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Mike Anderson, the Dulcimer Guy was on hand to
entertain guests with his 1800’s era musical instrument and songs
that might have been sung in the days of the 16th president.
Guests were encouraged to enjoy cupcakes, cookies and
punch while checking out the many displays in the two rooms. Guests
were also encouraged to visit the second floor courtroom where
Abraham Lincoln would have served as a circuit attorney,
representing local residents in cases against the state, or settling
disputes between citizens.
Among the displays at the courthouse is a wall of
photos of Lincoln from the 1840’s through what may very well be the
last photo taken of the president prior to his assignation.
The wall display is very telling as one can see in the faces of
Lincoln the pressures that he endured and how that it aged him
during the time of his presidency.
Abraham Lincoln in 1846
Abraham Lincoln in 1860
Abraham Lincoln in 1865
The downstairs displays feature the history of the circuit attorneys
and judges, and include some interesting quotes from people like
Judge David Davis.
“I had a hard ride on Sunday and did not reach
Pulaski until after night – the tavern in Pulaski is perhaps the
hardest place you ever saw. A new landlord by the name of Cass. Just
married – everything dirty. And the eating horrible. The old woman
looked as we would suppose the witch of Andor looked. She had a
grown daughter who waited on the table. Table greasy, table cloth
greasy, floor greasy and everything else ditto. Think of it. I
wonder if she *(the daughter) every washed herself.” Judge David
Davis, April 24, 1851
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“Each county of course, had a somewhat different
population; and each recurring week brought with it a new and
different class of clients to treat with – new and diverse juries to
entertain, cajole or convince.” – Henry C. Whitney, Circuit Lawyer.
Judge Davis also provided another quote that spoke to the atmosphere
of court days on the circuit. With local entertainment being quite
limited in the rural communities of central Illinois, court day was
as big a deal as any circus coming to town.
“Everybody, with or without business, generally
attends the first day of court.” Judge David Davis
In addition to enjoying the many displays and the Dulcimer Guys
story telling talents as well as his music, guests could peruse
through the many items offered for sale.
The courthouse gift shop area features everything
from 1800s era toys and games to coloring books, children’s story
books, and Lincoln history.
[Nila Smith]
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