| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
SEE SOS! FILES AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART IN WASHINGTON, D.C. FOR MORE INFORMATION on the statue.
Statue is carved of Elbertson gray granite on a Minnesota pink granite base. The figure of Abraham Lincoln is seven feet tall. Gateway Technical Institute took ownership of the park from the city in 1971. This park was, along with West Park and Monument Square, platted when the village of Racine was surveyed in 1836. Mary Todd Lincoln, after the assassination of her husband, spent the summer of 1867 in Racine with her son Tad. She often walked through East Park. Biographers have credited her with providing the cultural background and education that husband Abraham lacked, and as having exerted considerable influence upon him during his presidency. This statue is believed to be the first to honor a president and first lady.
Dedicated on July 4, 1943, it is inscribed, "To children and all people, my this monument inspire devotion and patriotism." Frederick Hibbard of Chicago was the sculptor. Ms. Lena Rosewell left her entire estate for the erection of this monument.
2016- "The statue of Abraham and Mary Todd Lincoln in East Park was carved by well-known Chicago sculptor Frederick C. Hibbard, who also designed monuments and fountains in 14 states. It was the first monument in the country to memorialize this American president and his wife. Come and learn more about this landmark."
-"41st Annual Tour of Historic Places: Southside Historic District", Preservation Racine News, Fall 2016, Volume 6. Prepared by Pippin Michelli (2016).
"There is no evidence that Abraham Lincoln ever visited Racine, but in 1867, just two years after the assassination of her husband, Mary Todd Lincoln came here. She stayed at Congress Hall -- a resort hotel that once stood on the southwest corner of Chatham Street (now Lake Avenue) and Third.
In a letter from Racine, Mrs. Lincoln mentioned that she walked two miles everyday -- probably from Congress Hall to the home of Senator and Mrs. James Doolittle who lived just south of the Racine College (now the DeKoven Center). They were old friends of the Lincolns. Mrs. Lincoln undoubtedly walked through East Park a number of times on her way to the Doolittle home.
During the presidential campaign of 1860, East Park was the site of a Lincoln rally with Senator Doolittle as a principal speaker.
Considering those associations of Eat Park with President and Mrs. Lincoln, it seems fitting that a statue of both of them was dedicated there in 1943. It was conceived and carved by Frederick C. Hibbard (1881-1950), a Chicago sculptor who designed civic monuments in seventeen states. The granite sculpture is said to have been the first public statue of an American president and his wife." 18th Annual Tour of Historic Places, Sunday September 26, 1993, Preservation Racine, Inc. Guide Book. |
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| Bibliographic References: | 1908 insurance map.
1836 Hathaway survey of Racine's southside.
Assessor's records.
Inscription.
Records of the Abraham Lincoln Association, Springfield, Illinois.
Tour of Historic Places guide book, 2002.
Racine Landmarks brochure, 2003.
Preservation Racine, Inc., Spring 2009 Newsletter.
18th Annual Tour of Historic Places, Sunday September 26, 1993, Preservation Racine, Inc. Guide Book. |
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