical newsletter, and occasionally long for the home
town.
Helen Hartnell (great-granddaughter of
Adeline Gillette Bates Hartnell)
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 9:26 PM
Subject: Congratulations
Leigh:
Congratulations on the recognition of all your hard work! I see you
are still earning A's after all these years.
Dan Gaydosh
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 9:26 PM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 5-10-04
> Congrats on the award, and much deserved. Keep up the excellent
work. I am quite sure many former lincolnites, and a few of us who never
managed to leave dear old Lincoln, look forward to your updates. I
particularly enjoyed the recent ramblings by and about Jim Knecht. He and
I continue to be close friends and converse and see each other often. He
certainly came a long way from the days we played together on Sangamon
street and later shared a "friendly" game of 9-ball at Hickey's.
>
It was good to see you at Mello-Cream recently; even though it took a look
or two to recall the beardless face. Your dad and share a jab or two
about every day, he about my Cubs, and me his Red Sox. It has been
a long dry spell for both teams......maybe this year.
> Keep up the good work. Regards..Pete
>
Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, May 10, 2004 11:23 PM
Subject: RE: LCHS, 5-10-04
Congratulations!!!!!
I am so glad you got some recognition
for all your
hard work. I can't
begin to tell you how much it has all meant to me. Thanks again.
Gwen
|
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, June 01, 2004 1:30 PM
Subject: Congratulations for the ISHS award
> Leigh,
> Sometimes I am amazed at what the internet brings to me. The
chain: Page D4 of the Decatur
> Herald and Review - June 1 - I see a name I don't recognize, but a
Lincolnite. I read on. The website
> looks interesting and I check it out and find familiar names listed and
you as a '60 graduate. You wouldn't know me but for an older brother who
is listed on your credits. Interesting. Congratulations for succeeding
in the world of news and acclaim.
> Steve Goebel, Class of '65 - currently a grade school
> principal at Cowden-Herrick Schools - south and west
> of Shelbyville, IL.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, June 17, 2004 9:16 AM
Subject: Re: GM&O info and request
Leigh,
Your message about Lincoln, Illinois was most interesting, and the web
site you have developed, especially the info about the crossing of the
three railroads that shows I was wrong about it's being an overpass. I
will modify the copy on my page and link to yours, if that's OK, so that
viewers can go directly to your information. Also, I do not mind if you
"borrow" my Lincoln scene, as long as you credit – ©2004 Richard
Leonard.
-----
Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2004 5:04 AM
Subject: Re: Robert Wilson Tribute Page Online
Hi, Leigh,
Wow, what an impressive piece of work that is!
You've put a lot of labor of love into this project.
Sue Young Wilson
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, June 26, 2004 12:45 PM
Subject: Lincoln Railroad Site
> I was just visiting your wonderful site, but there is a sentence in
which is misleading. You state that the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad
became Amtrak in 1971. This is not true. Amtrak merely took over the
passenger train business of the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio in the 1971. Amtrak
did not absorb any railroad.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Skip Gatermann
> St. Louis, MO
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, June 30, 2004 7:29 PM
Subject: The old telephone booth
Leigh. I never get tired of reading your
great web site because it brings back many fond memories of the old
home town. I was interested the article on the old telephone booth
which appeared in the Courier. I remember as a rookie cop on the
Lincoln Police Dept. in the early 60's I was often assigned to go
watch for tornados in that booth during stormy weather. I remember the
first time I went up there on that assignment (given to me mostly for
the amusement of senior officers without much hope of spotting
a twister in the dark of a stormy night). The wind was blowing so hard
I almost didn't make it to the booth and once inside I wished I
hadn't. The thing almost walked off the roof with me in it. I just
hung on and hoped to live through the experience to be allowed to
return to the life of fighting drunks and catching killers. The thing
that interested me about being in the old booth was the items I found
there. First there was a WW2 enemy aircraft identification book to be
used by those valiant souls that went aloft to spot for all those
German and Japanese bombers that were such a danger to Lincoln,
Illinois. To help in this assignment was an old pair of binoculars
with only one eyepiece. Needless to say I never spotted a tornado or
any enemy airplanes or much of anything else during those stormy
nights assigned to that old shaking telephone booth. It would be a
shame to get rid of that old landmark. One would think with all of
modern engineering available a solution to leaking roofs could be
found.
Bill Krueger
William A. Krueger
Author of "A Force for Evil: Assassination in a Small Town"
A true crime novel about the Fry Murder Case in Lincoln, Illinois as
written by the investigating detective.
http://www.1stbooks.com/bookview/17911
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, July 02, 2004 12:30 PM
Subject: ITC History
> I am helping to write a book on the life of Robert Lewis, former editor
and publisher of Railway Age, along with Bob himself and Bill Vantuono, the
present editor of Railway Age. Simmons-Boardman will be publishing the book.
We hope to have the book draft completed in the next 60 days.
>
> Bob has one or more pictures on the ITC that will be included in the book,
along with a brief write up of the railroad's history. Below is a copy of
the edited and abstracted text, most of which I found on your web page at:
>
http://www.geocities.com/findinglincolnillinois/railroadpage.html
>
> With your permission, we may want to use this edited text and give credit
to you and the web site as a source of information. I would also welcome any
editorial comments or notes on factual errors you may observe. I would
particularly welcome any additional material you may have, as the thumbnail
summary is very sketchy.
>
> Thanks for your review and consideration.
>
> Bob Leilich
> [email protected]
>
> Incorporated in 1895, and opening in 1896, the Illinois Terminal Company
was
> built to supply terminal facilities to the railroads entering the Alton,
> Illinois area and to develop local manufacturing interests. The railroad
> operated passenger services between 1907 and 1956 and ended freight
services
> in 1962.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, July 07, 2004 11:43 PM
Subject: lincoln website.......
Professor Henson,
Enjoyed reading the article
that was in the Journal Star of your love for Lincoln. Illinois. My
mother remembered that you were my English teacher at PCHS and had the
article cut out for me to read.
It was great to hear that you are a
tenured professor in Missouri.
I just spent the weekend helping my
retired in-laws move out of Lincoln to Bloomington. My father-in- law
was the farm manager many years for the Scully estates there in Logan
County until the late 80's. Now the Scully estates are a fascinating
family history that you could write on in regard to Logan County and the
town.
Congratulations with your website and
much success!!!
I married a Lincoln
buff so have every book that was ever written on Lincoln
and own interesting memorabilia................
Amy (Lower) Zumwalt.....Pekin High School
Class of 73'
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, July 12, 2004 3:21 PM
Subject: Lincoln webpage
Hi Leigh, LaRae Muselman here. Nice
article in the Peoria Journal prompted me to check out your site. Very
interesting! You've done a lot of work. I must come back to it and
read in detail. Good design.
I'm totally retired now, but always
something to do or someplace to go. I swear I'm busier than ever. Take
care.
LaRae
Leigh's Note: LaRae is a former colleague from Pekin Community High
School. She taught my former students--and me-- a thing or two about
research!]
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, July 13, 2004 8:01 PM
Subject: just learning. sorry
CongratuaLATIONS ON THE AWARD. iNTERESTING
ARTICLE IN THE journal star.
My typing is rusty, too. Have not typed
since Mr. Smith's personal typing class. Always had someone do my
college typing.
Have really enjoyed your writing,
especially about Lincoln State School with the old pictures of the
annex. It was already torn down when I got back from Chicago.
The factory article was good especially
about Stetsons. My father Frank E. Tate was superintendent there. I
will try to send you some additional things I remember if ever I get
better at this e-mail thing
Rhea Tate Jones
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, July 18, 2004 10:55 PM
Subject: Lincoln streetcar
Leigh Henson-
I saw your write-up on the streetcar system in Lincoln, Illinois,
including the photographs used to illustrate the story which were of
great interest.
I have done extensive research on the smaller electric streetcar and
interurban systems for 25 years, and I have obtained many photographs on
those systems. However, I have not seen the close-up postcard scene of
the Lincoln streetcar that you had in your story.
Thus, I was wondering if it would be possible to obtain a copy print of
that scene. I hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Stephen M. Scalzo
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2004 4:06 AM
Subject: Lincoln website
Sir,
I was born in Lincoln, Illinois in 1957 at the St. Clara Hospital. I
have family still in Lincoln and will always think of it as home. I
think this is a wonderful tribute to Lincoln (the city and the man).
a displaced Lincolnian,
Dennis Follis
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, August 01, 2004 10:30 PM
Subject: The Mill
I was
very happy to see your article on the mill, I now work for Brian
Huffman we offer the Schnitzel and it is the original recipe and the
original hot sauce . Could you add to you sight that people can get
the schnitzel at Hallies on the Square, 111 S. Kickapoo. Thanks so
much.
John W. Fisher
From: Gabbard, Sara [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thu 8/5/2004 9:56 AM
To: Henson, Leigh
Subject: Enjoy your website
I was born (1936) and raised in Lincoln. Maiden name Sara ("Sash) Vaughn.
Younger sister Susan was born in 1939. Dad and grandfather owned Lincoln
Coca-Cola Bottling Company. I graduated from LCHS in 1954 (this Oct we have
50th reunion) and U of I in 1958 (history). We lived first on Park Place
and then on Lincoln Ave in what is now home for president of Lincoln
College. Dad was president of the college Board of Trustees for many
years. William Maxwell and my Dad (James Vaughn) were friends and
contemporaries when they were growing up.
Strangely enough, I work at The Lincoln Museum (founded 1928) in Ft. Wayne,
IN. It houses the largest private collection of Lincoln memorabilia.
(Springfield and DC have more, but they are public) As is true in so many
nonprofits, I have several jobs...VP, Director of Development and Editor of
Lincoln Lore, our quarterly magazine which was first published in 1929.
Sara Gabbard
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, August 15, 2004 11:04 PM
Subject: Re: finding lincoln illinois
>
http://www.geocities.com/findinglincolnillinois/
>
> What a great site. My maternal grandmother, Frances Peters, was born in
Mason City, Illinois, on December 20, 1895. I have been to Lincoln and Mason
City on one and only one occasion in my entire life. That was in early May,
1993, when I passed through on my way from Virginia to Oregon. I took a pic
of the Alton Railroad station in Lincoln and headed to Mason City. I was in
Lincoln for fifteen minutes and MC for a half hour.
>
> I forwarded the link to my uncle, my mother's brother and thus son of my
maternal grandmother. He has been to MC back in the thirties, as has my
mother. No doubt they got off the train at Lincoln.
>
> Thanks for everything.
>
> Blair Thompson
> Alexandria, Virginia
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, August 16, 2004 7:58 PM
Subject: Mr. Lincoln Site
Hello!
I've been admiring the photographs in the website. I'm am amateur
photographer and would like to photograph the "Ghost Bridge" and other
structures in the site. Is there anyone that takes people on hiking
tours?
I look forward to your reply,
Crystal Alley
Lifetime Lincoln Resident
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, September 06, 2004 10:19 AM
Subject: Inquiry
> Sir,
>
> I am considering relocating to Lincoln Ill to attend Lincoln Christian
College. Can you give me any insights about the town? Is it good for a
teenage son? Good schools?
>
> Thanks
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, September 09, 2004 3:35 PM
Subject: Thanks
Leigh, I just wanted to thank you for taking time to gather all the info
you send and pictures for our classmates. My brother, Robert "Willie"
Wilmert (54) wants to thank you also because a friend of his from 50
years ago came across your website and sent me an e-mail asking if Bob
was my brother. They had lost touch over the years and he was trying to
find my brother. Needless to say, my brother, is thrilled to get
reacquainted with his old friend. One never knows how much joy we add
to another's day.....so Leigh, thanks. We appreciate it. take care,
norma
Norma Adams-Johnson
Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, September 30, 2004 3:57 PM
Subject: Fw: Charlotte Observer 09-23-2003 AM radio's WAIZ
revives old ways.htm
Dear Leigh: I hope you remember me....you
were so kind to help me in my search for my friend of many years, and
you said to let you know if I found her. Well, I did! (see below)...I
was just searching in the wrong city and state! Rather than explain, I
am forwarding an article about her ("Sister" Atlass) ....I didn't know
her married name when I wrote you. I discovered that she was married
to Stan Kaplan, and they had a very colorful life, as you will see. (
I'm sending the article , as I thought you might be interested in it
inasmuch as you are active in Lincoln County History and their
descendants.) He must have been quite a character. I haven't gotten in
touch with her yet, but I hope to next week. This is an interesting age
we're living in! Thanks again for your interest and help.
Sincerely,
Mary Lee Northrop
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, October 11, 2004 12:02 PM
Subject: Sites to visit?
What sites are available to visit this time of year relating to
Lincoln? Thanks
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, October 25, 2004 8:32 PM
Subject: website
Dear Leigh Henson,
Thank you so much for the amazing work you've done on your Lincoln,
Illinois historic website. When my Mother & Step-Father were
looking for a home near Springfield about ten years ago, they moved
to Lincoln due to his love of both the town and Route 66. He is a
history fanatic and is especially interested in Illinois history.
Since they moved, I make the trip to Lincoln once or twice each
month. My Mother and I have spent many hours in Madigan State Park
& Kickapoo Creek Park exploring the trails and letting our dogs
run. We have enjoyed beautiful afternoons wandering through Old
Union and Holy Cross Cemeteries. Yesterday, we took the walk down
Cemetery Hill and Mom said she thought we were walking on old 66.
When we arrived at the 'Ghost Bridge' I had no idea that these were
the remnants of the 66 bridge over Salt Creek. After we arrived
home, I teased my Step-Dad that we walked down Route 66 and he
missed it. He then informed me of your website and told me that
there were pictures of the old bridge pillars along with pictures of
many Lincoln sites that I would recognize. He was right. (I can't
begin to imagine how many hours he has spent on your enormous site.)
The house they purchased is on 5th Street, just down from the
Postville Court House. They have spent years now renovating it and
returning it to its former glory. The rooms they've finished thus
far are a tribute of the love they have for the grandeur their home
once possessed. They drop their cars off at Logan's to have repair
work done. The guy that used to cut their grass cashed the checks
they wrote to him at Old Joe's tavern. We eat at The Depot and we
shop on the square. All these things have so much more meaning when
you understand their place in history. Seeing all of these familiar
places in your photos is wonderful.
Should you ever find yourself heading to Lincoln without dinner
plans, please feel free to contact me. My Step-Dad mentioned that
he would like to know any information you may have about their home
or if you know anyone who would remember some of its history so I'm
sure he wouldn't mind my extending an invitation on his behalf.
Although my Mother and I will feel totally ignored, my Step-Father
would enjoy nothing more than chatting over dinner with someone
who feels as passionate about Lincoln and its rich history as he
does. Maybe we could all re-visit the Depot together. His wealth
of historical knowledge seems a bit savant-like (a.k.a. way over the
top) to us but the two of you would hit it off splendidly!
Thanks again for sharing your passion with us.
Laura J. Loehr
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, November 03, 2004 1:24 PM
Subject: IOOF Orphans Home in Lincoln
> Mr Henson,
>
> Thanks for the kind letter after I published a story on Scotty & Lulubelle
at the state fair in the Illinois Times.
>
> I'm thinking about doing an article on Odd Fellows Orphans Home, Lincoln,
IL, from about 100 yrs ago.
>
> Any thoughts, suggestions, etc, as to where I might turn for source
material, including interviews, for this?
>
> Thanks, and all the best,
>
> Bob Cavanagh
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, November 06, 2004 11:15 PM
Subject: 117-119 N. Kickapoo in Lincoln
Dear Mr. Henson,
I am a volunteer at the Logan County Genealogical & Historical Society,
and am helping a friend track down his grandfather's printing business.
Here is what he knows from "information passed down" from his father.
Ralph Arthur trained as a printer with the Lincoln Herald/Courier until
the late 1930's. He then had a print shop across Kickapoo Street from the
old Courier Office, and it burned down. He then bought 117 N. Kickapoo
from whoever owned it at that time. This is now Abe's Carmelcorn. The
Kickapoo Press was printed at 119 N. Kickapoo in the early fifties.
In the early forties, Mr. Arthur took in his son-in-law as a partner,
Edgar Morgan. Edgar's son is who I am helping, and he has a photo of that
building with the Arthur and Morgan Printers sign on the wall by the
door.
Would you happen to have any information, or could you direct me to
someone who would have information on the history of this building? I
find it interesting that 117 and 119 would both house print shops. I can
get title records, etc, but thought maybe you would be aware of some
general information that might be available.
I attached the photo Mr. Morgan has, showing the shop with the name
sign. The holes where that sign hung are still in the wall of the
building.
I really enjoy your site, and compliment you on putting together one of
the better sites on the Internet.
Bill Detmers
LCGHS Genealogist
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, November 12, 2004 1:01 PM
Subject: Lincoln Website
Leigh,
I stumbled upon on
your Lincoln website by accident and really enjoyed reading it. What
was more remarkable, was that I share some of the relation that you
mentioned in the narrative. Loren Wood is the brother of my grandmother
Marion Wood Knott. I assume you are related to him through Mariann’s
side of the family. We used to visit Lincoln about every other week it
seemed when I was younger to visit my Great-Grandparents John and Ella
Wood, Loren’s parents. They lived on Jefferson Street on the east side
of the fairgrounds. Great-Grandpa was a fur dealer and I still remember
his garage being lined up with all kinds of “dead things”, which were
the pelts that he was selling. My mom was always scared to eat at their
house, because you never knew what he was going to be cooking.
Loren and Mariann stop
by St. Joseph, where I live almost every year on their way back through
from Texas to Minnesota. Loren grew up in St. Joseph during his early
years and later went to Lincoln when his mother got a job at the Lincoln
Development School. My grandmother Marion stayed in St. Joseph and of
course that is how I came about being there.
You mentioned Lake
Vermilion. I remember visiting there a couple of times. The
Great-Grandparents had purchased a cabin there that we visited it was
down the road a little away from Loren’s house. It wasn’t very big from
what I recall. When they died I think that Allan Wood bought it and
used it for a few years. My grandmother Marion and my grandfather
Junior Knott, I know visited up there many summers to visit Loren and
stayed in the cabin. I believe that it is gone now. When I last spoke
to Loren that past spring, he said the area around Lake Vermilion was
really developed now and not nearly as rural as it was years ago.
I agree with your
assessment that Lincoln is really a remarkable town. It seemed there
were a lot of things to do back in the old days. The coolest thing I
can remember was going to the old A&W Root Beer stand that was down the
street from my Great-Grandparents. I always liked the thought that we
got service in the car!
How I found your
website, was that in today State-Journal Register news paper from
Springfield, IL there was a picture of Emil Ramlow at a veterans day
service. Emil was married to Lois, Loren’s twin sister. Lois died
about 20 years ago and I hadn’t seen Emil in about that long. I did a
google search on his name and found he was mentioned on your website.
Long story short…the
world is an increasingly smaller place.
Thanks for letting me
visit Lincoln via your website.
Greg Knott
Greg Knott, MBA
Assistant to the Head for the Department
of Food Science and Human Nutrition
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
258 Bevier Hall, 905 S Goodwin Ave
Urbana IL 61801
www.infinityfarms.com
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, November 16, 2004 12:34 PM
Subject: Ghost Bridge
I was just rereading your website about the Salt Creek Bridge on
Cemetery Hill in Lincoln. I feel your website is far and away the best
site on the web for obtaining information on the Salt Creek Bridge.
I had a question regarding the bridge and I was wondering if you would
be able to help me? I notice that in several articles and websites, the
bridge is referred to as the "Ghost Bridge over Salt Creek." I was just
curious were did this phrase originate and who is credited with coining
that phrase?
If you have any information regarding this, could you please E-mail me
at [email protected]. Thank
you so much for your help.
Sincerely,
John B. Lahti
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, November 26, 2004 1:14 PM
Subject: Robert Wilson tribute
Someone had given me your website with your tribute to Robert Wilson.
I finally was able to read it today. It was well done and I enjoyed
it very much. Robert's brother James Wilson was my father (obviously
making Sue Young my cousin). I too, grew up in Lincoln and remember
Uncle Bob during those final ten years when I was young. Since Bob
died, we also lost my grandparents and more recently my parents, so
there is not much connection to the Wilson's left. That's why I
enjoyed reading your article. I was lucky and was left with most of
Bob's old home videos which is the only visual history I have of my
family.
Thank you very much for adding this tribute to the website.
Sincerely,
Richard A. Wilson
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, December 24, 2004 12:32 PM
Subject: Great web site
> I really enjoyed visiting the Lincoln web site. I just happened across
it while searching the web today. For some unknown reason I was thinking
about the great french roquefort salad dressing that they used to serve at
the Tropics when I was a kid and decided to see if I could find some
pictures of the place as I remembered it back in the 50's before the fire.
We used to go there or the Blu-Inn regularly. My parents knew the owners
(Lou and Bev Johnson I believe were their names). I always liked the
bar-room because of the large lighted picture of the beach/ocean and all the
bamboo. Another interesting feature was the restaurant on the south side.
Sometimes we would eat there (Tropic burgers....what a treat on the sesame
bun and charcoal grilled). As you may recall, the grill was also over on
that side of the building so you got to smell all of the sizzling steaks as
they were carried to the dining room.
>
> The holidays always remind me of another one of my favorite childhood
places, the Hotel Lincoln. They always had a beautiful christmas tree in
the lobby and I loved to eat there as a youngster because they had great
desserts. I especially remember the cake with banana pudding between the
layers. I believe the manager was named Percy Edgel (not sure of the
spelling) at that time. Of course as a kid, who could forget Ace
Novelty....the toy store on Chicago street and there was also another toy
> store around the corner on Broadway near Bliss Photography studio. I want
to say it was called Thonton's and I believe the owner was Jerry Thornton.
>
> Lincoln really changed from the time I was a boy. My fondest memories
were of my earlier years, probably because Lincoln had such a small town
flavor and today it seems like something out of a movie. Towns like Lincoln
seem so lifeless today with the advent of large shopping malls but it
certainly
> wasn't that way in Lincoln on a Friday night in the 50's when the stores
stayed open til 9:00pm and the courthouse square was a hub of activity. Like
Abe Lincoln we were circuit riders, but our circuit consisted of a well worn
route around the courthouse and out to 17th street where we cruised the
> Dog and Suds and then by the four corners along the service lane back to
5th street so we could start all over again.
We lived just east of the square a couple of blocks on Pulaski street and
my grandparents lived just north of the square on Latham place and McLean
Streets across the street from the park and bandstand. When I was a young
boy the only thing on our block was McAfee electric on the corner. Our
neighbor was an older lady named Mrs.Fields. I don't ever remember her
having a husband, maybe he had passed on. I remember she had a large fish
tank (or at least it seemed large to me as a child) and a fish pond in her
back yard with pussy willows and lilac bushes. Everyone always had lots of
greenery in their yards at that time. She had a son named Tommy who was in
the military and remember that my father and I went over to seem him once
when he was home visiting and he showed us a practice hand grenade that he
had. During my grade school years, those houses were torn down and the
Jewel food store went up and the parking lot ran right up to our house at
725 Pulaski. The house has since been moved down the street and I don't
even know what is there now. My mother worked at the First National Bank in
those years and my father worked for the Federal Housing Admin. in
Springfield. His favorite spot was Dehner Bros. Liquor store and it seems
like we knew everyone in town at that time. Today I hardly would know
anyone. Dehners at that time was on Sangamon Avenue back when the Spellman
lumber company was still open across the tracks. The walk down Sangamon
avenue from there passed by a candy store and a barber shop and a house with
a huge tree which donated to my buckeye collection.
Next I would pass the sign painter (I believe Shoup or something like
that was his name). I remember his sign that invited one to stop in for a
"chalk talk". After that was the tall old brick school building, my alma
mater, St. Patrick's. I was hard on schools. I spent one year at the old
Washington school (kindergarten) and then they tore it down. When I
graduated from St. Pats that one went down also and Carrol Catholic was
built. St. Pats was fun. It had one of those big metal tubes for a fire
escape from the second floor. We used to take wax paper and 'slicken' it
up. There was also a big sliding board in the playground across the street
and we used to polish that to perfection as well. There used to be a
furniture company on third street right across from the school and I
remember hearing the planers and saws when the windows were open.
My grandfather owned the Armour plant around the corner and we would
sometimes sneak over there at lunch time and steal (I mean rescue) chickens
which got loose from their cages and sell them to an old man down the
street.
We had a priest at one time named Father Clinch who had about a '53 chevy,
cream with a green top. We used to jump on the back bumper and one day he
just took off with us and dumped us near the radio station clear out by The
Mill. It took us quite a while to walk back and I remember the nun rather
upset with us when we returned.
>
> Other places........Do you remember?
>
> Tibbs Ice Cream Parlor - great hamburgers/milk shakes This was more of a
high school spot in the 50's since it was in the Dehner block on Broadway
near the old high school.
>
> The Quacker Box - Open late breakfast anytime. The smell of the shale pile
smoldering away out on route 21 towards Mt. Pulaski
> The Drive-in theater near the Holiday Inn.....of course, everyone
remembers that one but what about the one on route 21 near the end of
Broadway.
> The old country club - we used to go sledding on the golf course The
Chautauqua grounds before the park was there.
> There were several small grocery stores I remember but often get the names
confused like Cantrell's market. There was one at Pulaski and Chicago,
another on McLean and Decatur.
> The bait shop and beach out at Lincoln Lakes.
>
> Man this gets my memory going. I should probably see if I have anything of
interest for your web site. Thanks for the memories. Have a Merry
Christmas.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Thursday, December 30, 2004 5:40 PM
Subject: Tantivy Lodge
Dear Sir,
I have been reading and enjoying your
Lincoln, IL website and feel that I can shed a little light on what
happened to Tantivy Lodge, near Broadwell.
Tantivy Lodge was dismantled in an organized
fashion in the early 1950s. It is likely that this work was done by Jim
Hickey and he may have been assisted by Donald Stanfield (Mr. Stanfield
is still living near Lincoln). Mr. Stanfield lived just one hundred
yards away from Tantivy in the 1950s and 1960s. The logs were numbered
according to a plan & stacked and covered on a farm owned by Mr. John
Dean Gillett Hill just east of Broadwell. However, then the plan to
remove it to Lincoln petered out, probably because of lack of funds.
The tenants on this farm (named Leathers)
obtained a new chain saw about 1960, something that was much a novelty
in those days. In their early sawing enthusiasm, they sawed most of the
Tantivy logs to bits. This was apparently one of a series of events
that greatly upset Mr. Hill and led to their loss of tenancy about
1961.
My father, Robert F. Olson, was the next
tenant on this farm and later the farm manager for Mr. Hill's widow and
her sister-in-law Lemira Hunt. My brother still farms this ground
today, and my dad has owned the Tantivy site since 1969 (actually,
Tantivy probably was moved at least once during the time it stood as
nearly as we can surmise).
My dad has an oil painting of Tantivy and a
few other relics. He could probably tell you much more than I can if
you would like to talk with him.
Again, your site is very interesting and you
should be commended for it!
LCHS Class of 1977
Springfield, IL
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 2:43 PM
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, January 12, 2005 4:16 PM
Subject: Lincoln Illinois...Former Resident of "Postville"
Mr. Henson:
I just discovered this site about Lincoln !!!
My name is Dave Buesking. (46 yrs old ..Class of 76) You may recall my
sister, Jean. (Class of 64) I do remember your family from the 60's
and early 70's. I believe your mom and my mom (Lucille) were active
in Girl Scouts together...I maybe wrong on this one. But I do remember
your dad the most !! Your home was across the street from Fred and
Elizabeth Schaub and next door to Jack and Donna Holton ...prior to
Jack's death in 1963. I grew up across the street from Jefferson
School. (713 Fifth St)
I just wanted to say thanks for putting the time into this site and
looking forward to visiting in the future!!
David Buesking
5077 Parkside Dr
Mason Ohio 45040
Public Works Director
Forest Park, Ohio 513-595-5257
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Tuesday, February 08, 2005 3:02 PM
Subject: Pictures from website
> Dear Mr. Henson,
>
> My name is Emmary Roemer. I am a teacher at Lincoln Jr. High School in
need of your expertise. My co-worker and I are sponsors for our Photo Club
here at LJHS. We are putting together a PowerPoint Slide Show presentation
for the dedication ceremony for our new building. I am in charge of
creating the historical portion of Lincoln schools. I have several pictures
from individuals in our district, but very few pictures from the past. I
looked at your website and just loved the pictures you had on District 27.
I would like to know if I could use those pictures for my slideshow. I
could easily
> download them onto my program and create the slideshow. I really want to
bring the history of the education in this town to light. If you are
willing to allow me to do that, please e-mail me at
[email protected] or call LJHS
at 732-3535. I appreciate your time.
>
> Sincerely,
> Emmary Roemer
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Saturday, February 12, 2005 3:42 PM
Leigh: I wasn't aware of this site
until my sister in Ohio sent me the Stan Stringer link. EXTREMELY good!
I, too, graduated from LCHS .(1961) I then attended Lincoln College,
Southern IL. Univ. then Sangamon State.
I relate to so many of the topics and
feel like I'm taking a vacation back in time to enjoy dormant memories.
My father, Norman Werth, ran a gas
station from 1934 to 1961. It remained a station until 1992 and was
then sold. t was at the "Four Corners" by the Blue Inn, Tropics and
Wallace's station.
Jay, Terry, and Judd Werth are my
cousins.
If I get a chance, I'll send you some
old photos that you might be interested in.
Better close for now. I just wanted
to thank you, and others that provided information, for developing this
site and the links.
Fuzz (Laurel) Werth
p.s. My mother, who is 91, active,
drives, lives alone,etc., etc., (same house on Adams St.) also enjoyed
it.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, February 13,
2005 12:36 AM
Subject: From Lincolnite
Christian Culleton re: Lincoln, Illinois WebSite
Mr. Henson,
My name is Christian Culleton, but people in Lincoln know me as Chris.
I haven't lived there since 1981 but I still consider it to be my
hometown.
Your web site on Lincoln is utterly spellbinding! I'm happy to know
that your efforts were recognized for their excellence. I discovered
your work today while doing a Google search to produce a provenance for
a pair of antiques that I purchased. Central School at Eighth and Union
is scheduled for demolition later this month. Today a sale was held for
the contents of the building. I purchased two large oak pieces that a
friend then transported to Chicago for me. They came from the office
area off of the kitchen. On the unfinished side of the upper, glass-doored
cabinet is written in charcoal "W.M. Allen Company, Lincoln." Does this
name ring a bell with you from any of the research you have done on
Lincoln? As of yet I have not been able to find any information
on-line, odds are I will have to ask some seniors when I visit Lincoln
next month.
I am very much looking forward to your reply! In the meantime I know I
will enjoy reading and studying your fantastic web site. Thank you!
Please don't hesitate to give me a phone call if it would be easier to
communicate that way. My work information is below, and my home phone
is 773.583.3421.
Chris Culleton
(Would have been LCHS Class of 1983)
Please note my new e-mail address below.
Regards,
Christian M. Culleton
AVW-TELAV Audio Visual Solutions
at Navy Pier
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, February 23, 2005 11:20 AM
Subject: 9th Street Lincoln
Good morning,
I had to email you; I just read through your web site, Mr. Lincoln, Route
66, and other highlights of Lincoln, Illinois.
I was born and raised in Lincoln and have lived there these past 44
years. I don't anticipate that changing any time in the near future
either.
My husband and I have lived in the 9th Street home of William Maxwell's
boyhood home for the past 14 years. I can honestly say my feelings for
the home are very similar to what Mr. Maxwell must have felt. As soon as
I walked through the front door 14 years ago, I knew this was to be my
home, where I would raise my children.
Our children are grown and gone now, but they come home often. The
home seems even bigger with just my husband and I, but we don't have any
intentions of selling; this is our home and will be until we are no more.
I had heard that a prior owner's wife had tired of dusting and
maintaining all of the woodwork in the house and painted everything white
- now I know who to blame. An older home can be a challenge; there is
always something that needs fixed or worked on, but it keeps us busy and
we love the old house.
Tami Kennett
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, March 13, 2005 11:18 AM
Subject: Re: LCHS, 3-12-05
Thank you, Leigh, for all the information you share with us displaced
Lincolnites. I often share it with my mom--Frances Shull (formerly Frances
Anderson, wife of Roy Anderson). I know she will particularly appreciate
seeing the Royce Lovelace notice.
Jo Anderson Williams
Champaign, IL
From: Bill Miller [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Mon 3/14/2005 12:12 PM
To: Henson, Leigh
Cc: Bill Miller - Earthlink (E-mail)
Subject: William Maxwell
Dear Mr. Henson:
I did a Google search on Lincoln, Illinois and found your website.
My name is William Maxwell Miller, and William Maxwell the Lincoln author
was a first cousin of my grandfather, William Maxwell Fuller. There are
several pages devoted to my grandfather in the book Ancestors.
I have not been to Lincoln since 1956, when I was six years old. I am
currently planning a trip to Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota in
April and was considering stopping in Lincoln. I am wondering if there is
anything left of the Lincoln depicted by William Maxwell in his books and
stories. More specifically, is his childhood home still standing? Also, I
am wondering if it is possible to find the home of my great-grandmother,
Bertha Maxwell Fuller.
Any advice or suggestions you may have would be gratefully appreciated.
I look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Bill Miller
-----Original Message-----
From: Henson, Leigh [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 11:44 AM
To: Bill Miller
Subject: RE: William Maxwell
Dear Bill,
Thanks for writing and expressing your interest in your ancestors' houses in
Lincoln. Indeed I hope you found the page with the information and photo
about William Maxwell's Ninth Street childhood home (with the historical
marker in the front yard).
Park Place in Lincoln also has the house that William Maxwell's father and
stepmother built in the early 1920s and that is described in So Long, See
You Tomorrow (1980) (the address, I believe, is 226 Park Place--on the
corner). I don't have a photo of it.
I do not know where the home of your great-grandmother Fuller is located or
even if it is still standing. I'm sure that with some research you could
find the answer to that question. Unfortunately I live in Springfield, MO,
and that's too far from Lincoln to allow me to spend as much time there as I
would like to. I certainly would like to know the answer to your question,
too. I have thought that maybe in retirement I could locate and photograph
all of the houses that had been owned by members of Maxwell's family.
I suggest that when you visit Lincoln you go to the Public Library to ask
for some research assistance in answering your good question. That Library
has some city directories which might have information to answer your
question.
I do recall some references to the Fullers in Ancestors, so I'll go back and
do some re-reading in the weeks ahead.
Again, many thanks for writing. Feel free to follow up if you wish.
Best regards,
Leigh Henson
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Monday, March 14, 2005 5:23 PM
Subject: RE: William Maxwell
Dear Leigh,
How delightful to hear from you so quickly! Thank you for your response.
It sounds like the library would be a good starting point. I am also
wondering if there would be anything in the county courthouse.
My great-grandmother was known to William Maxwell as "Aunt Bert." Her
husband, Louis Fuller (my grandfather) abandoned her, so perhaps she changed
her name back to Maxwell. I do not recall. It was quite the scandal at the
time.
My mother and I stayed with Aunt Bert in 1956. I have some family
photographs of her, and she was quite pretty. Of course I have no memory of
her since the trip was over 50 years ago. It would be fun to find the same
place I visited so long ago.
As an aside, Bill Maxwell was just about the kindest and gentlest man I ever
met. He was most considerate of others and always knew the right thing to
say to make one feel special.
Best regards,
Bill
Original message:
Dear Mr. Henson,
I'm writing to you after visiting your excellent, and historically
important, website. Thank you so much for putting so much work and honest
feeling into its creation.
I don't know if you'll be able to answer this question, but I'm a doctoral
candidate at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Much of my research
focuses upon the history of eugenics, and it's impact on disabled people
living in institutions in the early 1900s. I'm actually hoping to find
family letters to and from patients in the Lincoln
Training School from 1900-1930, if these documents exist, so I'm wondering
if you have any idea about who I could contact for more information. Your
website was incredibly informative and sensitive about the history of
Lincoln's institution. I especially enjoyed the anecdotal letters from
people who worked or visited there. I am really interested in helping to
unearth the more silent history of the people who actually lived in the
institutions themselves.
I know there are confidentiality concerns and legal issues, which I would
certainly follow. I'm just hoping to find the best person to contact for
further information.
Thank you in advance for any guidance you might offer.
Warmly,
Michelle Jarman
Michelle Jarman
Urban Allied Health Academy
1919 W. Taylor, Room 810
312.355.5295
From: travis [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wed 6/15/2005 11:14 AM
To: Henson, Leigh
Subject: about your web site
Thank you so much
for putting so much time and effort into sharing our town with the
world wide web. I never knew after 30
years of living in Lincoln how interesting it was.
the pictures of where building signs and
streets use to be amazed my kids. Thank you again for giving our
town the respect it deserves.
Michelle Fletcher
(Pinkley)
-----Original Message-----
From: Roger Spaugh [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thu 7/14/2005 10:51 PM
To: Henson, Leigh
Subject: Finding Lincoln Website
Mr. Henson,
What a fascinating web site! I grew up in Lincoln in the 60's & 70's,
graduating LCHS in 80. My father (Charles Spaugh) did much to change
the landscape of Lincoln in that time period. He developed several
subdivisions (Maple Grove, Westville, Northville, Flamingo Heights to name a
few). In the 70's he brought fast food to Lincoln with "Geri's" on
Woodlawn, "Little Pete's" on North Kickapoo, and eventually, Pizza hut,
Shortstop, and Hardee's. He also brought convenience stores like "Hucks".
He was a founding member of the Logan County Board of Realtors, and The
Lincoln Land Philatelic Society.
I currently live in St. Louis, but try to get "home" every month or two.
Do I want to go back? Not really, but I am thankful for my past and
the values I learned there. Thanks for your efforts on this website.
I will visit often to watch it progress.
Roger Spaugh
From: JOSEPH WEBB [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wed 8/10/2005 8:39 AM
To: Henson, Leigh
Subject: RE: From Joe Webb
Dear Leigh,
Despite the fact that I have a hard book deadline this week, I have not been
able to pull myself away from your magnificent "story" of all things
Lincoln. When I browsed a bit the other day, I could not have
imagined all of the work you have put on this, and how utterly informative
it is. I can't wait to get back to Lincoln next month just to take an
extra day with printouts from some of your pages. You have
created a Lincoln treasure--and I am so pleased that what you have done was
honored not long ago by the historical people in Springfield.
As I sent off my reunion papers this week to Pete, I realized that what I
want to do more than anything else at this reunion is to sit down with
various of the class members willing to do so--and share stories of how our
most important life decisions were made. As you put it so well in a
different context--how did growing up in and around Lincoln shape the
decisions we made--to stay in Lincoln or not, to settle or be
vagabondish (as I was), etc. It is probably because, like you and
others I suppose, I find myself post-60 trying to fathom why I ended up
living things out as I did. It is not about regrets or wish-I-dunnas
but about trying to make sense of who and what we became. There are
only a few in our class, as far as I can tell--you primarily--who ended up
in what also became my career, in higher education; and I have real
curiosities about that.
Unlike you, I did not grow up in Lincoln but in Emden and Mt. Pulaski, one
15 miles north and the other 15 miles south of Lincoln, but Lincoln was the
"big town" we went to when we needed something. When my dad was burned so
badly in 1951, I was 9, we lived in Emden, and one of my most distinct
memories ever was my mother throwing a sheet around him and driving in the
early morning darkness as fast as the car would go to get him to the old
Deaconess Hospital (old St. Clara's, as I remember)--and
that hospital pulled him through when the doctors gave up on him. We
did not actually move into Lincoln until 1956 from Mt. Pulaski, the year
between my eighth grade and the start of high school. So I started
high school with all of you. Remarkably, I played basketball in grade
school in Mt. Pulaski, and the only team we could never beat in the county
tournaments was Lincoln Central, with its stars, Jim Brackney, Bob Goebel,
J. D. Aeilts and the others. I knew those guys before I arrived at
Lincoln High, but in an odd "opponent" type of way. They always had
our number, and we weren't bad. So in a sense, I was an outsider those
first couple of high school years. That is one reason I tried to get
involved in so many things, as a way of meeting people and being "accepted."
It was not until we all moved out to the new high school that things were
different, and I felt we were all on the same "footing."
Unlike many of you, too, I stayed in Lincoln another four years after high
school, going to college at the Christian College, where my dad was the
Dean. That's when Lincoln really became "home" to me, even though I
knew then that I would not stay. But I married there, and my son Joe
was born at Abe Lincoln Memorial Hospital--delivered by Dr. Barringer, Linda
Barringer's dad. When I left in 1968 it was to Decatur and the
newspaper there, and from there to graduate school at Urbana. Anyway,
your wonderful web site gets one thinking like this....but you know that
already. I am really looking forward to seeing you; I hope there is
time for a lunch or breakfast together while we are "home."
Joe Webb
|
From: Lee Walker
[mailto: [email protected]]
Sent: Fri 7/7/2006 1:39 AM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: Lincoln, always Lincoln
July 4, 2006
Dear Mr. Henson:
Thanks again for your website. (You're probably getting sick of hearing
that.)
You are now a professor emeritus? - viz- retired? If so, I wish you the
best as the rest of us poor "schmucks" labor on. Hope your health is
good. We are of course strangers, yet because of Lincoln, I feel some
affinity. I believe that the town's allure to my psyche is based on
illusion. I would love to live there if I didn't still have to earn a
living. Things have probably changed for the better since my (now ex)
wife and I lived there in the early seventies. You may remember that we
lived in Stringer Apartments, or they may have been called Bartman
Apartments back then. They were (and are) a set of four buildings
located about half a block South of The Old Mill Tavern on the West side
of the street. Washington Street runs South down the East side of
Postville Park from Fifth Street. When it gets to First Street, it
angles Southwesterly a bit and become Stringer Avenue. I've read on the
website, and we've corresponded about, your experiences at the Old Mill.
(The proprietor's wife waving around a handgun wasn't it?)
Unpleasant work experiences in Lincoln cloud my otherwise pleasant
nostalgic memories of the kind of life we lived in Lincoln. We were poor
as church mice. I worked in one of the factories. It was a terribly
miserable experience. Bad pay, bad treatment. I'm no socialist, but that
place was enough to make the proletariat rise up and take up arms! Yet I
should have liked to have continued to live in Lincoln. We spent one
year as students at Lincoln Christian College, and one more year as a
poor struggling working class young married couple. In '73 we moved to
the KC area. I've lived in the big ugly city ever since. The irony of
course, I suppose, is that if the economic opportunities were better in
Lincoln, it would not be the same Lincoln. With a lot of economic
development would come a lot of change. Not all of it would enhance
Lincoln's alluring small town beauty. The State School still operated in
the seventies. That's gone now. Stetson was already gone by my time in
Lincoln. Is PGP plate glass still there? Myers Industries, the cardboard
box factory, the pop bottle factory? The population in the early
seventies, I think, was in the neighborhood of 17,500, it's now down
under 15,000, I believe. In six to nine years, I hope to retire. Perhaps
in Lincoln. Who knows?
You by contrast, grew up in Lincoln. I grew up in Rock Island
(the Quad-Cities). You are certainly by my measure, a vocational
success. A Ph.D. I can't imagine. I never finished my bachelors. I think
I needed a little more testosterone in those days. I'm a real estate
examiner and certainly not ashamed to have been doing this for twenty
some years. So things could have turned out a lot worse.
You had some new "stuff" on the Lincoln Rustic. If I get my butt in
gear, I'll send you some old stuff on it. When my wife and I were LCC
students, one of the places we frequented, during our courtship, was the
Lincoln Rustic. You could buy soft drinks, ice cream, hot dogs, etc. No
longer a tavern by this time. The owner or proprietor was a real Abraham
Lincoln trivia nut. I think he offered for sale a few books about
Abraham Lincoln and a few Abraham Lincoln nicknacks. He had glass case
with an "exact" replica of the rocker that Lincoln sat in at the Ford
theater when assassinated. Perhaps a little morbid. Of course The Rustic
building was the site of the conspirator's meetings to steal poor Abe's
corpse. One door toward the square from the Rustic was the Gem
Restaurant, another place we frequented. Good food. Also on Pulaski
Street opposite the Courthouse, was the Arcade and the Arcade
Restaurant. On a visit two years ago the Arcade Restaurant seems to have
changed little, although the smoked glass tables have all been replaced.
I'm reminded of Rod Serling's "Walking Distance": going back home and
going back in time. All the little landmarks, the places of memory, make
me want to come home.
Enough for now - I'll try to write more later.
With all good wishes, yours sincerely,
Lee Walker
Thanks, Leigh. I've been really enjoying reading about
Lincoln, Illinois and William Maxwell. What a marvelous
website you have! I am 85 and am treated like a
precious piece of antique china, instead of
broad-beamed, sturdy Irishman I really am.
My daughter says, "Relax, Mom, and enjoy it. You've
earned it." Leave it to a librarian.
I remember Dr. Young quite well. He was the anesthetist
when I had my tonsils out, an appendectomy, and a
resection of the apppy's incision..
Feels like we are in for some more muggy Illinois
humidity. Grandad always said it was good for the
corn. Gotta be good for something!
Pat Littlefield
From: Phillip Hash
[mailto: [email protected]]
Sent: Sat 8/12/2006 1:19 PM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: RE: Lincoln Web Site
Leigh,
Thank you so much. This is just what I needed. PHIL
Phillip Hash
Assistant Professor of Music
Coordinator of Music Education
Music Department
Calvin College
1795 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4404
(616) 526-6022, office
>>> "Henson, D Leigh" < [email protected]>
08/12/06 1:58 PM >>>
Hi, Phil Hash,
I appreciate your compliment on my community history Web site of
Lincoln, Illinois, and I am glad to hear about your dissertation
research. I am soon to head out of town, so your message reached me
just in time to avoid a delay in my response. I have scanned the
newsletter issue that you cite and attached it as a PDF. The quality
is not the best, but it is legible, and I hope it meets your need.
Best,
Leigh
________________________________
From: Phillip Hash [ mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sat 8/12/2006 10:37 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Lincoln Web Site
Mr. Henson,
Thank you for you web site on Lincoln Illinois. I am currently
finishing a dissertation on the Development of School Bands in
Illinois from 1863-1930 and have included bands from The Asylum for
Feeble Minded Children and The Odd Fellows Orphans Home in the
document. Could you tell me where I could get a copy of the
following article:
Gehlbach, Nancy Lawrence. "Home, Sweet Home." Our Times volume 6,
number 4, winter, 200l. Sam Redding, Publisher. Prairie Years
Press. 121 N. Kickapoo Street. Lincoln, IL 62656
Also, what page numbers does this article begin and end on? Thank
you very much.
PHIL HASH
Phillip Hash
Assistant Professor of Music
Coordinator of Music Education
Music Department
Calvin College
1795 Knollcrest Circle SE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546-4404
(616) 526-6022, office
From: Patricia
England [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thu 8/24/2006 4:01 AM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: Lincoln Website, a gift
Dr. Henson,
It is the middle of the night and I cannot rest until I
thank you for your efforts on this personal and intimate look
into Lincoln, Illinois. I have such a longing in my heart to
learn about the 'every day' life of Lincoln. My mother, Barbara Hoelscher, grew up there and her family roots dig deep into
Lincoln for the four generations previous to her. My mother died
when I was a young child, and the only thing of hers that I have
is a scrapbook that she had during her school years. (She
graduated from Lincoln High in 1956, then moved to New York
City) My father had severed contact with my mother's family
after her death, and I found them only about 10 years ago.
However, all of my mother's siblings also died young, before I
had the chance to get to know them or their stories. As an only
child, without extended family interaction, there has
always been a void in my otherwise wonderful life.
I am now a grandmother, and I live in Utah, where family
history is a common hobby. I would like to take a trip to
Lincoln soon and absorb all that I can. I came across your
website for the first time earlier this evening, and have had to
read every word and study every picture. I have found names of
people in my family tree, and names of friends and places
mentioned in my mother's scrapbook. The tears flowed freely when
I saw my mothers name mentioned in Memorium on Mr. Johnson's
Class of '56 site. I cannot thank you enough.
Family history is a huge part of who we are and what we
leave for the next generations, and yet I have not been able to
put those pieces together. I have so many questions, the
information and stories on your site and the links have been so
interesting and personal to me. Thank you again, I'm going to
try to sleep now, but I know I will be using the resources you
have provided, and getting to know my mother and her family, MY
FAMILY.
Sincerely,
Patricia England
Hey, I'm a new
resident in Lincoln, IL... moved here to go to school. and I'm
writing to THANK YOU for your amazingly helpful map of downtown. I
know you resources are more for visitors, but I found it to be
valuable as I try to get adjusted to the town (especially since I
come from a big city enviornment!).
-Jeff
From: Joe
Anderson [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Tue 8/15/2006 5:04 AM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: Your web site
I
just learned of your web site and love it.
Are you still adding Lincoln stories?
I may have some that would interest you....especially
on WPRC (we lived on Wyatt Avenue next to Raymond Knochel, who
owned WPRC, and I worked there as a dejay for several summers).
Is your sister Linda?
My Father, Paul Anderson (who died 4 years ago at age
90), worked for a number of years at LHS with your Dad. They
were good friends.
I now live on Amelia Island in Florida....far north
Florida on Atlantic side.
Bonnie Keys Thompson (daughter of Ray Keys) lives an hour away
on St. Simon's Island, Georgia.
Each year she and several high school girl friends (Georgia
Becker, Judy Berg, Patty Sterling, Barb Needham, Jan Sunderland,
Connie Hudspeth, Becky Tesch, etc.) get together. They will be
doing this in October this year. My wife and I will be having
all of them down here for lunch and an afternoon at the beach.
I will make sure they all know about your wonderful web site.
Again, thanks for your good work.
Joe Anderson LHS '63
|
Hi, Leigh. I don't know that we
have met, but I'm the former Bonnie Keys of Lincoln, class
of '63, and my dad was Raymond Keys (Lincoln Savings and
Loan).
I have stumbled on to your
website many times and have actually contacted some people
where you have listed e-mails for various things. I have
been trying for a few years to discover the whereabouts and
well-being of David Shroyer, Larry Shroyer's son. I was
good friends with David's children and visited them in
Broomfield, CO years ago, but have lost touch since Larry
and Halcyone died. Just wondered if you know if David and
Jean are still alive and where they might be.
Your website is terrific. There
is so much there that I'm just astounded and am looking
forward to popping into it every now and then to read up on
everything.
I live on St. Simons Island on
the southern coast of Georgia.
Thanks for a fabulous read!
Bonnie Keys Thompson
|
Hi
My name is Loni Provin, I am 21 years old. My Grandma is Suzanne
(Knott) Provin. My grandma is wanting to find out more about her
family history. She is 81 Years old and I think she feels like
she is running out of time. She wants to travel to IL and go to
cemeteries and any where else she thinks she might find info. I
thought using the internet might help or at least narrow our
search. I have searched websites and haven't found too much
information. We know that her side of the family moved to
missouri from IL possibly around LeRoy. I have found some names
I know from websites for cemeteries but i would like to find
info on marriages, land, births and anything else. We have a few
pictures and names. I have found a small amount of info on John
Knott. He was a confederate soldier and my grandma's great great
ect grandpa, I belive. Other names include Ernest Knott, Della
May Knott, Nettie Knott, Merlin Knott Clarence Knott. I am sure
you recieve emails all the time like this but I would really be
thankful for any suggestions or information.
|
Hello,
I find your web page most
interesting. I have been searching for an obituary of an
ancestor: Bertha ( ) Trowbridge, who died June 11, 1925 in
Logan Co., and was buried on June 12, 1925 in Olney, IL.
Sheets Undertaking Co. handled the burial. Her husband was
Harvey Ernest Trowbridge (sometimes mispelled as Harry/Henry
on records). Her Illinois death record states she died at
Deaconess Hospital of General Peritonitis, in Lincoln.
Their address at the time was 501 N. Hamilton. Her parents
are listed as William Woods and Martha Puttoff.
I am hoping you can guide me to
a source where the newspaper obituary might be preserved on
record. My e-mail is:
[email protected] Thank you so much.
|
|
My name is Nancy Thomson. I'm trying to find out about the
about the 2ID 38th INF Regt. My father was at Ardennes
45and Rhineland 45. He earned the Bronze Star Medal 15 May
45. He was a litter bearer. His name is Leslie B. (Berl)
Bronson. I have his enlisted record and report of separation
Honorable Discharge. I don't even know where to start to
look for info. I just recently came across the records and
wanted to find out about the Bronze Star he was awarded. My
father died in the 1970's . Since my husband is active duty
Army and deployed right now, I thought I might take the time
to research this. Your web site is the only one I've come
across that mentioned things listed on the papers I found
put away. f you could point me in the right direction I
would appreciate it. I would love to have this information
for my daughter who never knew her grandfather.
Thank you for any help,
Nancy Thomson
5335-2 Northup St.
Ft. Hood, TX. 76544
|
Leigh Hanson,
I've really enjoyed your Website
(as evident of my being up to 3a.m.)!
My name is Sam Starks III, and
I'm related to, or aware of, a number of the African
American families you site in your review of Blacks in
Lincoln. I'm a family researcher by hobby, but my kin are
early Lincolnites!
My grandfather, Sam Starks Sr.
was from Bowling Green, Ky. My father, Sam Starks Jr.(Junior)
as we was affectionately called graduated in the 1947
class. His mother was Anna Mae Fort...her father was born a
slave (he was referenced in the 1939 article in Lincoln
regarding the former slaves...Dock Fort.
Sam Starks Sr. grandfather was
Walter Orendorff...Mary, however, was not his grandmother.
A.B. Orendorff was Walter grandson.
I can tell you a few things
about the remembrance of my father who passed in 2002. I
spent time with a woman you mentioned, Mary Foster. My
father's best friends were Richard "Dickie" Moore Brummell
(yes, related to Dr. Billy...Alfred, Aaron and the rest of
the Dyer and Brummell families.
I'll be more than glad to share
what I know about African Americans in Lincoln.
Sam Starks!
|
Thank You for the information on
the IOOF Home in Lincoln Illinois.
My Mother Wilma Irene Slagle, 2
of her brothers Wilson and Ivan and possibly 2 of her
sisters, Letha and Reba were raised at the Home.
Could you provide me with
information about when they arrived and when they left the
Home? My Mother was born in 1911 and if the policy was that
they had to leave at age 17 then she would have left around
1928.
Any assistance or direction
would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you James Horne Denver,
CO.
|
Hello Prof. Henson,
I have been browsing your webpage about Lincoln, Illinois.
I am currently researching in depth the murder of Zora Burns
in Lincoln, Illinois in 1883, and the subsequent trial of
Orrin A. Carpenter in Peterburg, Illinois. Although the
Lincoln, Illinois website appears not to mention this
murder, I would like to enquire whether you may have seen
any original materials regarding this historic murder in the
course of your own research. Most of all, I am searching
for photographs of Zora Burns (which I know existed in 1883
but do not appear to have published); and also of Orrin
Carpenter. If you know of any such material, or any other
historians or officials who might have such material, I
would be most grateful for the information.
Many thanks,
Mark Starr
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Attachments: |
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Leigh
I could not contain myself. I must tell you that with this
new equipment, I was able to fully view your Wilson
website!!!! All pictures came up clear with and soooo many
memories.
I have a lot of catching up to do but I wanted to let you
know that I will, finally, get to see all that you have
so lovingly and laboriously accomplished.
My proverbial hat is truly off to you. What a significant
historical feat.
This family member is more than proud to exchange thoughts
and ideas with you.
The citizens of Lincoln and Logan County should be grateful
that however their destiny was shaped that you have
preserved much of it.
And, you can add this to the Lincoln comments website.
One of these days I will know how to do it myself.
Best,
Your cousin,
Jerry
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Wed 2/14/2007 5:41 PM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: Lincoln internet site
I just wanted to write a note to tell you that I thoroughly
enjoyed reading about Lincoln, IL on the web site. William
K. Maxwell was my gr. grandfathers brother. I am a
descendant of Charles Maxwell who died young of typhoid.
I sent the web site to all of my cousins, two of which
attended college in Lincoln. I already received an email
back from one cousin asking when we can take a weekend trip
to Lincoln, which I am sure we will do in the spring.
Reading about the people, homes and history of Lincoln was
the best way to spend a snowy, cold day in Chicago. Thanks
so much. Ruth Lenover
-----Original Message-----
From: tjohn [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Thu 4/26/2007 3:59 PM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: Lincoln, IL web site
Dear Mr. Henson,
I would like to extend my thanks to you for presenting your
community history site on Lincoln, Illinois, which I have
enjoyed very much in recent months (and continue to enjoy,
as it is quite extensive!). I found your site one day while
searching for information on Lincoln as I was wandering down
memory lane -- I was taken to Lincoln numerous times as a
young child in the 1960s to visit relatives, as my father
grew up in Lincoln in the 1920s and '30s. I have lived in
Mexico City for many years and rarely visit the United
States, however your site has sparked a renewed interest in
me to visit Lincoln once again some day.
I have one question regarding your site: Does it have a
bulletin board-type forum where far flung folks can post
questions or make contacts to fill in the blanks in their
Lincoln memories? I have reviewed the site but have not
found this forum if it is there.
Thank you once again and I wish you success in your
continued development of the site.
Best regards,
Tom Johnston
-----Original Message-----
From: peter smith [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Sat 5/5/2007 11:25 AM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: TREMENDOUS WEBSITE
by means of introduction..
I am an architect/professor of architecture at washu in
st.louis and SIU in carbondale...and my parents both are
from LINCOLN, ILLINOIS..so lincoln was and is a big part of
our family's history..
I currently live in ST.LOUIS but am back and forth to IOWA,
where the folks live...taking me right by LINCOLN on I55...I
stop in quite a bit to just check out things....because I
also have a great interest in RTE 66 and associated motels,
autos..signs..etc.
I wanted to send you my folks e-mail...my dad had originally
sent me your website link and yet I think he might be
hesitant to send a note your way...(he turns 80 at the end
of MAY of this year...) I am not sure of his
graduation date from LINCOLN HIGH...but pre WWII..as he was
in the military... 1944 possibly...mothers' graduation was 2
years later...but I know he would love to talk LINCOLN.....
she actually is on a committee for their high school class
reunion this upcoming summer....again...maybe class of 1947
for her?? (I am not sure..her 60th reunion???? possibly)
dad:
[email protected]
NORMAN B. SMITH living in MUSCATINE, IOWA (dad has several
degrees from the University of ILLINOIS..chemistry and
chemical engineering..he is now retired) mother:
[email protected]
MARILYN J. SMITH (Augspurger was her maiden name...harry f.
augspurger was her dad..he was superintendent of schools in
lincoln for some time) she has a degree also from the
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS...in Home economics..she is also
retired. My masters degree is also from UNIVERSITY OF
ILLINOIS..fancy that...!
there still is some family around LINCOLN...ALAN PEGRAM...a
cousin..of my mother's...farms some land just east and south
of the town....
so...as you can see by means of this intro..lincoln is a
place that we are all aquainted with...I also have three
sisters who living in various parts of the country..but all
of them hold tight to memories of LINCOLN as we all grew
up...
I thought maybe if you were not too busy, you might be able
to ROUST the father into chatting LINCOLN..via an e-mail
from you....I know he would enjoy that...
so..I'll include just a couple of images I took on a recent
trip through LINCOLN...(architecty stuff..I have many,
however...) I have sign photos of THE TROPICS SIGN..also of
BOBS ROAST BEEF..(I was crushed when they closed..and still
wonder where the large cow wearing the chef's hat went
following the closing...)
peter b. smith, NCARB, architect
[email protected]
thanks so much for all your good work on that site...good
thing summer is coming..so following the completion of my
university work for the year, I'll check out all those MANY
links you have in place..
and if you haven't seen it....well....you will be amazed at
something one of my students sent me...about
the creation of a VERY LARGE LINCOLN STATUE just outside of
town...here is it's link..a very crazy and strange
thought...
http://www.sj-r.com/extras/abestatue/abestatue_files/frame.html
-----Original Message-----
From: peter smith [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: Mon 5/7/2007 9:55 AM
To: Henson, D Leigh
Subject: RE: TREMENDOUS WEBSITE
thank you so much for your quick response....and I know in
hearing from you..dad will most likely respond...I'm glad
you cc'd him.....on this....he and my mother both have many
friends that are connected to
the town...and they keep in touch with as many as
possible...
I'll dig through photos of the downtown...once school wraps
up...I have not taken that many, but I do enjoy
the town square......I do love the phone booth on top of the
city hall.... and here is another fact that tied me to the
city..
I was working for an architect in CHAMPAIGN..while I was in
school there....who was designing the new
police/jail facility for LINCOLN..and I was the lead
designer on it....with my grandfather on the board...so that
was fun...(and hopefully for him a proud moment). I would
travel over to LINCOLN on weekends to view the construction,
so that was a lot of fun...
again, thanks for all your hard work..
peter
|
----- Original Message -----
[Published here with Ryan's permission]
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:26 PM
Subject: [Bulk] RE: Inquiry re: James T. McCarthy
Dear Leigh:
When I saw the name James McCarthy [in your message to
Bob McCarthy], I didn’t delete your e-mail as spam. My
name is Ryan Baker (age 40 – Bob McCarthy hired me right
out of law school in 1992). I am Robert McCarthy’s law
partner (since 1995) – at the office at this late hour
working on files and responding to e-mail messages.
I have
to relate this to you, so bear with me……
It sometimes is an ironic world…just
3 hours ago
I ran into YOUR
WEBSITE!! Why? Because my wife was going to
take my young daughters (ages 2 and 4) and her mother
and great aunt to Lincoln tomorrow for a treat (planned
Mother’s Day gift to her mom and aunt) to visit a few
shops on the square. Since I had grown up in Lincoln,
(like Bob McCarthy did) I told her about the Mill and
the schnitzel (I told her it was as big as a Frisbee – I
hope that wasn’t just through my young eyes that I
remember it being that big!!) and that I had seen on
WAND news several months back reporter Scott England
talking about the Mill/schnitzel and that although the
Mill was out of business that the sandwich was still
available through her grandsons. She asked me to
call my parents and see if they new where. I said,
“I’ll ‘Google’ it.” Well, your website popped up and I
clicked on it and I started to scroll down, being in a
hurry to get to the info. I was after. But then I
couldn’t help but start to read about what I used to
call dead man’s curve, and the gravel pits, author
Maxwell (I grew up on Ninth Street) and on and on (I got
goose bumps reading about my home town). I found the
story about the Mill and wrote down for her the address
on Kickapoo and that it was called ? Lunch box (or
something like that – I’m at the office now –what I
wrote down for her is at home).
My father, Dean Baker, was in school administration in
Logan County (and continues to reside at Ninth Street).
I graduated LCHS in 1984, then Lincoln College in 1986,
then the U of I and then law school. I remember Paul
Gleason – I was the student leader (under his guidance)
for the mural painted on the second floor in the Jr.
High School in 1979-80 –which I noticed was torn down.
I remember Paul Beaver from college – as teacher and as
some one well versed in history. Bob McCarthy and I
followed some of the same paths (hometown and schooling
and profession) – but at very different times in the
country’s history. Bob still practices law here, on a
reduced schedule, he just turned 83. He lives in Naples
in the winter and his son Doug McCarthy occupies the
office down the hallway from me. A painting by his
brother hangs over Bob’s desk in his law office down the
hall. Bob McCarthy is an exceptional man and
he is the reason
I accepted his job offer at this firm in 1992, as a
fresh whipper- snapper out of law school - in spite of
several other offers, some in the “big cities.”
I thought your website was exceptional. I kept
thinking “what’s in this for the creator of the site
(ads etc.), could it be a labor of love?” Wow, wow and
wow. I intend to copy it to my brother and sisters and
parents.
I have always thought fondly of Lincoln (although I
wanted to get out and “see the world.” )– my upbringing
in the town of Lincoln has proven to be quite an anchor
for my character, I believe.
Well, I hope I have not imposed on you with the above
recounting. I also hope that my wife and her travel
companions get to taste an authentic Lincoln, Illinois
schnitzel tomorrow – I’m only sorry that it is a
business day and therefore I can’t go with them and
relive some memories tomorrow. Home is in your mind, so
you can always go home.
I will see that Robert (Bob) McCarthy and his wife Mary
get this e-mail when he is next in the office, probably
tomorrow. It might take him some time to respond.
Best Regards,
Ryan L. Baker
P.S.
Thank you for your website.
----- Original Message -----
[Published here with Fred's permission]
Sent: Thursday, June 14, 2007 1:45 PM
Subject: Thanks!
Hello, Leigh -
>
> I've been meaning (the road to Hell is paved . . .) to email
you for some time, to express my genuine appreciation for the
Lincolniana you send my way, and also to ask that, if possible,
you greet your dad for me. He drove the LCHS bus that picked me
up out at Chestervale for a long ride out through the southeast
part of the county each morning. What a sweet-tempered man he
was! In those gentler days, he could quiet a busload with a
long, slow look in the mirror.
>
> My dad, Roy Cutlip, worked with Darold for a few years before
his death in 1955. I was so proud of my dad, as you must be of
yours. They, and Sam Zimmerman, were well-known and well-liked
by so many of my peers.
>
> Today, finally, I write to thank you specifically for the link
you provided to Joe Webb. This came at a fortuitous time, as you
will see when you read my email exchange with Joe, being
forwarded to you in minutes. You are free to share this story.
>
> Best wishes,
>
> Fred Cutlip
> LCHS 1953
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 3:57 PM
Subject: Lynn Cutlip
> Dear Dr. Webb,
>
> I think you were in a quartet with my brother Lynn in the
mid-fifties. If that is the case, I need to tell you that he and
I spoke within the last several weeks of those days, and of you.
>
> If you are moved to do so, I know a call from you would be a
joy and blessing to my brother. He is in good spirits,
unafraid, and he is dying in a hospice in Skokie. I just spoke
with his wife Cheryl, and the room sounded rather lively. One
just calls the hospice center, 847 933 3888, and asks for Room
337, shooting for a time when he might be awake- say before 8:30
Chicago time. Talking with Lynn is not a downer!
>
> You have built and enjoyed a fine career. Congratulations! I
was as fortunate - became a math professor, retired in 2000. We
are blessed - all of us - Lynn included.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Fred Cutlip
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, June 13, 2007 4:57 PM
Subject: Re: Lynn Cutlip
> Dear Fred,
>
> What a lovely note to get! Thank you for sending it. And
while the news about Lynn is sad to have, it brings back some of
the warmest memories of our youth--both me and my brother
John, to whom I am forwarding this note, in case you
didn't find him. The quartet was Richard Hargrove, Lynn, John,
and I--and did we ever have some good times. They didn't last
more than a year or so, but they were great.
> We won an award of some sort in the high school competition,
as I recall. And we sang together a lot of places. Lynn was a
terrific singer, and it was fun. I sure will call him--I am in
a meeting tonight, but will do with about 8:30 tomorrow night.
Blessings on you all--thanks for finding me!
>
> Joe Webb[Leigh's note: here is Joe Webb's
professional Web site address]
http://www.gardner-webb.edu/academics/departments/communicationstudies/faculty/jwebb/index.html
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