Letters

For the record

To the editor:
I am a member of the Illinois State Historical Society and recently received my copy of Illinois Heritage, Volume 8, Number 6. I read with interest the article by Nathan Hall regarding the recently uncovered dugout canoe. I did, however, notice a minor error on page 18, wherein it was stated that "The second canoe was discovered in 1934 on the Rock River." I believe that this canoe, which now reposes at the Black Hawk Historical Site Museum in Rock Island, was uncovered by my Uncle Urban Johnson in June of 1934. The canoe was actually in the mud off the banks of the Mississippi River, about 3/4 to 1 mile downstream from where the Rock River flows into the Mississippi. Our collective families owned the land and the riparian rights where the canoe was found, so I would suppose that this canoe was owned by our families. My grandfather (Urban's father) was the caretaker (now called a ranger) at what was then Black Hawk State Park in Rock Island, and the canoe was donated to the museum, where it has remained since that time. I thought I should correct the record. I do greatly enjoy your publications.

Very truly yours,
Frank R. Edwards
Moline

Teaching Lincoln

To the editor:
On behalf of the Annual Lincoln Colloquium partners, I would like to take this opportunity to extend our thanks to the Illinois State Historical Society for assistance with the Twentieth Annual Lincoln Colloquium: "Experience Lincoln's America," on October 7-9, 2005.

Through your generosity we were able to provide instruction to twenty-one teachers and museum/historic site educators from throughout the state of Illinois and beyond. The assistance we receive from the Illinois State Historical Society is an important reason why the Annual Lincoln Colloquium continues to be a much anticipated event in the national study of Abraham Lincoln.

We remain grateful for your continuing contributions.

Sincerely,
James A. Sanders
Superintendent
Lincoln Home National Historic Site

Centennial Awards

Dear Officers, Directors, and Staff:
It was a wonderful privilege to be honored by the Illinois State Historical Society for owning a business over a century old. The reception and banquet were elegant, the food was delicious, and we were warmly greeted and welcomed by many of you.

As thrilled as we were, I know my late father and grandfather would have been very proud to have the business they originated and continued be honored by such a prestigious organization.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of delightful evening.

Sincerely, Brenda S. Bishop
Shields Memorial Home
Greenfield

Bravo for the Bears!

To the editor:
What a great story in the September/October issue on the Staley players turned into the Chicago Bears!

Mark Sorensen's delightful details made me remember and enjoy again the many early Bear stories heard by sculptor Julie Rotblatt-Amrany and I during the year-long creation of the 26-feet-high "Tribute to George Halas and Hall of Fame Players." Dedicated in September 2004, the bronze and granite bas-relief is a time-line of Bears' history. Hope all in the Society get to see this great sculpture at Soldier Field!

Best wishes,
Kathleen Van Ella
Founder, Portraits/Chicago Inc.

Illinois Heritage 3