Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Iles Day

March 28 is the birthday of Elijah Iles (1796-1883), and opening day of Iles House for the 2007 season. We are now entering the third year of operation and the house has evolved considerably from the picture above, taken on Opening Day in September, 2005.

Today begins regular House tours, offered from 10 am to 4 pm every Wed and Sat until late December. Tours are led by period costumed guides or well-informed docents. At 11:15 am we will have a dedication and opening ceremony for the new elevator lift, providing service to disabled visitors. A program of 19th-century American music will follow, with service of free cake and Melinda Iles punch.

In the afternoon, students from the Iles School will perform choral and instrumental music, and experts will deliver a round table on historic preservation in Sangamon County. Iles House is the oldest home in Springfield, and it is open again to everyone.

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