After assassination JW Booth shot Lincoln, the President was carried across the street to the Peterson House. The next nine hours rank among the saddest in American history. The rooming house is today a national shrine and part two of our walking tour of the place Lincoln died.
With a bullet longed in his brain from the shot fired by John Wilkes Booth, Lincoln was carried from Ford’s Theatre in Washington, DC to this building across the street. Three rooms in the Peterson House are open to the public. It's a self-guided tour. A girl with a walkie-talkie greeted us and we visited the room where wife Mary Todd Lincoln and others waited during the President's nine-hour deterioration.
In "historic" drawings this room has been expanded to include many more death watchers than its small size actually could hold. Still, the striped wallpaper and bureau and bed are recognizable. Here Lincoln was placed diagonally on the bed to accommodate his great height. He never revived.
How could anyone stand at this spot and not feel the heavy sadness of the room? Like the hordes of tourists that filed through, as in the theater across the street, we snapped our obligatory photo and passed along quietly. Visitors exit at the bottom of the building, after passing a reconstructed garden area at the back. It is a quick stop with effective crowd control, unchanged in its presentation for decades.
Suddenly we were back on the street and surrounded by tacky souvenir shops. We grabbed a snack at the Lincoln House and climbed back onto the tour bus. After seeing Abraham Lincoln laid so low, it was good to see him gigantic again. Twelve trolley stops later, right after Arlington Cemetery, we just dropped by the Lincoln Memorial. In the exhibit below the Memorial Honest Abe still looms large. – JDR
Little Engine That Could July 4 - 6, 2008 LINCOLN -- Hi everyone!! We are trying to get the word out that the Little Engine That Could will be at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln, NH on July 4,5 & 6, 2008. People can purchase tickets right online at our website.
The train is a full-sized repli...
Art in Nature July 4 - 10, 2008 RYE, NH -- Celebrate art, nature and science during this week-long event. We will explore inspiring and creative ways of connecting to the environment through hands-on workshops, programs and activities for all ages. You can learn about organic sculptur...
Zoo Farm July 5 - 6, 2008 CANDIA -- Enjoy all day zoo admission; unlimited pony, tractor and horse-drawn hay. rides; and a bag of grain for each child. All for just $16.00 per person!
So pack your lunch and spend the day with us at the farm. We look forward
to seeing you! For...
Freedom Rocks July 5, 2008 The Freedom Rocks Festival is one that truly incorporates a gamete of musical talent. Everything from metal bands, garage, funk, alternative, retro and classic rock perform on stage. Ranging music styles and artists come together to form a festival fill...
Tommy Gallant Jazz Festival July 6, 2008 This 13th annual celebration of joyous creativity which Tommy Gallant helped initiate, has become a staple item on our summer menu. Don't miss this venue of jazz greats organized by UNH Jazz Master Dave Seiler.
Sammie Haynes July 6, 2008 ROCHESTER -- The Governor's Inn presents a beautiful late afternoon in the garden (or under the patio in case of rain) Great food and drinks and company
HARVEY REID July 6, 2008 SOUTH BERWICK -- Maine songwriter and stringed-instrument virtuoso Harvey Reid will appear in concert This is Harvey's only local concert this summer. It takes place outdoors in the beautiful garden at the historic Hamilton House in South Berwick, Maine...
Theatre Camp July 7 - 11, 2008 KIDS THEATRE CAMP, July 7-11, 9 AM to 12 NOON, Ages 6-9
Now in its eighth year, this popular week-long camp features creative drama, movement, and visual arts activities, with a final performance at 6:30 PM on Friday, July 11.
Limited to 14 campers. ...
PPAF Summer Theatre Academy begins July 7, 2008 We believe that every child has an innate sense of creativity and imagination. Our Summer Theatre Academy is geared toward developing confidence and advancing performance skills so that every child can be a star. Students will not only learn theatrical ...
NHTP Teen Camp Starts July 7, 2008 TEEN THEATRE CAMP, July 7-19, Ages 13-17
This intensive camp will focus on a theme from classic dramatic literature. (Teen Camp 2007 featured William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night). Participants will learn acting, directing and design skills along with...