Lincoln Home National Historic Site Created

Lincoln Home National Historic Site Created. . , [Top photo caption reads] , On August 18, 1971, Congressman Paul Findley and Governor Richard Ogilvie looked on as President Richard Nixon signed H.R. 9798 into law at the Old State Capitol in Springfield., From 1960 Until 1982, Congressman Paul Findley, , Illinois College '43, represented Illinois' 20th District , in the U.S. House of Representatives, the same area Lincoln represented from 1847-1849. Inspired by Lincoln's leadership, in 1979 Findley published a book: A. Lincoln, Crucible of Congress: The Years Which Forged His Greatness. Findley's greatest accomplishment in preserving Lincoln's legacy began in the late 1960s, when the neighborhood surrounding Lincoln's home in Springfield had deteriorated. On January 21, 1971, Findley introduced H.R. 9798, a bill to create the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, transfer oversight to the National Park Service, and secure $5.8 million for preservation. At the time, Findley noted, "People come from all over the world to visit. Steps must be taken to preserve the home and its environs for future generations." On August 18, 1971, President Richard Nixon signed the bill into law at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, using the same desk where Lincoln composed his first inaugural address. The legislation and a pen used by President Nixon are on display in the Paul Findley Congressional Museum in Whipple Hall at Illinois College., [Lower photo is uncaptioned but discussed below] , In 1978, Congressman Findley purchased a sofa that Lincoln had custom made for his Springfield law office from the Pennsylvania Historical Society. Findley decided to put this precious heirloom on display in his Washington, D.C. Congressional office. A popular attraction for visitors, the sofa also inspired Findley personally. He noted, "All through my career, Abraham Lincoln helped me day by day. Winning a seat in Congress would not have been possible without his help. Having his sofa close by always brings a satisfying feeling.” The sofa is on display in the Paul Findley Congressional Museum in Whipple Hall. Also on display are copies of two documents to verify its authenticity: an affidavit signed by Jacob Ruckel, the carpenter who made the sofa, and a letter from William Herndon, Lincoln's law partner.