America In Context

Contemplation

I was very fortunate when I visited Lincoln Home NHS. Due to some unknown confluence of circumstance, I toured the park when there were virtually no other visitors. There were maybe a dozen in all, including the four who accompanied me on a tour of the house.

I am a little sad when important historical sites have no visitors. I worry that Americans are failing their children by ignoring their own history, being otherwise enrapt in their video games or casinos or cruise ships. But I’m also more than a little grateful, for it gives me time to experience the importance of place, ponder the passage of time, and contemplate the importance of it all.

The site covers a scant four blocks, but the houses therein are well-preserved in 1860 style. The effect is quite immersive: sans many other tourists, it is easy to imagine yourself in 1846, walking towards 413 S. 8th St., dressed in your finest frock coat and sporting your best cane, so you can wish the newly-elected Representative Abraham Lincoln a fine good morning and sincere congratulations on his recent victory. Perhaps you truly believe the sentiment, perhaps you are hoping to curry favor, but regardless, you have performed proper pleasantries as is expected of a gentleman, and now must visit the mercantile to see if your package has arrived.

I believe that vacations should include not only excitement, awe, and wonder, but also quiet, and also contemplation. With summer upon us, here’s hoping you find all five during your next vacation.

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Pictures are mine and thusly copyrighted.