King Hutch aka John H.

Mr. Hutch (The Teacher)

I believe that contrast is the main theme that ran through today’s historical adventures in Springfield & New Salem. There were contrasts in the historical sites we visited, contrast in the ways Lincoln was presented, and contrasts between how many historical sites are maintained and presented from town to town.

We began our day visiting the Old State Capital building in Springfield. This building was deconstructed and rebuilt as close to original Lincoln era as possible. CONTRAST: The only original part of the building is the block walls. They removed these blocks and stored them for several years as the new building (with metal frame) was built. The blocks were then put back just as one would put a jigsaw puzzle together. The furnishings of the building may not be the exact ones that were used originally, but they are as close and accurate as possible. 

Our troupe then walked over to Lincoln’s law offices above the post office. When they decided to restore Lincoln’s law office they used the best information available to them. CONTRAST: Historical research has discovered that the rooms and walls were put in the wrong spots when they were reconstructed. In addition, his office was intentionally made smaller and put in a different spot so that it would fit. Again, much of the furnishings were not original, yet very close to those that would have been used in Lincoln’s day.

We also visited Lincoln’s house in Springfield. This was the home that Lincoln made for 24 years. It was where Lincoln was living when he became president. Although the house was as Lincoln lived in it, some of the furnishings (as is customary in restored history) were not original. CONTRAST: The landscape was not the same as when Lincoln lived here. The Park Ranger did a good job of pointing this out and explaining the reasons way. But the roads would have been dirt and at times mud. Many houses were rebuilt in the area, but only if accurate records exsist. Otherwise the lots go without structures. Not exactly as in Lincoln’s time.     

We next visited Lincoln’s Tomb. This was a solemn sight. Remembering the man and what he accomplished in his artificially shortened life. His body spent over 3 weeks in many sites being viewed by adorning people. CONTRAST: Lincoln was a very divisive and controversial president when he lived. His election basically split the country and set South Carolina (as well as others) on the path to secession. He made so many decisions that could be construed as “unconstitutional” and yet he is the man held up by both the Democrats & Republicans as their hero.    

Finally we arrived in New Salem, home of a young twentish Lincoln. It was here that Lincoln taught himself to be a lawyer as well as working in a general store. CONTRAST: I had a real problem with “reconstructed” New Salem! My guess is that it is not apparent to most of us on the trip. But I am a veteran of both the Boston & the Philadelphia trips. After experiencing Old Sturbridge Village & Plymouth of Massachusetts as well as Valley Forge in Pennsylvania; I was highly disappointed with New Salem. On prior trips we experienced and talked with people in “character” of the colonial time period, ate an authentic 17^th century meal, worked with antique tools, cooked, and ate foods from the 1800’s, and walked on muddy streets. We experienced working 19^th century technology in water mills creating power for a lumber mill. But here in New Salem, it seemed nothing more than a tourist trap! My question was who lived in all these reconstructed log homes and why do I care? OK, Lincoln’s has historical significance! But all the others, why? I don’t believe that New Salem had paved streets in Lincoln’s time. And the sawmill didn’t even have water coming through it anymore! Those of you who went to Boston & Philadelphia can attest to what I have said. If you really want to see to beginning of technology affecting change, the onset of the American Industrial Revolution, then click the video below or pull up my videos on the right side of this page. Or better yet, Visit and enjoy Old Sturbridge Village & Plymouth yourself. I promise you won’t be disappointed!

Old Sturbridge Village Lumbermill:

 Sincerely, King Hutch