Looking for Lincoln, a new Wayside Exhibit, has been placed in the Metamora Village Park. This exhibit shows Lincoln as a circuit rider on the Eighth Judicial Circuit. It also features a photo of Lincoln which was taken in Peoria, IL in 1858. We believe the photographer was Roderick Cole. An early 1860s photo of the Metamora Courthouse and the history of the noted Abraham Lincoln-Mrs. Melissa Goings trial can be seen. This trial took place on October 10, 1857. A generous gift from the Village of Metamora has made this exhibit possible in 2008.
The storyboards placed throughout the state tell the Lincoln connnection in each of the villages that are part of the new Abraham Lincoln National Heritage area. Contained on each storyboard is a circular medallion which visitors can collect a rubbing of.
Two life-sized bronze statues of Lincoln and Mrs. Goings sculptured by John McClarey will be unveiled in the bicentennial year of Lincoln’s birth, 2009. A brick paver walkway will lead from the wayside exhibit pass the bronze statues to the Metamora Courthouse. The statue project is a history project of the Woodford County Historical Society. Both projects will complement each other and will be a tourist attraction for historic Metamora and its beautiful park.
History and photo submitted by Shirley A. Adams.
