We Will Visit Mr. Lincoln on Another Day

Dear Husbola and I headed to Springfield recently--combining a business trip for Himself and a tag along trip for me.

I have always enjoyed Springfield--a quirky quiet town--and as a tourist--very manageable and easy to negotiate through the historic sites.  This was no exception--and was even more enjoyable than anticipated.

We stayed at the President Abraham Lincoln hotel on Adams Street in the historic section.  This hotel has had many incarnations over the years--and at one time was even owned by the State of Illinois.  It has been fully redecorated and proved to be a great location.  Rooms are well appointed and very clean and quiet.  One caveat--don't bother to eat there..  There are other far better places.  When a restaurant can't get their act together for poached eggs on toast--you know you have a problem.

While Husbola was meeting occupied--I walked the 9-ish blocks to the Dana-Thomas House, a fabulous Frank Lloyd Wright open to the public for tours.  I happened upon a wonderful tour--just the docent and me.  What a treat--no bands of squirrely school kids.  No one but me.  The docent was fabulous.

Mrs. Susan Dana was a incredible Springfield socialite.  She had several husbands and spent her life spending her money--and the house is a gem. She hired FLW to "re-do" her victorian home--and the home retains 100 original furnishings and all of its windowns.  My tour was on a grey day--and the lamps were lit in the original wattage.  Perfect for the tour.

Charles C. Thomas, a successful medical publisher, was the second owner and custodian of the Dana-Thomas House in 1944-1981. He and his wife are credited with maintaining the house's original furnishings and design, and with selling the home and its furnishings as a unit to the state of Illinois in 1981 for $1.0 million, significantly less than could have been earned had the household been broken up.
The State of Illinois bought the house in 1981 and it became a historic site under the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and led a restoration effort in 1987-1990 that refitted the house to its appearance in 1910. It is believed to contain one of the most intact Frank Lloyd Wright architectural interiors in the United States. (credit wikipedia)

Yes--Springfield is the Mecca of All Things Lincoln--but do not overlook this antique gem.