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A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

VOLUME 9, NUMBER 4 WINTER 2007 SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS

Abraham Lincoln Symposium An American Dream Concert The Abraham Lincoln Association Banquet

Marking the 199th Anniversary of the Birth of Abraham Lincoln And the Centennial of The Abraham Lincoln Association

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

February 11, 2008 11:00 Lincoln Symposium Luncheon Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Allen C. Guelzo speaking Who Won the Lincoln Douglas Debates? 1:00–4:00 Lincoln Symposium Hall of Representatives Old State Capitol 7:00 An American Dream Illinois Symphony Orchestra Sangamon Auditorium University of Illinois at Springfield

February 12, 2008 10:00 ALA Board of Directors Annual Meeting Abraham Lincoln Association Lyceum Old State Capitol 1:00-4:00 Lincoln Symposium Hall of Representatives Old State Capitol 5:00 Endowment Reception Crowne Plaza Hotel Guest of honor, Michael Beschloss 6:00 Centennial Lincoln Day Banquet Crowne Plaza Hotel Michael Beschloss speaking

February 13, 2008 7:00 An American Dream Illinois Symphony Orchestra Bloomington Center for Performing Arts Bloomington, Illinois

2 A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PEOPLE Abraham Lincoln Symposium

SPEAKERS

Jean H. Baker Mark E. Neely, Jr. Michael Vorenberg

Jean Harvey Baker is Elizabeth Todd Mark E. Neely, Jr., is McCabe-Greer Michael Vorenberg is an Associate Professor of History at Goucher Col- Professor of Civil War History at Professor of History at Brown Univer- lege. A specialist in nineteenth century Pennsylvania State University. A sity. His interests are in the intersec- political and cultural history, Baker is prolific writer on Lincoln and the tion of three topics: Civil War and best known for her innovative look at Civil War era, Neely is best known Reconstruction; Legal and Constitu- cultural politics, Affairs of Party, and for his Pulitzer Prize winning The tional History; and Slavery, Emancipa- her definitive biography, Mary Todd Fate of Liberty: Abraham Lincoln tion, and Race. His first book, Final Lincoln: A Biography. She wrote the and Civil Liberties. His recent re- Freedom: The Civil War, the Abolition introduction to the late Dr. C. A. search has explored party organiza- of Slavery, and the Thirteenth Amend- Tripp‟s The Intimate World of Abraham tion and behavior in the Civil War, ment, was widely acclaimed. His cur- Lincoln. Her current interest is in ex- as reflected in The Union Divided: rent book project is Reconstructing the ploring the suffragist movement result- Party Conflict in the Civil War North People: The Invention of Citizenship ing in Sisters: The Lives of Americas and The Boundaries of American During the American Civil War.

Suffragists. Political Culture in the Civil War

Era.

Brian R. Dirck Brooks D. Simpson Douglas L. Wilson

Brian R. Dirck is an Associate Professor Brooks D. Simpson is Professor of Douglas L. Wilson taught English and of History at Anderson University. His History and Humanities at Arizona American Literature for 33 years at special areas of interest are Abraham State University. He is author of sev- Knox College, where he is now co- Lincoln, the Civil War era, and Ameri- eral books on the Civil War and Recon- director of the Lincoln Studies Cen- can political and legal history. He is the struction era including Let Us Have ter. His work on Abraham Lincoln has author of numerous books and articles, Peace: Ulysses S. Grant and the Poli- appeared in The Atlantic Monthly, including Lincoln and Davis: Imagining tics of War and Reconstruction, 1861- American Heritage, Time, and The America, 1809-1865, and Lincoln the 1868, The Political Education of Henry American Scholar. He has written or Lawyer. He is currently working on a Adams, America’s Civil War, The Re- edited six books on Lincoln, including study of Lincoln and American race construction Presidents, and Ulysses S. three in which he collaborated with relations, which will be published some- Grant: Triumph Over Adversity, 1822- Rodney O. Davis—Herndon’s Infor- time in 2009. Dirk is the publisher of 1865. Simpson has edited a volume of mants: Letters and Interviews about the informative A. Lincoln Blog (http:// Abraham Lincoln‟s letters and Abraham Lincoln, Herndon’s Lincoln, alincolnblog.blogspot.com/) containing speeches, a volume of letters of advice and The Lincoln-Douglas Debates commentary on Lincoln appearances in to Andrew Johnson, and a volume of (forthcoming). Two of his books, contemporary media as well as historical William T. Sherman‟s letters. He is Honor’s Voice: The Transformation of controversies. currently working on the second and Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln’s Sword: final volume of his biography of Ulys- The Presidency and the Power of Words, won both the Abraham Lincoln ses S. Grant. Institute Prize and the Lincoln Prize.

FOR THE PEOPLE A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION 3 Abraham Lincoln Symposium PROGRAM LINCOLN SYMPOSIUM LUNCHEON February 11 and 12, 2008 Old State Capitol February 11, 2008 The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Free and open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. BOOK SALES and SIGNINGS Dr. Guelzo will sign his newly published book, 11:30 a.m. to 12:50 p.m., both days Lincoln and Douglas: The Debate That Defined America

Rotunda, Old State Capitol 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Featuring Michael Beschloss Luncheon and Speech

LINCOLN SYMPOSIUM: SPEAKER Celebrating a Century of Lincoln Scholarship 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., both days Allen C. Guelzo

Hall of Representatives, Old State Capitol WHO WON THE LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES? Presiding: Thomas F. Schwartz The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library

Day One, February 11, 2008 Addresses

Finding Abe: The Elusive Mr. Lincoln Jean H. Baker Goucher College

A Life in Politics: Lincoln and

the American Party Systems Allen C. Guelzo is the Henry R. Luce III Professor of the Civil Mark E. Neely, Jr. War Era at Gettysburg College, where he serves as Director of Pennsylvania State University the Civil War Era Studies Program and The Gettysburg Semes- Lincoln’s Rhetoric ter. Guelzo, born in Japan, earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in his- Douglas L. Wilson tory from the University of Pennsylvania. He also holds a Knox College M.Div. from Philadelphia Theological Seminary and an honor- ary doctorate in history from Lincoln College.

Day Two, February 12, 2008 He is the first two-time winner of the Lincoln Prize, for his books Abraham Lincoln: Redeemer President and Lincoln's Addresses Emancipation Proclamation: The End of Slavery in America. Guelzo formerly held the position of Dean at The Templeton Abraham Lincoln’s Ethic of Distance Honors College at Eastern University, where he was the Grace Brian R. Dirck Ferguson Kea Professor of American History. Previously, he Anderson University was a professor of history at the Philadelphia Theological

Seminary. Abraham Lincoln: Commander-in-Chief Brooks D. Simpson Guelzo's other publications include Edwards on the Will: A Arizona State University Century of American Philosophical Debate, The Crisis of the American Republic: A New History of the Civil War and Re- Lincoln the Citizen--Or Lincoln the Anti-Citizen? construction, and an edition of Josiah G. Holland‟s Life of Michael Vorenberg Abraham Lincoln. For the Teaching Company, he produced a Brown University twelve-part lecture series on Abraham Lincoln, which appeared in 2005 and is available on DVD.

Reservations: call 217 558-8934 or go online at http:// Sponsored by: www.alplm.org/home. $20.00. Credit cards accepted.

The Abraham Lincoln Association The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency Menu: Chicken sautéed with almonds-orange horseradish sauce, new The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum potatoes, broccoli salad, Texas sheet cake, and beverage.

4 A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PEOPLE

An American Dream Concert

The Abraham Lincoln Association and the National Association For the Advancement of Colored People Bloomington and Springfield Branches

proudly present a unique evening of music, song, and the spo- ken word commemorating the 1908 race riot in Springfield and the 100th anniversaries of the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and The Abraham Lincoln Association. Music will be performed by the Illinois Symphony Orchestra under the directorship of Karen Lynne Deal.

February 11, 2007 7:00 p.m. Sangamon Auditorium, UIS One University Plaza, Springfield, Illinois For tickets call: 217-206-6160 or 800-207-6960

February 13, 2007 7:00 p.m. Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts 110 E. Mulberry Street, Bloomington, Illinois For tickets call: 309-434-2777 or 866-686-9541

FOR THE PEOPLE A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION 5

The Abraham Lincoln Association Banquet

February 12, 2008 Crowne Plaza Hotel 3000 South Dirksen Parkway Springfield, Illinois

ENDOWMENT FUND RECEPTION 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Ball Room Reception Room Meet the banquet speaker, Michael Beschloss Tickets: $75 per person. For reservations, contact Mary Shepherd at 866-865-8500 or [email protected].

CENTENNIAL RECEPTION AND BANQUET

RECEPTION 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Outer Ballroom Lobby Music by the 10th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Regimental Band

BANQUET 7:00 p. m. Ballroom Presiding: Richard E. Hart President, The Abraham Lincoln Association Address: Michael Beschloss Tickets: $75 per person.

Presidential historian Michael Beschloss is the author of numerous books on American Presidents and has recently authored the bestseller, Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789-1989.

Beschloss was born in Chicago and was educated at Andover, Williams Col- lege, and Harvard University. He majored in political science at Williams and earned an MBA at Harvard Business School. Beschloss appears fre- quently on PBS, ABC, and C-SPAN. He is the NBC News Presidential His- torian. Michael Beschloss Banquet Speaker

6 A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PEOPLE

PAUL ANGLE REMEMBERS BANQUETS PAST

Richard E. Hart, President The pre-Lincoln birthday dinners The Abraham Lincoln Association reached their climax with the baked oysters. Arrangements for Paul M. Angle was the first Executive this very special occasion began Secretary of The Abraham Lincoln about the first of February when Association. He served from 1925 to the judge informed us that he had 1932 when he left to become head of ordered a half-barrel of oysters to the Illinois State Historical Library. In be sent from Baltimore to our 1974, the Claxon Club of Chicago and the Chicago Historical Society pub- house. Detailed instructions fol- lished his reminiscences in a book enti- lowed by telephone almost every tled On a Variety of Subjects. One of night. I was to find a couple of the subjects was titled In the Service of roustabouts to scrub the oysters, Clio, an amusing description of Febru- Mrs. Angle was to employ two ary 12th ALA banquets of the past. In waitresses, he would bring bibs, Greek mythology, Clio is the muse of trays, ramekins, and everything history, a muse Angle served well. Paul M. Angle, Executive Secretary of the else. When the great day came, all

Lincoln Centennial Association went without a hitch until the first

1925-1932 round of oysters had been con- I N T HE S ERVICE OF C LIO sumed. In all the planning no one Then there was the annual Lin- tary was the entertainment of a had thought about disposing of the coln Banquet, revived along with number of out-of-town members shells. The waitresses, rising to the Association itself. All ar- who made the pilgrimage annually. the occasion, found two wash rangements fell upon me. They The group was led by a wonderful buckets, and the rest of the elegant would not have been onerous ex- old lawyer and former judge who meal, an experience for a gourmet, cept for the fact that the good had two gods: Abraham Lincoln was punctuated by the steady members were allowed to make up and his own belly. Abraham Lin- plunk of heavy shells into galva- their own tables. Each person coln took care of himself on Feb- nized iron. reserving a table was supposed to ruary 12, but on February 11 it The visitation of the judge’s con- fill it, but rarely did. But let the was the duty—or pleasure, I never tingent concluded with a final secretary try to fill a couple of could quite decide which—of Mrs. function—a gathering of the group vacant places for some of the Angle and me to help the judge and a few local people in his hotel strays he invariably had on his and his companions serve his other suite after the annual banquet. hands, and the fur would fly. I deity. One of these, in its way, was as could not escape the conclusion The basic ingredients for the din- noteworthy as the baked oyster that half of the people of Spring- ner were assembled in accordance dinner. This was the occasion on field wanted nothing to do with with detailed instructions, con- which “Just David” decided to the other half. This problem was veyed in advance. Whatever else pray for the sinners. difficult enough, yet it shrank in was necessary, including a gallon “Just David” was a Methodist significance when compared with jug of Bourbon whiskey, would minister whose intellectual caliber the sudden epidemic of deafness arrive with the group in the early and naiveté were indicated by his which invariably struck the city a afternoon. The judge would im- selection of the title of Gene Strat- few days before February 12. As mediately put on his apron and ton Porter’s saccharine novel as soon as table assignments were pitch in in the kitchen, always his familiar name. On this eve- released it would suddenly appear finishing in time for a couple of ning “Just David” appeared at the that practically everyone seated rounds of old-fashioned cocktails, postprandial session. The jug had back of the second row of tables which he insisted on making him- been out, of course, but our minis- was hard of hearing, and would self in huge glasses which he had terial friend gave no visible or vo- simply have to be placed closer to transported two hundred miles. I cal sign of disapproval. After the speaker. And quite often, per- can still see him with the jug be- twenty minutes, however, he an- sonal influence and human frailty tween his knees, and hear him nounced that he would have to being what they are, the handi- exclaim in his high-pitched voice, leave, and would those who were capped were seated closer. after the liquor had begun to take there do him a great favor? Would hold: “God damn it! Ain’t we Another Lincoln’s birthday re- having a good time!” sponsibility falling upon the secre-

FOR THE PEOPLE A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION 7

they kneel, and permit him to say a prayer? The difficulty was that JAMES W. BOLLINGER everyone had a highball in his hand, AS A C OLLECTOR OF L INCOLNIANA and all were caught off base as far as tables were concerned. All, includ- “THE JUDGE” ing the judge with his 225 pounds, knelt, each man holding his drink So, who was the “Judge”? A little and trying his best to keep from research reveals that he was James spilling it while “Just David” spoke Wills Bollinger, an avid collector of Lincolniana and a member of the his touching plea for the mercy of Board of Directors of The Abraham the Almighty. Lincoln Association from 1943 until After seven years of such service in his death in 1951. In 1982, the Uni- Clio's behalf I was asked to take versity of Iowa, Books at Iowa, pub- charge of the Illinois State Histori- lished an article entitled “James W. cal Library. It seemed to me to be a Bollinger as a Collector of Lincol- niana,” by Robert A. McCown. With very good idea. The Depression the kind permission of the University was approaching its nadir, and I and Mr. McCowan, the article is concluded that the State of Illinois printed below. was far more likely to survive the debacle than the Lincoln Centennial Judge James W. Bollinger In 1903 he received from his mother a Association. In short, I ran for Member of the Board of Directors small book bound in green cloth. cover. Although I have never re- of The Abraham Lincoln Association Nancy Hanks, The Story of Abraham gretted the decision, my prognosis 1943-1951 Lincoln’s Mother by Caroline Hanks was wrong. The State of Illinois Hitchcock was his first Lincoln book 1881. In June 1885 he graduated cut salaries and missed a couple of and it was to be the start of an excep- from the Classical Department of payrolls; the Lincoln Centennial tional collection. In such a way, the Davenport High School and then en- Association sailed through nicely. sixteenth president became his idol tered The University of Iowa. The experience led me to formulate and he set out with enthusiasm and a rule of action for times of eco- pleasure to build a collection of books While a student at Iowa, James nomic disaster. Abandon the essen- and pamphlets by and about Lincoln. Bollinger was an active member of tial industries. Steel mills and auto- He found that collecting took effort the Irving Institute, which was a cam- mobile factories shut down, utilities and persistence. Accumulating books pus literary society, the University lay off men by the hundreds, banks was far more than just possession: he Battalion of the Iowa National Guard, close. But historical societies and began to live intimately with Abra- and Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. Politics art museums and colleges and uni- ham Lincoln in a comfortable was also part of the college learning versities somehow keep going. “Lincoln Room.” It was an extraordi- experience. “Billy Kenyon and I were nary love affair. college mates, fraternity brothers, and And so I became a servant not only each one of us made our first political of Clio, but also of the state. I soon James Wills Bollinger was born on speeches to a public audience the discovered that I needed to acquire April 10, 1867, in Geneseo, Illinois, same night, same room, down in a a new set of skills. The fact that I the son of Albert Lester and Emily little country town South end of John- had no experience in running a li- Diana Wills Bollinger. After service son County, Iowa.‟‟ William S. Ken- brary turned out to be of no more in the Civil War, Albert Bollinger yon later served as U.S. senator from consequence than my lack of his- married, and later ran a carriage shop. Iowa. Bollinger received his Bache- torical competence in my first posi- As a young woman, Mrs. Bollinger lor of Arts degree in 1888 and a tion. I had to learn about politics, had seen Lincoln at the time of the Bachelor of Laws degree in 1889. In and learn fast. Galesburg debate while she was at- 1893 he was awarded a Master of Arts tending Lombard College and during diploma. the Civil War she had scraped lint for At the time of his graduation from law wounds. In 1873 the Bollingers school in June 1889, Bollinger was moved to Davenport, Iowa, where Mr. Bollinger went to work for Sieg and admitted to the bar and began the Banquet Menu Williams, a wholesale heavy hard- practice of law in Davenport. In 1895 February 12, 1927 ware business. Later his son would he served as an alderman and between be chairman of the board of the Sieg 1897 and 1911 he was an Iowa district court judge for the Seventh Judicial Company. Young James attended grammar school from 1873 until District. For the rest of his life he bore the title of “Judge.”

8 A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PEOPLE

During the “Gay Nineties,” Bollinger “The Abraham Lincoln Association At the time Judge Bollinger sent his and another young lawyer took trips to was very important to the Judge. He Sickles material to Osborn, he also sent Colorado, the World‟s Fair in Chicago his copies of Neilson‟s Exercises and in 1893, and even made a voyage to was first elected a director of the Wealth and Worth. Osborn believed the London and Paris. On November 1, association in 1943 and continued to signature in Wealth and Worth to be 1899, in Davenport, he married Mary serve in that capacity until his genuine, but that the signature in Greek Elizabeth Gilman and began a happy death. ” Exercises was spurious. However, he domestic life. was not positive as to either signature. the Man? (New York: Harper & Broth- The Judge‟s time was filled with more This opinion was a blow to Judge ers, 1856). Both books contained Lin- than legal activities and family affairs. Bollinger, because he had taken such coln‟s autograph and were said to be Always active in various capacities in pride in the volumes. Of course, the part of the president‟s personal library. the Iowa State Bar Association, he was evidence on which Barton and Sand- Previously the books had belonged to president in 1909. He was also in- burg had based their assumption about John E. Burton, a famous Wisconsin volved in the business world and he Lincoln‟s denial of the supernatural. collector. In addition to Lincoln‟s auto- served as president of a number of cor- birth of Jesus was now destroyed. The graph in the middle of the free end- porations: the Security Fire Insurance Sickles affair did not end without some paper, Neilson‟s Exercises had some Company of Davenport, the Sieg Com- positive results. One item that the important marginalia. At the very bot- pany, the Sickles & Preston Company, Judge purchased from him was abso- tom of page thirty-four is a sentence and the S. F. Gilman Milling Company. lutely rare, an edition bound in scrap- printed in parallel Greek and English: At one time he was president of the book format entitled Abraham Lincoln “Ye have loved me, and have believed Davenport Public Museum. He liked to as Attorney for the Illinois Central Rail- that I came forth from God.” The word hunt and fish, play golf, and was very way Company. This work was one of God is crossed out with a pen and the fond of horse racing. Membership in an edition limited to six copies. words “from nature” are substituted, the Contemporary Club and the History supposedly in Lincoln‟s hand. Both In April 1939, when his collection stood Roundtable of Davenport brought pleas- William E. Barton and Carl Sandburg at 2,425 items, an article appeared in urable moments. Then, about 1925, he used this substitution as evidence of Better Homes & Gardens about Judge began in earnest to collect books and Lincoln‟s denial of Jesus as the son of Bollinger‟s cooking and included some pamphlets by and about Abraham Lin- God. These two volumes were the most of his recipes. The Judge was famous coln. prized of any that Bollinger had in his for his love of good food. In his mem- One person who had an influence on the collection of Lincolniana. oirs Paul Angle tells the story of a din- development of Bollinger‟s Lincoln ner of baked oysters before one of the By 1931, the Judge had almost eighteen library was Joseph Benjamin Oakleaf annual meetings of the Abraham Lin- hundred items in his growing library. (1858-1930), of Moline, Illinois, who at coln Association. Shortly after the arti- In that year he encountered a man the time of his death was the owner of cle appeared the Judge received a letter named Harry D. Sickles, who had a the largest private Lincoln collection in from a woman in Quincy, Illinois, con- suitcase of sheet music, maps, and the United States. In a letter to Oak- cerning a pamphlet in her possession, a books usually autographed “A Lincoln” leaf‟s son, Bollinger wrote: “Speaking copy of a speech about Lincoln by one which he was offering for sale. Many very personally, I doubt if you ever M. R. Butz. She was interested in sell- of the items were of value in themselves knew how much he helped and cheered ing the item. While he preferred to without the autograph. The Judge and encouraged, almost inspired me, in have the seller set the price, the woman bought two or three items from him. my attempt in Lincolniana. You see I did not know what to ask for this small Afterwards, the Judge told Paul Angle, first knew him as one of the „Big bit of Lincolniana. The Judge sent her executive secretary of the Abraham Five.‟ [Lincoln Collectors] But I be- $10. Later Jay Monaghan, the Lincoln Lincoln Association, about his pur- lieve it should be said of him that he bibliographer, said the Judge‟s copy of chase, but Angle cautioned him regard- was one of the „Big Two.‟ Because the Butz pamphlet was the only one he ing the material. In fact Angle sent a there were only two of the five that had ever seen. Feeling a bit guilty, the warning to all members of the associa- gave the world bibliographies-Judge Judge sent the woman some additional tion about these Lincoln autographs. Fish and J. B. Oakleaf.‟‟ In December money. Sickles said that he had obtained the 1925, the Judge had fewer than a hun- material from a Black man who had Bollinger not only collected books dred items in his Lincoln Collection, been Mrs. Lincoln‟s coachman in the about Lincoln, he read the books in his but it was to grow quickly after that years following Lincoln‟s death. Mrs. library with care. There can be little date. Lincoln had given the material to the doubt that his favorite book was the In the spring of 1926 Bollinger pur- coachman and he was now offering it biography by Lincoln‟s law partner, chased two unusual books from Bren- for sale. Bollinger turned the items William H. Herndon. “After all Hern- tano‟s in Chicago: William Neilson, over to Albert Sherman Osborn, an ex- don is perhaps the most important of all, Exercises on the Syntax of the Greek aminer of dubious documents in New the very carburetor of a Lincoln li- Language (New York: T. and J. York, who found that the signatures on brary.” The Judge accepted many of Swords, 1825) and Epes Sargent, the material purchased from Sickles Herndon‟s conclusions and his view of Wealth and Worth; or, Which Makes were merely forged tracings. Lincoln was essentially Herndon‟s. A

FOR THE PEOPLE A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION 9 close second in the race was Ward Hill surmise was highly unacceptable to library, the Judge might show them his Lamon‟s Life of Abraham Lincoln Bollinger. miniature books. (1872). “Am just finishing reading it The year 1938 saw the publication of Aside from his great pleasure in gather- the second, maybe the third time. Every The Hidden Lincoln by Emanuel Hertz, ing Lincoln books and pamphlets, won- time I peek into it I like it better ... Has a volume which printed source materi- derful friendships developed along with lots in it that Herndon doesn‟t have.‟‟ als on which Herndon‟s biography of the collection. The Judge knew and Lamon was one of Lincoln‟s close Lincoln was based. “Terrible. A „cash corresponded with other famous collec- friends and the book has merit. As a in‟ proposition I call it .... He jumps to tors and authors, including Henry brief summary, the Judge liked Robert sex stuff.” As an editor, Hertz was very Horner, Oliver R. Barrett, Carl Sand- G. Ingersoll‟s essay on Lincoln. “In my deficient, in the view of the Judge, be- burg, William E. Barton, Ida Tarbell, humble opinion this little book of 100 cause his book could blacken the name W. H. Townsend, Paul Angle, and pages, bound in cloth, is the very nicest of Lincoln. Louis A. Warren. His papers are replete thing, worded the nicest, the truest and with letters from book sellers about best eulogy ever, ever written about While the two volumes of James G. purchases. Wright Howes and Daniel Abraham Lincoln.” Randall‟s Lincoln, the President (1945) H. Newhall were two of his favorite were scholarly, that historian came to Specialized studies also held great ap- dealers. However, the Judge was not conclusions on moot issues. For in- peal for the Judge. He considered A. A. above complaining about prices and he stance, he believed that McClellan was Woldman‟s Lawyer Lincoln (1936) “the often tried to get a 10 percent discount a good commander. “Did you really in best work ever written on Lincoln as as a favored customer. all your life know of any one, author, lawyer.” It was an inclusive work based talker, or any other kind of person, who Early in June 1929 the Judge and two of on printed sources that appealed to attor- took the McClellan side, that was not his friends from Davenport took a trip neys. Perhaps his favorite monograph carrying Southern blood in his veins? I with stops at historic sites associated was Paul Angle‟s “Here I Have Lived”: never did. Not one. Except, of course, with Lincoln in Kentucky, Indiana, and A History of Lincoln’s Springfield many of the men in Mac‟s army were Illinois. For some time in the 1930s a (1935). The Judge‟s copy has an in- crazy about him because he did not get group of Lincoln enthusiasts came to- scription on the front endpaper: “To them into battles, and let thousands of gether and called themselves the Oak- James W. Bollinger—one of the few them go on leave of absence.” Bollin- wood Lincoln Club. Most of the meet- men whose opinions of this book are of ger went so far as to state that “the rest ings took place at the seven-room log real concern to me. Paul M. Angle.” of his book is pretty fine,” but he also cabin on the Oakwood Farm near Peoria The Judge had a high opinion. “This is believed that Randall was “nuts too on of M. L. Houser (1871-1951), a student the freshest off-the-griddle book I ever Ann Rutledge. But that‟s a different of Lincoln‟s early life and education. read... It shows so much pick and shovel story. That comes from people who One result of the club was a small pam- work .... Your style is your big asset. ... hate Herndon—and I have ceased to phlet on the death of John Wilkes Perfectly wonderfully fine.” discuss that.‟‟ Booth. This nicely printed booklet was If the Judge had his favorite books, there financed by Judge Bollinger, and he Probably every collector has some were also a few that he disliked passion- took great joy in giving copies to showy items, and the Judge was no ex- ately. The biography of Lincoln by Ed- friends and fellow collectors. R. B. ception. One of the most treasured gar Lee Masters published in 1931 was Garrett, An Interesting Letter about the books on the Bollinger shelves was Fre- first on the list. “It is Copperhead Death of John Wilkes Booth Written by derick Hill Meserve‟s Lincolniana, His- through and through .... He seems to be the Reverend R. B. Garrett of Ports- torical Portraits and Views (1915). The a Lincoln hater from top to toe.” The mouth, Virginia to General A. R. Taylor Judge purchased his copy in 1930 from second book on the roster was written of Memphis, Tennessee (Peoria, Illinois: a friend. It was originally made by Mr. by an acquaintance and frequent corre- Oakwood Lincoln Club, 1934), has an Meserve for his wife and was especially spondent of the Judge, Otto Eisen- introduction by the Judge explaining bound in full blue levant. Another prize schiml‟s Why Was Lincoln Murdered? that this is an eyewitness account to the that the Judge enjoyed displaying to (1937). “Am all wrought up over the death of Booth on April 26, 1865. The visitors was a book of etchings by Bern- Eisenschiml book. He is a pleasant verso pages are a transcript of the letter hardt Wall entitled Lincoln’s New Sa- agreeable chap. Have met him person- and the recto pages are a facsimile of lem (1926). Books about Lincoln in ally. He has been studying his stuff for the Garrett letter. foreign languages were a specialty of years. ... The result is that God-awful, the Judge. There were two early trans- When Bollinger reached the age of 70 sensational, „unreconstructed rebel,‟ P. lations of William Makepeace Thayer‟s in 1937, he had the largest Lincoln li- T. Barnum book... Besides his sin of The Pioneer Boy, and How He Became brary in the state of Iowa. In April of sensationalism, the next worst thing President (1863), a Greek edition of that year a group of the Judge‟s friends about him I think is his awful blundering 1865 and an Hawaiian translation of gave him a surprise party. The party between premise and conclusion.‟‟ Af- 1869. The latter copy came as a gift in included not only people from Daven- ter reading the book, one might guess 1937 from Henry Horner, governor of port, but other Lincoln students such as that Edwin M. Stanton was one of those Illinois. If youngsters were visiting his Harry Pratt, Benjamin Thomas, Paul responsible for Lincoln‟s death. Such a

10 A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PEOPLE

Angle, and Otto Eisenschiml. Later “Every year on February 12 a ban- members of the Foundation Group. the Judge wrote to a California quet was held in Springfield by the The task of the committee was to friend about the party: “And it was Abraham Lincoln Association. decide on the eligibility as Lincol- indeed a surprise and about the nic- The Judge and a carload of friends niana of books and pamphlets com- est thing that ever happened to me. from Iowa went almost every year ing from the presses. The items And was perpetrated by the very selected would appear in Lincoln during the 1930s and early 1940s.” finest people you ever heard of. It Lore, the bulletin of the Lincoln was so delightful.‟‟ The gift to the National Life Foundation. guest of honor was a book printed in hand. The Judge “called the gather- As a student of Lincoln, the Judge an edition of one copy, A Letter ing a rare collection of „nuts.‟” At developed definite views about the from William H. Herndon to Isaac 12:01 a.m. the seal was broken on life of the man from Illinois. Yet N. Arnold Relating to Abraham Lin- the papers that Lincoln left in the Paul Angle believed the Judge‟s coln, His Wife, and Their Life in White House at the time of his “attitude toward Lincoln was a little Springfield. The book was printed death. While the papers contained too emotional for a real expert. by the Freye [Frye] Printing Com- no astonishing surprises, the collec- Bollinger was sentimental. Lincoln pany of Springfield, Illinois, from tion was to be of value to scholars. meant a great deal to him, and vari- type set by M. & L. Typesetting For the Judge it was a solemn and ous aspects of the Lincoln which he Company in Chicago, bound by R. reverent event that came near the had come to cherish meant a great R. Donnelley & Sons of Chicago end of his own long career of col- deal to him.‟‟ Lincoln‟s romance and preserved in a handsome leather lecting. with Ann Rutledge was one of his pull-off case. The original Herndon Every year on February 12 a ban- favorite beliefs. “The story goes letter is in the Chicago Historical quet was held in Springfield by the that Ann was lovable, was a sweet- Society. One year later the Judge Abraham Lincoln Association. The heart. Like the Santa Claus story, decided to share his unique book Judge and a carload of friends from believe it, even if you know it is not with the people who had given it to Iowa went almost every year during true .... In the study of Lincoln there him. So he had a facsimile edition the 1930s and early 1940s. The are surges. One surge almost made of 29 copies made, and sent one to group also attended the annual din- Lincoln a god and you are riding each man who had attended the ner of the Old Salem-Lincoln another surge that is attempting to party. League which worked for the resto- drown out Ann Rutledge, the one Before Christmas in 1943 the Judge ration of New Salem. In 1939 the sweet thing in Lincoln‟s whole life.” and Mrs. Bollinger left for a Califor- Judge gave the after-dinner speech, Conversely, the Judge was not fond nia trip. Shortly after their arrival in his first at tempt to deliver a talk on of Mrs. Lincoln. “She had lots of Santa Monica, Mrs. Bollinger fell Lincoln. The Abraham Lincoln As- good qualities and was the making and fractured her hip. What had sociation was very important to the of her husband, but nobody likes her been planned as a vacation ended in Judge. He was first elected a direc- even now.‟‟ a long hospital stay for the Judge‟s tor of the association in 1943 and Although the Judge‟s Lincoln col- wife. There was only one bright continued to serve in that capacity lection consisted primarily of books spot. In January the Judge went until his death. and pamphlets, he also had Lincoln with two friends to visit the Lincoln Bollinger‟s fellowship with others pictures and busts in his Lincoln collection at the Henry E. Hunting- interested in Lincolniana included room. He took pleasure in studying ton Library in San Marino, where many organizations. In November pictures of Lincoln. “Pick out one they examined manuscripts and 1936 his name was approved for good picture of Lincoln. Scan it books, including Reuben Vose‟s The membership in the Lincoln Group of scrupulously. Forget all the sad Life and Speeches of Abraham Lin- Chicago. Less than a year later, in stories and struggles of his life and coln (1860), an extremely rare book. July 1937, he was elected an honor- the greatness of the man and his “Never will forget what a good time ary member in the Lincoln Fellow- martyred death. Just note the intelli- I had.‟‟ ship of Southern California. Then, gence of the face, its gentleness, its The Judge‟s last Lincoln adventure in 1941, he was given honorary firmness, and though its expression occurred at midnight on July 26, membership in the Lincoln Fellow- may be sad, answer to yourself hon- 1947, at the Library of Congress in ship of Wisconsin. That same year estly: Was he a homely man?‟‟ The Washington, D.C., on the occasion the Judge was elected to the Lincoln Judge did believe that “Lincoln was of the opening of the private papers National Life Foundation Advisory a sad man. Don‟t ever try to get that of Lincoln which had been given to Group, a representative group of out of your noodle. He told stories the Library by Robert Todd Lincoln, Lincoln authors, collectors, educa- to make other people laugh and to with the condition that they be tors, lawyers, and students who make him happy, but he was a sad closed until 21 years after his own might advise the foundation. In man.‟‟ death. No opening of manuscripts 1943 Bollinger was appointed to the The best summary of the Judge‟s was more eagerly awaited, and all of Lincoln Bibliography Committee, views on Lincoln is his own book, the nation‟s Lincoln experts were on which was made up of five selected Lincoln, Statesman, and Logician,

FOR THE PEOPLE A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION 11 published in 1944. He believed that gret I cannot take it with me.‟‟ Lincoln‟s common sense was the real By 1940 the Judge was correspond- The Abraham Lincoln Association source of success. The origin of this ing with Eugene A. Gilmore, presi- conviction was again Herndon. Richard E. Hart dent of the University. A clause was “However great the verbal foliage President added to the Judge‟s will providing that concealed the nakedness of a Barbara Hughett that the collection come with the good idea Lincoln stripped it down Robert J. Lenz conditions that the books be cared Robert Willard till he could see clear the way be- for, kept intact, and that the Univer- Vice Presidents tween cause and effect. If there was sity would add to the bequest. Al- Thomas F. Schwartz any secret in his power this surely though the library would not be Secretary was it.‟‟ Carroll Coleman, one of moved to the University until his Robert A. Stuart, Jr. America‟s finest typographic artists, death, the gift was announced on the Treasurer designed and printed Bollinger‟s occasion of a public lecture at the Roger D. Bridges little book at the Prairie Press, then University by Carl Sandburg on Feb- Immediate Past-President located in Muscatine, Iowa. The ruary 16, 1943. The Judge intro- Mary Shepherd total cost for producing the book duced Sandburg to the audience and Executive Assistant came to $436. Once more, the Judge revealed that he intended to give his took delight in sending copies to Board of Directors collection to the University. Kenneth L. Anderson friends all over the United States. Molly M. Becker Words of praise for the book and its Judge Bollinger died at the age of 83 Michael Burlingame Nancy Chapin author flowed back. Most letter writ- on January 30, 1951. On the eve of Brooks Davis ers agreed with the one who wrote, Lincoln‟s birthday in February 1951, Robert J. Davis “The breadth of your personality the Bollinger Lincoln Collection of Rodney O. Davis Robert S. Eckley ranges itself in the pages of your more than thirty-five hundred items Guy Fraker book along side the great personality came to the University‟s rare book Allen C. Guelzo of your Lincoln.” room. It was opened to the public in Kathryn M. Harris Earl W. Henderson, Jr. formal dedication ceremonies held on About 1936, Mason Ladd, law pro- Fred B. Hoffmann the campus that November. Today David Joens fessor and later dean of the Law this exhaustive library of Lincolniana Ron J. Keller School at The University of Iowa, Lee McTurnan has a place in the Special Collections suggested to Bollinger that he place Richard W. Maroc Department in the Main Library of Myron Marty his Lincoln collection in The Univer- The University of Iowa. Richard Mills sity of Iowa Libraries for permanent Susan Mogerman preservation. A year later the idea Judge Bollinger‟s collection of Lin- James W. Patton, III Mark Plummer was seconded by Benjamin F. Sham- colniana was formally presented to William G. Shepherd baugh, head of the Department of The University of Iowa Libraries in Brooks D. Simpson Political Science at the University, as 1951. The addresses given on that Daniel Stowell Nicky Stratton well as superintendent of the State occasion by Paul M. Angle, Benja- Louise Taper Historical Society of Iowa. Bollinger min P. Thomas, Harry E. Pratt, Timothy P. Townsend Donald R. Tracy liked the notion and made a provision Charles J. Lynch, Jr., and Louis A. Andy Van Meter in his will that his Lincoln library Warren were collected in a volume Daniel R. Weinberg should go to the University. About entitled The Bollinger Lincoln Lec- Stewart L. Winger Kenneth J. Winkle that time, the Judge wrote to Sham- tures, edited in 1953 by Clyde C. baugh concerning his Lincoln room: Walton, Jr., in an edition of 350 cop- Honorary Directors Governor Rod R. Blagojevich “Am much pleased with it myself. ies. Senator Richard Durbin So much so that when I go I will re- Senator Barack Obama Congressman Ray LaHood Congressman John Shimkus Justice Rita Garman LINCOLN IN ILLINOIS Mayor Timothy J. Davlin

To commemorate the 100th anniversary Emeritus Directors of The Abraham Lincoln Association, a Cullom Davis Georgia Northrup book of photographs of all of the statues Harlington Wood, Jr. of Lincoln known to stand in Illinois Distinguished Directors together with comments on each will be Mario M. Cuomo published in 2008 by the Association David Herbert Donald and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential John Hope Franklin Harry V. Jaffa Library Foundation. Look for more in- Robert W. Johannsen formation on this book in the next issue Garry Wills of For The People.

12 A NEWSLETTER OF THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION FOR THE PEOPLE

FOR THE PEOPLE Non-Profit Organization

The Abraham Lincoln Association U.S. Postage 1 Old State Capitol Plaza PAID Springfield, Illinois 62701-1512 Springfield, Illinois

Permit No. 263

CENTENNIAL OF THE ABRHAHAM LINCOLN ASSOCIATION

December 9, 2007 ble by a major grant from State Farm Insurance and a

Dear ALA Members, number of other generous grants from the sponsors listed on page 4. We thank them all. We will celebrate the Centennial of our Abraham Lincoln Association on February 11, 12, and 13, February 12 will be filled with a number of events. 2008. I invite you to join in the celebration and mark The ALA Executive Committee and Board will meet your calendars now for the various events. in the morning, and in the afternoon, the second day of the Symposium at the Old State Capitol will fea- This edition of For The People is your brochure ture Brian R. Dirck, Brooks D. Simpson, and Michael for all of the events. Please use the enclosed Vorenberg. cards to make some of your reservations. On the evening of February 12, we will hold our ban- The 2008 Symposium at the Old State Capitol will be quet at a new venue, the Crowne Plaza Hotel on a two day event. The first day, February 11, will fea- Springfield‟s far east side. The banquet hall there ture scholars Jean H. Baker, Mark E. Neely, Jr. and will accommodate up to 800 guests, and is much lar- Douglas L. Wilson. Prior to the Symposium on the ger than the facility we have previously used. The 11th, there will be a luncheon in the Abraham Lin- dinner speaker will be Presidential historian Michael coln Presidential Library featuring Allen C. Guelzo as Beschloss. During the cocktail hour, the 10th Illinois speaker. Volunteer Cavalry Regimental Band will serenade us with music of the Civil War period. On the evening of February 11, An American Dream will be performed at Sangamon Auditorium at the On February 13, An American Dream will be per- University of Illinois at Springfield. The ALA has formed in the Bloomington Center for the Performing partnered with the Springfield and Bloomington Arts, a magnificent facility. Branches of the National Association for the Ad- I look forward to seeing you at the 2008 ALA events. vancement of Colored People in sponsoring the Illi- nois Symphony Orchestra‟s performance of a pro- Yours truly, gram of American music entitled An American Dream. The American Dream has been made possi- Richard E. Hart President, Abraham Lincoln Association

For The People (ISSN 1527-2710) is published four times a year and is a benefit of membership of The Abraham Lincoln Association.