Presentation of Reproduction of Lincoln Photo Friday at Government Center

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Published on August 2 2018 11:11 am
Last Updated on August 2 2018 11:11 am
Written by Greg Sapp

A high-quality reproduction of a famous Abraham Lincoln photograph will be presented to the Effingham County Government Center on Friday, August 3. The unveiling ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. in Courtroom D of the Government Center, 120 W. Jefferson, Effingham. The event is open to the public.

The photograph was taken in Springfield by well-known photographer Alexander Hesler on June 3, 1860, for Lincoln’s 1860 presidential campaign. Historians consider Hesler’s portrait one of the best taken of Lincoln during his pre-presidential years.

The permanent installation is made possible by donations from the Illinois Judges Association (IJA), the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) and their respective foundations – the Illinois Judges Foundation and the Illinois Bar Foundation. Printed on canvas, the image of the beardless Lincoln is encased in a richly stained wood frame and measures 30-inches wide by 40-inches tall.

The four organizations are partnering with the Illinois State Historical Society (ISHS), which owns the glass-plate positives of Hesler’s Lincoln portrait. The ISHS is leading a statewide campaign to place a framed copy in a courthouse in each of Illinois’ 102 counties in commemoration of the state’s bicentennial this year.

“We are excited to be part of this historic effort to honor Abraham Lincoln,” said Kimberly Koester, Effingham County resident circuit judge and chief judge of the 4th Judicial Circuit. “Hesler’s photograph captures Lincoln at a turning point in his life as he transitioned from trial lawyer to presidential candidate.”

“Lincoln has been a historical figure that I have always admired and I am humbled to have this gift brought to the Effingham County Government Center and the Effingham Community.”