Scholars Evening

Two distinguished Lincoln scholars are currently in Springfield, conducting research at the Presidential library and archives. Michael Burlingame, professor emeritus at Connecticut College, is at work on a four-volume biography of Lincoln, and Allen Guelzo, professor of history at Gettysburg College, is writing a history of the 1858 Senatorial race between Lincoln and Douglas. Last evening, the scholars met with 35 guests at the Iles House to share stories about their research and writing. Below are pictures of some of the guests.

Michael Burlingame, Mary and Jim Patton, Allen Guelzo and Charles Chapin

Cathy & Mike Snyder

Nancy & Chick Chapin

Pictures by Dick Hart

Strawberry Party Pictures

Abe Lincoln & Dave Barringer

Abe Lincoln & Iles House Visitors

Abe Lincoln (portrayed by Fritz Klein)

Volunteers Preparing the Berries

Prairie Bluegrass Band

150 visitors attended the strawberry party on a soft, clear summer night.

Pictures by Dick Hart

Happy Birthday USA

Springfield is going all out to celebrate July 4 this year. A new statue of Abraham Lincoln now stands in Union Square Park (left), and the Iles House wears patriotic bunting, as well as a newly completed fence and sidewalk.

On Friday, July 7, Iles House will participate in Capitol Celebration week by hosting an 1850s Strawberry Party from 5:00 to 8:30 pm in the south yard.

Food provided will include hot dogs, chips, and drinks, plus strawberry short cake for $2.00. The Springfield Barbershop Quartet will entertain, along with a blue grass band and a traveling medicine man. We invite the public to come see and enjoy Iles House, the best place in Springfield to have an old-fashioned Fourth of July.