Authoring, Researching, Reporting

Lincoln Family Pageant
Abraham Lincoln, Springfield Lawyer, Host

Good Afternoon,
I am happy you could come by to visit us at our little house.  We have expanded, you know.  This house now has an upstairs.  We needed a lot more room with three boys and Fido.

Actually Mother, as we call Mary, doesn't like Fido or the other pets in our house.  They leave such a mess.  HA!  If it weren’t for Mother, this house would fall apart in great disarray.  She makes the best white cake.  It is so delicious that it doesn't need any sweet icing. 

I hope you enjoy your visit in the Lincoln home at Springfield.  I hope we get to live here all our lives, but who know what the future might bring.  Mother says I will be President some day.  I would have to have the luck of all time to win that one,  HA!

I have to get up to the State House now.  I have a Supreme Court hearing, and I suspect they are waiting for me.  I'll let the boys and Mother take you around our house and tell you what goes on in our lives in Springfield.  I would like for my partner, Billy Herndon to help tell about my family.  Mother is very busy, and needs help when we have special company like you all.
Good Bye, and I'll be back before your visit ends.

When you return, before the pageant ends, read his farewell speech:

My friends, no one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe everything. Here I have lived a quarter of a century, and have passed from a young to an old man. Here my children have been born, and one is buried. I now leave, not knowing when, or whether ever, I may return, with a task before me greater than that which rested upon Washington. Without the assistance of the Divine Being who ever attended him, I cannot succeed. With that assistance I cannot fail. Trusting in Him who can go with me, and remain with you, and be everywhere for good, let us confidently hope that all will yet be well. To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.