Lincoln makes farmstead appearance in McHenry
By ABBY SCALF - editorial@nwherald.com
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| Five-year-old Elise Gorman pets a turkey Sunday during A Day at Petersen Farm at the historical farm in McHenry. (Travis Haughton – thaughton@nwherald.com) |
McHENRY – Children smiled as they looked up at President Abraham Lincoln.
Also known as Gary Cooney, a history buff who has portrayed the 16th president for more than 30 years, the former president posed for pictures and told stories Sunday as part of Day at Petersen Farm in McHenry.
Cooney shared stories about Lincoln, such as how he helped save his dog, Honey; how he received the title Honest Abe as a postmaster; and the stresses he endured as president.
“Every day, all I was trying to do was save the Union,” he said, adding that Lincoln knew how many Americans were dying.
Lincoln’s appearance was organized by the event hosts, the McHenry Landmark Commission, and the city of McHenry, which owns the historical farm.
Organizers said they wanted to celebrate Lincoln’s Bicentennial and offer something different for the second year of the event.
“Next year, we may try World War II,” said Pat Wirtz, chairman of the commission.
Crowds gathered around a magician as he performed tricks and around members of 1800s musical group Bear Creek, who used instruments such as a hurdy-gurdy – a mechanical violin. They also met Richard Davis of the Eighth Illinois Cavalry, who rode his horse, Shiloh.
“They ask all types of questions about the saddle and the gear you’re wearing. It gives them an idea what it used to be like in the old days,” said Davis, who was among 13 riders on horseback and 22 who were dismounted.
Participants also viewed demonstrations, created quilt squares, sat atop tractors, and patted animals including Dino, a 12-year-old miniature horse, and some cows.
“We came last year. It was a really fun time. I like watching them be able to interact with different animals,” said Sarah Sonnemann of Richmond, who brought Joseph, 7, Spencer, 4, and Maxwell, 2.
Although the farm homestead building was not open for public tours, participants also could view information about the home, built in the 1840s.
“The home is impressive,” said Bobbi Glab of McHenry. “It’s a model for its time and quite elegant.”
