Around the Corner

Many of the houses in our neighborhood date back to the 1800s. There is also some history here. In fact, there is a memorial park just a block up the street commemorating the place where Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held several public debates. Obviously there are parts of the neighborhood that are run down, but the Neighborhood Association works hard to build pride in the community and remind people of the value of the area.

Today was our neighborhood triennial "Historic Day" celebration. Frank and I volunteered this morning to staff one the homes that was open for people to view - a beautiful duplex built in 1904 that has been converted to apartments. Two years ago it was notorious as a "Crack House" and condemned by the city. It was purchased by it's next door neighbor (who obviously had a personal interest in fixing it up to improve his own quality of life). Today it is beautifully refinished.

After our volunteer shift, we stopped by the mansion near our house that has been converted to a Bed & Breakfast. They had some fun vendors and historical things going on (we learned how to make soap out of grease and lye).

The Civil War dancers and Volunteer Regiment Band were there.



We found Abraham Lincoln just around the corner from our house. Kind of a hot day to wear a topcoat and jacket, but he was a good sport :)



Standing next to Abe is Felicity, the girl who is renting our upstairs apartment.