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Editorial: Reopening of Log Cabin good news for Coles County
Staff Editorial
Issue date: 4/17/09 Section: Opinions
When former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was removed from office in January, rumors began circulating about state parks reopening after Blagojevich had previously closed them.
On Thursday, the rumors were confirmed when it was announced Coles County's own Lincoln Log Cabin would reopen within the week.
Take that, budget cuts.
When the closure was announced in August, Blagojevich cited the newly approved budget as the reason the site - along with 11 other state sites - would be closed.
There wasn't enough to pay for everything, Blagojevich said. It would be too expensive to pay to keep these sites open.
That's some brilliant logic.
Why not close the Lincoln sites in Springfield?
The state could save a mint by closing sites such as Lincoln's home, his tomb and the presidential library/museum.
Of course this is a ridiculous notion; Springfield would suffer greatly economically, driving away schools from across the state that flock to the town to learn about the rich history of one of the nation's greatest presidents.
Not to mention the tourists who, likewise, visit Springfield for the same reason.
It would also take away a huge part of Springfield's history and heritage, robbing its residents of some of their most cherished landmarks.
Take that scenario and apply it to Coles County.
Of course, Coles County doesn't have as many historic landmarks as Springfield, but what it does have still draws a respectable amount for the area.
Without the Lincoln Log Cabin, Charleston relied solely on the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum and Eastern for tourism.
With the reopening of the site, Charleston has re-added a vital part of historic tourism, drawing money from people who pass through on the way to the site.
The reopening of the sites throughout the state will also provide job opportunities.
While few, those who are hurting for employment can't afford to be picky, and working for the summer seasonal staff will offer employment to anyone who wants it.
When the site closed in December, we were assured it would be temporary but were anxious to see how soon "temporary" was.
The Coles County community is proud to welcome back a vital part of its history and relieved that at least some aspect of Blagojevich's legacy didn't stick for long.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
On Thursday, the rumors were confirmed when it was announced Coles County's own Lincoln Log Cabin would reopen within the week.
Take that, budget cuts.
When the closure was announced in August, Blagojevich cited the newly approved budget as the reason the site - along with 11 other state sites - would be closed.
There wasn't enough to pay for everything, Blagojevich said. It would be too expensive to pay to keep these sites open.
That's some brilliant logic.
Why not close the Lincoln sites in Springfield?
The state could save a mint by closing sites such as Lincoln's home, his tomb and the presidential library/museum.
Of course this is a ridiculous notion; Springfield would suffer greatly economically, driving away schools from across the state that flock to the town to learn about the rich history of one of the nation's greatest presidents.
Not to mention the tourists who, likewise, visit Springfield for the same reason.
It would also take away a huge part of Springfield's history and heritage, robbing its residents of some of their most cherished landmarks.
Take that scenario and apply it to Coles County.
Of course, Coles County doesn't have as many historic landmarks as Springfield, but what it does have still draws a respectable amount for the area.
Without the Lincoln Log Cabin, Charleston relied solely on the Lincoln-Douglas Debate Museum and Eastern for tourism.
With the reopening of the site, Charleston has re-added a vital part of historic tourism, drawing money from people who pass through on the way to the site.
The reopening of the sites throughout the state will also provide job opportunities.
While few, those who are hurting for employment can't afford to be picky, and working for the summer seasonal staff will offer employment to anyone who wants it.
When the site closed in December, we were assured it would be temporary but were anxious to see how soon "temporary" was.
The Coles County community is proud to welcome back a vital part of its history and relieved that at least some aspect of Blagojevich's legacy didn't stick for long.
The editorial is the majority opinion of The DEN editorial board. Reach the opinions editor at: DENopinions@gmail.com.
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