Jerry's Writing Projects



Candlelight Sanctuary

Historical Events and Places of Interest



By Jerry L. Ginther


   While growing up in Sullivan, IL has provided me with plenty of nostalgia to write about over the years, the state itself is rich in nostalgia with historical events and many sites to visit. To those of us who were born there her nicknames "Land of Lincoln," and "The Prairie State" revive significant feelings of pride when we see or hear them.
   Prior to the Civil War, and for several years afterward, the Illinois prairie was the western frontier. During the growth and expansion of the country the Illinois Central Railroad was instrumental in settling and populating the state by selling off the land provided by the federal government land grant of 1851. This grant was a charter for the construction of the railroad to span the entire length of the state.
   One such historical site within the state is Lincoln's Tomb. Throughout the decades thousands of Americans, as well as foreign visitors, have flocked to Lincoln's tomb and his home in Springfield. On several occasions my family and I have taken other family members and friends to see the tomb located in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
   Associated with this great President is the historic battlefield at Gettysburg PA. and his Gettysburg Address. When my brother lived in Chambersburg, PA, which is close to the cemetery, my family and I were blessed with the opportunity of visiting both on the same trip.
   There are several historical places I would never have had the opportunity to visit had it not been for my military service. Being stationed at Fort Dix, NJ provided one such chance of a lifetime for me.
   One of the first interesting places I visited from the Army base was the city of Philadelphia, Pa. This famous town was the birthplace of The Declaration of Independence and many historical decisions. Carpenter's Hall was open to the public, and I was able to see, but not touch, the Liberty Bell among many other artifacts from the era. If everyone who passed the bell gave it a rub, it would be as shiny as Abe's nose on the bust outside his tomb in Springfield.
   Next, I had the choice of using a three day pass to go to New York City or Washington D.C. It was not a difficult choice. New York City was closer, but our nation's capitol and history won the day and an Army buddy and I boarded a flight to Washington, D.C. There we toured the White House, the Smithsonian Institute, the Capitol Building, The Supreme Court Building and many of the monuments. We even went to the top of the Washington Monument.
      Since we only had three day passes, it was a rushed tour but one I'm glad we were able to take. Security was not a big concern at that time in our history. In the White House we were allowed to roam around without supervision, even in the oval office. No tour guide, speeches or instructions. This would have been in the summer of 1966,
however, memories of that trip are all I have. When we returned to Ft. Hood, Tex. shortly thereafter, he was shipped off to Vietnam with all of the pictures we took, and I never saw him again.
   If one has the opportunity and is interested in America's history, there are not many better educational experiences than visiting her historical sites, especially with family and/or friends. Sharing those times together builds lasting memories as well.

By Jerry L. Ginther Bio: Jerry Ginther grew up in Sullivan, IL with a few brief departures over the years. He served two years in the U.S. Army, 1966-68, and was employed by the Illinois Central Railroad as a telegraph operator and train dispatcher for nearly twenty-five years. He and his wife reside in Texas. Email Jerry at JG@JerryGinther.com   

  

  

  

  

  

  

  



  



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