Message-Id: <E9D076ED-AEDE-42D5-BC87-E7B5D058C2DE@sbcglobal.net> From: Ann Waidelich <annwaid@sbcglobal.net> Subject: Lincoln at Dean House Feb. 8th Date: Wed, 28 Jan 2009 20:28:55 -0600

Photo caption Lincoln portrayer Robert Bean displays the Dean
House’s restored Lincoln Rocker. The chair is a copy of one
preferred by Abraham Lincoln; its unusual feature is a curved back
that comforts a relaxing occupant.
Abraham Lincoln – known locally as Robert Bean – will
greet and
talk with visitors at the Dean House at a celebration of his 200th
birthday on Sunday, Feb. 8 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.. The public is
invited to the restored landmark at 4718 Monona Drive, Madison which
was built during the Lincoln era and is maintained as an historic
house museum by the Historic Blooming Grove Historical Society.
Bean, a retired social studies teacher and currently
manager of the Dean House, will appear both as the re-enactor of his
idol and as a Lincoln enthusiast sharing the Lincoln memorabilia that
he has collected through the years and last fall at the renewed and
expanded Lincoln Home and New Lincoln Library in Springfield, IL. He
plans to give a short formal presentation at 2:30 p.m. at the Open
House, but expects open discussion thereafter. He hopes that some
guests will share their own memorabilia during the informal
afternoon. The ladies of the Dean House will serve birthday cake to
the visitors.
Having a stature similar to that of the “Great
Emancipator”, and attired like a Lincoln photo, Bean has for
years
brought to life his impression of the former president. His black
felt top hat is similar to the one worn by Lincoln. His Prince Albert
coat, made by is wife, Mary, is a copy of his own father’s
Methodist
minister’s coat.
The Nathaniel Dean House, constructed in 1856, was
restored and is maintained by the Historic Blooming Grove Historical
Society after it took ownership in 1971. It has been furnished with
items appropriate to the Victorian era – 1850-1910, through the
efforts and contributions by volunteers. It is open to the public
monthly on the Second Sunday, and for special events and by
appointment. Documents and artifacts relating to the history of the
historic Town of Blooming Grove and City of Monona are continually
being updated. To volunteer or for information call the Curator Ann
Waidelich at 249-7920 or Robert Bean at 222-5783.