California Bound

Although our ultimate destination for the first leg of our adventure was Springfield, Illinois, we were able - since we’d chosen train travel - to enjoy a few “destination” type sights along the way. Unencumbered by traffic or the need to decide on the optimum route, we rolled non-stop through cities, towns, and villages. Thanks to our GPS (something else not available when traveling by air) we could locate where we were and what to expect coming up. The Gateway Arch was expected and a joy to witness as we railed abeam the landmark. 

Barges on the Mississippi River as we Amtrak past the St. Louis Gateway Arch. 

Byron, the caretaker for our Springfield Airbnb, met us at the train station and took us to the facility. It wasn’t to be ready until the afternoon, but he let us leave our bags there while he readied the place and we went on a walking tour of Springfield. We would later discover that our house was over 100 years old and was located in “the historic” district of Springfield. 

Our place had three bedrooms and was actually a substitute for the site we had originally reserved. The original site had exper-ienced some water damage and the owner (who lives in Chicago) contacted us to see if we were willing to stay in the College Street property. We agreed and enjoyed the choice. 

Since we don’t mind walking around and exploring, the fact that we were only about a mile from downtown and the business area was perfect for us. Byron had pointed out the State Capital building enroute from the train station to the house. So, we decided we’d go check out that building and whatever else might be near it. 

Of course, Springfield is all about Abraham Lincoln. I had never really thought of there being a Presidential Library for presidents in the more distant history of America. But, Abe’s Presidential Library is located directly across the street from the Abraham Lincoln Museum. I’ll have a little more to say about the museum, later.  Our goal at this point was the Capitol. 

As we approached the Capitol building, who do you think we’d happen upon other than Abe, himself. Marilyn, as is normal for her, immediately engaged him in conversation. It seemed as though he had a speech coming up and he was reviewing his notes. Marilyn suggested that he change the “all men are created equal” to “all people are created equal,” but he seemed pretty hardheaded about his choice of wording. So, she just let him go ahead. 

Marilyn was the first one on site, as he started his speech. It seemed to go over pretty good and was fairly well received. After the speech, Marilyn spoke with him again. He told her he came away kinda wishing he’d used her suggestion for the change in wording. But, it was what it is.

Probably the most exciting thing about our tour of the State Capitol building was that we were able to take a guided tour  our tour guide was Edwin. We discovered Edwin and I have the same birthday, July 18. He’s three years younger. Part of his story in that his dad served in WW2, in the segregated company of black soldiers as a medical doctor. Upon return from the war, he wasn’t able to. Use the G.I. Bill, as was true for most black soldiers. But, because he was a doctor, he was able to secure the right to practice in the Springfield hospital - the first black doctor so aurthorized. Then, Edwin’s dad went on the become the head of that hospital.  

The other exciting part of our tour of the Capitol building was I was able to buy a new formal halo. Got a great price.