David Davis Mansion

While in Illinois for the Shakespeare Festival, we also visited the David Davis Mansion in Bloomington.  Click the link to read about its history, which includes Abraham Lincoln, not surprising for this area of Illinois.

 

Completed in 1872, the mansion’s architect was the same one who designed the Iowa and Illinois state capitols.

We took a guided tour inside, but photography was not allowed there.  The rooms and furnishings were interesting and beautiful.  The house was quite modern for its day.

I couldn’t resist giving this next shot a Photoshop makeover: 

David Davis’ wife Sarah had a flower garden near the mansion.  Sarah’s quote to her sister brought tears to my eyes.  I’m sure life was more difficult back then: 

There were lots of colorful zinnias in the garden:

On the mansion grounds, Civil War reenactors were setting up tents for an event to be held the next day:

You can see more tents in this final photo:

If you ever are in Bloomington, Illinois, take time to visit the David Davis Mansion.  Click the link to find tour information.