New Salem

The afternoon took us on a small ride out of Springfield to New Salem.  This village is a re-creation of the town from Lincoln's days.  He ran a few general stores, was postmaster, and a favorite resident for about 8 years.

A quick stop at the visitor center then a stroll through the village.  It actually was quite large and there were numerous houses to visit.  Villages were the "mall" of the day for the farmers.  Each house had a family, but the family business was attached or next door. 

This first house was the barrel maker.  His family lived in the house on the right and his workshop is on the left.  He also had a small farm with a horse.

Each house or sometimes a few houses together shared a well.

This house was home to a yarn maker/weaver.

Camden had to use the restroom, so we stopped at the families outhouse.  Too many cobwebs, so Camden just held it until we found a modern restroom.

The doctor was full of tales about medicine at the time...and a few stories about Abe during his years at this village.  The doctor also functioned as the dentist and I suggested he pull Camden's loose tooth.  She didn't like that idea!