Hoover and Lincoln: A Strange Offer

by Thomas Schwartz Springfield eagerly anticipated the presidential visit by Herbert Hoover to rededicate the remodeled Lincoln Tomb on June 17, 1931.  In advance of the visit, Hoover received an unusual request from famed Lincoln collector Oliver R. Barrett proposing an offer that he hoped the president could not refuse.  Writing on June 2, 1931, … Continue reading Hoover and Lincoln: A Strange Offer

An Appeal to President Hoover to Prevent Putting Lincoln on the Couch

By Thomas F. Schwartz Although Abraham Lincoln predates Sigmund Freud, the Illinois lawyer did write to famed Cincinnati physician Dr. Daniel Drake for help during his emotional crisis of “the hypo” in 1841.  If Drake replied to Lincoln’s letter, it has never surfaced.  Since then, both professionals and amateurs have tried to explain Lincoln’s personality.  … Continue reading An Appeal to President Hoover to Prevent Putting Lincoln on the Couch

Lincoln Portrait Fraud

by Spencer Howard The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum presented a program by art conservator Barry Bauman entitled "The Demise of Mary Lincoln: An Artistic Conspiracy." In short, Mr. Bauman discovered that a painting that had hung for years in the Illinois governor's mansion, which was believed to be an original portrait of Mrs. … Continue reading Lincoln Portrait Fraud