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Lincoln's mark lasts
As Dedication Day looms, some say closing of famous train station would hurt Gettysburg.
By TIM PRUDENTE The Evening Sun
Evening Sun
Posted:11/14/2010 01:00:00 AM EST
Although Gettysburg has long drawn those interested in the town's three-day battle, an increasing number of visitors are being attracted by the reminders of President Abraham Lincoln's famed 1863 visit.
The president was in Gettysburg a mere 25 hours but borough officials and businesses are bracing for the surge of tourism expected this week for the 147th anniversary of his stay.
Still, one of the most-revered Lincoln-related buildings may be in jeopardy of closing. On Nov. 18, 1863, one day before he gave the "Gettysburg Address," Lincoln arrived at the train station on Carlisle Street. Legislation to continue operation of the station has stalled in the Senate and some doubt whether it will pass before the current funding source is depleted.
Since 2007, the 151-year-old station has been open to visitors, often seven days a week and with special exhibits and attractions. Apart from its role as a train station, the building was used as a Civil War hospital and bodies are believed to have been piled on the grounds when the president arrived.
The state grant that's been funding the operation will run out in December. At that point, the property will be in the hands of the Borough of Gettysburg, which officials have said lacks the resources to sustain the site.
The borough entered into a sales agreement with the National Park Service. But because the Park Service is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior, land acquisition requires federal approval. The legislation to grant that approval has stalled and with the end of the current-congressional term approaching, the bill might not be passed before the year's end.
Even if it is, it will take the Park Service several more months to procure the land because of procedural requirements, including checking the title and commissioning an appraisal.
With the future of the property in question, officials have expressed concern over the impact closure might have on a borough made famous, in part, by the president.
"It would be a negative and just a real shame," said 23-year Lincoln re-enactor Jim Getty. "It's an enhancement. It's something that makes a trip to Gettysburg more memorable."
Getty remembers a trip he and his wife took over the holidays, years ago, to Lexington, Ky. -- the birthplace of Lincoln's wife Mary Todd. There they found her childhood home shuttered and the door locked.
"We felt deprived and I presume that's what people would feel here. Like something had been taken out of the picture," he said.
Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau President Norris Flowers said he too was concerned over the possibility of the station closing.
"I really think that would be disappointing," he said. "Will people not come to Gettysburg because the train station is closed? Maybe not. But it's another thing for them to do and see when they come."
Concerns over the station are increasing with the approach of Dedication Day, the Nov. 19 anniversary of the "Gettysburg Address." The day was designated by an act of Congress in 1946, and more than 2,000 people are expected to attend a ceremony Friday at Soldiers' National Cemetery to commemorate the speech.
"It's certainly not the largest event of the year, but it's a big day and it comes at a time of the year when things slow down a little," Flowers added.
But the November commemoration isn't the only time of year that America's 16th president is honored in Gettysburg.
In fact, Lincoln-related buildings and sites, like the David Wills House where he slept, have become popular attractions year round.
"We are the land of Lincoln and all things Lincoln and I think he's a significant centerpiece to our story," said borough Councilwoman Alice Estrada.
Flowers, too, said the president plays an important role in the Gettysburg brand.
"It adds another dimension to the battlefield and the visitor experience," he said. "Lincoln is such a respected president that it sets us apart from other battlefields and attractions. It's an extra dimension and no other battlefield can relate to that."
But even without the train station, the borough is replete with evidence of Lincoln's visit.
In the town square, which has been named after the president, a life-size statue of Lincoln appears to be talking to a tourist with a surprising resemblance to Perry Como.
Nearby, the David Wills House has been restored and opened to the public as the place Lincoln slept in 1863. The Gettysburg Presbyterian Church on Baltimore Street held a patriotic rally then, which Lincoln attended, and another statue of the president has been called the most-popular feature of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center.
Tourists are often found next to the statue posing with an arm draped around the seated president.
Getty said the town has become famous for the battle first and secondly for Lincoln's visit.
"That certainly is demonstrated every 19th of November, the crowd has become bigger and bigger every year," he said.
As a re-enactor and assistant manager at the American Civil War Museum on Steinwehr Avenue, Stephanie Lightner has witnessed the increased interest in Dedication Day.
"It's pretty much one day and it's our largest hit," she said. "It's a successful day for us. I'd hate to try and tack a number on it. But it definitely helps with our annual sales."
The museum even has an animated wax statue of Lincoln that delivers the Gettysburg Address and Lightner estimates between 500 and 1,000 people will come and watch over the weekend.
"In the past, I think not too many people were aware of these activities outside of the re-enactment community," she added. "It was one of Gettysburg's best-kept secrets. But now you're seeing a lot more visitors coming in and school groups too."
The Dedication Day events mark the end of the tourist season in Gettysburg and, once done, many of the businesses experience a lull until spring.
Jim Getty, though, fares better than most and the winter isn't entirely empty.
February marks the president's birthday.
IF YOU GO
A host of events and activities will take place in Gettysburg on Dedication Day, the anniversary of the "Gettysburg Address."
Former ABC-TV correspondent and anchor Sam Donaldson will deliver the keynote address during a ceremony Friday, Nov. 19. The event will be held in Soldiers' National Cemetery, starting with a wreath-laying ceremony at 10:15 a.m. at the base of the Soldiers' National Monument.
The annual event will also include Civil War-era music and a graveside salute. On Saturday, Nov. 20, a parade will begin at 1 p.m., featuring 2,000 Civil War re-enactors, followed by a ceremony in Gettysburg National Military Park.
For a full schedule of the weekend's events, visit the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/events.htm.
tprudente@eveningsun.com
Online at: http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_16605904
As Dedication Day looms, some say closing of famous train station would hurt Gettysburg.
By TIM PRUDENTE The Evening Sun
Evening Sun
Posted:11/14/2010 01:00:00 AM EST
Although Gettysburg has long drawn those interested in the town's three-day battle, an increasing number of visitors are being attracted by the reminders of President Abraham Lincoln's famed 1863 visit.
The president was in Gettysburg a mere 25 hours but borough officials and businesses are bracing for the surge of tourism expected this week for the 147th anniversary of his stay.
Still, one of the most-revered Lincoln-related buildings may be in jeopardy of closing. On Nov. 18, 1863, one day before he gave the "Gettysburg Address," Lincoln arrived at the train station on Carlisle Street. Legislation to continue operation of the station has stalled in the Senate and some doubt whether it will pass before the current funding source is depleted.
Since 2007, the 151-year-old station has been open to visitors, often seven days a week and with special exhibits and attractions. Apart from its role as a train station, the building was used as a Civil War hospital and bodies are believed to have been piled on the grounds when the president arrived.
The state grant that's been funding the operation will run out in December. At that point, the property will be in the hands of the Borough of Gettysburg, which officials have said lacks the resources to sustain the site.
The borough entered into a sales agreement with the National Park Service. But because the Park Service is a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Interior, land acquisition requires federal approval. The legislation to grant that approval has stalled and with the end of the current-congressional term approaching, the bill might not be passed before the year's end.
Even if it is, it will take the Park Service several more months to procure the land because of procedural requirements, including checking the title and commissioning an appraisal.
With the future of the property in question, officials have expressed concern over the impact closure might have on a borough made famous, in part, by the president.
"It would be a negative and just a real shame," said 23-year Lincoln re-enactor Jim Getty. "It's an enhancement. It's something that makes a trip to Gettysburg more memorable."
Getty remembers a trip he and his wife took over the holidays, years ago, to Lexington, Ky. -- the birthplace of Lincoln's wife Mary Todd. There they found her childhood home shuttered and the door locked.
"We felt deprived and I presume that's what people would feel here. Like something had been taken out of the picture," he said.
Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau President Norris Flowers said he too was concerned over the possibility of the station closing.
"I really think that would be disappointing," he said. "Will people not come to Gettysburg because the train station is closed? Maybe not. But it's another thing for them to do and see when they come."
Concerns over the station are increasing with the approach of Dedication Day, the Nov. 19 anniversary of the "Gettysburg Address." The day was designated by an act of Congress in 1946, and more than 2,000 people are expected to attend a ceremony Friday at Soldiers' National Cemetery to commemorate the speech.
"It's certainly not the largest event of the year, but it's a big day and it comes at a time of the year when things slow down a little," Flowers added.
But the November commemoration isn't the only time of year that America's 16th president is honored in Gettysburg.
In fact, Lincoln-related buildings and sites, like the David Wills House where he slept, have become popular attractions year round.
"We are the land of Lincoln and all things Lincoln and I think he's a significant centerpiece to our story," said borough Councilwoman Alice Estrada.
Flowers, too, said the president plays an important role in the Gettysburg brand.
"It adds another dimension to the battlefield and the visitor experience," he said. "Lincoln is such a respected president that it sets us apart from other battlefields and attractions. It's an extra dimension and no other battlefield can relate to that."
But even without the train station, the borough is replete with evidence of Lincoln's visit.
In the town square, which has been named after the president, a life-size statue of Lincoln appears to be talking to a tourist with a surprising resemblance to Perry Como.
Nearby, the David Wills House has been restored and opened to the public as the place Lincoln slept in 1863. The Gettysburg Presbyterian Church on Baltimore Street held a patriotic rally then, which Lincoln attended, and another statue of the president has been called the most-popular feature of the new Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitors Center.
Tourists are often found next to the statue posing with an arm draped around the seated president.
Getty said the town has become famous for the battle first and secondly for Lincoln's visit.
"That certainly is demonstrated every 19th of November, the crowd has become bigger and bigger every year," he said.
As a re-enactor and assistant manager at the American Civil War Museum on Steinwehr Avenue, Stephanie Lightner has witnessed the increased interest in Dedication Day.
"It's pretty much one day and it's our largest hit," she said. "It's a successful day for us. I'd hate to try and tack a number on it. But it definitely helps with our annual sales."
The museum even has an animated wax statue of Lincoln that delivers the Gettysburg Address and Lightner estimates between 500 and 1,000 people will come and watch over the weekend.
"In the past, I think not too many people were aware of these activities outside of the re-enactment community," she added. "It was one of Gettysburg's best-kept secrets. But now you're seeing a lot more visitors coming in and school groups too."
The Dedication Day events mark the end of the tourist season in Gettysburg and, once done, many of the businesses experience a lull until spring.
Jim Getty, though, fares better than most and the winter isn't entirely empty.
February marks the president's birthday.
IF YOU GO
A host of events and activities will take place in Gettysburg on Dedication Day, the anniversary of the "Gettysburg Address."
Former ABC-TV correspondent and anchor Sam Donaldson will deliver the keynote address during a ceremony Friday, Nov. 19. The event will be held in Soldiers' National Cemetery, starting with a wreath-laying ceremony at 10:15 a.m. at the base of the Soldiers' National Monument.
The annual event will also include Civil War-era music and a graveside salute. On Saturday, Nov. 20, a parade will begin at 1 p.m., featuring 2,000 Civil War re-enactors, followed by a ceremony in Gettysburg National Military Park.
For a full schedule of the weekend's events, visit the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/gett/planyourvisit/events.htm.
tprudente@eveningsun.com
Online at: http://www.eveningsun.com/ci_16605904