THE ILES FILES I L E S H O U S E HERITA G E GARDEN COMMITTEE R E C I E V E S GRANT FR O M CIVIC GARDEN CLUB

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1 THE ILES FILES THE NEWSLETTER OF THE ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION SUMMER 2014 I L E S H O U S E HERITA G E GARDEN COMMITTEE R E C I E V E S GRANT FR O M CIVIC GARDEN CLUB By Gary Lazar Chair of the Heritage Garden Committee Since the early days of our country's settlers, they have always had gardens adjacent to their homes. That was also true with the families of those who lived in the Iles House. So, when the Iles House was moved to it's present site, an attempt was made to continue that practice. For a few years, various plantings of flowers and shrubs were made and maintained. Yet, due to finances and lack of volunteers, upkeep became a problem. So, by 2011, a decision had to be made! One of the docents for the house who also had been helping with the garden was also a University of Illinois Extension Master Gardener (M.G.). At one of the M.G. committee meetings, he mentioned the problems the Iles House Foundation was having maintaining their garden. Suddenly, numerous other master gardens thought it would be great to create a heritage garden committee at the Iles House. The committee now has 17 hardy volunteers. The committee's objective is to educate the public on the flowers and herbs grown and used by our urban/countryside pioneers during the mid 1800's. Many of the present plantings located on the premises are hybrid modern day flowers. They now want to focus on replacing them over time with plants which were present during our pioneer past. Of course, there is always a problem with finances with any project. The budget allowed by the Iles House was minimal. So, it was decided that we needed to apply for a grant. This early spring, a request was made to the Community Projects Committee of the Springfield Civic Garden Club for $650 in order to establish a historic garden at the Iles House. To our great surprise and gratitude, we received the whole amount applied for. The M.G. Heritage Garden and the Iles House Foundation want to personally and publicly thank the Springfield Civic Garden club for this donation. Rome wasn't built in a day and neither will this historic garden but we've got a good start. Come and visit the Iles House and tour the garden. The garden is always open to walk through while the Iles House itself is only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from noon through 4 p.m. ELIJAH ILES HOUSE HERITAGE GARDEN COMMITTEE MEMBERS Deb Finney, Ken Hage, Barb Hedden, Susan Helm, Janet Keistler, Denny Kirchner, Mark Krell, George Lang, Linda Law, Gary Lazar, Logan McMinn, Ruth Nonneman, Carol Norton, LaVonne Noska, David Oehmke, Randy Thomas, and Joyce Wells.

2 Page 2 The Iles Files Summer 2014 Iles House is home to some of the finest pieces of Sangamon County furniture from the mid 1800s. In the past several months, the Iles House has been the fortunate recipient of several important donations that augment its collection. Pasfield Sewing Chair Sarah Thomas, donated a small rocker from the home of her ancestor, George Pasfield. The piece is beautifully designed and executed in walnut wood. It retains its original horse hair upholstery. Peter Glass Table Catherine Drzal of Austin Texas recently donated a small table that was made by her ancestor, Peter Glass ( ). Glass emigrated from Bavaria to the United States as a young man in 1844 Recent Donations after having apprenticed at cabinetmaking and learning the rudiments of marquetry, for which he is a master. By 1857 he had settled in Wisconsin He paid his rent by working in a piano factory. But, his passion was making elaborate marquetry furniture. His first marquetry table was finished in One of his tables is at the Smithsonian. His work was made outside of the economic mainstream, away from centers of high-style. Yet Glass took advantage of his place on the margins to create furniture of uniqueness and distinction. Among the most difficult of woodworking techniques, marquetry is the art of creating pictures in wood by covering whole surfaces with a thin veneer composed of many pieces of wood, like a jigsaw puzzle. For centuries, furniture makers have used the techniques of inlay and marquetry to create pictures in wood. The difference between the two techniques relates to the "skin" of the furniture to be decorated one technique involves cutting into the surface of the wood, while the other creates a new surface. To create inlay, a design is carved into the furniture and filled with variously colored woods. Marquetry consists of many pieces of wood fitted together to create a solid sheet, like a jigsaw puzzle, which is then glued to the furniture. Like carving and painting, both inlay and marquetry do more than decorate a piece of furniture they serve as the vehicle for individual expression. Glass's work was featured in the exhibition Skin Deep: Three Masters of American Inlaid Furniture, at the Milwaukee Art Museum (2003). He was the subject of an article in The Magazine Antiques (1973), and is also treated in the book, American Folk Marquetry: Masterpieces in Wood (1998) Additional Reading: Ahlborn, Richard. Peter Glass, A Maker of American Marquetry. Antiques 104 (December 1973): Springer/Donner High Chair, Pickle Jar, and 19th Century Newspapers With their beautiful, intricate patterns and flawless execution, Glass's creations had no corollary in the furniture of his day. His inlaid furniture earned him a silver medal from the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association (1850); a bronze medal by New York's American Institute (1856); and the prize for the 'best mosaic center table' at the Wisconsin State Agricultural Fair (1858), where it was noted that the table was 'one of the most splendid specimens of mosaic work that we have ever seen an evidence of ingenuity, mechanical skill, and patient application worthy of the highest credit.' that would Joni Paige, have Renae s been teacher, far easier Renae to Murphy In re-ocent Southeast years, High School, first place winner, and Farrell Gay.

3 The Iles Files Summer 2014 Page 3 Iles House Receives 'The Lincoln Courting Couch' for One Year by James M. Cornelius and Richard F. Herndon The horsehair-covered sofa long known in Central Illinois as Lincoln s Courting Couch has been generously loaned for the 2014 season to the Iles House. It is on display in the front hall. The ca couch in the 'Empire style' comes from the collection of the Springfield Art Association of Edwards Place, at 700 N. 4th St. The SAA and Edwards Place had the couch restored in Chicago in early 2014, with help from private supporters, and thanks to the discovery that the original 180-year-old horsehair upholstery lay underneath the fabric from a re-covering job done a century ago. The couch's hollow arms also secretly held some original fabric. Erika Holst, curator of Edwards Place, said, "We are so pleased that our friends at Iles House could help us keep this historic couch on display all year while we undergo a major restoration." Jim Patton, Iles House vice-president for furnishings, said, "The Board of Directors and volunteers of the Elijah Iles House are delighted that the Springfield Art Association / Edwards Place have entrusted us with the display and safe-keeping of this most historic piece of furniture. As a friend of Elijah Iles, Abraham Lincoln would be pleased, I am sure." Edwards Place and Iles House have a friendly rivalry to the claim of 'oldest house in Springfield.' The former was begun in brick in 1833 north of the city limits, then much altered and added to over the years on its original lot. The latter was built of wood in 1837 and has been moved twice, coming to rest in 1998 a block from its original lot, and is now restored to its original condition and period furnishings. Abraham Lincoln certainly visited both homes, and Mary Lincoln probably visited both. The two of them courted on this couch when it belonged to Mary's sister Elizabeth and her husband Ninian Wirt Edwards. It was in the room when the couple was married in 1842; and it stood silently downstairs when Mary Lincoln died in that same house in Edwards Place on N. 4th St. was the "rural" mansion of Ninian's brother Benjamin, and his wife Sarah, who were Democrats. Both Lincoln and Stephen Douglas visited there, as did Mary Lincoln to her relatives-bymarriage, though political differences may have limited her time spent there. The Republicans Ninian and Elizabeth lived on the southern edge of town, about 1.5 miles from their Democratic kin, near what is today the intersection of S. 2nd St. and Jackson, on what would now be the lawn of the present State Capitol. The couch was in that 'southern' Edwards home from about 1835 until That house was razed in An old letter displayed with the couch explains how it passed from Ninian's family to Benjamin's former home after Meanwhile, Elijah Iles, one of the four founders of Springfield in the 1820s, built his modest Greek-revival home at S. 6th St. and Cook, in the neighborhood once known as 'Aristocracy Hill.' In 1843 the home was purchased from Elijah and Malinda Iles by Robert and Clara Irwin. As vice-president of the Springfield Marine Bank, Irwin became Lincoln's personal banker and took charge of his finances after the Lincolns moved to Washington. Card parties for local men including Lincoln were a regular feature of the Irwins' back parlor. Some nights, it is said, wives also stopped in. Iles House moved in 1910 to make way for the First Christian Church (still standing). Without water pipes or overhead electrical lines, houses were much easier to move in those days. Its 'home field' became 1825 S. 5th St. from 1910 until 1998, when local conservationists lifted and trucked it to is present location at 7th and Cook, one block from the First Christian Church. Painstaking restoration enabled it to be reopened as a museum in Its lower level now also houses the Farrell and Ann Gay Museum of Springfield History, in which is currently displayed an exhibit on Camp Butler. How does Camp Butler figure into all of this, in the grand circle of localhistory connections? That Civil War camp for mustering Union soldiers and detaining Confederate prisoners, northeast of town, was named in 1861 for state treasurer William Butler. Bachelor A. Lincoln had boarded with Butler and his wife Elizabeth in the years when the two well-to-do Edwards families, as well as Elijah Iles, had their own finer homes. Lincoln had served as a soldier in the Black Hawk War of 1832 under Major Iles. In 1863 Treasurer Butler helped bail Ninian Edwards out of some political trouble in Springfield while Lincoln sat in the White House wondering why his trusted brother-inlaw seemed to be drifting toward the Democratic party of brother Benjamin; the brother who for 42 years was the law partner of Mary Lincoln's cousin John Todd Stuart, Lincoln's first boss -- who had introduced Abraham and Mary, which led, in circular fashion, to the fabled courting couch. Please come see the Iles House, and the courting couch, soon.

4 The Iles Files Summer 2014 Page 4 S T R A W B R I D G E SHEPHERD HOUSE LEASED When the Iles House Foundation took on the restoration of the Strawbridge Shepherd House, we were concerned about several issues money to restore the House and the ultimate use of the House were at the top of the list. Thankfully, we can report that both of these top concerns have been satisfied. With the help of a very generous community the funds to restore the House were forthcoming. We can now happily report that the use of the House has been achieved we have two very compatible and welcome renters. The Illinois State Historical Society and the African American Museum have entered into leases and the rents will be used to maintain the House and to repay the Iles Foundation for the money used to restore the House. We welcome our new occupants of the Strawbridge-Shepherd House. Thanks to all who have assisted in preserving and reusing this remarkable piece of local history and architecture. W A N T TO H E L P? H AV E IDEAS? The Iles House Foundation is eager to see the House reach its full potential a place with ongoing programs, events and activities. The most important contributions to making that effort successful will come from people like you. We need your ideas and suggestions. If you are interested in becoming a docent, let us know. Talk to a board member or leave a message on the Iles House phone. Iles House phone: CO M E ON O V E R TO MY H O U S E A N D T E L L ME W H A T Y O U T H I N K, H O N E Y. AT T R I B U T E D TO M A L I N D A I L E S, C I R C A

5 Page 5 The Iles Files Summer 2014 Advisory Board Judith Barringer Phyliss Brissenden Don Buckley Michael Burlingame Nancy Chapin Cullom Davis Bill Furry Floyd Mansberger Bill Springer Nicki Stratton Sarah Thomas Don Tracy Will Howarth O F F I C E R S AND DIRECTO R S ELECTED At the April meeting of the Board of Directors of The Elijah Iles House Foundation the Board of Directors elected Officers and Directors for the year beginning May 1, 2014: Officers David Barringer President Logan McMinn Vice President for House and Grounds James Patton Vice President for Springfield Museum Sue Campton Treasurer Kay Smith Secretary Board of Directors Al Eck Sue Campton Logan McMinn James M. Cornelius Richard Herndon Jim Patton Richard Hart Kathleen Heyworth Farrell Gay, and Kay Smith Emeritus Directors Linda Denk Mike Dunbar Jan Johnson Kevin Lust Ed Mahoney Curtis Mann Sue Massie Carolyn Oxtoby Bob Sherman Dave Stevens Katherine White Kay Smith New Director and Secretary We welcome Kay Smith as a new member of the Board of Directors and Secretary of the Iles House Foundation. Kay was raised in Springfield graduating from Blessed Sacrament and Springfield High School before attending Lincolnland and Eastern Illinois University. She married Jerry Smith in 1972 and soon began a 35 year adventure of moving around the country with Jerry and his hotel industry career. Kay has held numerous administrative positions with insurance companies, Xerox Corporation and others. She worked for a large east coast law firm based in Baltimore for 17 years in administrative capacities in their labor department and becoming the senior assistant to the managing partner and chief executive officer of the firm. Upon her retirement to Springfield in 2006, she took on the exciting position of Lincoln Bicentennial Coordinator, coordinating activities, grants, programs and more for the state of Illinois. In 2010 she was the interim executive director of Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition and finalized the management plan in use today for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Kay has been a volunteer at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum s oral history program, serves on the executive committee of the Abraham Lincoln Association, board member of the Kings Daughters Organization and continues to be interested and active with local historic sites.

6 Page 6 The Iles Files Summer 2014 Clara Irwin s Annual Strawberry and Lawn Party Bring the whole family! Fun for everyone! FRIDAY JULY 4, :00 TO 8:00 FRIDAY ELIJAH JULY ILES 4, HOUSE 2014 SEVENTH AND COOK STREETS 4:00 SPRINGFIELD, TO 8:00 ILLINOIS ELIJAH ILES HOUSE WATCH FOR NEWS ON A SPECIAL PROGRAM! STRAWBERRY DAQUIRIS SEVENTH AND COOK STREETS HOMEMADE SPRINGFIELD, SHORTCAKE ILLINOIS WATCH SPECIAL FOR NEWS APPEARANCE ON A SPECIAL BY MR. PROGRAM! LINCOLN THE TROUBODORS WILL SING

7 The Page Iles 7 Files Summer 2014 The Iles Files Summer Page A SUMMER TOUR ALONG SUGAR CREEK MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL! The Cotton Hill Precinct, Where Sangamon County Was Born Saturday Afternoon at 1 o'clock, June 5, 2010 M E M B E R S H I P YEAR BEGINS ON JULY 1 MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL! Your dues and any donations are tax-deductible. Please make your return in the enclosed envelope. Your check should be made payable to the Iles House Foundation. Individual $25.00 Family (One Address) $40.00 Supporting $50.00 Benefactor $ or more F OR O N L I N E R E N E W A L, GO TO O U R W E B S I T E AT and click on Become A Member Name: Street Address: Town: State: Zip Code: Telephone #: The Elijah Iles House Foundation is joining with the Sangamon County Historical Society in sponsoring A Summer Tour Along Sugar Creek. Those planning the tour are ex- address: cited about what they will present. As you travel through the Cotton Hill Precinct on a Date:, 2014 comfortable air conditioned tour bus you (Your will hear Signature) stories of the first settlements in Sangamon County and view 19th century farm houses and early family cemeteries. At two of the cemeteries you will be treated to first person portrayals of several early settlers. T H A N K S FOR Y O U R C O N T I N U E D S U P P O R T. The Iles House will benefit from the proceeds. Mail to: Reservations required. ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION P. O. Box 144 Springfield, Illinois When: Saturday, June 5th 1 p.m. Checks: Sangamon County Historical Society First come, First served basis. Cost: $40 members $50 non-members I VE B E E N A M E M B E R Departure: S I N C E 1from Meijer, H OParking N E Y Lot! AT T R I B U T E D TO M E L I N D A I L E S, C I R C A Mail to: Sangamon County Historical Society 308 REGULAR E. Adams HOURS: Wednesdays and Saturdays Length: approximately Noon to 4:00 p.m. 2 ½ hours Springfield, Visit Illinois the Iles House Blog at: Include your cell phone number with check.

8 ELIJAH ILES HOUSE FOUNDATION P. O. Box 144 Springfield, Illinois NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Springfield, IL PERMIT #990 History Comes Alive June 4--August 30, 2014 This year the History Comes Alive programs will be held at the Iles House on Wednesday and Saturday afternoons beginning on Wednesday, June 4, 2104, and ending on Saturday August 30, Fritz Klein will portray Lincoln for all sessions, except for June 21, July 2 and July 5, when Randy Duncan will portray Mr. Lincoln and speak on Mr. Lincoln s Thoughts About Springfield. Wednesdays On Wednesdays, beginning on June 4, the program will be from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will be for kids Toy Making With Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln will walk from the Lincoln Home to the Iles House leading children for a session of toy making. Two tables with chairs for 8 at each table will be set up in the West Quadrant of the Museum. Saturdays On Saturdays, the program will be from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. and will be Fritz Klein s weekly update entitled Civil War Update. Our summer intern, Jennifer Roesch, will be in charge of the Saturday programs. Free Refreshments Ginger snap cookies and lemonade will be served. FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!