Just in time for holiday decorating and Christmas gift-giving, St. Joseph’s Home of Springfield has released its latest city ornament. The annually-released collectible pays tribute to yet another historic place in the capital city: the Lincoln Depot, also known as the Great Western Railroad Station. It also celebrates President Abraham Lincoln’s farewell address.
This is the 24th consecutive year that St. Joseph’s Home has commissioned a local artist to design an ornament for its annual fundraiser. This year Thom Whalen, an artist and art professor at Lincoln Land Community College, has again volunteered his time and talent to design the one-of-a-kind piece. The 2016 ornament is the fifth ornament designed by Whalen.
On Feb. 11, 1861 Lincoln said an emotional goodbye to Springfield from the train and traveled on to Washington, D.C. Director of Development Terri Hempstead noted that history buffs will especially appreciate that this year’s ornament is dual-sided with a representation of the depot on the front, while the back is engraved with Lincoln’s own words.
Those words, engraved over Lincoln’s signature are: “My friends, No one, not in my situation, can appreciate my feeling of sadness at this parting. To this place, and the kindness of these people, I owe every thing … . To His care commending you, as I hope in your prayers you will commend me, I bid you an affectionate farewell.”
As history tells, Lincoln’s words and sadness were prophetic — a funeral train carried him back to Springfield in early May 1865.
The 24-Karat gold-plated ornaments are now available for $25 at most locations. Purchase them at these local businesses: St. Joseph’s Home, HSHS St. John’s Hospital gift shop, Pease’s Candy, Vono Medical Supplies, Heartland Credit Union, Bank of Springfield, Old Capitol Goods, Wild Birds Unlimited, Pleasant Nursery and the Merchant House. They are also available online at www.saintjosephshome.org.
Each ornament comes in a velvet-lined presentation box, stamped with the official seal of the City of Springfield. Each box contains a signed and numbered certificate of authenticity with a brief historical description of the city landmark.