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!

Lincoln Museum

This was an impressive museum!  The exhibits were recreations of the various stages of Lincoln's life.  We started in a log cabin that was a real log cabin from that time period that was rebuilt inside the museum.

After walking through the cabin and seeing what it looked like when Abe was a child, we moved on to exhibits of Lincoln's life pre-White House.  Camden favorite was his law office where his two boys were playing all over the desk/papers/ink while Abe lounged in a chair reading a paper.

We walked into the White House and saw several dresses from the first lady and others.  This one was Camden's favorite.

I was so impressed with the huge wall murals throughout that depicted scenes that weren't recreated.

We all thought the White House kitchen was well done and enjoyed finding all the items throughout.  It was also nice standing next to the stove that put off some heat.  We moved through depictions/exhibits about the war and then the theater until we were ushered into a great hall where a casket lay in state.  The room was majestic with white flowers throughout the room.

There were also beautiful sculptures throughout.

Gramma Pat, Camden and I hanging out with Abe, Mary and the kids.

Heading to a restroom, we discovered a small play room that was a nice spot for a break while Camden explored.

There were several costumes to wear.  Camden liked the Abe suit, but also put on a dress from the period and did some cooking in the kitchen.

Cooking over the fire and fanning the flames.

And, of course, there were Lincoln Logs!

Fall Break Trip

Camden and I invited Gramma Pat and Aunt Carole to join us on a mini-vacation over Fall Break.  We left Thursday morning for Springfield, IL to see some of the Lincoln sites and to relax in a hotel.

Our first stop was at a nice lunch spot for sandwiches in Danville.  Camden had a fantastic (huge) burger and the three of us each ordered a 1/2 BLT with a salad.  This BLT was made with fried green tomatoes and had pimento cheese on it.  Very delicious food and hip restaurant.

After lunch we walked a block to a city square that had a huge fountain.  It was such a lovely day.

We did some shopping along the block then finished our drive to Springfield.  We spent the afternoon at Lincoln's Tomb.

Rotary Jail

Camden had toured this museum when she went to Art Camp at the Tannenbaum Center, but I never had.  It was fascinating.  There were only 18 rotary jails built, with Crawfordsville being the first.  It also operated the longest (91 years).  Fifteen no longer exist and of the remaining 3, Crawfordsville is the only one that still rotates. 

Pretending she is getting arrested.

Camden is not upset, she is acting like an angry prisoner.

Her entire class - 27 students and Mrs. Clifton.

LWM & CM

Our second stop was at the Lew Wallace Museum.  The docent here was fantastic!  We started in the carriage house and heard lots of fun stories and facts about Lew.  Then we headed to his study/library/man cave.  I'd never been inside and it was stunning!  The ceiling/window at the top was gorgeous.

The kids got to run the grounds for a few minutes (so necessary) while we waited for the other New Market class to arrive and meet us for lunch.  We sat with several of Camden's friends.  It was so fun to meet them, most of whom I didn't know.

Koley (left) was in our group for the day and Isabelle was as sweet and gentle as can be.  She sat directly across from me and was drenched with gatorade when I spilled my drink.  Ugh! 

Karley and Khloe were such sweethearts.  Braxton and Camden were big fans of each other and talked and giggled all through lunch.  He was a very clever, sweet young man.

After lunch we headed to the Carnegie Museum.  I love how this little place focuses on people and history of Montgomery County.  My favorite "new" item was the helmet an astronaut (Jay Miller) who was from this area had on loan, along with a few of his space suits.  It is hand-painted by Charles Schultz. 

Lots of the kids did a scavenger hunt they have set up throughout the 2 story building.  Others just roamed and looked/touched items they found fascinating.

The 3-D printer was broken, but the kids still enjoyed playing with the various creations it had produced.

I grabbed a quick picture of Camden with her teacher, Mrs. Clifton.  She is such a treasure.  She knows kids, knows teaching, and is so kind.  Camden adores her.