2008 Annual Report

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site Page 2 20082008 Annual Report Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site

Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site was the 1840s home of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, father and stepmother of our 16th president. By that time, Abraham no longer lived with his family, but was a prosperous lawyer living in Springfield, Illinois. However, in addition to family ties, Abraham’s legal work and political ambitions brought him through Coles County, and to his father’s farm on numerous occasions. Today, Lincoln Log Cabin consists of 86 acres of Thomas’s original farm and is preserved by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Division of Historic Sites. The site includes an accurate reproduction of the Lincolns’ two room cabin, reconstructed on the original site in 1935 as a Civilian Conservation Corps project and the circa 1844 Stephen Sargent home, a contrasting nineteenth-century progressive farm; annex sites include the Shiloh Church, and gravesites of Thomas and Sarah Bush Lincoln, one mile to the west, and the Ruben Moore Home in Farmington, one mile north of the site, scene of President-elect Lincoln’s last visit with his step-mother and extended family in Coles County before his journey to Washington D.C. in 1861. Lincoln Log Cabin hosts approximately 90,000 visitors each year, from almost every state and numerous countries around the world. Since 1981 those visitors journeying to the site during the summer months, and for special events at other times of the year, get to meet and interact with our interpreters and volunteers who portray actual members of the Lincoln and Sargent families or their neighbors. Our first-person approach to interpretation between May and October of each year is unique for historic sites in Illinois.

Volunteer Pioneers, Inc. The Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation The Volunteer Pioneers, Inc. were formed in The Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation was founded as a fund-raising 1981 to provide an outlet for volunteering at the committee in 1981 to facilitate moving the Stephen Sargent house to the site site. The purpose is to assist the full time staff and providing funds for its restoration. Following the successful completion in interpreting mid-nineteenth-century rural life of that task, the Foundation today has expanded its role in becoming the main in Central Illinois to visitors from around the source of funding for the site’s educational programs by hiring educators for state, nation, and world. In addition to the spring and fall fifth-grade live-in programs. The Foundation holds a fund- providing interpretive help on the historical raising event each spring, along with an annual campaign to raise funds for the farms and in the visitor center, the volunteers site. Foundation board members represent various business and educational also support the site by providing period elements of the community and surrounding area. clothing for the interpretive programs. Foundation Board of Directors Officers & Directors President Lance Beever Larry Gutzler, President John Phipps Vice President Susan Colgrove Lori Henderson, Vice President Gary Swearingen Secretary Ramona Tomshack Nora Pat Small , Secretary Barbara Haberer Treasurer JoAn Baker Gerald Parker, Treasurer John Woodruff Director Norm Kitley Paul Daily Dale Wolf Randy Ervin Director Marcia French Tim Gover Director George Spallinger Dennis Gathmann James K. Johnson 2008 Annual Report Page 3 Site Manager’s Report By Matthew Mittelstaedt

In 2008 Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site faced some serious challenges. With reduced funding we were forced to begin our season with less than half the number of our normal seasonal employees. Unfortunately, as the summer went on things grew increasingly difficult and we were forced in July, to let all of our seasonal employees go, and on December 1st, we laid off a permanent employee and officially closed except for certain special events. Throughout this crisis however, the Volunteer Pioneers and members of the community rose to the challenge sending several thousand letters to various state office holders to champion the site. Ultimately, although their campaign did not stop the closure of the site, it did serve to raise awareness of Lincoln Log Cabin, our programs and the support we receive from the community. The Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation was able to negotiate to keep the current education programs in place, and Seasonal maintenance workers Joe Gutierrez and Jack the volunteers stepped in to fill the gap left by missing seasonal Doll pose in front of the rebuilt lean-to on the Sargent employees and kept the historic farms open through corn crib. November. Despite the challenging budget issues, we were able to complete a number of projects this year before the seasonal employees were let go and after, with volunteer support. The first two spring projects were to replace rotten upright supports on the Sargent corn crib lean-to, and finish construction on the new hog lot at the Lincoln farm. Seasonal maintenance workers Joe Gutierrez and Jack Doll jumped right in and finished both projects before moving on to replace the Lincoln farm well cover with a new one that included a crank to lower the water bucket into the well. This configuration is similar to the well cover originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930s. Our new hog lot across the creek from the Lincoln Cabin was designed to replace the hog lot next to the cabin. By moving the hogs across the creek, we are able to both protect Lincoln era artifacts and the public by halting the erosion on the hillside. Over the years, the hogs had seriously degraded the hillside, causing severe erosion damage and a potential hazard for visitors who approached the lot coming down the hillside. By stabilizing the hillside we are also protecting Lincoln-era artifacts buried under the soil such as pottery, dishes and glassware that were originally used and then discarded by the family when broken or worn out by tossing them down the hill. The final project completed last year was the stabilization of the Lincoln Cabin by the maintenance crew from New Salem State Historic Site. They were able to jack up the northwest corner of the cabin after it slipped off its foundation, and afterwards, we were able to completely re- chink and re-whitewash the cabin in preparation for this year’s Bicentennial celebrations. This project was completed before the first frost by many dedicated volunteers who are owed a true debt of gratitude. Volunteers Kathy Spallinger and Lisa McDaniel examine the new well cover at the To all those who helped keep our programs and activities going and Lincoln Farm. to those who gave financially through the Volunteers Pioneers or the Foundation, I thank you, and look forward to better days soon at Lincoln Log Cabin. Page 4 20082008 Annual Report

A Look at the Land Purchases of the Extended Lincoln Family on the Goosenest Prairie 1837-1840

January 5, 1837 Squire Hall, Sarah Lincoln’s son-in–law, purchases from the federal government the SW 1/4, SE 1/4, Section 21 Township 11, Range 9, containing 40 acres for $1.25 an acre. This farm is immediately to the south of present-day Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site.

January 14, 1837 Thomas Lincoln buys from the federal government the S 1/2, NE, Section 21 Township 11, Range 8, containing 80 acres for $1.25 per acre.

August 4, 1837 John D. Johnston, Thomas Lincoln’s step-son, purchases from the federal government the NE 1/4, SE 1/4, Section 21 Township 11, Range 9, containing 40 acres for $1.25 per acre. His farm was adja- cent to that of Thomas Lincoln, just to the north.

December 27, 1838 Squire Hall, purchases from the federal government the SE 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 21 Township 11, Range 9, containing 40 acres for $1.25 an acre. This purchase formally expanded his land holdings to 80 acres although he was probably already cultivating this land adjacent to the 40 acres he bought almost two years before. Squire and Matilda Hall sold this farm and moved about a mile and a half south in 1839 into what would become Cumberland County.

March 5, 1840 Thomas Lincoln purchases the NW 1/4, SE 1/4 and the NE 1/4, SW 1/4, Section 21 Township 11, Range 9, containing 80 acres from Reuben Moore for $400 (essentially, the two men swapped the acreage they owned.) The $400 price would indicate that both properties had been improved. Fur- ther evidence of this may be seen in the construction of the cabin where building methods differ be- tween the east and west rooms; had they been constructed by one man they should have been the same.

December 31, 1840 Thomas Lincoln purchases the NE 1/4, SE 1/4, Section 21 Township 11, Range 9, containing 40 acres from his step-son John D. Johnston for $50. There is no evidence to indicate that the Lincoln and Johnston families lived together on Johnston’s farm prior to this date, but family correspondence clearly shows that Johnston and his family would remain in the Lincoln household until finally moving to the Arkansas/Missouri border region in in 1852. In December of 1848, Johnston com- plained about his numerous debts and explained in a letter to his step-brother Abraham how he avoided paying them “…I have kept from paying them by not having any property…” 2008 Annual Report Page 5

2008 Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation Donors List

INSTITUTIONAL GIFTS:

Adams Funeral Chapel, Brownstown Elementary, Carl Sandburg Elementary, Consolidated Communications, East Central Illinois Home Educators Network, East Richland Elementary, Ebinger Construction Company, The Exchange Club of Mattoon, First Federal Savings and Loan, First Mid-Illinois Bank and Trust, First Neighbor Bank, Holy Cross School, Lerna Lions Club, Lumpkin Family Foundation, North Clay Elementary, PEO Chapter of Mattoon, Regional Office of Education, Rotary Club of Charleston, Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Care Foundation

INDIVIDUAL GIFTS:

Charles & Linda Adams, Stan & Carolyn Adkins, Jim & Patty Allee, Janeice Grafton Allison, Gail Andrus, Ron & Carol Batterham, Virginia Beasley, Steve & Deborah Benefiel, Doit & Eleanor Biggs, Ben & Irene Blessing, Douglas & Sally Bock, Waldo & Margaret Born, Ewen &Mary Ellen Byrden, David & Karen Claus- ing, Susan Colgrove, Edward & Barbara Corley, Paula Cross, Paul & Barbara Daily, Roger & Alverta Dard- ing, John & Emma Daum, Maria deBuhr, Bernard & Marjorie deBuhr, Marylea Degler, Joseph & Sheila Dively, John Dively, Chuck & Ruth Dow, Hannah Drake, Gene & Linda Eagleson, Betty Elliott, Jerry & Carol Ellis, Janet Enbring, Mark & Debby Esarey, Dr. John Faust, Frank & Janet Fraembs, Marcia French, Bill & Wanda Furry, Bobby & Sandra Garner, Steve & Cheryl Garst, Dennis & Sue Gathmann, Timothy & Marilyn Gover, Jerome and Billie Groniger, June Ground, Vincent & Pamela Gutowski, Larry & Carole Gutzler, Roger & Barbara Haberer, Dr. Ken Hadwiger, Thomas & Jan Hawkins, Ruth Hay, Frank & Edith Hedges, John & Patty Hedges, John & Bonnie Hefner, Lori Henderson, Bill & Florence Heyduck, William Hill, Brenda Holmes, Dr. Vaughn & Ruth Jaenike, William & Judith James, Jim & Wanda Johnson, Bob & Judy Jones, Cleve & Karen Karch, Robert & Shirley Karraker, Dale & Gretta Kearney, James & Barbara Krehbiel, Dr. Claire Krukenberg, Vickie Kull, Pauline Lane, Dr. & Mrs. Larry Larvick, Mr. & Mrs. James Livesay, Hal & Edie Malehorn, Dr. Charles & Karen Maris, Drs. Tim & Gail Mason, David & Joyce Maurer, Gene & Dolly McFarland, Dr. James & Karen McKechnie, Douglass & Joann Meyer, Robert & Betty Miller, Drs. Tim & Melanie Mills, Matthew Mittelstaedt, Vallery Mullens, Michael Murray, Burnham & Nancy Neal, Mark & Gail Nelson, Bob & Carol Oetting, Mr. & Mrs. J.W. Oglesby, Jerry & Carol Parker, Judge & Mrs. Ralph Pear- man, Bea Purdue, Dr. Charles & Marjorie Ramsey, Mary Lou Randolph, John & Phyllis Rearden, David & Sarah Reed, Dr. Debra Reid, Judith Elaine Richards, Judge Teresa Righter, Foster & Jean Rinefort, Dr. Donald & Ferne Rogers, Richard & Yvonne Schroeder, Nora Pat Small & Rick Riccio, Calvin Smith, Robert & Hazel Sonderman, Rolly & Lois Spaniol, Tony & Debbie Sparks, Kermit Speer, A.W. & Shirley Spillman, Harold Strangeman, Greg & Becky Staton, Carolyn Stiegman, Kathleen Steward, George & Karen Stone, Lt. Col. Mary Storm, Selma Sweeney, John & Edie Terwilliger, Charles Titus, Elizabeth Tucker & John Cole, Carol Utz, Julian & Louise Vassay, Dale & Virginia Vogel, Mike & Barb Watts, Evelyn Wayne, Mike Weaver, Dr. Edmund & Jaqueline Wehrle, Terry & Louise Weidner, Mel Wigton, Norma Winkleblack, Jackie Worden, Dale & Deborah Wolf. Page 6 2008 Annual Report

2008 Summer Youth Program By Kitty Nowak I joined the Lincoln Log Cabin team in May of 2008 and from that point on the summer went by in a flash. I had heard such remarkable stories of past summer programs and the enthusiasm of the youth volunteers that I knew I had large shoes to fill in order to live up to these experiences and expectations. The initial May meetings were filled with anticipation and excitement for the summer program to start. I think the youth were excited to get out of the classroom and onto the farm for a fun filled summer.

Although we were only able to work on the Lincoln Farm during the summer of 2008, we made the most of the situation between gardening, mucking, building a new fence, cooking, Participants in the Summer Youth Program learn to cleaning and performing the daily interpretive tasks of the farm. harvest wheat on the Lincoln Farm. Our afternoons were spent at the Sargent Farm working on all kinds of crafts and exerting youthful energies with games such as town ball, capture the flag and Annie Annie Over. On some of the more heated days these activities even resulted in a water fight or two. Some of the crafts completed during the summer included rug hooking, quilling, cornhusk dolls, pockets, sewing journals and animal traps. Still, the summer was not all crafts and games and the youth put in some hard labor harvesting the summer wheat.

Our theme for the summer coincided with the Sesquicentennial of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. We read books and discussed issues associated with the debates of 1858. We painted campaign signs for Lincoln and Douglas and created a painted backdrop about the Lincoln-Douglas Debates. Many of the youth demonstrated artistic abilities that far outweighed mine! As part of this theme, several youth accompanied the Volunteer Pioneers to Bement, Illinois, for the kickoff of the Sesquicentennial events organized for the

Youth Volunteers Hannah Drake tying sheaves of wheat. Summer Youth Coordinator Mark Stanford works with Josh and Zach Klingler during the harvest. 2008 Annual Report Page 7

Wool washing is an important part of Sheep-to- Zach Klingler raising water from the well. Clothing each year

debates. At Bement, we marched in the processional for Lincoln and Douglas as they made their entrance shouting popular slogans of the 1858 debates and waving our signs in the air. In September we had a grand turn-out of youth and volunteers that helped bring alive the Charleston, Lincoln-Douglas Debates; who can ever forget the shouts of “More cowbell!”. Our youth at both of these events played nineteenth century games and encouraged visitors to join them as they played townball, tug of war and graces.

We also participated in the Charleston 4th of July parade and Mattoon’s Bagelfest parade and made a grand showing at the Coles County Fair where we sold many quilt tickets and also provided information about petitions to keep the site open in the face of deep budget cuts.

Again, I want to thank all the youth volunteers, seasonal staff, and volunteers for making my experience at Lincoln Log Cabin one I will never forget. I look forward to seeing you on the farm!

Because the processing of wool is so labor intensive, all Some think that dinner on the farm is the best part of the day! members of the family join in the process. Page 8 2008 Annual Report

The Volunteer Pioneers By Lance Beever, President

Greetings in the spirit and persona of patriarch, Thomas Lincoln.

Reflecting on the year 2008 brings back memories both good and bad. As we prepared to begin the interpretive season, our spirits were high because “Mam”, Bea Perdeu, was back as an inter- preter. But before the season even began, Gover- nor Blagojevich cut our budget in half, leaving us with only four interpreters instead of the eleven of the previous year. Still, we were not to be discour- aged and continued to plan for school groups and special events with a determination to make the year the best possible for the site.

School groups began in April and the excitement and enthusiasm of the fifth graders was conta- gious. Then, in May the bottom fell out again when we learned that Bea had been diagnosed Above: ‘The Remains of the Day.’ with cancer. Those of us on the farm gathered in her favorite place, the garden, to pray for our dear friend and co-worker. As difficult as it was, we pressed on with the work ahead of us.

When Kitty Nowak joined us as our grad assistant, things were once again looking up. Kitty jumped right in as if she had been doing interpretation all her life. Along with Mark Stanford, preparations for the Summer Youth program were finalized and we welcomed the young people to the site. The Summer Youth program was underway, and with but a few bumps along the way, went well.

Interpreters Mark Stanford and Susie Colgrove portray a young The Lincoln’s resident rooster can be heard daily on the farm. Lincoln bringing gifts to his step-mother, Sarah Bush Lincoln. 2008 Annual Report Page 9

Right: Marcia French por- trayed Sarah Lincoln at the 150th anniversary of the Lin- coln Doug- las Debate in Septem- ber.

The women gather in the kitchen at the Lincoln’s..

Right: Spring brings lambs to the farms..

Left: Interpreter Ramona Tomshack attended a Lincoln Birthday Ball at the Governor’s Mansion on February 12, 2008.

In July, the bottom dropped out again when Governor Blagojevich announced the layoffs of all seasonal em- ployees to commence on July 31st. As volunteers, we began a letter writing and petition campaign, sending over 3000 signatures to the governor. In spite of this major setback, all of our special events (with the excep- tion of Harvest Frolic), visiting artisans and fall school groups continued, due to the dedication, determination and hard work of you, the Volunteer Pioneers. Without your work, Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site would have dried up and been blown away like chaff on the threshing floor.

So, in that light, let me thank all of the volunteers, the VCRs who are the first contact for most of our visitors, those of you who work in gift shop who are generally the last contact for our visitors, the interpreters who make the site historically come to life and also to the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation for their continued support.

With the coming changes in the state administration, I’m looking forward to the year 2009 to be bigger, better and the most rewarding in the history of Lincoln Log Cabin. Lance Beever Page 10 20082008 Annual Report

Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation Report By President Larry Gutzler

As we come to the end of another very interesting and successful year at the Lincoln and Sargent Farms, it is time to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year, and begin to envision how to continue this success in the coming year.

The state continued to experience budget problems during 2008 resulting in a reduction of the operational budgets at the state historic sites. President Lincoln might have said that the Lincoln-Sargent Farm was be- ing forced to operate on a shoestring.

Just a few short years ago, the site had a full-time staff of seven employees, and retained sixteen seasonal em- ployees to both maintain the site and operate its living history programs. Through retirements, attrition, and illness, the site has operated for nearly the past six years with only two full-time employees, and most of the last year with just one. The task of operating the site with such a huge reduction in staff was made pos- sible through the cooperation of the Volunteer Pio- neers, the LSFF, and the leadership of the site manager, Matthew Mittelstaedt.

Through our extraordinary volunteers, we have staffed the visitor center every day for the past ten years at no Susie Colgrove weaving in the Lincoln Cabin. cost to the state. Since the site has not received funds from the state to maintain the educational programs a the Lincoln and Sargent Farms, the funding has come from the supporters of the LSFF.

In spite of the budget cuts, our educational programs have prospered. We had approximately 1500 fifth- grade students participate last year in the live-in pro- grams that allowed those students to experience the life and times on a mid 1800s Illinois farm. In spite of he reduced funding and reduced hours, we were also pleased to have 67 youths participate in the Summer Youth Program. Because of the dedication of the mem- bers of the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation, we were also able to continue the leasing of large animals on the farm. I am pleased to report that the site welcomed 76,253 visitors during the past year, a figure that is re- markable considering the site officially closed on No- vember 30, 2008. This closure effectively prohibited us from hosting the Harvest Frolic and Agricultural Fair which normally attracts approximately 5000 visitors The Foundation pays each year for a cow and calf rental to support the programs of the site. 2008 Annual Report Page 11

to the site.

On a happier note, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency has given the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation permission to operate our school groups which we have already scheduled for the spring of 2009. This is only pos- sible because the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation is funding these educational interpretive programs.

During 2008, the foundation provided $37,705.73 in fund- ing for these programs, which is an increase in foundation funding from 2007. The foundation was also able to re- place the shingles on the Shiloh Church during 2008. This was accomplished as the result of donated shingles, and Our first set of piglets sired by our new boar. board members and friends making donations for their instal- lation. Volunteers are also taking on the task of painting the exterior wood of the church, making some necessary repairs to the wood as needed.

Since this is the Bicentennial Year of Abraham Lincoln’s Birth, the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation and the Vol- unteer Pioneers of Lincoln Log Cabin are especially con- cerned with the State of Illinois’ decision to close Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. Accordingly, we have sent a letter to Ms. Jan Grimes, Director of IHPA, requesting the re-opening of the site. We feel with the foundation and volunteer support, and the Site-Manager in place, we could have another successful year at Lincoln Log Cabin. Grazing in the Lincoln’s pasture. On behalf of the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation Board, I would like to thank the Charleston Charitable Trust and the many individuals and organizations that have contributed to the foundation so that we may continue to keep Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site growing and educating for years to come.

Again, thank you for all of your support this past year, and we look forward to see- ing you at future events sponsored by the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation.

Playing cards during the Christmas Candlelight Sheep shearing is an annual event at Lincoln Log Cabin. Tour in December. Page 12 2008 Annual Report LINCOLN LOG CABIN ANNOUNCES Select Special Events for 2009 Including Special Lincoln Bicentennial Community Wide Activities

Visitors can journey to the 1840s one event at a time during at the 2009 series of special events announced by Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site. All of the events are free and open to the public. To confirm dates and times please call 217-345-1845.

April 3-4, 7:30 pm, April 5, 2 pm Two Miles a Penny by Ed Trotta as Abraham Lincoln Buzzard Auditorium, EIU Campus Ed Trotta as Abraham Lincoln presents an intimate look at the man caught in living in the most anguished of times and rising to an unprecedented height of greatness. For more information visit the website or contact the Charleston Community theatre at (217) 581-2787 www.charlestoncommunitytheatre.org

April 25-26, 10 am – 4 pm Commemoration of Abraham Lincoln’s arrival in Illinois Lincoln Trail Memorial (West end of the Lincoln Memorial Bridge, US Route 50 Lawrenceville, IL) Join the Volunteer Pioneers of Lincoln Log Cabin as they interpret the Lincoln Families migration into Illinois in 1830 at the Lincoln Trail State Memorial, where according to tradition, Abraham Lincoln and his family first entered Illinois

May 9, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Sheep-to-Clothing & the unveiling of our newest exhibit ‘Fiber to Fabric’ Uncovering the Hand Weaving Process Follow the process of pre-industrialized woolen cloth manufacture from the initial stage of shearing the sheep to sewing garments from the finished cloth on Saturday, May 9. The site will also officially open it’s newest exhibit which focuses on the hand weaving process. Visitors will also have the opportunity to bring their antique coverlets to be identified free by our experts.

May 23, 10 am – 4 pm Court is in Session/Lincoln and his Coles County Spring Visit While traveling the legal circuit, Lincoln stops to visit the family at the farm. Join the Lincoln family as Abraham recounts episode in his public and legal career. Interpreter Lisa McDaniel portrays Mary Johnston teaching her June 13, 1:00 pm daughter to spin wool. Civil War Era Fashion Show Fashions from the Civil War era will be featured and discussed during this presentation on the well dressed Civil War era men and women.

2008 Annual Report Page 13

August 9, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Bluegrass Jam The annual Bluegrass Jam features musicians from Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri. This informal musical gathering provides the perfect opportunity to bring a picnic lunch and sit in the shade listening to groups of musicians jam, or bring along your own instrument and join in. Food concessions will also be offered by the Volunteer Pioneers.

September 12, 2:30 pm Herndon’s Informants: Lincoln as Viewed by his Coles County Family The Volunteer Pioneers will present excerpts of letters gathered by Abraham Lincoln’s law partner, William Herndon. After Lincoln’s assassination in 1865, Herndon corresponded with members of Lincoln’s extended family in Coles County to get a better understanding of the man he knew.

September 18, 4 pm – 8:30 pm September 19, 10:30 am – 3 pm & 4 pm – 8:30 pm Trial & Tribulation: Story of the 1847 Matson Slave Trial Rutherford House, Oakland A story of bittersweet daring and historical mystery, involving one of the most Bea Purdeu, who formerly portrayed divisive issues of our country’s early history, slavery. Meet the people involved Sarah Bush Lincoln and watch the performance about the trial, while enjoying an 1847 meal and challenge your preconceived notions of history. For more information visit the website or call (217) 508-9113 www.drhiramrutherford.com or http://matson1847.blogspot.com

October 10, 10 am – 4 pm Court is in Session/Lincoln and his Coles County Fall Visit While traveling the legal circuit, Lincoln stops to visit the family at the farm. Join the Lincoln family as Abraham recounts episode in his public and legal career.

November 27, 10 am – 4 pm A Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer: Lincoln’s Proclamation of Thanksgiving By 1845, governors of many states outside of New England were issuing proclamations for official Days of Thanksgiving, but it was not until the depths of the Civil War that Abraham Lincoln proclaimed our first national observance of the holiday. Join us as we explore the new national holiday of Thanksgiving where the traditions were already quite familiar to Illinois’ Yankee settlers.

January 27, 2010 10 am – 4 pm Lincoln’s Farewell to his Coles County Family in 1861 Join us in welcoming president Abraham Lincoln to Coles County as he pays his extended family, and beloved step-mother a farewell visit before heading to Washington DC to assume the office of the president.

The Lincoln Cabin in winter. Page 14 2008 Annual Report Volunteer Pioneers

In 2008, the Volunteer Pioneers contributed over 13,000 hours to the site with activities that included; interpreting on the farms, acting as receptionists in the Visitor Center, working in the gift shop, and participating in special events throughout the year. Most often visible in their function as Visitor Center receptionists, volunteers are the first to greet visitors to Lincoln Log Cabin and help orient them to the site. During the summer months they provide introductory information about the interpretive programs for visitors before they journey to the farms. 2008 Financial Report Prominent in the interpretive program are our adult and Balance on hand, 1/1/08 $ 31,200.27 youth volunteers who each add to the visitors’ overall Volunteer Pioneer Account 97.19 experience. They provide an important visual stimulus that Gift Shop Account 31,103.08 is absent from many other historic sites; representing Income families in their entirety. So often those who have the most General Donations & Grants 1,072.53 time to volunteer and participate are retirees, but with our Membership 2,214.00 summer youth program, and over 70 youths participating Quilt Raffle 1,960.00 weekly, we are able to represent the role of the entire 19th Concessions 1,428.40 century family in daily farm life. This gives our visitors a Gift Shop & Vending 30,394.22 more accurate picture of our rural societies population as Reimbursements 1,124.60 represented by our seasonal employees, adult volunteers, Interest & Misc. 5.30 TOTAL $38,199.05 and youth volunteers who cover all age groups. Expenses Volunteer Pioneer President Lance Beever and the Membership 1,410.04 entire VP Board are committed to advancing the Fundraisers educational and interpretational opportunities offered by Concessions 546.16 the site. They look forward to receiving input from the Gift Shop 34,989.22 whole of the organization on how to proceed during this Period Clothing 761.38 difficult period of the sites closure. “We urge each of you Equipment 686.23 to continue to be strong advocates for Lincoln Log Cabin Interpretation 6,710.66 Printing 134.00 just as you have always done, and hopefully, through those Operational Expenses 3,558.59 efforts we will reopen to the general public soon.” TOTAL $48,796.28 Closing Balance 12/31/2008 $ 20,603.04

Volunteer Pioneer Assets

Volunteer Pioneer Account 568.91 Gift Shop Account 20,034.13 Gift Shop Inventory of Goods 11,530.91 Boot and Brogan Inventory 12,475.00

Total Assets $ 44,608.95

Interpreter George Spallinger works the forge at the Lincoln’s. 2008 Annual Report Page 15 Lincoln-Sargent Farm Foundation 2008 Financial Report

Beginning Balance - 1/1/2008 51,071.13 The Shiloh Income 39,878.06 Church, next to Thomas and Sarah

Lincoln’s grave- Annual Campaign 31,186.59 site got a new roof General 25,836.34 in December of Corporate 2,400.00 2008 thanks to the Organizations 2,950.25 many generous donors to the Other Fund Raising Activities 310.00 foundation. Sales 310.00 Brochure 5,283.80 Dues/Other 375.95 Grants 7,422.76 Other Publications 650.00 City of Charleston 2, 000.00 Chas. Charitable Trust 5,422.76 Education Programs 37,705.73 Staffing 28,295.33 Miscellaneous 958.71 Payroll Taxes 5,168.15 Interest 958.71 Insurance & Unemployment 1,405.00 Accounting 980.00 Supplies /Postage 374.15 Workshops/Weekend Programs 1,483.10

Construction & Restoration 4,188.80 Bicentennial Signs 3,400.00 Exhibits 788.80

Equipment 400.00 Cow/Calf Lease 400.00

Volunteers Mark and Kim Stanford during one of the Membership Services 40.00 many events sponsored by the Lincoln-Sargent Farm Plaques 40.00 Foundation

Expenditures 52,280.80 Operational 1,025.22 Meetings 25.56 Annual Campaign 1,531.30 Insurance 735.00 Printing 744.00 Miscellaneous 64.00 Postage 773.26 Bank Charges 25.66 Miscellaneous 14.04 Closing Balance - 12/31/2008 38,668.39 Tourism/Public Relations 7,389.75 Advertising 1,080.00 Page 16 2008 Annual Report

Lincoln Log Cabin Non Profit Org. U.S. Postage State Historic Site PAID 400 South Lincoln Hwy Rd Lerna, IL 62440 Permit No. 100 Lerna, Illinois 62440 (217) 345-1845

Website: www.lincolnlogcabin.org

Email: [email protected]

The Goosenest Prairie Gazette is published four times a year for the Lincoln/Sargent Farm Foundation and the Volunteer Pioneers. Selected Photos by The Volunteers and Lincoln Log Cabin State Historic Site