The cabin inside the monument’s granite walls never housed the Lincoln family. Yet, the monument and the cabin inside teach us much more than an overwrought story about the American dream instead, it serves as a piece of history in of itself. Those men who save the nation will, for their services, have their less than impressive childhood homes enshrined in granite and neo-classical architecture, thereby tying them for eternity to the everlasting fight for freedom and democracy that can be traced all the way from ancient Athens to today’s rolling hills of Kentucky. Those who begin in rags, can rise to riches. The intended lesson of the Lincoln Birthplace Memorial is clear. The cornerstone was laid by none other than President Theodore Roosevelt and, two years later, it was dedicated by President William Howard Taft, himself a member of the Lincoln Farm Association, which led the fundraising effort. Over 100,000 Americans donated money to build the publicly funded temple. The now largely forgotten monument was once national news. The Grecian inspired edifice was built between 19, atop the knoll where legend (and some deeds with Thomas Lincoln’s name) lead us to believe Abraham Lincoln was born. The entire log cabin fits inside, reinforcing the difference between the monument built in Lincoln’s honor and his humble origins. Designed by John Russel Pope, the early twentieth-century’s titan of neo-classical monuments and government buildings, the monument only has one room, about the size of a large living-room. Imposingly large when viewed from the bottom of its 56 steps, the monument is almost claustrophobic inside. For seven weeks this past summer I worked at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park in Hodgenville, Kentucky, where that cabin (as legend has it) is encased in a stone monument. School children across the United States learn that Abraham Lincoln was born in a log cabin. A pop-up farmers market at the front of the park will feature Four Little Pumpkins Farm.The monument at Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (via Wikimedia Commons) Food trucks both days include Slow-Spark BBQ, Highway Heartburn hamburgers, Donut Dollies mini-donuts, Kettle Korn, and We-Lik-It ice cream arrives on Sunday. The Unreconstructed String Band will perform, storyteller and dulcimer player, Mike Anderson, will perfom, the Clockwork Clown will be returning, take in the view with the Grand Camera Obscura, sideshow performers Hoosier Spectacle will perform sideshow stunts of sword swallowing and juggling, Common Stock Entertainment will showcase their cabinet of curiosities, and on Sunday only go on a nature walk or watch a performance from storyteller Brian "Fox" Ellis, historic cricket demonstrations will also be available on Sunday. A number of artisans will be on site demonstrating their crafts including, spinning, pottery, broommaking, blacksmithing, embroidery, and many other 19th-century crafts. Visitors are encouraged to take part in period games and activities. Don't miss experiencing 19th-century life on the farm! Activities will take place at both the Lincoln and Sargent farms and will include children's games, crafts, and hearth cooking. The event is free and open to the public.
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