"Mr. Lincoln's Two-Hundredth Birthday" February 12 and 14 at David Davis Mansion

BLOOMINGTON - Who was Old Buck? Why was Abe Lincoln's sense of humor so important? And what role did Lincoln's hat play in promoting his political fortunes? Visitors will discover the answers to these and other intriguing questions when they celebrate the Bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birth at the David Davis Mansion on Thursday, February 12, and Saturday, February 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. The events are free and open to the public.

Children and their families are invited to celebrate the sixteenth President's two-hundredth birthday at the home of his close friend and political ally, Judge David Davis. Through tall tales and amusing stories, visitors will learn about Abe's life and the special relationship between Lincoln and Davis—two of Illinois' most important citizens in their day.

Special tours will last one-half hour and will begin in the Barn/Visitor Center (where Lincoln's horse was once stabled), on the north edge of the mansion grounds. At the end of each tour on both Thursday and Saturday, the President's birthday cake will be served.

The David Davis Mansion State Historic Site, administered by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, was built in 1872 for U.S. Supreme Court Justice David Davis and his wife, Sarah. It is open Wednesday through Sunday for free public tours, and is located at 1000 E. Monroe in Bloomington. For more information, call (309) 828-1084.