Our Top 10 Lists

On the way home yesterday we asked everyone to create their own Top 10 list of the trip (#1 being the most memorable/best part). Below are the responses! It seems like The St. Louis Arch and the Springfield Lincoln Museum were tops for almost everyone!

by Briana

10. Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
9. Writing Blogs
8. George Rogers Clark NHS/Memorial
7. Underground Railroad program
6. Sleeping in Courtyard Marriotts
5. Visiting Lincoln’s Tomb
4. Local students and staff at the farm in Louisville
3. Dred Scott Mock Trial
2. The Hologram movie at the Springfield Lincoln Museum
1. Riding Up the Arch


by DaJuan

10. The farms (Louisville, KY)
9. George Rogers Clark NHS
8. Fort Necessity
7. Dayton NHS
6. Dred Scott Courthouse—Mock Trial
5. Mary Todd Lincoln House
4. Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
3. Lincoln’s Tomb
2. St. Louis Arch
1. Lincoln Presidential Museum


by Monea

10. Mr. Chuck, Ms. Bethany, Ms. Jen and Ms. Trenkle
9. The bus
8. The cows
7. The pool
6. Lincoln Home
5. The courthouse Mock Trial
4. The Springfield Lincoln Museum
3. The Native Americans
2. The baby pigs (not the one that peed on me)
1. The Arch



by Candace

10. Ulysses S. Grant Home
9. George Rogers Clark Memorial
8. Fort Necessity
7. Dunbar Memorial
6. The Landing
5. Dred Scott Mock Trial and Courthouse
4. Mary Todd Lincoln House
3. Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
2. The Lincoln Museum
1. Going up to the top of the Gateway Arch!


by Alexandria

10. The farms—but not the pig farm
9. Ulysses S. Grant’s Home
8. Taft NHS
7. Fort Necessity
6. Lincoln House
5. Mary Todd Lincoln’s House
4. Lincoln’s Tomb
3. Dred Scott Mock Trial
2. The St. Louis Arch
1. Springfield Lincoln Museum



by Devin

10. Fort Necessity
9. Lincoln’s Home
8. George Rogers Clark NHS
7. Dred Scott Mock Trial
6. Mary Todd Lincoln’s House
5. Lincolns’ Boyhood Home
4. Lincoln’s Tomb
3. Dunbar’s Home
2. St. Louis Arch
1. Springfield Lincoln Museum


by Sertira

10. Mary Todd Lincoln’s House
9. Lincoln’s House
8. Lincoln City
7. Lincoln’s Tomb
6. The pool of all of the hotels
5. Fort Necessity
4. Lincoln Museum in Springfield
3. Courthouse Trial
2. The Arch
1.5 Being with Ms. Jen, Ms. Bethany and Ms. Trenkle
1. The farm



by James

10. Wake up knocks
9. Time in hotel rooms
8. Dunbar and Wright Brothers site
7. Lincoln Boyhood Home
6. William Taft NHS
5. Lincoln Birthplace
4. Farms
3. Gateway Arch
2. Abraham President Gallery (at the Springfield Museum)
1. Hotels


by Francesca

10. Wake up knocks
9. Sleeping/hanging with my friends
8. The bus
7. The seven nights in hotels
6. Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
5. Fort Necessity
4. Pool
3. Dred Scott Mock Trial
2 Pod to the top of the Arch
1. Springfield Lincoln Museum



by Alexus

10. George Rogers Clark NHP
9. Dunbar Home
8. Ulysses S. Grant’s Home
7. Lincoln’s Tomb
6. Mock Trial
5. Lincoln Boyhood Home
4. Farms
3. Lincoln Birthplace
2. Lincoln Museum
1. Arch


by Christian

10. Waking Up
9. The experience
8. The museums
7. Starting the next day
6. Mary Todd Lincoln’s home
5. Learning
4. Being with friends
3. Swimming
2. Going to Ohio
1. Coming on the trip


by Katie

10. Traveling around and being with friends.
9. Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
8. Staying in hotels
7. The farm experience (not those gross pigs or the poop!)
6. Mary Todd Lincoln’s House
5. Dred Scott Mock Trial
4. Watching The Office 24/7 on the bus!
3. Fort Necessity
2. Springfield Abe Lincoln Museum
1. Going up into the Arch/St. Louis in general!



by Amber

10. Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
9. Fort Necessity
8. Mary Todd Lincoln’s Home
7. St. Louis Arch
6. Mock Trial
5. Dunbar Museum
4. George Rogers Clark NHP
3. Train Depot
2. Ulysses S. Grant
1. Lincolns Museum



by Maya

10. George Roger Clark’s program
9. Grant’s Home
8. Underground Railroad program
7. Taft NHS
6. Mary Todd Lincoln’s House
5. Lincolns’ Tomb
4. Train Depot
3. Dred Scott Mock Trail
2. Arch
1. Springfield Lincoln Museum


by Tyquia

10. Fort Necessity
9. Lincoln’s Tomb
8. Springfield Tomb Depot
7. Lincoln’s Boyhood Home
6. Farms
5. Lincoln’s House
4. Mary Todd Lincoln House
3. Dred Scott Courthouse play
2. Lincoln Museum—very fun!
1. St. Louis Arch—going inside.


by Dyani

10. The bus ride
9. Dunbar’s Home
8. Lincoln’s Tomb—Springfield
7. Pool
6. Lincoln Home—Springfield
5. Mary Todd Licnoln Home—Lexington
4. Dred Scott Courthouse—St. Louis
3. The farms
2. Lincoln Museum—Springfield
1. The Arch—St. Louis


by Linstrum

10. The cool hotels
9. Going to the farm and seeing how other people live
8. The bus was outstanding!
7. Ms. Trenkle, Ms. Bethany and Ms. Jen were amazing!
6. Waking the rest of the boys up.
5. Watching the 4-D movie at the museum.
4. Learning new things on Lincoln and others.
3. Learning and exploring new things.
2. Going to all the parks and getting stamps.
1. Coming on the trip was the best!


by Liz

• The Arch!
• The Lincoln Museum
• The Farm and 4H People
• The Reenactment of the Dred Scott Trial
• Mary Todd Lincoln’s House
• The Barnes and Nobles meeting
• The Pools and Hotels
• The Bus!
• Lincoln’s burial place
• Free Time

**My Top Ten list is in no particular order.


by Kelsea

10. Staying at the Courtyard Marriot in St. Louis--the lobby was awesome!!
9. Hearing the gun fired at the George Rogers Clark NHP, it was SUPER loud!
8. Touring the Mary Todd Lincoln House
7. Posting blog entries
6. Programs and activities with the local kids (on the farm)
5. Reciting Lincoln's farewell speech at the train depot
4. Seeing the play at the Springfield Museum
3. Visiting Lincoln's burial site/tomb
2. The Dred Scott Reenactment
1. The visit to the ARCH


by Ms. Bethany

10. Seeing my Arch Friends
9. Watching the kids at the top of the Arch
8. Not a large bug on the window
7. Fort Necessity/Meeting Indians
6. Abraham Lincoln Museum
5. Dred Scott Trial
4. George Rogers Clark Site/Great Ranger
3. Getting to know the kids
2. Ten o’clock curfew
1. Finally getting off the bus the first night. ☹


by Ms. Jen

10. All the great photo opps!
9. U.S. Grant
8. George Rogers Clark
7. Train Depot
6. Dayton NHP
5. Fort Necessity
4. Dred Scott Mock Trial
3. Mary Todd Lincoln House
2. Springfield Lincoln Museum
1. Traveling with 2009 STAMPS group!



by Ms. Trenkle

10. Watching musicals on the bus with everyone—singing along to Hairspray and watching High School Musical for the first time
9. Great laughs with Ms. Jen and Ms. Bethany on the bus and in the hotel hallways! (bird, stop sign, windy roads and more!)
8. Saying good night to everyone in their rooms and doing wake up calls in the morning,
7. The Springfield Museum –I hadn’t been there before but had heard such great things! It was super to see it for myself!
6. Reading and posting the blog entries each night—it was wonderful to read what everyone wrote and how the days’ events were interpreted.
5. Our day in St. Louis—from the mock trial at the Courthouse, to going up in the Arch, to dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and celebrating Katie’s birthday.
4. The reading of Lincoln’s Farewell speech at the Train Depot (followed by our free time in Douglas Park—playing Black Magic with Kelsea, Liz, Monea, Sertira, and Ms. Bethany).
3. How well everyone got along with each on the trip (for the whole week!) and how genuinely interested in Lincoln and learning you were! The questions you asked at each place were outstanding!
2. STAMPS having its own NPS stamp!
1. Taking a trip with my students to the Park sites and being able to share the excitement of learning history in National Parks at historic places!

Taking Flight

Day 8: Dayton, OH to Washington, DC
National Park Visited: Dayton Aviation NHP

by Kelsea

On our 9 hour trip home today, we only made one stop, aside from lunch and dinner. This was great because we didn’t have to say on the bus ALL day! It was also great that the museum directly related to what we were learning through our partnership with the Air and Space Museum. The Midwest was great, but I miss the city-life of DC. Home, here we come!!!!!!

Kelsea is sad the trip is ending, but at the same time is happy to be coming home.





by Katie

Today is our last day of our exotic, Midwest roadtrip. Today was mostly a day for travel and homework but we were able to squeeze in one stop along the way. In Ohio we visited a museum decicated to Paul Dunbar and the Wright Brothers. It was “ok.” It wasn’t my favorite and it didn’t really have any ties to our subject, Abe Lincoln. Well since this will be my last blog, I say adieu and I appreciate that you are following our experiences.


by Briana

Today was an easy day. We visited the Wright Brothers Museum. The museum was very hands on. You got to see how engines run, how a propelor looks and an exhibit on free fall. They displayed the Wright Brothers accomplishments in different section. They show their shop. They also talked about Dunbar and they showed a 12 minute clip about him. Since this our last day we travel most of the time but that stop gave us time to get out. For all of our followers, I say thank you and I hope you enjoyed reading as much as we did writing!

A Hero on the Frontier

Day 7: St. Louis, MO to Dayton, OH
National Park Visited: George Rogers Clark NHS

by Briana

Today when we arrived at the George Rogers Clark NHS we were greeted by a nice woman who showed us to the stamps, one of our favorite parts of the sites. Then we did something really cool. They had our name on their bulletin board as big as day. Then the woman showed us to the theater room. She first introduced us to George Rogers Clark by explaining to us how he was significant to U.S. History. Once she gave us a brief summary we watched a movie. The movie showed how Clark used his confidence and good leadership to lead the Americans to defeat the British during the Revolutionary War in the frontier. Once the video was over the woman came back and gave us a demonstration of how it would have felt for the American soldiers to travel through the water in the winter, with water up to their necks. She also had a rifle, one that the soldiers would have had during their trek. In order to keep the guns dry, they had to hold the nine pound guns above their heads. That made their journey worse because they were cold, starving, and sore. Then we watched a gun demonstration and got a bit of information about the memorial, that looks a lot like the Jefferson Memorial, commemorating George Rogers Clark.


by Kelsea

Our day was extremely calm compared to the Thursday. We made one stop, and that was to the George Rogers Clark site. He’s William Calrk’s brother. Thomas Jefferson wanted George to go on the Lewis and Clark Expedition but, when George declined, he chose his brother, William. So, finally Teddy Roosevelt allowed a park site to be created in his honor. The first thing we did was listen to a ranger present, and then we watched a brief movie. After that we saw a demo on how to shoot a gun form that time. The gun was really, really, loud! Before we left for Dayton, the same ranger showed us a few places where Lincoln went. Such as where he caught a ferry. It was nice having a good relaxing day.

Kelsea is having fun!

Our Time in St. Louis (continued)

by Liz

Yesterday we went to the Courthouse in St. Louis where the Dred Scott Trail was held. We went into a room that looked like the room where it was held, and we did a mock trial. Monea was the judge, Tyquia, Kelsea, Candace and Alexus were lawyers, Sertira was Dred Scott. I was the clerk, so I swore in the jury and the witness (Devin). It was really fun. My favorite like is, “Do you swear to tell the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help me God?” It was actually almost my only line. In the end, our jury came to the decision that Dred Scott should be free. That was the decision in 1850 too, but Ms. Emerson’s lawyers appealed it and eventually, the court case went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. In the 1857 Supreme Court ruling Dred Scott was not given his freedom.

Liz is an 8th grader at Stuart who ate dinner at the Spaghetti Factory and found out that it’s not that bad because you can just order ravioli. However, their spumoni ice cream stuff was so gross.


St. Louis, the Gateway to the West and a Courtroom Turned Bathroom
by Katie

After about two nights in Springfield we finally hit the roads again. We traveled about two hours until we saw our first glimpse of the Gateway to the West, more commonly known as the St. Louis Arch. It towers 630 feet into the air, but more on that subject later. Our first destination was the Old Courtroom House where the Dred Scott trial took place. Ironically enough the actual room where the Dred Scott trial was held was later redone into a women’s bathroom space. After this we hit the original Panera, which is actually located in St. Louis! Next we treked over to the St. Louis Arch while the sun beat us down like a baseball bat! Inside the Arch we went in a ferris-wheel type ride up to the top of the Arch where we could see for 30 miles in every direction! It was absolutely amazing! And the last, and of course the best part of the whole day was that it was my 14th birthday and everyone was so nice!



by Alexandria

We had had a busy day that started with a mock trial of the Dred Scott case. Then we went to the original Panera bread aka Saint Louis Bread Company. When we got to that Arch I forgot all about that other stuff though. The Arch was massive! I’d seen plenty of pictures before but this was my first time seeing it up close. The first thing we did was walk into the museum which is one of the largest owned by the Park Service. After that we got onto the capsules that take you to the top. The windows may not be very large but the view was fantabulous! It was like being in an airplane… except we could see everything clearly. The way going up to the top of the arch may have been a bit scary because of how slow and dramatic it was. The ride down was quick, nice, and easy though. It was very exciting.



by Kelsea

After being woken up at the early hour of 6:00 a.m. we trickled into the hotel lobby for breakfast. After boarding the bus, our bus driver Mr. Chuck drove us to the local courthouse, where the famous Dred Scott case was held. Our park ranger gave us a tour and allowed us to have a mock trial or reenact the case. We each were assigned parts, and I was David Hall, the plaintiff’s lawyer. After that we had lunch at the St. Louis Bread Company, the original Panera Bread. Next, was the part of the day EVERYONE was most excited about, the Arch! Before going to the museum, Park Ranger Diane gave us a background on the design and construction of the monument. It’s 630 feet tall and wide. The transportation that carries visitors to the top of the Arch is called the TRAM. Rangers there consider it to be a cross between a ferris wheel, train, and elevator. It was awesome to be at the top of the Arch and being able to see the city from a bird’s eye view. This visit was the best part of the day. The mock trial was a close runner up. After a short drive, we arrived at the home of former president Ulysses S. Grant. We toured the house, stable and washrooms. Yesterday was fun, and it came to a great close when we celebrated Katie’s birthday at the Spaghetti Factory. ☺ ☺ ☺

Kelsea is enjoying the trip very much but can’t wait to get back to her own bed.

Gateway to the West

Day 6: Springfield, IL to St. Louis, MO
National Parks Visited: Old Courthouse, Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, Ulysses S. Grant NHS
Other Historic Sites Visited: The Landing (for dinner)

KATIE'S 14TH BIRTHDAY!!

Due to our very FULL day and our exhausted state--entries about today will be posted tomorrow. In the meantime, here are a few pictures that highlight our experiences today. We had a blast!

We decorated Katie's bus seat in the a.m. for a little birthday surprise and celebration!


Standing in the Old Courthouse, on the second floor, we learned about the building and its history.


As members of the Dred Scott case, we reenacted the trial in the same area that
his 1850 case was heard in!


On our way to the Arch after lunch.


Here we are taking a photo with Thomas Jefferson in the museum under the arch. The museum highlights Westward Expansion and the story begins with the Louisiana Purchase.


At the top of the Arch---630 feet high!


Touching the top of the arch!


On our way back to the bus with Ms. Diane after a wonderful day in
Jefferson National Memorial Park!


Katie at Grant's Home, holding a history page of "On this Day"---
on this day in 1995 Katie was born!

Finding Lincoln in Springfield

Day 5: Springfield, IL
National Parks Visited: Abraham Lincoln Home NHS
Other Historic Sites Visited: Abraham Lincoln Springfield Museum, Old State Capitol, Lincoln's Tomb, Lincoln Depot

by Briana

Today we had a very fun packed day. First we went to the Springfield Lincoln Museum. When we got to the museum, we found out it was huge! There were two sections that depicted his life in order. The fist sections was his early years. They showed the log cabin he lived in. he loved to read books that he got, which happened rarely. They showed his years living in the store with his friend, his kids playing in his law office with no cares in the world and even when he witnessed a slave auction. The second section showed his time in the White House. They showed how people drew cartoons making fun of Lincoln and his decision. They showed how their son Willie died in the White House. Mary Todd Lincoln mourned and wore black from then on. Another exhibit showed where Lincoln joined his Cabinet members together to ask them for advice about emancipation. Then at the end was his funeral. After that we watched a hologram movie about artifacts. Then we visited the Old State Capitol. We saw different artifacts that were there when Lincoln was in the building. After we went to Lincoln's house. he lived there with his wife and children. While living in that house, he found out he would be president. Later we went to the railroad station where Lincoln made his farewell speech before going to Washington. After a long day of running around to different places to go to play at a park!

by Maya

Wow! All I can say is busy, busy, busy. Today was great. our first trip was to the Springfield Lincoln Museum. It was so great. We saw two wonderful movies. My favorite was the one where we got to hear sound effects, see different faces of Lincoln and feel our chair SHAKE! It was so fun. Oooooh, I also got to see Lincoln's stovepipe hat! Mine was almost as cool as his, but not as authentic. The second trip we did was go to lunch. Oh boy, I had Subway. Most people were going crazy about Coldstone, but not me. The third trip we did was go to Abe Lincoln's Home and an African-American's home. His name was Jameson Jenkins. We had a great tour guide and he gave us lots of information that made us closer to Lincoln. And he gave us souvenir pennies. Wooo! that was nice. The fourth trip we took that day was to go to Lincoln's tomb. it was so big. He is buried facing east and west. He is buried under two sets of concrete so people wouldn't steal his body. The fifth trip was to the Springfield train depot where Lincoln said his Farewell Speech to his hometown, before heading to Washington, DC after winning his first presidential election. We said it well. Then Ms. Trenkle surprised us and took us to a big park where we could relax. An hour after we got tot he hotel we had pizza and it was good. We also got to go over the schedule for tomorrow. What we are doing is....well, you will have to find out tomorrow.


by Tyquia

We went to the best museum ever...the Springfield Lincoln Museum. We saw a replica of every Lincoln things from his childhood home to his coffin. Everything looked so real and felt even more real. I really enjoyed the view and hologram movie. After we went to the Old State Capitol and ate lunch. Ranger Jason gave us a tour of Lincoln's home during the time he was a lawyer. We enjoyed Ranger Jason, and learned more facts which caught my attention. We went inside Lincoln's Tomb where he, his and three of his four children are buried. It was very touching. We went tot he Springfield Train Depot and read an excerpt of one of his speeches he gave. There we felt like little Lincolns. To close the day we went to a nearby park for some air, ate dinner, had a meeting in reference to tomorrow, and had more free time. It was the best!


by Linstrum

Today was great. I mean we did so much! First we went to a museum. I did and learned so much. We watched two movies, one was 4-D and the other was a hologram. We had three exhibits to view and I enjoyed them. Next we went to the Old Capitol Building where Abe gave some of his thoughts and so much more. Next, we had lunch and I had Subway and Coldstone ice cream. Then we went to his house and NPS (Stamps!). Whew! Wow! We also saw houses in Lincoln's neighborhood and a plot of land that used to have a house that was used as stop on the Underground Railroad. When we left we went to the train depot and took pictures and also said one of Lincoln's famous speeches on his way to D.C. After we went to Douglas park and played for about 40 minutes. Then, we left for the hotel and had dinner, followed by the pool for fun. Good night!


by Katie

Today was our most Lincoln-ish day. We visited the Springfield Lincoln Museum, his home, his burial site and the farewell train station. The museum was cool and was incredibly realistic. It definitely gave the Newseum a run for its money. His burial site was a serene, respectful atmosphere that gave Lincoln the honor he deserves. It was more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. His home wasn't the log cabin that is associated with Lincoln, but he lived in an upper class, fancy house with many luxuries. Finally, we visited the train station of Sprinfield. We crammed poor ol' Lincoln in our heads today with all we learned about him, but it was all pretty cool.

by Kelsea

Today was another exciting day on our eight day trip! And as always, we did some pretty exciting things. First, we went to the Springfield Lincoln Museum. They had an awesome hologram play that gave the Newseum's 4-D movie a run for its money. We then went to lunch, and continued on to visit Lincoln's home, which is a National Historic Site. We then boarded the bus and went to Abraham Lincoln's tomb/burial site. Being there is sad, but was beautiful. We then went to the train depot where Lincoln gave his farewell speech to the people of Springfield, Illinois. We even read the speech for ourselves. STAMPS concluded the day with a group meeting. Tomorrow will be fun too, and you can definitely expect us to post to the blog.

Kelsea is having a lot of fun on this trip and wishes to say hello to her mom, dad and brother. :)

by Sertira

On day five of our Lincoln trip we visited Lincoln's house in Illinois, his museum, and his burial site. When we visited his museum it was so amazing. i really enjoyed the exhibits about President Lincoln. After that, we went to his house. I really liked looking at his artifacts that were kept over time. Then, we went down to his house which was also preserved by his son although then we watched a movie about his election. Finally, we got to see where President Lincoln is buried. His tomb is so lovely. I had a lot of fun going inside and looking at his tomb. We finally took a trip to the park--yes!

Sertira loves to swing and hates ignorance.

by Liz

Today we went to the Springfield Lincoln Museum. On the bus, Ms. Trenkle told us that we couldn't take pictures or bring electronics into the museum. I thought "Wow, it better be a great museum to have all these conditions!" I found out that it was! There were exhibits showing Lincoln's cabin, the White House, his law firm, a slave auction, Lincoln's funeral, and way more. They had dresses exhibited in a faux White House, cartoons opposing Lincoln and a video called "The Civil War in Sixty Seconds" that showed Union and Confederate territories and the death tolls. There was also a really cool video of this guy who we thought was just talking to us, but at the end of the movie he turned into a ghost and blew us away! I know that sounds weird, but it was so cool and realistic! I thought the museum was a so awesome and thought it was definitely as cool as the Newseum!

Liz is an 8th grade STAMPSer who is so excited to go to the St. Louis Arch tomorrow, and is sad that we are eating at the Spaghetti Factory. Spaghetti is gross.


by Alexandria

At first I thought seeing the "Little Giant" was my favorite part of the day. Or maybe even the museum. I changed my mind (like I do about most things) though. I liked the train depot a lot. The museum may have been the most educational and exciting but when i went to the train depot I felt closer to Lincoln for some reason. When we read the speech he gave many years ago the town returned to the way it used to be (in my mind). I heard the applause, the boos and the crying. I felt proud. When we finished the speech the town returned to the way it used to be. People reached for souvenirs--some were pieces of rusted metal laying on the tracks. Ms. Trenkle said, "I hope you had your tetanus shot." They dropped it after she said that though. The people began reaching for rocks close to the ground that were probably there when Lincoln was. I found a white one with dirt. Then i dropped it. I took one last look, but the town looked the same. I guess people can only really see flashbacks in movies.

My name is Alexandria. I did end up picking up that rock again.


by Dyani

Today was a long day. First we went to the Lincoln Museum in Springfield. We arrived and were amazed (well, at least I was). We got to travel through Lincoln's boyhood home (replica) and experience what he saw in a way. Next, we went to a hologram type movie that was like magic. I really enjoyed it. Then, we took a tour through Lincoln's presidency. It was life like. Lastly, we saw a 4-D movie. it was fun. That was just one of our four stops today!

(Go Lincoln Go!)

A Greeting from Lincoln?

by Ms. Trenkle

I've been reluctant to write primarily because I want the kids to share their stories and for all of our readers to hear about the trip from them. I want you to see our experience through their eyes.
However, I do have to share about an experience today that the kids didn't write about (and since they didn't write about it I feel I can share!). :)

After our terrific morning/early afternoon at Lincoln's Boyhood Home we headed toward our evening destination: Springfield, IL. Including lunch, we spent a little more than five hours getting there. Evansville was gorgeous! Weather that had to be in the 70s, a warm breeze, sunshine...absolutely perfect! Lunch was the same. However, as we drove west, it began to cloud up and sometime between The Office, Season 3 and Beyonce Live, it started to rain. It rained for a good while. But as we neared our hotel, the sun started to poke through the clouds. And, when we looked out the window to our right, with a backdrop of dark rain clouds, we saw the most stunning, point-to-point, gorgeous, vibrant rainbow!

As we continued down the road, there was not only one beautiful rainbow, but two! Anyone who knows me, knows that I have loved rainbows since I was a little, little girl and am still mesmerized by them. It was so awesome to see them. We all snapped pictures out of the windows trying to capture a little bit of their beauty.

And someone reminded us (I think it was Ms. Jen!) that it was another Arch! Maybe it was a sign that we're getting closer and closer to our western terminus of St. Louis and on the right road! Or maybe, it was Lincoln's way of greeting us! Either way, it was a beautiful site and one I think we will all remember!

Lincoln's Boyhood Home

Day 4: Evansville, IN to Springfield, IL
National Parks Visited: Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood Home NHS


by Alexandria

When we arrived at that National park our jaws dropped! The museum area was beautiful. There were large pictures carved into the wall. When we walked nto the theater located in the museum we watched a short movie informing us on Lincoln's childhood. When we left ehre we wnt to the bathroom and then to Lincoln Hall. In Lincoln Hall we performed a skit that the park ranger created to help us understand Lincoln's family. When we finished with the skit we began the one mile journey to Lincoln's childhood home and other things along the way. Going into a replica cabin was very cool. We got to experience some of the ways they lived. Along the way there were also many other things such as stones from places Lincoln stayed, statues, and the 4th tallest flag pole in the country.

My name is Alexandria. People call me Ally for short because that's my nickname. Ms. Trenkle calls me Allyoop. I love chocolate and I love singing and acting.


by Tyquia

Today we ate breakfast at the hotel tojump start our day. We went to Abraham Lincoln's boyhood home historical site. We watched an informative video, received our tamps, and acted. We each were assigned a member of Lincoln's family. I was Sarah Lincoln, Abraham's sister. Sadly, I died at age 21 and 22 years later my husband did also. next we walked a trail, saw the largest flag pole of all the National Park sites (which is the fourth largest in the US), examined a cabin and other historical stones along thew ay. Lastly, we took pictures and headed for lunch and Springfield, IL.







by Sertira

On day four of our extravaganza we visited Lincoln's child hood home and learned about his family, as well as the background of his ancestors names. Lincoln grew up helping his father in Indiana at age 7. We played a reinactment of his family tree and we found out about the names and how they were continued throughout the family. Then we took a trail up to a model of how his cabin would have looked, and saw the farm he would have lived on. On the trail coming back we saw stones and plaques about different phases of his life (even some from DC!).




by Amber

Last night we arrived in Indiana and today STAMPS went to Lincoln's Boyhood home where Lincoln lived for 14 years. When he was 21 he moved to Springfield, IL. We walked about two miles. One mile from the visitor center to a replica of his farm, and one mile back. When we got to the top of the hill we saw a cemetery filled with Lincoln descendants (specifically Lincoln's mother who died of Milk disease) and other pioneers. We took a walk further down and saw chickens--they were fun to bother. At the end we took a group photo with our Lincoln hats on.


by Alexus

Today we went to Lincoln's Boyhood home. First we watched a movie about his boyhood, and his early life. Abrahaml Lincoln moved to Indian in 1816 andstayed until 1830. Lincoln's Boyhood home preserves the place where he learned to laugh with his father and cried over the death of his mother. At this home he also read that books that opened his mind, and triumphed over the adversities of life on the frontier. Visiting this NPS site was very fun and I hope to come back to visit it another time.



by Devin

Today was lovely. I had fn learning about Abraham's boyhood house in Indiana. I learned a lot more about the family history of the Lincolns and Hanks. I also learned about who married who in their family. We had to take a hike to the cabins. The cabins showed us a model of what kind of home he lived in as a young man from 7 to 21 years old. The one thing that amazed me about the whole visitation is that there is an outline of where his home once stood.

Farms!

Day 3: Louisville, KY to Evansville, IN
National Parks Visited: Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace NHS
Other [Historic] Sites Visited: A sheep farm, cattle farm, and a hog farm

by Kelsea

Today my fellow STAMPERS and I visited four wonderful places. They are listed chronologically below.

*Memorial to Lincoln
*A family farm
*Another family farm
*A hog farm

At the memorial to Lincoln, we learned facts such as the Lincoln Memorial we know, the one in D.C. is modeled after the one here in Louisville. Surprising, I know! Here, we took a picture on the steps of the memorial, took a look at the Sinking Spring, and learned some really cool facts! We also saw the actual Bible Lincoln and his family used when he was a kid. A few of the facts we learned are below.
~The number of steps leading up to the memorial are consistent with the age Lincoln was when he died, 56.
~The windows are broken into four squares, each of which have four triangles. Four squared is sixteen (the four squares times the four triangles). Lincoln was the sixteenth president. So, the memorial is built with these types of patterns.

Next, we hopped on the bus and went to a family. We met some kids our age and got to pet the sheep. Supposedly, our visit there will be recorded in their local newspaper.

Next on our agenda was a trip to another local family farm. The owners were so nice! They fed us great food, taught us a lot about their animals, especially the cows and, they were nice enough to give us goody bags at the end. Some highlights of this experience are listed.
~We got to walk and pet the cows and heifers.
~The burgers they provided tasted better than Five Guy’s.
~One of the owners taught a couple of us how to say Louisville the “proper way.” In other words, we learned how to say it with an accent.

The last stop of the day was to a hog farm. It’s owned and ran by a local Kentucky family. I found it quite disgusting, to tell the truth. But, it was a wonderful learning experience that probed me to think about what happens to the food I out in my mouth.

In conclusion, not only does this town have places to visit, it has some historical significance. This is where Lincoln was born and grew up for part of his childhood.

Kelsea is enjoying her spring break and looks forward to tomorrow’s activities! ☺


by Dyani

Today we went to four different places. Stop #1: President Lincoln's birth place. We walked up the 56 steps which represent how old he was when he was shot. Stop #2: We met with local students and went to a farm where we saw sheep. Stop #3: A farm where we had lunch with teh locals and went to see the cows and horses. And finally, Stop #4: we were in a PIG farm. We got to see how pigs live before they get sold. We even got to hold baby pigs that were born today! The pig that I held was nice and almost went to sleep. I must say I was scare of teh big pigs--they were HUGE!

(I love STAMPS!)




by James

Alot to say today...I was again involved in another activity whihc was really cool. I was STAMPS spokesperson today. Boy was I excited. Today was interesting. First, we went to the Lincoln Birthplace NHS. I was very excited when I put my first purple NPS stamp. Park Ranger Steve was funny but still fun and he taught us about Lincoln. My favorite part of Lincoln Birthplace was when Ranger Steve said to us "we could touch things."

Second stop of the day was when I really had to pack down my act of spokesperson. We went to our first farm with sheep. Then, we went to another farm with female cattle. Man, I can't believe I got so close to a cow! This experience was fun adn a little nasty. Our third farm we visited was full of sows (women pigs), boy did that farm smell...I mean P-U! For lunch we ate at the cow farm--they fed us grilled burgers and hot dogs, chips, drinks and a dessert. For dinner, I was stuffed--we ate at IHOP!


by Maya

Today was so cool. Our first stop was Hodgenville Kentucky. In Hodgenville Kentucky is Lincoln’s birthplace. Well, actually it’s a replica. The original was sold a long time ago to some guy. He sold it because he had no money and if he told people that it was our sixteenth presidents logs from his house it could go fast. The replica of his house was so small. I don’t see how he could live there. I know I couldn’t. Right by Lincoln’s house is a meadow Sinking Springs farm. I really enjoyed it. It was quite beautiful. Sinking Springs farm was there when Lincoln was there. Oh yeah I forget to tell you we got STAMPS. We had three stamps and one of them was our personal STAMP. After that we got to go meet some students in a program called 4-H. Some farmers cooked us hamburgers, hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly, chips, brownies and cookies. Boy, were we happy to have something other than fast food. After we had a great meal, we went to the barn and got to see some awesome animals. We saw some prize winning herfers and the big goat was so greedy. It ate all the feed out of my hand. I was laughing the whole time because it tickled. Ugh..wait till you hear this. A cow pooped all over the ground. Gross, I was gagging because it smelled bad. After the barn tour we took a trip to the pig farm. It was so cool at first. Until I saw a pig poop on the ground. The smell was horrific. I was overwhelmed. A mama pig peed on her piglet. Yuck. Oh my favorite part of the farm was when I held a baby pig. Well, I got to go folks. Thanks for reading my blog entry.





by Katie

On our third and more eventful day we stuffed in pig, cow and goat viewing as well as a stop to Abraham Lincoln's birth house site. I'll begin with Lincoln's birth house since he's the basis of our trip, I suppose. We saw the memorial with 56 stairs for how old Lincoln was when he was killed (how clever!). We posed as Kentucky kids at the turn of the 20th century and we of course got our daily STAMPS! Next we visited some local kids who farm everyday! We were such city kids, except for Sertira who was starting up conversations with the animals. We had fun with the other kids although there were differences (ya know, city kids vs. country kids). next we headed to apig farm and held baby piglets. Unfortunately pigs have a tendency to smell...bad. We left smelling like the hog house! Until tomorrow I say Adieu!

Katie loves spaghetti, no matter what Liz thinks!


Lincoln’s Home and the hoghouse!
by Liz

Today we got up at an insanely early hour of six, and then got on the bus at 7:15. We all wore our “Class of ‘09” shirts. We ate breakfast on the bus. We went to the land that Lincoln’s cabin had been on. There was a Lincoln memorial that looks like our Lincoln memorial in D.C., except smaller. They look the same because ours was based on this one. After this we went to a farm where we ate lunch. They had some delicious hot dogs and burgers! (I didn’t have a burger, but my sources say they were better than Five Guys!) Then we went to the barn where they showed us these adorable pigs and goats! They had these cows that they would take to their state farm (they were astounded that we’d never been to a state fair, and had only heard of them in movies). They showed us how they would walk the cows around in a circle! Then they let us walk some of the smaller cows ourselves, which was really scary, but also really cool! After that, we went to the pig farm, which has been one of the worst experiences in my life! 1400 pigs were cooped up in these metal cages, in a room that was only a little bigger than Stuart’s gym. Then we went to see some baby pigs. As I was trying to find a way out, I realized that the metal grates we were standing on were almost directly above the sewage system, so that when the pigs had to go, they wouldn’t have to clean it up, they just hosed it down. We went into a hallway, and I saw some sunlight, so I just ran toward it, and luckily it was a door! I got to the bus and just sat down: my knees were weak. That was a horrifying experience, and I think that pork is out of the question for about a year!

Liz is an eighth grader at Stuart who loves our bus, except that right now it smells like pigs, no matter how much of Ally’s perfume she sprays.



by Linstrum

Today was so great. We did so much first we went and got Mr.Steve Smith our guide for the day. It took about an hour to get there but it was worth the drive. When we got there he told us about how they think when Lincoln's family moved there the neighbor took the logs from the original house to build a farm. Well, the farm was lost in a flood and a man came along and built a cabin and said it was the Lincoln's cabin to make money.

The memorial is so cool it has 56 steps, 16 columns, and other things to represent him and his life. After that we went to a farm and meet a group of very cool people. They did everything on the farm. Next we went to another farm and there I learned a lot too. James was our host for the day and he did a good job. I learned how they had to treat they animals and what they did to care for them. Right before that we had lunch. Our hosts grilled and we had a choice of hamburgers or hotdogs, chips, a soda, and a cookie. It was so great and when we left we didn’t go empty handed! They gave us a great gift bag. We will tell you what’s in them when we get back. When we left we went to a pig farm. It really STINKS but it was a great learning experience that I enjoyed. I held four different piglets and they told us that 100% of there family income comes from what they do.

After that we hit they road again and we are still on they road as I right these so I will see you in 5 or 6 days...see ya!!!


by Alexus

Today we took a tour of Lincoln’s birthplace. His home was really big on the outside. Before we saw his home we saw a remake of what his home would have had in it. We saw things such as the bed they would have slept on to household items like butter churns, plans, and soap. After we visited Lincoln’s birthplace we went to three farms. We saw a horse, lambs, calves and cows. The last farm we went to was the pig farm. It smelled but it was a fun experience. We also got to hold the day hold piglets.


by Sertira

On our third day we visited Lincoln’s Birth House Memorial. We learned that his monument has numerical relations to his life, like how many steps up the memorial is how hold he was when he died. Then we visited a lamb farm. We met up with a group just like us but called 4-H which tends to animal and learns about them. I got to hold and pet a baby lamb. Then we headed to Hodgensville, Kentucky for lunch at a cattle farm. We got there we ate burgers, hot dogs, chips, soda and brownies. Then they showed us their cattle. They had three different breed. We took turns walking cows. Our final trip was to the pig farm and that’s where I fell in love. But it didn’t smell too good but I really enjoyed holding the little pigs. They were so cute and I didn’t want to leave but I had to.


By Candace

March 23, 2009: What a day! Our day started at 6:00 am, with a tour of the Lincoln Memorial in Hodgenville, KY. If you count the steps, it adds up to the number of years Abraham Lincoln was alive. There was actually a replica cabin of the house he “lived in”. We then drove a few minutes to a sheep farm, where we got to pet the sheep. After our brief tour and a lot of pictures, we headed over to a cattle ranch. We learned the step of showing a horse, which is how you prepare them to show in a state fair. It takes a lot of practice. Some of those cows were pretty stubborn! We were then given a chance to lead the cows ourselves, along with petting some goats. They even fed us lunch! After the cattle presentation, we were given gift bags with little Louisville Sluggers in them. How cute! I will never look at pork the same way again after we left the hog farm. I got to hold two baby pigs. One thought it appropriate to “use the potty” on me, but it was okay. The ironic part is that I had pork bacon and sausage at IHOP for dinner!


By Tyquia

Rubbing our tired eyes, we board the bus. Our first stop was Lincoln’s birthplace. After buying our souvenirs and stamping our passports, we went into an exhibit. The exhibit was a display of a cabin from the time period of Lincoln’s birth. The display of the cabin included a bed with bear skin, wool, spinner, churner, soap made from ashes, bee’s wax candles, and so much more. We learned that the children would sleep on the wooded slats on the second floor, but would have to walk up cylinder-shaped wood pieces extended from the wall. We climbed the 56 steps of the birthplace unit of Abraham Lincoln, which inspired the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Departing Lincoln’s birthplace, we headed for three farms. The first farm had only lambs and dogs. It was a big step for me, because I touched all of the animals I encountered except the pigs at the last farm. At the second farm, there was a horse, heifers, lambs, and a cat. We interacted with most of the animals, played with local students, who live on farms, and ate lunch. We had a fun, but tiring day, but it was worth every minute. The only thing I would’ve changed would have been the smell of the pigs at the third farm.

Thank you Ranger Stephen for accompanying us today. “How cool is that?!”


by Monea

Today we went to Lincoln’s birthplace and took a tour guided by Steve from yesterday. We went to the first ever Lincoln Memorial. While we were there we recreated a graduating class from the time period when shoes weren’t necessary. So we removed our shoes and took pictures. Then, we walked up to the memorial and saw a replica of Lincoln’s birth We boarded the bus and made our way to our first farm which farms sheep and they were really cute. Then we went to our next farm that farms cows and I guess it was something they ate but let’s just say we got massive “pies.” But all of this happened after we ate lunch so that was good. We got to lead the cows around the ring since they were show cows. Then off we went to see pregnant hogs which we didn’t find out until we got there. After introducing ourselves, which was James’ job (which was done two times previously), we went in and saw some and carried some piglets. I got peed on which I didn’t notice until someone pointed out. So now we’re on our way to Indiana. Three days down and five days to go.

Monea was peed on by an adorable baby pig.


by Ally

Today was different form the other days. I still had just as much fun though. We began the day by taking an hour and a half trip to Hodegenville, Kentucky. While we were there we participated in a program with Lincoln’s Birthplace staff and the 4-H club. When we were at Lincoln’s birthplace we saw the Lincoln Memorial and learned many facts about it. For example, the reason there are 56 steps is because that’s the age he was when he was assassinated. (We took a picture with our shoes off because that’s what they did in the olden days when they had no pavement). When we left there we went to a sheep farm where we met up with the 4-H Club. The 4-H Club is not only located in rural areas. It is located across the United States. Four-H stands for Heart, Hands, Help and Hope. We pet the sheep and held the lamb. Once we left the sheep farm we went to a cow farm and ate lunch with the 4-H Club. After that we were educated on cows. When we left the cow farm we headed to a pig farm. It stunk a bit, but it was still very interesting. I witnessed a baby pig being born and even held a newborn. I found out baby pigs can easily be killed because there mother steps on them, so they built special bars so that it takes a little bit for the mother to stand up and allows the piglets to move out of the way. I won’t say any names, but…some people got peed on.

My name is Alexandria. I went to the school but left in December. I came all the way back from Philadelphia just so I could go on this trip. So far, it’s worth it!

Livestock Anyone?
by Christian

Today, our day started off back at Lincoln's Birthplace. While we were their we got to build his cabin using Lincoln logs. Then we went into a room and we learned about some of the materials they would have in his house. We also learned what they would be used for. Then we went outside and went up tot he Lincoln Memorial--I know you think we're talking about the one in DC but we're not. The one in DC is modeled after this. Then we went inside and saw the way his cabin looked, but it wasn't his real cabin.

After our visit there we went to three farms. The first one we met 4-H members and we were on a sheep farm. We learned how they shear the sheep to use their wool as yarn. Then we got to hold the babies. Next we saw the border collies that were on the farm.

The next farm we went to had sheep, cows, a horse and a cat. We learned abou thte sheep, cow and horse. Then we got to feed the sheep and we got to practice walking the cows. My favorite part was brushing and talking ot the horse.

And the last place we went was to our last farm after we had lunch. We went to a pig farm and learned all about the pigs. So this day was full of surprises.

"Animals Rock!"



by Devin

Today was cool. We went to three different farms and Abraham Lincoln’s childhood house. I learned that people really love their animals. I liked the farms but the smell go annoying. That is the only negative comment I have about today. The farms we went to had cows, bulls, dogs, lambs and pigs. The animals were big and I was a little nervous. Seeing Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace memorial was really cool because every pattern was representative of his life. I hope tomorrow is going to be cool like today.



by DaJuan

Today our 3rd day of adventure we boarded the bust a 7:15 a.m. Our first stop was to Lincolns’ Birthplace in Hodgenville, KY. In Hodgenville we met Mr. Stephen, the National Park Service ranger who stayed with us all day. We got stamps in our passports and bought souvenirs. After we looked at an exhibit of how Lincoln’s cabin would have looked during that time period. Next, we counted 56 steps leading up to the Lincoln Memorial (one for each year of his life). We took several picture and learned the interesting information about Lincoln. Then we went to three farms. The farms were a big step for me because I’m scared of animals and wasn’t used to being around them. The first farm contained lambs and dogs. I was afraid, but I managed to touch a baby lamb…The second farm contained cows and horses that we looked at. The last farm contained all pigs. I did everything I could to manage being in there because it was so smelly. Today was a very exciting day that I encountered.



By Briana

Today we went to Lincoln’s birthplace in Kentucky. We were on the Sinking Springs farm. At the top of the hill where Lincoln was born stands a memorial building which is all about Lincoln. It has56 steps leading up to it signifying the age in which he was shot. There was also 16 squares in the windows and he was the 16th president. Inside the monument was a replica of what his home would have looked like. We also visited the visitor center. We got to see the different objects that would have been in his home such as homemade soap, cotton, bearskins, pots and other necessities. Afterward we visited a farm, three farms and met the children and adults who helped to keep it in order. Two of the farms had sheep. They were very loud but very cute (the small ones at least). When we visited our second farm, they fixed us lunch and we talked, mingled, and fed the sheep, goat and looked at the show cows. The last farm was a hog farm. It smelled horrible and it was very messy. They sell their pigs for profit –selling at least 1400 pigs a week. The piglets were cute, but the adults, not so much. Then we headed out.