Lincoln used newspapers, but they also used him
As we celebrate Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday, keep in mind that Batavians have always had a connection to Abraham Lincoln.
He was an acquaintance of one of Batavia's esteemed citizens, Judge Samuel D. Lockwood, who served on the Illinois Supreme Court and was an active member of the Republican Party. Batavia was also the place where Mary Todd Lincoln came after Lincoln died. After being judged insane by a Chicago court, she came to Bellevue Place, a sanitarium described by former historian, John Gustafson, as, "A hospital for the insane of the private class."
Perhaps that's why so many Batavians have an interest in Abraham Lincoln. When my younger son went to Boys State, he presented a winning oration on how Lincoln used the newspapers to his advantage during the Lincoln Douglas debates. Lincoln knew the importance of newspapers and made sure that the debates took place in towns that had strong newspapers. It was a way for him to get his message to the people.
Sadly, from the moment he left Illinois and headed to Washington, the newspapers were not very kind to him. He was often subjected to cruel headlines and harsh editorials. Yet after he died, they found a number of things in his pockets, a pair of spectacles, a pocket knife, a watch, a wallet with a $5 bill (Confederate), a pencil and three newspaper clippings.
Fresh tunes: Apparently, the Skirmonts are not the only ones taking on the music world by creating their own CD. Batavia High School student Flo Catt, who was a winner in the Art in Your Ear songwriting contest last year, has created one as well.
"I created it to raise money to go on the French trip," said the industrious student. "I've sold enough to get there. Now I'm working on getting back."
Consider community college: When I wrote about the increasing cost of college during a down economy, I received a call from a representative of Waubonsee Community College.
He wanted to remind me that Waubonsee is a very affordable way for students to pursue a college education.
"Our cost is considerably lower, " said Jeff Noblitt, Director of Marketing. "Waubonsee is a great way for students to save money on their college costs.
Noblitt told me that the cost of the tuition and fees at Waubonsee is $1,968. The school's enrollment was up 9 percent last semester and up another 9 percent this semester.
Katie goes to Washington: I wrote last month about former Batavian, Katie Hinterlong, working on President Barack Obama's inauguration.
What a surprise it was seeing her in her pink coat, sitting on the reviewing stand behind President Obama.
Katie was accompanying Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, the US Airways pilot who successfully landed the plane in the Hudson River last month. Katie's parents, Gail and Jack Hinterlong sent me an e-mail to let me know that Katie landed a job at the White House as one of three travel managers, making all the arrangements for the President, Mrs. Obama and Joe Biden. How exciting for her!
• Do you have a story that needs to be told? Send me an e-mail at king60510@aol.com.