The Past Touches My Sentimental Heart

Today I spent the day doing something most of you would find oh so boring.

I spent the day at the Coles County IL courthouse reviewing depositions from the
Charleston IL Riot of March 1864.

I am the Chairperson of the committee marking the 150th anniversary and over the 

next year it will be taking up most of my time.

The past and history have such a hold on me.

As I sat and read what the people of Charleston saw on the day in 

March 1864 it became so real. Where I sat I could see the south east

corner of the square where it took place. 

On those faded pages written 149 years ago, the names of my

family jumped out of the pages at me.

It told me my Great Great Uncle had "red whiskers".

I also know from a Doctor on the square my GGGrandfather Winkler

never fired a shot "he gave me his gun to put behind the counter, I checked

it and saw it was full, no bullets were missing"

He was there for jury duty, he was shot in the arm, but I know he 

did not shoot anyone himself.

The courthouse is a newer one from that day.

I love hearing the bells ring on the hour.

Just like they did in my childhood days as I walked the square.

As I descended the stairs, my hand grasping the wooden rail

 I thought how my Great Grandfather Willingham

hands were holding the same rail I was holding many times.

He was the County Clerk

He worked many years in this beautiful building

One he helped to get built.

I can then walk by the monument with his name on it.

I am reminded that my family has been here since the 

1820's both my Mother and my Fathers.

I am walking where they walked before me.

It means something to me.

Then I turn the corner

and the present meets the past

A sign for "Looking for Lincoln"

funny thing......my husband in St Louis

did the painting of the signs several years ago.

The one sits on the corner of 6th and Jackson.

1515 is on Jackson street.

My Grandfather Willingham's gas station 

was one block north of the square on 6th street.

I walked in the past today, thinking of the future...

this place touches my heart.