Fort Garland Museum Fetes Lincoln’s 200th Birthday

Reprinted from the July 10, 2009 edition of La Sierra, “The Voice of Costilla County.”

The Fort Garland Museum hosted the 200th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln’s birth on Sunday, July 5, 2009. Governor Ritter’s Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission sponsored the event, which was attended by 130 people. Commission members Wendell Pryor, representing Governor Ritter’s Office and Barb Lovell-Reid, also President of the Friends of the Fort put on a memorable event for all of those in attendance. Also in attendance was Colorado District 62 Representative Ed Vigil, resident of Fort Garland. The Friends of the Fort Garland Museum and Fort staff provided much of the volunteer work and planning for the popular event.

The highlight of the event was the presence of John Voehl, first person Lincoln portrayer and historian. Known in the Denver area for his uncanny likeness to Lincoln and for his knowledge of Abe Lincoln history and memorabilia, Voehl has studied his subject thoroughly. He effectively brings Lincoln’s words and actions to life and is accompanied by his wife Pam, who plays Mary Todd Lincoln. The pair have made over 60 presentations this year alone.

Members of the Fort Garland Memorial Regiment were on hand in period clothing to help with the celebration. Each interpreted the uniform and insignia they were wearing. Braxton “Stoney” Neely played guitar and sang Civil War songs.

Theresa “Flaca” Rudder gave a history of the Battle Hymn of the Republic, before the audience joined in singing it. Jack Rudder, a frequent and popular presenter at the Fort Garland Museum and throughout the San Luis Valley, told vignettes on Abraham Lincoln, providing insight into the private and public man.

Silent auction items were provided by various sponsors, including: The Silver Sage Restaurant, All-Gon Restaurant, Chili’s, SLV Brewing Company, JoAnn Franke, Rhonda Borders, Coca-Cola Bottlers, Walmart, Narrow Gauge Bookstore, Inn at the Rio Grande, Discount Liquors, Beer Keg Depot, Cumbres and Toltec Railroad, Rio Grande Scenic Railroad, Fort Garland Museum, Friends of the Fort and the Colorado Humanities.