If you are in the area today stop by room 4C for Lincoln cupcakes, Lincoln Logs, and a viewing of D.W. Griffith’s “Abraham Lincoln” starring Walter Huston. One of my students is bringing in Lincoln punch, but I’m not sure what that means. I should probably sample it beforehand.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy Birthday, indeed. I am heading to Springfield this morning. I am really looking forward to meeting Brooks Simpson and listening to the roundtable discusions. I will also be visiting Lincoln Home NHS for the first time since I worked there as a seasonal ranger in 2006. Maybe I will even catch a glimpse of the President. (The current one.)
I watched the “Looking for Lincoln” program on PBS last night. I thought it was very good also. As things were said, I would say to my wife, “That’s not right” or “Yeah, but…” Then Gates would usually bring up my point. One thing I was a bit dismayed at was Blight’s assertion that Lincoln only believed white people should have the opportunity to get ahead in life. I’m not sure that’s true. Lincoln believed in the Declaration of Independence which states that all men have the right to pursue happiness. Nineteenth century people understood that to mean the right to better yourself. Lincoln himself was the epitome of this idea. I’m sure he thought white men were superior, but he believed all men had the right to the fruit of their own labors. This was at the heart of free labor ideology. He might not have believed in equal opportunity, but he did believe in a fair chance.
Have a great day, Kevin!
Hey Bob,
I couldn’t be more jealous. I’ve never been to Springfield, but hope to go at some point soon. Enjoy your time there. I also think Blight went a bit too far with that particular comment, but overall it’s an excellent documentary.
NC Department of Cultural Resources is also having a symposium today – heading that way soon. Also a note on the Enloe story…http://www.nccivilwar150.com/events/lincoln-tarheel.htm
Kevin,
While we know that Mr. Lincoln was a teetotaler, he did enjoy a nice toast. When he completed the survey for the town of Lincoln, Illinois (the only city named for Lincoln before he was president), he and his friends toasted with watermelon juice. Let us know if your students bring some of that.
Bjorn
Happy B-day, Abe! Of all the things we can remember of Lincoln the US postal office gives us the “romantic notion” of him chopping wood… Does that mean Cheney will be remembered in an orange vest?
Oh, lol, Michaela, I hope not!
Yes, Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln, and thank you for the many sacrifices you made for our country.
Hi Kevin,
For some reason, my entire comment did not make it through the airwaves. Let me try again!
Happy Birthday Mr. Lincoln. Thank you for the many sacrifices you made for our country, including, of course, the ultimate sacrifice of your life so that government of the people, by the people, and for the people did not perish from the earth.
You’re the man!
Here, here, Mr. President!
I too would be interested in knowing the recepie for this Lincoln celebratory libation!
My World Events class is celebrating the day by finishing up essays related to Lincoln’s legacy and memory and beginning to build exhibits based on their research. I’ll tryto post some of the essays on my blog to let folks see how Lincoln is being perceived by a group of Texas middle school students. After the exhibits are completed, I’ll take photos and post them also.
Bjorn,
You are going to have to pass on a recipe. I would love to be able to spend a few hours in the Lincoln Bookshop on such an occasion. Hope you guys enjoyed the day.
Michaela,
That might be the funniest thing you’ve ever said. I can’t stop laughing.
Greg,
Sounds like a great way to mark the occasion. Please post the essays as well as photos of the exhibits. I would love to see what they come up with.