Lincoln the Student - Lincoln, IL
Posted by: 
adgorn
N 40° 09.306 W 089° 21.711
16T E 298840 N 4447646
Lincoln, dressed in casual clothes, seated on a granite bench. In his lap, he holds a book which he is reading.
Waymark Code: WMCRW6
Location: Illinois, United States
Date Posted: 10/08/2011
Views: 2
Continued from the Smithsonian database:
"Dimensions: Sculpture: approx. 5 ft. 9 in. x 2 ft. x 4 ft. 8 in.; Base: 7 1/2 ft. x 6 ft. 9 in. x 9 1/2 ft.
Inscription: (Proper left thigh:) Merrell Gage, Sc (Base front:) ABRAHAM LINCOLN/I SHALL PREPARE MYSELF:/SOMEDAY/MY CHANCE WILL COME (Back of base is inscribed with names of the Board of Trustees Lincoln College) signed
The dedication of the sculpture highlighted activities at Lincoln College's 95th annual commencement activities."
Lincoln is posed in a pensive mood, enjoying some private time reading. When you think how he made the effort to educate himself, I find this is very inspirational.
This bronze on a granite base sculpture was modeled in 1953 and dedicated May 27, 1961. Sculptor Merrell Gage (1892-1981) has a number of other sculptures around the country, including two more of Lincoln.
While there, visit the adjacent Lincoln Heritage Museum (
visit link)
"The award-winning Lincoln Heritage Museum exhibits a significant collection of Abraham Lincoln and Civil War related artifacts, as well as local and Lincoln College history, Presidential letters, and a tribute to September 11, 2001. Located on the campus of Lincoln College, the only college named for Abraham Lincoln in his lifetime, the Lincoln Heritage Museum offers a wide variety of artifacts and exhibits to please all ages. Last year alone, more than 4000 visitors from 42 states and 9 foreign nations visited the museum. "
I saw a lock of Mr. Lincoln's hair preserved inside and had a nice discussion about the museum with the staff.