Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Tour Blog

From the Democratic National Convention to the Republican National Convention we are on a whirlwind trip experiencing American politics at its best. We had the “red carpet rolled out for us” at many different venues but when we pulled into Minneapolis, MN they literally had the red carpet rolled out. Along with the blue carpet and balloons and flags any thing else to make it look like a party was about to take place. And what a party it was.

It looked like Hurricane Gustav was going to be the major story of the week at first. Everything worked out and the RNC was back on schedule by the end of the second day. You could see the relief on the faces of all the people that had worked so hard to make this an event to remember. I was not sure if the worried looks were for all the expense and hard work that was almost wasted or if they were just worried about eating all the food and drinks themselves if the people couldn’t come.

We have had so many wonderful experiences while traveling with the Lincoln Bicentennial Tour and we added more to the list in Minneapolis. While taking an early morning stroll and checking out the other exhibitors I almost bumped into our First Lady Laura Bush. After stumbling for words I did manage to apologize and say good morning. I must have looked pretty harmless to have gotten that close. When I looked around I was surrounded by big men in dark suits and dark glasses. By this time I was wide awake. We also met Meghan McCain, Speaker Newt Gingrich and a multitude of other delegates and VIPs.

Once again we were pleasantly surprised by old acquaintances that stopped by and the many great comments and compliments we got for this “Self Made In America” Tour. We were told many, many times it was the best exhibit at the convention!

Captain Loyd

When I sit down to write a few notes and describe our last stop, the words usually just flow. This time, I sit down and wonder where do I start? How can I describe this?

When we first heard we were going to the attend the Democratic National Convention in Denver, CO we knew it would be a once in a lifetime experience. We also knew we would experience traffic jams, large crowds and situations we have never experienced. Nothing could have prepared us for those 7 days we spent in Denver.

We were part of the Presidential Experience set up at the Invesco Stadium. We were in the center of all the action. We even had a ring side seat for the Denver Bronco’s vs the Green Bay Packers pre-season
game. We met Mayors, Governors, Senators and Representatives from all over the nation. We saw every protester, heard every speech and witnessed more celebrations than we knew existed…

I tried to keep up with how many different Obama pins I saw but quickly learned, that was impossible. To say the atmosphere was upbeat would be the understatement of the campaign. Another thing that really surprised us was how many old friends stopped by that we had met at previous stops. You never know how rewarding it is when we see people coming back just to say hi.

I cannot end without repeating something I said once before. It is the people that make Colorado the great State it is. We had over 9500 people come through the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Tour and I know thousands and thousands of those were local people that braved the traffic and the mobs just to come to the Presidential Experience and and see our exhibit.

We met so many special people and made so many new friends, it truly was an experience of a lifetime.

Captain Loyd

The Illinois State Fair only comes once a year, kind of the Grand finale of summer, and what a party it was. Of course I had to try all the corn dogs (from Vose’s), cotton candy and salt water taffy. I must have walked a hundred miles looking for the wildest thrill rides and I won stuffed bears, whistles and gold fish. I guess some of us just never grow up when it comes to fairs.

We also had the Abraham Lincoln Self made in America Tour just inside Gate 2 greeting thousands and thousands of guests from across Illinois and across the country. We has 21,535 of our closest friends stop by and visit with us during the 10 days of the State Fair! This was almost like a home coming for Lynn and I as we saw so many familiar faces. So many stopped by to encourage us on with our travels and the Lincoln Bicentennial Tour.

We even welcomed a new sponsor to help us with our travels across America. The United Soybean Board and the Illinois Soybean Association are now helping to power our tour with clean burning biodiesel. Biodiesel is diesel fuel made from U.S. soybeans and developed with the help of soybean farmers and their checkoff. It works in any diesel engine, and since its produced domestically, more money goes back into the U.S. economy rather than overseas.

Finally it was time to clean off the dust and head to Denver to the Democratic National Convention and then to St. Paul to the Republican National Convention. Once again, thank you Springfield!

Captain Loyd

Once again we stumbled onto another American gem: Florrisant, MO. Hidden, in plain sight, in northern Saint Louis County. Exit the freeway and you’ll feel at home. We were honored to be invited to spend a few days with these wonderful people at James J. Eagan Park, to share stories of their rich history and hear the many ways that the Lincoln legacy and the Civil War shaped their history and changed their lives.

I’m sure there are lot’s of you, just like me, who get caught up in our lives passing by so fast you almost forget the events that happened years ago that put you where you are today. I had a shock back to reality while talking with one lady who told the story of her ancestors coming to the Saint Louis Area in search of a lost brother who left to fight in the war and was never heard from again. Their search grew cold but this became their home.

There was also a dear couple who shared the story of their nephew: Captain Patrick D. Hall. Captain Hall is currently the commanding officer of the USS Abraham Lincoln! They were so proud of him…and so are we.

The hospitality of this town, and the warmth of these people will not be forgotten and if you ever find yourself near Florrisant, treat yourself to a small taste of Americana that has almost been lost

A special thank you to our host Mayor Robert Lowery. You went above and beyond to make us feel welcome.

“Captain” Loyd

When we first heard we were going to the Ravinia Outdoor Music Festival we were excited beyond words. As everyone has probably figured out by now, we’re not from the big cities and when we have a music festival at home you better not show up without your banjo, fiddle, mouth harp or something to help make a little noise with.

You can imagine our surprise when we arrived and heard the Chicago Symphony Orchestra performing in the Ravinia Amphitheater. We were treated to four days of Classical Music and met people from around the World that had come to enjoy the music and were surprised to find an added bonus with the Lincoln Bicentennial Tour.

We were pleased to welcome over a thousand guests though the exhibit and had a wonderful time sharing Lincoln stories and inviting everyone to see the real deal in Springfield.

Captain Loyd

Once again, we had the opportunity to experience another 1st for Lynn and myself, by attending the LPGA State Farm Classic Tournament at Panther Creek Country Club. We learned that the leisurely strolls across those lush green pastures following that cute little ball is all just a cover up, hiding a highly competitive competition that can cause the best to lose concentration and make costly mistakes.

We witnessed this along with seeing the pressure building as the tournament rolled on for 4 days.

We were also able to share the Lincoln experience with many competitors and spectators alike. The tour center was a welcome place for many to stop, catch their breath and cool off a few minutes.

Once again, thank you Springfield!

Captain Loyd

When you think you have seen the best the Chicago area has to offer, you need to go to Chicagoland Speedway. The excitement and atmosphere is beyond belief. We were greeted and welcomed when we pulled through the gates and by the time it was over, we felt like we were leaving old friends.

We again counted our guests in the thousands and were told continously how much they enjoyed having the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Tour there. We wondered at first how we would fit in with all the racing focused exhibitors, but after 4 days of non-stop action, I have to say we fit in just fine.

Our guests came from at least 7 different countries and most of the states in the US - if not all of them! We got to meet our favorite driver and attend both races, with the best seats in the house. What more could anyone ask for? We learned first hand why NASCAR is Americas top spectator sport. What a great way to spend a weekend.

I got asked quite a bit about my favorite driver. Since Lincoln was our sixteenth President, could it be anyone but anyone but number 16?!!

The 4th of July celebration in Chicago’s glorious western suburb of Naperville, IL was truly a site to behold. A quintessential mix of good ol’ American barbecue, fireworks, and fun come together a patriotic annual rite of summer. This family-oriented festival welcomes 300,000 visitors to its gates every year. The Exchange Club runs it to help fund activities to battle child abuse and we were happy to be included in their efforts.

We received over 10,000 people into the Bicentennial Tour while in Naperville! We were pleased to see how appreciative the Naperville crowds were to have us a part of their festival. Many of the children that came though the exhibit had a very good understanding of the Civil War and its consequences. Bravo Naperville teachers!

We began to hand out a small memento for the Lincoln Bicentennial this week as well - a simple penny lapel pin, patiently assembled by our dedicated volunteers back in Springfield. (Thanks guys!) We we’re amazed to see how extremely pleased people were to receive this humble, little remembrance. It was fun to see the creativity of some who turned our little gift into instant jewelry too!

One gentleman, a Mr. Wood of Naperville, was kind enough to bring by a beautiful wooden gavel encased in a Lucite cylinder. It seems that Ribfest is situated every year in Knoch Park, named for an ancestor of Mr. Wood. The gavel was given to his grandfather, a local judge, and came from the wood preserved from an Illinois courthouse where Lincoln had long ago practiced law. I wonder whether these connections to Lincoln will be as frequent as we move on from Illinois to the rest of America. Something tells me they will!

Captain Loyd

The Taste of Chicago! To bring the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Tour up to one of the biggest summer festivals in Illinois was amazing. To be greeted by Lincoln, and surrounded by fans of Lincoln (and Stevie Wonder) was marvelous.

Thousands of visitors came through the Bicentennial Tour over the course of the days we were at “the Taste” and thousands more marveled at our “cool truck”. One night, when a shower moved in we even hitched up the skirts of the truck to let people duck out of the rain!

We met a number of wonderful people in Chicago and generated a good deal of interest in coming to the Illinois capitol city for a Bicentennial getaway. One gentleman, a Fookienese gentleman from southern China by the name of Mr. Lim, related a very interesting story: He told us that that Abraham Lincoln is known in his Chinese dialect simply as “Lincoln” or by the name “Dim Caing”. (See picture.)

Mr. Lim told us that there are a great many people in China with the last name “Lim, Lin, Lam, Lum, etc.” that feel a connectedness with Lincoln because the connection of his name with theirs.

It seems that no matter where we travel, people have an great affinity for Lincoln and an appreciation for his commitment to the principles for which he gave “the last full measure of devotion”. It is no wonder that he continues to mean so much in America, but it was truly wonderful to hear about how people all over the globe continue to appreciate him too.

Captain Loyd

A quick stop in Bloomington, IL to help the David Davis Mansion celebrate their Glorious Gardens Festival turned into another rewarding experience. We heard stories of Lincoln coming to see Bloomington’s own hometown hero Judge David Davis. We learned of the amazing relationship between the Lincoln and David families - of Davis’ boy traveling with Lincoln on his 8th Judicial Circuit tours, and of Davis caring for Robert and Mary Todd after Lincoln’s assassination. We set up in front of the State Farm Headquarters and met lots of locals along with people just passing by and stopping to see what the excitement was. We were more than happy to invite them in and had hundreds of guests by day’s end.

Bloomington IL is another city marked off our list of venues for the tour, but added to my list of America’s most friendly people.

Captain Loyd