The Lincoln Tomb is even more beautiful on the inside, though it’s easy to feel a sense of awe when you stare at it before entering. At the Tomb entrance, (along with other statues and the obelisk) you’ll notice a bronze reproduction of the Gutzon Borglum’s marble head of Lincoln on display in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Inside, the rooms are finished in highly polished marble with bronze trim.

Before entering the burial chamber, you’ll see reproductions of Lincoln statues and excerpts from speeches like the Gettysburg Address. Lincoln’s wife and three sons also rest in the Tomb.

The Lincoln Tomb is located at 1441 Monument Ave and is open 9 am to 5 pm each day from May until September 7. If you visit earlier or later in the year, the Tomb is closed on Sunday and Monday. It closes at 4 pm December through February. For more information, contact the Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-545-7300.

If you can’t make it in person, can take a virtual tour of the grounds of Oak Ridge Cemetery and also see inside the Tomb.

(Image via Peggy Rowland)

Post from: Blisstree

Lincoln’s Final Resting Spot

The 35-room house was Wright’s first commission in which he had total freedom. Built in 1902, the home was designed for socialite Susan Lawrence Dana. The Dana-Thomas House is the best preserved example of Wright’s early Prairie-style work.

I toured the house a few years ago, and my guide was extremely knowledgeable. There’s no picture taking inside, but you can stand outside and snap away at the exterior and gardens. Tours last about an hour with the last one starting at 3:45 on Wednesdays through Sundays.

Even if you aren’t particularly a Wright fan, you’ll still be amazed at the uniqueness of this house, built more than 100 years ago. It’s all in the details, and there are plenty of them in this home with 16 varying levels.

While you’re in Springfield, IL, also visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site for a wonderful NPS Ranger-led tour of the house Lincoln lived in when he was elected President.

(Image via Peggy Rowland)

Post from: Blisstree

Dana-Thomas House in Springfield, IL

Belinda Miller wrote a great post about her experiences at the Driving Skills for Live event in Chicago. She goes in to great detail about how to come out of a skid. It’s a great read for your teen driver.

Sribbit tells us what to do when your child lies. I could have used this a week ago when my oldest lied about his homework.

Does your teen know how to behave on a date?

Depression is on the rise in teen girls. “Depression is the leading cause of suicide, which in turn is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds in the United States.” Get the facts and protect your teen. WebMD has some tips on spotting depression in your teen.

Get your teenage girls active. Exercise in teenagers may protect them from breast cancer later in life.

Talking to your teens about sex.

One teen who felt like the legal system wronged her, went to YouTube to talk about her rape. She says she was raped by her 23-year-old boyfriend, but the prosecution dropped the case saying it was consensual.

Teens need to be aware that their right to free speech does not give them the right to defamation. Pranks on Facebook and MySpace can, not only get them in trouble, but could be against the law.

Are your teens sexting? “Privacy may be part of the appeal, but what many teens don’t realize is how easily the message or pictures they send can be forwarded to dozens of unwanted recipients.”

How does your city fare on Allstates list of cities with the highest rates of deadly crashes?

The weak dollar is causing some students to rethink their study abroad options.

If your teen doesn’t graduate from high school or get his/her GED you may face jail time. At least that’s what happened to one father in Ohio.

Kids with glasses are more intelligent and honest.

Vanessa Van Petten has some great tips to teach teens how to drink (or not drink as the case may be).

Does your teen have a curfew? Here are 10 tips on setting a curfew.

Is the next thing in texting nagging? Soon doctors may be texting teens to remind them to take their medication for anxiety, ADD and other ailments.

Now teen girls can charge up their cell phones with their bra. Um…ok.

Even good moms can have teens on drugs. How can you tell and what can you do to prevent it? BlogHer tells us.

How much do you tell your kids about what you did when you were a teen? What do you say when they ask you tough questions like “how old were you when you have sex?” and “have you ever smoked pot?”

Are social networks to blame for teen suicide?

One school banned single girls from the prom. What?!?

Post from: Blisstree

Sunday Reading